Birchwood Kitchen

I was inspired to write about my latest byob adventure after receiving a link from a friend today, for "the top 30 best sandwiches in Chicago." I have admittedly eaten about 10 of the 30, and while spending my afternoon daydreaming of sandwiches, I remembered Birchwood Kitchen.

Birchwood Kitchen's menu consists of fresh soups, salads and sandwiches.  I've wanted to stop by for some time, especially because I am a fan of any restaurant that uses local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.  I grabbed my guy, a bottle of our favorite red, and we walked the short distance from his apartment to our foodie adventure.

While you wait in line for your sandwich, you can view the day's specials which are written on a chalkboard atop the glass refrigerator housing the cold salads.  I immediately spotted a garbanzo bean salad that made my mouth water.  After a few minutes of reading (and rereading, and changing my mind) I finally decided on a lamb meatloaf sandwich with spinach, eggplant, and gremolata yogurt.  My boyfriend ordered the sandwich the guy at the counter said was their "best seller," the wine braised pot roast atop a toasted baguette covered with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions.  He also ordered the lentil soup, which he received immediately when we sat down, and so I stared at him intently until it provoked him to let me sample some.  (It was delicious - worth being creepy).

Unfortunately, my sandwich was surprisingly bland.  I think it's one of the less popular choices at Birchwood, because the bread tasted really stale.  The lamb meatloaf and eggplant had zero flavor, both lacked seasoning, and the yogurt disappeared somewhere into the sandwich never to be seen or tasted again.  However, I sampled my boyfriend's choice, and immediately considered waiting in line again so I could order the same exact thing.  The beef was really tender, and the roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions were still really warm and made it hard to stop after a couple of bites.  He was kind enough to offer the split, but my conscience wouldn't allow it.

Birchwood closes at 9 p.m. M - F, and 4 p.m. Sat & Sun so plan accordingly (and take me with... I want that braised pot roast sandwich like RIGHT NOW).

Birchwood Kitchen
2211 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-2100
http://www.birchwoodkitchen.com/

Lucia's

I have driven past the green awning of Lucia’s quite possibly 100 times, always wondering “what is this place?” I assumed it was a little deli, but in the back (hidden from street view) is what I like to call “heaven.”

My friend and I went on a Tuesday night. You enter through the kitchen, where I was tempted to pull up a chair and be the chef’s “taster,” but a waiter spotted me staring at the food and kindly led me to the dining room. Finding my friend was not difficult, as she was sitting at one of the TEN tables. I was immediately confused with the décor and was led to believe Lucia’s was undergoing an identity crisis, but I quickly pushed my confusion aside and my main focus became FOOD!

Being a very indecisive duo, we chose to split two entrees. We ordered the Ravioli Di Zucca con Prosciutto e Noci (a much more beautiful way to say pumpkin ravioli) and Linguine alla Pescatora (linguine with seafood). We debated ordering an appetizer, but chose not to after our waiter informed us that our entrees included salads.

Moment of truth… Our food was amazing. I was practically dancing in my seat throughout dinner. Not only do I love Italian, but make it a byob and I’m va in brodo di giuggiole (happy as a clam). Our pastas were perfectly al dente, and the portions generous. Maybe it was the entire baguette we managed to eat before our meal arrived, but we definitely had leftovers.

After dinner we wandered towards the deli part in front where I purchased some delicious biscotti which we had for dessert on the ride home!
Overall, Lucia’s is definitely a hidden gem worth visiting. Just don’t expect them to let you stand in their kitchen drooling… (and trust me, you will).

Lucia’s Gourmet Italian
1825 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL
(773) 292-9700
http://www.luciaschicago.com/