Lunch from Bingo Deli in NYC

I finally made it to Bingo Deli for lunch. They have fresh cut turkey on a daily basis and it's pretty inexpensive for Fidi, less than $8 for this bad boy.  Fresh turkey with cranberry means can have Thanksgiving anytime, which makes HP happy :)

Dinner at Eataly La Pizza & La Pasta in NYC

Went to Eataly downtown for Laura's birthday.  Had some delicious pizza and pasta, as well as rose.  The food is not super inexpensive for being in that area, but I think they get you with the drinks because the frose was nearly the same cost as the entree!

Fun fruity decorations

Frozen drinks - frose and blood orange drink

Salsicciotta - tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, sweet Italian sausage and mushroms

Papardelle with peas and pancetta

Cacio e pepe

Grande Piatto Misto di Salumi & Formaggi  - assortment of  6 salumi and 5 formaggi and housemade accompaniments

Dinner at Giordano's in Chicago, IL

Obviously in Chicago we had to try to Giordano's, which is the main competitor to Lou Malnati's.  This pizza was much thicker aka deeper.  I liked it more because it was even more different than NY style pizza since it was deeper.  Again, I felt a bit comatose after, but it was delicious in its own right.

Again, Caesar Salad

The tomato sauce is on top!  Weirdddd but works in its casserole-y way

Super thick pie

Lunch at True Food Kitchen in Chicago, IL

There was a quick healthy fast casual place by the law school that I ended up going to twice - True Kitchen.  It was fairly inexpensive for a tasty healthy lunch that didn't make me feel food coma for the afternoon sessions. 

One day I had the Poke Bowl - wild caught albacore, avocado, quinoa rice, mushroom, snow pea, cucumber, cashew, ginger, turmeric ponzu

Finally tried the Beyond Burger - as good as the Impossible Burger but def had a distinct taste.  It also looked more like a burger color-wise

Dinner at The Purple Pig in Chicago, IL

I met up with Debbie at the Purple Pig - a super popular tapas-style place with lots of delicious options.  It was on the Magnificent Mile upper part, which was confusing since I didn't realize that was a thing.  Once I found it, it was great since everything was delicious, drinks were tasty, and place was packed.  Definitely worth coming back to try the rest of the menu.

Octopus a la Plancha - green beans, fingerling potatoes, and salsa berde

Crispy Pig's Ears - kale, pickled cherry peppers, and fried egg.  Potentially my fav dish there

Crispy pig's ears bowl mixed up

Squid Ink Ravioli - stone crab and corn.  Super delicious but small...clearly

Milk Braised Berkshire Shoulder - mashed potatoes and puffed farro

inside of the pork shoulder

bathroom humor

Dinner at Lou Malnati's in Chicago, IL

When in Chicago, you have to get deep dish.  Everyone seems to be in one of two major camps - either Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.  Lou Malnati's pizza seems a bit smaller, but a super buttery and rich, crispy crust.  It was delicious but very filling.  Certainly a different animal than NY style pizza, so it almost seems unfair to compare the two.  Glad I tried it and can appreciate it for what it is, but I can't imagine eating it regularly the same way you do with NY style pizza.

Caesar's salad

Personal size of the Malnati Chicago Classic - lean sausage, extra cheese, and vine ripened tomato sauce on butercrust

The "Lou" - spinach mix (w/garlic, basil and onion) mushrooms and sliced roma tomatoes covered with three cheese on buttercrust.  

so much pizza

Lunch at Flaco's Tacos in Chicago, IL

Went to Chicago for a work training, which took place at Loyola Chicago Law school.  Had a really inexpensive lunch nearby at Flaco's Tacos.  It was tasty though should've asked for no onions since they were loaded. A great cheap option by the law school.  It was Taco Tuesday so one the special of the day was $1.  I can't remember what I got but both were very meaty and filling.