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. 

Brunch at The Wren in NYC

We had book club at the Wren - a british style place in the Bowery area.  Their bacon was so thick and delicious.  First tried it in Nicole's bloody mary and it was so delicious I had to go the BLT.  It didn't actually seem that unhealthy because of all the greens and because I barely at the bread.  At least that's what I'm telling myself haha.

Breakfast BLT - thick cut bacon, arugula, heirloom tomato, fried egg, valentina mayo on sourdough, plus side of avocado. 

Brunch at John's Pizzeria in Jersey City, NJ

Took my parents to lunch at John's.  It was pretty empty when we came in but filled up soon after we arrived.  I LOVEEE their garlic rolls.  The best I've had and so perfect when you dine in.  Made it hard to eat too much of my actual entre, but honestly if I just ate those rolls, I'd be fine.

John's Garlic Rolls - Fresh garlic, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in our homemade dough. Served with marinara sauce.

another beautiful shot of the rolls

I got the Italiano Panini - Grilled chicken, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella cheese, and pesto sauce. I didn't love the bread. Kind of tasted like crust but very flour-y and heavy.  Not good for pressing

My mom got the Margherita Pizza - Fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and basil.

My dad got the Soho Panini - Grilled lemon chicken, zucchini, mushrooms, fresh baby spinach, fresh mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers with an olive spread.  He also didn't love the bread

Dinner at Fette Sau in Brooklyn, NY

For  years have been wanting to try Fette Sau in BK for bbq.  We managed to drag out another couple with us in the pouring rain.  Perhaps because of the weather we were able to get seats on a Saturday night.  The brisket was good as was the pork belly and sausage but not sure if I would take the trip to come back.  Still love Hill Country too much to hand over the bbq title to anywhere else in the city.

Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, german potato salad, buns, and baked beans

Our plate of german potato salad, buns, watermelon salad, pork belly, brisket and sausage

Lunch from Dig Inn in NYC

I ordered lunch from Dig Inn, and it was insanely good.  I got the charred chicken, which is different from the herbed.  Much more flavorful b/c it's dark meat.  This time I chose awesome sides too - all super filling and full of great flavors.  The bowl was packed so I made it last for two lunches, so it was actually cheap for $5 per meal.  I'm posting a second lunch I order from there a week later.  It was so good had to order again!

Charred chicken bowl over quinoa with preserved lemon and lime leaf, cashew kale caesar (surprisingly spicy), jasper mac and cheese, and a lemon wedge instead of dressing

Classic Dig bowl - charred chicken, sauteed broccoli with lemon (huge pieces of broc), roasted sweet potatoes, brown rice w/parsley and garlic aioli.  All wonderful esp with that garlic aioli.  Again made it last for two meals :)

Dinner from Pizza Pie La Cantina in Jersey City, NJ

I finally got pizza using the Slice app, which is supposedly more helpful to small business owners.  Sadly the pizza place I ordered from was terrible.  Pizza similar to public school style pizza womp womp.  It looked horrible upon arrival but even worse the next day.  Will never order from this particular spot again.

A la Prosciutto & Rustica pizza.  Sounded good but very underwhelming

Cheese pizza.  Worse than frozen