Chicago Bites

Lunch & More at Birchwood Kitchen

Posted by Tammy

Apr 302012

When I get off the train at Damen, I invariably wander up to North Avenue to Birchwood Kitchen. Sometimes its for one of their amazing sandwiches, and sometimes it’s browse the to-go items they have up front. It’s always a challenge to decide between eating in and taking things home. I usually end up doing both.

Tuna sandwich from Birchwood Kitchen

Though this casual spot gives the appearance of a sit-down restaurant, it’s actually run as a deli. Place orders at the counter and they’re cheerfully served a few minutes later. The tuna topped with tomatoes and Gruyère cheese on multi-grain is my go-to choice, though I’m occasionally lured by the hot pot roast or cold chickpea sandwiches. I once had a goat cheese sandwich with curried veggies that sent me over the moon.

Bliss! Dill Carrots!

The side dishes and pickles are “complimentary” with the sandwiches but are actually ingenious lures back to the deli counter. The “on the side” dilled carrots I had with my last sammie ended up becoming a minor obsession. They were the accompaniment to every meal I had for the next several days I only pray they’re still on the menu the next time I make it by.

However, I’m not that worried. I’m sure there’s a new favorite obsession to discover on my next visit. Birchwood Kitchen is good that way.

Birchwood Kitchen
2211 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

First look at Frog n Snail

Posted by Tammy

Apr 022012

Shrimp Carbonara

Dale Levitski’s bistro, Frog N Snail, opened for lunch in Lakeview on Friday, and I popped in over the weekend to sample the menu and take in the atmosphere. It’s a lovely space, all clean lines and textured surfaces. The space feels a little cold, but the food warms things right up.

I didn’t try too much, but what I had was flavorful and fresh. Lunch started with a homemade ricotta dip, which came rolled in bacon bits atop a broccoli puree. There were just enough toast points to eat every last, tasty bit.

Ginger Ale

Frog N Snail doesn’t have a liquor license yet, so I sipped on ginger ale, one of the specialty drinks. The tangy combination of fresh ginger and black currants was unfortunately diluted halfway through by too much ice. I wanted to enjoy that intense zing all the way to the bottom.

By the way, the mason jar has become my most hated drink cliche. You can’t drink out of the silly things, and every restaurant that wants to appear “rustic” goes straight for them. I grew up canning vegetables and making jam on the farm — we never drank from mason jars. Puh-lease.

Ratatouille Sandwich

I ordered the Ratatouille, which came in sandwich form. I wish I’d read that more closely because the combination of breading and brioche was too many carbs for one plate. Once I deconstructed it, the ratatouille went down really well. An entree of Shrimp Carbonara was infused with plenty of salty bacon and tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked shrimp. I would order it again.

I look forward to a return visit for the salads, brook trout sandwich, and steak frites. Dinner service will start soon to be followed by pastries and, of course, liquor. From this first look, I look forward to a return visit.

Frog N Snail
3124 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL