{"id":362,"date":"2011-06-16T11:32:00","date_gmt":"2011-06-16T11:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/endoedibles.ifm.yji.mybluehost.me\/?p=362"},"modified":"2011-06-16T11:32:00","modified_gmt":"2011-06-16T11:32:00","slug":"doughnut-vault-black-dog-gelato-alliance-bakery-hot-chocolate-atwood-cafe-chicago-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/?p=362","title":{"rendered":"Doughnut Vault, Black Dog Gelato, Alliance Bakery, Hot Chocolate, Atwood Cafe Chicago IL"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gtLFeJ4HwOw\/TiiRFCx1H-I\/AAAAAAAAJ3M\/q1mzRZptK0o\/s1600\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25284%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gtLFeJ4HwOw\/TiiRFCx1H-I\/AAAAAAAAJ3M\/q1mzRZptK0o\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910849858052066\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gtLFeJ4HwOw\/TiiRFCx1H-I\/AAAAAAAAJ3M\/q1mzRZptK0o\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910849858052066\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>Having just returned from Boston a week earlier the turnaround time for yet another trip to the Windy City was short, but with NEXT reservations and a trip to the Rookery as well as Wright\u2019s Home, Studio, and Walking Tour of Oak Park as the impetus for the trip and two of my very favorite people coming along for the ride I knew it would be a whirlwind of great memories.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>As the reigning champion on my list of favorite Breakfast\/Brunch cities and resting near the apex of best dining cities overall the question of where to eat was harder than it should have been, but after much debate three breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners made the final cut along with a number of snacks in between.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dqDKK1q4DXA\/TiiRFZIQqGI\/AAAAAAAAJ3U\/IxnuQsQxsMc\/s1600\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25285%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dqDKK1q4DXA\/TiiRFZIQqGI\/AAAAAAAAJ3U\/IxnuQsQxsMc\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910855857711202\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dqDKK1q4DXA\/TiiRFZIQqGI\/AAAAAAAAJ3U\/IxnuQsQxsMc\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910855857711202\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Having gotten up at my traditional \u201cinsane\u201d hour according to my mother for a nice run our departure from her home in Northwest Ohio would precede sunrise by a few hours and making great time our arrival to Chicago would not only beat the rush hour traffic, but also leave us waiting outside our first stop before the doors opened\u2026in a line of about ten that would subsequently grow to thirty or more at a relative newcomer to the local food scene; The Doughnut Vault.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V-55yr0GuCM\/TiiRFljZkiI\/AAAAAAAAJ3c\/GYDSXiuFX3Q\/s1600\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25287%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V-55yr0GuCM\/TiiRFljZkiI\/AAAAAAAAJ3c\/GYDSXiuFX3Q\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910859192767010\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-V-55yr0GuCM\/TiiRFljZkiI\/AAAAAAAAJ3c\/GYDSXiuFX3Q\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910859192767010\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Located in a doorway off North Franklin and open from \u201cTuesdays-Friday starting at 8:30am until we run out. And Saturdays at 9:30am until we run out\u201d The Doughnut Vault is the brainchild of Brendan Sodikoff who also owns Chicago\u2019s \u201cGilt Bar\u201d (and a pretty impressive resume including time with Keller and Ducasse) and although there have been some detractors calling his success yet another food fad, it is hard to argue with lines greater than twenty deep ever since opening in April and having never been \u201cwowed\u201d by a doughnut I took my place in queue as we watched the metermaids do their thing.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0wbjqUC9tIY\/TiiRGPIBnDI\/AAAAAAAAJ3k\/Hh0TImEBNWo\/s1600\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25288%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0wbjqUC9tIY\/TiiRGPIBnDI\/AAAAAAAAJ3k\/Hh0TImEBNWo\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910870352239666\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0wbjqUC9tIY\/TiiRGPIBnDI\/AAAAAAAAJ3k\/Hh0TImEBNWo\/s320\/001%2B-%2BDoughnut%2BVault%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910870352239666\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>With the line growing slowly the doors would open at 9:30 on the dot and as mostly locals and regulars stood at the front it would be no time at all before we found ourselves before a nice young woman dancing to cheesy 80s music and with a quick exchange of \u201cWhat can I get you?\u201d, \u201cOne of each.\u201d, \u201cGood choice &#8211; $14, cash only.\u201d we were on the street again with a big box of doughnuts including a Gingerbread Stack, Old Fashioned Buttermilk, Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate Glazed, and Pistachio Glazed \u2013 all still warm \u2013 and all shockingly delicious despite my previous convictions about fried dough.