The best 5 things Monica ate this year
I've eaten a lot of good stuff over the last 12 months trying to keep up with new eateries and dining trends.
So it was tough coming up with just five of my favorite bites this year, but here they are.
Turmeric mushroom soup from Herb in Edgewater (as part of a $128, 19-course tasting menu): Thai-born chef Patty Neumsom came to Chicago as a business student but has wowed the city with her innovative Thai-influenced fare including this silky blend of mushrooms, herbs and coconut milk.
Dobladas in black mole ($21) from Manchamanteles in Logan Square: Chicago's mole master Geno Bahena took over the giant Lazo's Tacos building this year and has been cooking up his signature sauces including a rich, complex, sweet and spicy black mole served over chicken or enchilada-like dobladas.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself licking the plate clean like I did.
Gnocchi Parisian ($24) at Gavroche in Old Town: This dish features crispy pillows of dough in a rich lemon truffle cream topped with smoked trout roe from chef Mitchell Acuña and restaurateur Jason Chan.
Sourdough chili crisp crackers ($10.99) from The Chinese Mom Kitchen pop ups and online shop: These crisp, tangy and spicy crackers, made by Chicago food journalist turned baker Laura Yee, have thoroughly bewitched my family to the point where we must keep them on hand at all times.
Think of them as a healthier artisanal version of Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
Pot roast and jalapeño cheese grits ($26) from Dawn in Hyde Park: Chicago winters are no match for this rib-sticking bowl of rich, spicy, cheesy Southern grits topped with pot roast that melts in your mouth and makes you wonder why mom's was so dry.
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