It’s officially October and that means it’s time for another recap of the month before in a series I like to call #EmmaEats. (Click here to read the last #EmmaEats post before this one!) September was an awesome month and I ate a lot of awesome food. If you’re unfamiliar with the #EmmaEats series, I will be sharing my 3 favorite eats with you all from places around Chicago.
1. Daikon Frites at Z Bar
Location: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL
I was invited to Z Bar a couple months back over the summer for its grand opening, but I hadn’t been back yet to try out more of the yummy snacks and delicious cocktails until last month. I love Z Bar because it’s inspired by the world’s cultural and culinary riches…so you can get a taste of anywhere in the world!
I went back with a friend a couple weeks back and we loved everything we tried. My personal favorite cocktail was called “Clear Skies” (gin, crème de fleur, maraschino, citrus.) I love a gin cocktail and this one was perfectly balanced.
My friend and I also shared a couple eats together on the rooftop terrace at Z Bar. First, the mozzarella tasting (hand pulled mozzarella di bufala from Campagna, toy box tomatoes, pistachio pesto, sourdough croutons, arugula, barrel-aged balsamic vinegar.) The pistachio pesto was AMAZING. We also shared the Daikon Frites (Chinese lap cheong, garlic chive, radish, white soy, spiced tomato jam.) The frites came highly recommended to us from our server and did not disappoint.
Go to Z Bar for the awesome views of the city, stay for the creative food + drinks!
2. Gooey Butter Cake Icecream at Jeni’s Ice Creams
Location: 3404 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
If you don’t know my now, I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth. Desserts are my weakness and I’m not proud of it. 😂 However, I love to treat myself sometimes and ice cream always does the trick. Last month, my friend Megan (of Bowtiful Life) and I headed over to Jeni’s by Wrigley Field to catch up with each other and enjoy some sweet treats.
I had the Gooey Butter Cake ice cream (I DIED) and Megan had her signature, Cream Puff.
Besides the ice cream, I never realize how CUTE the interior of the shop was! Megan and I got some cute snaps at our booth. In my opinion, Jeni’s would be the perfect spot for a da-date with a special someone. 
3. Margherita Brick Oven Pizza at The Hampton Social
Location: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
The Hampton Social is one of my favorite, unique Chicago spots. However, I’ve only ever been for brunch and for happy hours/drinks. In September, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted at The Hampton Social by Chicago Bloggers. The event was sponsored by 14 Hands Wine, and I had a blast chowing down on good eats with even better wine.
The brick oven pizza at The Hampton Social is no joke. The cheese is gooey, and the crust is perfectly cooked to be hard on the outside but soft and yeasty on the inside. I also love the Fried Calamari at The Hampton Social, and lobster quesadilla (you know I can’t resist seafood.) 😍
My favorite wine to drink alongside the pizza is 14 Hands “Hot to Trot” Red Wine. The wine itself has flavors of cherries, and ripe berries and plums. I’ve been really into drinking red wine in the evenings lately, and Hot to Trot is my new favorite. Plus, the price point is right and it’s easy to find at grocery stores around Chicago. (Click here to find a store near you.)
Are you a Chicago restaurant with a killer menu you’d like for me to try? Email me at hello@emmalenhart.com or reach out to me via Instagram Direct Messages.