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gRJTy6Ub1-4\/TiiRG_qJkpI\/AAAAAAAAJ3s\/LTjyqp1ns6o\/s1600\/017%2B-%2BFamily%2B%25282%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gRJTy6Ub1-4\/TiiRG_qJkpI\/AAAAAAAAJ3s\/LTjyqp1ns6o\/s320\/017%2B-%2BFamily%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910883380269714\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gRJTy6Ub1-4\/TiiRG_qJkpI\/AAAAAAAAJ3s\/LTjyqp1ns6o\/s320\/017%2B-%2BFamily%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631910883380269714\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Beginning first with the gingerbread stack \u2013 three \u201csmaller\u201d doughnuts (IE a normal sized doughnut like you might get from Dunkin) \u2013 these were the heaviest of the quintet and but despite the cakey texture they were anything but oily, instead similar to a coffee cake and loaded with spicy notes, cinnamon, and sugar.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Moving next to the Buttermilk \u2013 another dense cakelike doughnut, smaller (and cheaper) than the others \u2013 something like a cruller but with tangy notes, a melt-in-the-mouth glaze, and not a bit of greasiness.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Last but not least \u2013 the glazed trio \u2013 each at least twice the size of a \u201cnormal\u201d doughnut yet nearly as light as a glazed Krispy Kreme with a wispy yeasty interior contrasting with a slightly crisp sugary shell first coated in the same glaze as the buttermilk but then with an additional layer of flavoring \u2013 each delectable but most impressive the Pistachio with subtle smoky notes and bits of crushed nut for texture; easily on par with the best baked breakfast goods I\u2019ve had in Chicago and well worth both the $3 and getting out of bed early enough to avoid the line.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rF-BN1Iq_pg\/TiiSdhFZ_9I\/AAAAAAAAJ30\/F9HK_00btcY\/s1600\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25281%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rF-BN1Iq_pg\/TiiSdhFZ_9I\/AAAAAAAAJ30\/F9HK_00btcY\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912369821712338\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rF-BN1Iq_pg\/TiiSdhFZ_9I\/AAAAAAAAJ30\/F9HK_00btcY\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912369821712338\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With sightseeing consuming much of our first day a second snack stop on this trip to Chicago was another relative newcomer to the scene \u2013 this time in the frozen variety from Black Dog Gelato, a small shop in the Ukrainian Village that wasn\u2019t necessarily \u201con our way back\u201d from Oak Park, but a relatively short detour hopefully well worth it for those of us with an eye for esoteric ice cream flavors.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Oft raved by local gourmands and sourced by local chefs for their dessert menus it was with luck that we not only found Black Dog to be unbusy, but also that we found free parking right next door.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TYlRAvXaBsY\/TiiSeOf-kLI\/AAAAAAAAJ38\/at5RsbbSvVw\/s1600\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25283%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TYlRAvXaBsY\/TiiSeOf-kLI\/AAAAAAAAJ38\/at5RsbbSvVw\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912382012756146\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TYlRAvXaBsY\/TiiSeOf-kLI\/AAAAAAAAJ38\/at5RsbbSvVw\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912382012756146\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\"><br \/><\/span>With twelve flavors on rotation and three young ladies working on cookies and house-whipped cream in the back it was without delay that we were greeted and with The Shins playing overhead our smiley server suggested to \u201clet me know if there\u2019s anything you\u2019d like to taste\u201d before we even made it to the counter; and taste we did, making it through ten of the flavors before we finally decided to order three small ($4.75) cups with two flavors in each and a clear predilection for sweet meets savory.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-c3fhuoLth0k\/TiiSetV2ZTI\/AAAAAAAAJ4E\/TRj9adD8Pe0\/s1600\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25285%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-c3fhuoLth0k\/TiiSetV2ZTI\/AAAAAAAAJ4E\/TRj9adD8Pe0\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912390291776818\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-c3fhuoLth0k\/TiiSetV2ZTI\/AAAAAAAAJ4E\/TRj9adD8Pe0\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912390291776818\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Beginning with the one flop, at least to me, Mexican Hot Chocolate was simply one of those flavors that worked as a small bite but when served in quantity proved to be not only overwhelming but damned hot.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Creamy and textural to be sure it was just too much on its own, but vastly improved when mixed with Salted Peanut \u2013 a mellow and smooth flavor somewhat akin to the inside of a peanut butter cup but far more buttery.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Moving on to \u201csafer\u201d but delectable options, Butterscotch Bourbon Pecan and Pistachio would both taste very much like their namesake ingredients with the Butterscotch tasting largely like a southern-style pecan pie rendered into a silky dense gelato.