Tag Archives: friends

4. Pannenkoeken Cafe

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So, Lauren recently made the move to Lincoln Square! Haley biked up Lincoln to the new brunch territory on a lovely Saturday and we walked over to Pannenkoeken Cafe.

Okay, so as soon as we walked in we didn’t really know what to make of this place. We spent a good half hour trying to figure out what kind of cuisine it was – Jewish? Eastern European? – until we saw “Dutch” somewhere, which kind of might a lightbulb go off but we were still a little confused by all of the challah.

We thought about leaving but Haley already had her coffee. Locked in.

We ordered…and waited about a half hour for our food. It is hard to hide how infuriating this was as there were very few people in the restaurant and we were starving. When it finally did arrive, it was very good, but we still were not pleased with how long it took to arrive. Hopefully this is not typical.

Pannenkoeken

3. Frances’

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A Lincoln Park classic (we think), Frances’ Deli has been gracing Clark Street with its comfort food since 1938. We have a feeling the Spiked Shakes are a newer addition – sadly we did not indulge in these loopy wonders.

Frances

First and foremost, we split a side of pancakes. And they were amazing. Like, so absolutely incredible that the fluffy dreaminess cannot be put into words. Except for fluffy dreaminess. Haley had scrambled eggs and cheddar on sourdough bread – and a Bloody Mary. She had just run a 10 mile race and was very sweaty and hungry! Lauren had the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) – but it was really a LAT.

Yes we were glad for the steak knives.

So…what did we think?

Lauren: I’ve walked past this place a bunch of times and was never sure what all the hooplah was about since it just seemed like any other kitschy diner. But this place was really good, and the pancakes were a great choice. We agreed it was probably because they used real butter which is a rarity to us. I remember now why they call it liquid gold. Unless that’s velveeta cheese…?

The thing about sandwiches in hip restaurants is that it is not a sandwich, it is an art piece that you will then get all over your hands and clothes. (I’m looking at YOU, Chicago Diner.) I lost a lot of good napkins fighting the good fight with this sandwich, and there was egg yolk everywhere. It was great. My mimosa was still not as sweet as I would want, but I think the OJ was freshly squeezed. A definite plus!

The best part: The pancakes. Fer sure.

The worst: Egg Yolk Hands. But for a good cause! There was no bad part.

Haley: Everything was delicious. I was prepared for a standard diner meal, which would not disappoint, but my breakfast exceeded my expectations. The pancake was phenomenal…maybe the best pancake I’ve ever had. My breakfast sandwich was made by the sourdough bread – it really brings the standard egg & cheese to another level of yum.

Frances’s Deli · 2552 N Clark St · Chicago, IL

2. 2 Sparrows

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Our next stop was 2 Sparrows, a breakfast/brunch-only joint that opened in September 2011 with two Charlie Trotter’s alumni at the helm. We knew it had to be good.

2sparrows

So – what did we think?

Lauren: I have been trying to come here for months! And I can say it did not disappoint. Plus it wasn’t too pricey either. I got the Chilaquiles and it was a big beautiful mix of whites, greens, and yellows. I really liked that they put tortilla chips in the dish. Toward the end of it, it was a bit too much of the same flavors and I was craving something sweet. Luckily I had been working out with my personal trainer earlier, so I had my favorite drink, Kombucha! On the DL though. I don’t know if this place way BYOK. I don’t know if anyplace is ever BYOK….

Outside of the restaurant, literally right next to us on the other side of the window, some scenes of a movie were being filmed. It was titled “Jack and Amelia.” It looked pretty bad. At one point they were filming some man (who happened to just walk by?) texting. Probably pretend-texting. As people are wont to do.

The best part: When I was tapping my kombucha on the windowsill to loosen the top (Haley’s very good and successful idea) it drew the attention of an adorable dog.

The worst: They didn’t ask us be in their movie.

Haley: I thought this place was adorable! I felt earthy and hip as soon as I walked in, albeit I was not hip because I was sweaty and short of breath when I asked the hostess for a table. I stepped back outside and chatted with the ever so ambitious movie-makers in the sunshine while I waited for Lauren, secretly wondering if this would turn into my big break into stardom. It wasn’t.

Opening Lauren’s Kambucha was a struggle. But an ultimate success.

The food was delicious! I ordered my typical Florentine, but I was a little confused when it arrived with arugula rather than spinach and a mixed greens side. I am a spinach enthusiast, so unfortunately I didn’t get the concentrated iron dose that I was hoping for. Nonetheless, it was good – maybe the typical Florentine has become passé and I missed the memo.

There were some good-looking doughnuts on the menu. And pop tarts (a foie gras pop tart? Gross.). We passed on dessert – too full from our yummy entrees.