Spring is FINALLY here in Chicago and I couldn’t be happier…especially because it’s the start of rooftop season! I’m back with my Emma Eats series to share my 3 favorite things I ate in April (click here to read all the previous Emma Eats posts before this one!). I didn’t post an Emma Eats for March because I was in Italy and already shared all my favorite foods from that trip in my travel guide (click to read my Florence travel guide.)
If you’re unfamiliar with the Emma Eats series, it’s a series where I shamelessly share my 3 favorite eats with you all from places around Chicago. (If you want to keep up with my eats on a more day-to-day basis, make sure you’re following me on Instagram.)
1. Spaetzle and Cheese at Blue Door Farm Stand
My first Emma Eats entree is one that isn’t actually permanently on the menu at Blue Door Farm Stand (and you’ll probably never be able to try)…but let me make my case for why I’m including it.
At the end of April, I was invited to join a few of the members from the Kodiak Cakes team for dinner at Blue Door Farm Stand. However, there was a catch: all the food on the five-course menu had Kodiak Cakes mix incorporated into the recipe somehow! I was skeptical before the event (don’t get me wrong, Kodiak Cakes is my FAVORITE pancake/waffle mix ever) – but I was unsure as to how the chef at Blue Door Farm Stand was going to be able to incorporate the mix into each course. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Each course was AMAZING – and so creative. It was so apparent to me that the chef really took their time in thoughtfully creating a menu that made Kodiak Cakes shine and also tasted divine. My favorite of the night was the Spaetzle and Cheese (peas, oven dried tomato, pea shoot salad)…but truthfully I loved everything else I tasted that night (the Country Fried Short Rib was a 10/10.)
Needless to say – the event was a blast and I highly recommend Blue Door Farm Stand for a fun brunch out with your girl friends or dinner date night out.
2. Manzo Spiedini at Bar Sabbia/Eataly Chicago
If you’ve been following my blog or Instagram for awhile now, you’d know that I am one of the biggest fans of Eataly. This month, I was a bit down in the dumps after coming home from Italy – not Eataly, but the actual country itself (although I did go to an Eataly location while I was in Italy, too 😂.) However, the launch of Bar Sabbia at Eataly Chicago brought me out of my sadness and reminded me SO much of being back in Italy.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bar Sabbia, it’s Eataly’s summertime destination inspired by the Italian seaside. The menu at Bar Sabbia “celebrates both land and sea, featuring easy-to-eat coastal fare.” However, Bar Sabbia only comes around once a year and just lasts during Chicago’s hottest months.
My favorite bite of the night was the Manzo Spiedini (translation: marinated beef on a skewer), however I loved so many other things on the menu, too. And it’s not just all about the food. Bar Sabbia has a build-your-own-spritz bar. I REPEAT: BUILD-YOUR-OWN-SPRITZ-BAR. 👏🏼 I opted for a pre-made spritz at Bar Sabbia and loved it: the “Positano” – which was made with Malfy con Limone, Flor Prosecco, lemon juice, and mint.
If you’re looking for a lively place to eat or drink at this summer (or are just missing Italy/wishing you were still there) – Bar Sabbia is your spot.
3. Grilled Lamb Chops at Locanda Chicago
As you can tell: April was full of lots of Italian food (what can I say – I was missing it and it’s my favorite type of food, anyways.) One of the stand out moments of the month was the night I had the pleasure of checking out Locanada Chicago by chef Antoine Cedicci. I fell in love with both the locally sourced ingredients and the never-ending wine at Locanda, and already can’t wait to go back.
My favorite dish I tasted at Locanda was the Grilled Lamb Chops (rosemary-mustard sauce) – although the burrata appetizer (roasted beets in sea salt, fresh imported burrata, Puglia-style pickled onions,
tomato gaspacho, honey-lime vinaigrette) was a close second.
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. I’m always looking to try new places!