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Finally, amongst the more interesting and challenging flavors, Goat Cheese-Cashew Caramel and Sesame Fig Chocolate Chip would prove most delightful \u2013 particularly the sesame fig chocolate combination which was equal parts sweet and savory, smooth and crunchy but a bit less dense than I\u2019d have expected from gelato \u2013 perhaps a good thing considering the amount of eating we did on this trip, but overall enough to make me say I appreciate what Black Dog is doing but I wouldn\u2019t go out of my way for it at such a high price point.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7eXdU3ml73I\/TiiSexMR1VI\/AAAAAAAAJ4M\/5lSKKXJ8DRg\/s1600\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25286%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7eXdU3ml73I\/TiiSexMR1VI\/AAAAAAAAJ4M\/5lSKKXJ8DRg\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912391325373778\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7eXdU3ml73I\/TiiSexMR1VI\/AAAAAAAAJ4M\/5lSKKXJ8DRg\/s320\/005%2B-%2BBlack%2BDog%2BGelato%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912391325373778\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>For our finally mid-day bite in Chicago \u2013 this one on day two \u2013 we opted for an older member of the culinary scene that I\u2019d actually walked into once prior during the Renegade Art Fair but neglected to buy from due to the line; Wicker Park\u2019s own Alliance Bakery.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Again scoring free parking and making our way to the shop with ease as hipsters and families alike dined on the sunny patio a stop at the window was mandatory first simply to witness the masterful cakes ranging from Green Eggs n\u2019 Ham to Macaron towers to three tiered wedding cakes.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fVtCmcmPNcE\/TiiSfXRVbvI\/AAAAAAAAJ4U\/FQW0ulI9PTU\/s1600\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25282%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fVtCmcmPNcE\/TiiSfXRVbvI\/AAAAAAAAJ4U\/FQW0ulI9PTU\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912401547128562\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fVtCmcmPNcE\/TiiSfXRVbvI\/AAAAAAAAJ4U\/FQW0ulI9PTU\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912401547128562\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With the doors open letting in a cool breeze (and letting out the wonderful smells of butter and vanilla) we next made our way in to see what Chef Peter Rios and a team of youngsters (both in the kitchen and at the counter) had on display and after a few tough decisions we emerged from the shop to enjoy our choices on the patio.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mdLtCQ7pZ5A\/TilumaZ1WNI\/AAAAAAAAJ6s\/OS-SOwmAlFQ\/s1600\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25281%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mdLtCQ7pZ5A\/TilumaZ1WNI\/AAAAAAAAJ6s\/OS-SOwmAlFQ\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632154415205275858\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mdLtCQ7pZ5A\/TilumaZ1WNI\/AAAAAAAAJ6s\/OS-SOwmAlFQ\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632154415205275858\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/>Be<\/span>ginning first with the French classics, my mother selected two Macarons \u2013 one Blueberry Cheesecake and the other Passion fruit chocolate \u2013 both textbook in texture with a crackling shell giving way to lovely filling, but the Passion fruit Chocolate so cloyingly sweet that between two of us the $2 cookie went unfinished.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Thankfully the Blueberry Cheesecake fared much better.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxCV7VlC1iw\/TiiSwLhD1QI\/AAAAAAAAJ4s\/fGO-C44z748\/s1600\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25286%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxCV7VlC1iw\/TiiSwLhD1QI\/AAAAAAAAJ4s\/fGO-C44z748\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912690449634562\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxCV7VlC1iw\/TiiSwLhD1QI\/AAAAAAAAJ4s\/fGO-C44z748\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912690449634562\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FbCWgpx-UZI\/TiiSvm-VboI\/AAAAAAAAJ4k\/a_w7-PrUM5A\/s1600\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25285%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FbCWgpx-UZI\/TiiSvm-VboI\/AAAAAAAAJ4k\/a_w7-PrUM5A\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912680640310914\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FbCWgpx-UZI\/TiiSvm-VboI\/AAAAAAAAJ4k\/a_w7-PrUM5A\/s320\/006%2B-%2BAliance%2BBakery%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631912680640310914\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving next to two of the standards by which I judge a bakery my aunt\u2019s and my selection were a Red Velvet Cupcake and the Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the cupcake, a $3.50 selection with good notes of cocoa and a tangy cream cheese frosting started out with a good base, but was unfortunately a bit dry \u2013 so much so that when my aunt took a bite the back half fell off landing directly on her chest; a comedic event to be sure, but not exactly the way a cupcake should be remembered.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Moving next to the Bread Pudding which was served in a small tin topped with a sugar lacquered strawberry and powdered \u2013 it was dense and it was sweet, no more and no less but thankfully only $2.50.