Black Dog Gelato

Posted by Tammy at 7:00 am
Jul 122010
Black Dog Gelato | Red Pepper | Balsamic

Don't be afraid to unexpected flavor combinations at Black Dog Gelato.

Though Black Dog Gelato has only been open a short while, the buzz over Jessica Oloroso’s sweet treats has been firmly in place for years. She’s a supplier to socco, Uncommon Ground, Provenance, and now from what we overheard, Girl and the Goat. But you don’t have to go to those places to get the goods, just hoof it on over to the Ukrainian Village.

There are twenty flavors of gelato and sorbet to choose from daily. If you’re uncertain about choices like malted vanilla, red pepper or balsamic, all I can say is be brave and trust Jessica to deliver an awesome experience to your taste buds. If you’re traditional about your flavors, then you’ll be able to find the usual chocolate, cherry, vanilla.

Jessica Oloroso

Black Dog owner Jessica Oloroso chats with customers.

$3.35 for small
$4.75 for large
Prices include tax. Black Dog Gelato is cash only.

Black Dog Gelato
859 N Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

Croissant | Sweet Cakes Bakery

We managed to get the last garden variety croissant.

I was exposed to all things French last week at a reception for the Mayor of Paris, and somehow that created a need to find good croissants in the city of Chicago. Naturally, I expressed this need on Twitter, and quickly worked up a list of places to try.

Line Sweet Cakes Bakery

The line never seemed to shrink.

Sweet Cakes Bakery was the first to brag about their baked goods, so fellow questers @denas, @piratealice & @lacabezag converged there to help me check them out. We were warned by Sweet Cakes that they sold out quickly, so it was fortunate that @denas got there early (you rock, girl) and bought the remaining croissants.

Chocolate Croissant | Sweet Cakes Bakery

Croissant with a layer of chocolate filling.

And the verdict by our tasters? “It’s not Paris, 6am.” Considering it was 11am in Chicago, this was not as damning as it may sound. In fact, the croissants disappeared along with a few scones, cupcakes and a Chex Mix treat. However, it means I need to continue the quest to find a croissant that makes me feel as though I’m swooning under the Eiffel Tower, covered in flaky pastry. Suggestions are welcome.

Sweet Cakes Bakery
935 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-5771
Get Directions

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Dec 222009
The hummus at Chickpea has a distinct flavor and was a favorite.

The hummus at Chickpea has a distinct spicy flavor and was a favorite of mine.

Chickpea is an authentic Middle Eastern option a little closer to downtown than its best competitors in Albany Park. How does this counter service cafe compare? Listen in to find out.

Chicago Bites (16.0 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:33 Sit-down places vs. Chickpea’s counter service
01:34 – 02:54 Small, colorful, interesting space used well
02:55 – 05:27 The unexpected — cash only & no explaining to be had
05:28 – 07:43 Trio of dips to start
07:44 – 08:32 ‘Real’ Middle Eastern food? Rave reviews & low-blows
08:33 – 09:30 Lentils & rice side-by-side comparison and homemade yogurt
09:31 – 11:24 roast chicken was heavy and not as flavorful as expected
11:25 – 12:40 Ratings and sign-off

Chickpea
2018 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 384-9930
Get directions

Bridget’s Ratings Tammy’s Ratings
Food Quality 3 2
Value 3 3
Service 3 2
Ambiance 4 4
Overall 6 5

Price per person: $15

Related Chicago Bites reviews:
Kan Zaman
Noon-O-Kabab
Semiramis

Online buzz about Chickpea:
Time Out Chicago
UrbanDaddy

What do you think of Chickpea? Drop @chicagobites a line on Twitter and let us know!

Mujaddara is a specialty and is very filling.

Mujaddara is a specialty and is very filling.

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