I Wish I Had More Hands

So I could give that pizza four thumbs up!

Yesterday was my birfday, and on account of this I've been in Chicago getting wined and dined at only the finest establishments. Now that the fun is over and I'm returning to my student debtor's existence, let's take stock of how I did. I am pro...

Great Lake. GQ just crowned this tiny joint in Andersonville the "best pizza in America." I can't really agree, because I'm not even sure it's the best pizza I've ever had. I think I'm partial to GQ's 6th and 12th placed eateries, personally, in addition to the oft-overlooked "The Spot" (aka Pepe's with the original oven and without the wait) and Modern Apizza. But that's just what four years in Crime Haven will do to you.

Anyway, I digress, and I don't want to give the wrong impression, because this was some pretty exceptional pizza. The Frans and I had the pie with tomato sauce, mozarella, mona cheese, fresh herbs, and pepperoni. This was one of only three options available, the others being (2) crimini mushroom, mona, and black pepper, and (3) a white pie with creme fraiche, pancetta, and spring onion. These all looked and smelled amazing, and we watched every single pizza get handmade one at a time by the co-owner. The amount of care and attention to detail he puts into each pie makes Tiger Woods look like a dilletante at golf. Great Lake also posts exactly where all their ingredients come from (most of them were local); it was like a Michael Pollan wet dream. Anyway, our pizza had hands down, the best pepperoni I've ever tasted, and the mona cheese was mild, fresh, and salty in a really good way. The crust was so good, and I think it can only be tasted to be understood. Not really sure how they get it so perfectly crisp.

However, if you decide to go (and it's definitely worth it) please remember that they're making art at this joint, and they don't really care about you. That's not to say that they're not nice (they are) one just gets the sense that they're sort of indifferent when it comes to their customers. Hence the seating for ten indoors and eight outdoors. That's it. So get there early, and remember that you're not the king here. The pizza is king.

Fion Wine & Spirits. Great dirty martinis, a nice selection of wines, and lots of good classic cocktails. Nice atmosphere, not trying too hard to be something in particular. The Bourbon Old-Fashioned and the Manhattan were excellent. And the Vodka Gimlet was extremely refreshing in its simplicity. Grown man drinks for grown men.

Hopleaf Bar. Nice selection of Belgian and Belgian-style beers. A goblet of the Maredsous was just what the doctor ordered on a hot, muggy night.

I am anti...

Duffy's Tavern. You can read every available criticism or defense of the establishment here. I'll just add that there was some white dude trying to rap when we were there. Cue horrible cover of "Lose Yourself," some half-hearted applause, and a "give it up for yourselves, Duffy's!" Give it up indeed.