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-59lcXreFO9c\/Tii-rinhoXI\/AAAAAAAAJ40\/GMWzD8qtcUk\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25281%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-59lcXreFO9c\/Tii-rinhoXI\/AAAAAAAAJ40\/GMWzD8qtcUk\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631960989263044978\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-59lcXreFO9c\/Tii-rinhoXI\/AAAAAAAAJ40\/GMWzD8qtcUk\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631960989263044978\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With sightseeing, breakfasts, lunches, snacks and bites shared with the family while dinners were either with friends (NEXT) or flying solo (Avenues,) both nights of the trip would see me reconvene with my mother and aunt after dinner for dessert \u2013 a sweet ending to an evening pizza for them and a third or fourth bit of indulgence for myself (but who\u2019s counting?) \u2013 and on the first night our target after drinks and bites at Aviary would be a place my aunt had always wanted to visit and a place that had for too long flown under my radar; Mindy Segal\u2019s newly renamed \u201cMindy\u2019s Hot Chocolate\u201d on North Damen.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYEByaf6QTY\/Tii-tCMlyJI\/AAAAAAAAJ5M\/ihJJPIQAbC0\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25288%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYEByaf6QTY\/Tii-tCMlyJI\/AAAAAAAAJ5M\/ihJJPIQAbC0\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961014919874706\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYEByaf6QTY\/Tii-tCMlyJI\/AAAAAAAAJ5M\/ihJJPIQAbC0\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961014919874706\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Described by optimists as an upscale caf\u00e9 with great desserts and by detractors as an \u201coverpriced urban bistro\u201d with savories lagging far behind the sweets our trip to the four time Beard Award Nominee\u2019s flagship admittedly came with a bit of warning \u2013 namely that the place can be wildly inconsistent, loud, and that after 9:00pm seating could be tricky \u2013 and after once again finding free parking (clearly our lucky day) we walked through the front doors to find two out of three to be true instantaneously; the place was deafening and our options for seating included the lounge or \u201cabout an hour for a table.\u201d<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-lqHkgvAAE2Y\/Tii-sLk0otI\/AAAAAAAAJ48\/_WxlFS_QxaQ\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25284%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-lqHkgvAAE2Y\/Tii-sLk0otI\/AAAAAAAAJ48\/_WxlFS_QxaQ\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961000257561298\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-lqHkgvAAE2Y\/Tii-sLk0otI\/AAAAAAAAJ48\/_WxlFS_QxaQ\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961000257561298\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With a quick glance to the ladies and a brief browsing of the depleted pastry case we elected for the lounge not only because it seemed quite and comfortable, but also because the clock was pushing 10:00pm and we\u2019d not yet even checked into our hotel and without hesitation we were led to a cozy corner with long leather benches and appropriately low lying tables complete with silverware, candles, and water glasses that were filled without hesitation.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Greeted next by our server, Laura K, we were asked if we\u2019d ever visited before and on stating we had not she explained to us that each \u201cdessert\u201d was generally composed of two to three different items and we were left to decide \u2013 a process that took no time at all as we\u2019d already researched the online menu en route to Chicago.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RNfXuLvCs1Q\/Tii-sojjm0I\/AAAAAAAAJ5E\/2GWE8x3pjHc\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25287%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RNfXuLvCs1Q\/Tii-sojjm0I\/AAAAAAAAJ5E\/2GWE8x3pjHc\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961008036879170\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RNfXuLvCs1Q\/Tii-sojjm0I\/AAAAAAAAJ5E\/2GWE8x3pjHc\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961008036879170\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With orders placed and service appropriate but largely separated from the lounge throughout the evening the first item to arrive was a prerequisite given the restaurant\u2019s name and although not quite as transcendent as that at Jacques Genin or LA Burdick the Black and Tan Hot Chocolate made of 1\/3 hot fudge and 2\/3 medium cocoa hot chocolate was certainly rich, creamy, and entirely too much for one person (especially after a full day of eating.)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Sharing it around the three of us it was interesting to hear different impressions \u2013 all positive, but each catching different notes in the chocolate from vanilla to honey to fruit.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RfbCi_uswYU\/Tii_W0LEbkI\/AAAAAAAAJ5U\/SLoI-V4dnjI\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252810%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RfbCi_uswYU\/Tii_W0LEbkI\/AAAAAAAAJ5U\/SLoI-V4dnjI\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961732709903938\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RfbCi_uswYU\/Tii_W0LEbkI\/AAAAAAAAJ5U\/SLoI-V4dnjI\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961732709903938\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9HxxTP88qAM\/Tii_XSDvNmI\/AAAAAAAAJ5c\/Pci7oIng20I\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252811%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9HxxTP88qAM\/Tii_XSDvNmI\/AAAAAAAAJ5c\/Pci7oIng20I\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252811%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961740732216930\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9HxxTP88qAM\/Tii_XSDvNmI\/AAAAAAAAJ5c\/Pci7oIng20I\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252811%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961740732216930\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving on to the proper desserts \u2013 each priced at $11 \u2013 my mother\u2019s choice was the restaurant\u2019s signature \u201cChocolate<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>#1(64%)\u201d <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\"> <\/span>featuring a warm chocolate souffl\u00e9 tart topped with salted caramel ice cream and a tuille of housemade pretzel; an exercise in balance and every bit worthy of its acclaim.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the tart \u2013 hot, molten, and bitter \u2013 sure the concept of a lava cake is played, but as long as it made with great care and better chocolate it really doesn\u2019t matter, especially when it is matched with extra sweet yet subtly saline ice cream and a crunchy salty sourdough pretzel for texture.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aCYDo46bqR8\/Tii_YVjQGhI\/AAAAAAAAJ5s\/wtmQ0BOzFPg\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252816%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aCYDo46bqR8\/Tii_YVjQGhI\/AAAAAAAAJ5s\/wtmQ0BOzFPg\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252816%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961758849571346\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aCYDo46bqR8\/Tii_YVjQGhI\/AAAAAAAAJ5s\/wtmQ0BOzFPg\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252816%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961758849571346\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving on to my dessert, a seasonal option titled \u201cMy Honey Pie\u201d and featuring \u201cwarm and luscious honey pie with honey-roasted peanuts, honey caramel, berry-rose syrup, graham cracker and \u2018PB&amp;J\u2019 Ice Cream Sandwich this dish was another winner, but a case where one less ingredient could have been more.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the pie \u2013 I love honey, I love peanuts, and I love caramel so it is needless to say that the warm gooey amalgam poured inside a thick buttery graham cracker shell had \u2018had me at hello\u2019 even before Segal crash landed a peanut butter and grape jelly ice cream sandwich directly into it.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Already with a lot going on \u2013 fruit, honey, sweet, savory, hot, cold, gooey, and crunchy \u2013 the unfortunate aspect of this dish was not knowing when to quit, specifically in reference to the cloyingly sweet syrup whose perfume did nothing but distract from the pie\u2019s nuance even though it was present in only a small quantity.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xaWztNS8oJ4\/Tii_ZLLYvsI\/AAAAAAAAJ50\/29oduBl6clI\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252817%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xaWztNS8oJ4\/Tii_ZLLYvsI\/AAAAAAAAJ50\/29oduBl6clI\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252817%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961773244989122\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xaWztNS8oJ4\/Tii_ZLLYvsI\/AAAAAAAAJ50\/29oduBl6clI\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252817%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961773244989122\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>For the final dessert, my aunt\u2019s (and the one I\u2019d have ordered had she not,) \u201cO\u2019Dan-A-Banana\u201d featuring a \u2018nilla puddin\u2019 <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\"> <\/span>icebox cake with \u2018nilla wafers, cocoa nib ganache, vanilla bean pudding, bananas foster sauce, and a chocolate phosphate was everything I\u2019d hoped for when planning to visit Hot Chocolate and then some.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the phosphate \u2013 it was a textbook old school chocolate soda with a bit of extra thickness from the cream and although sweet the slight sour from the phosphate proved a perfect foil to the other half of the plate; a cake that would have been more appropriately described as a horizontal mille-feuille with alternating layers of thick banana pudding diving crispy house made wafers doused with caramelized banana chunks in a hot boozy sauce plus a bit of extra chocolate for good measure \u2013 all in all the best dessert I\u2019d taste on this entire visit to Chicago.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9dqKyP-Ykfo\/Tii_X4CjynI\/AAAAAAAAJ5k\/0Gx3lhk8iCg\/s1600\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252815%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9dqKyP-Ykfo\/Tii_X4CjynI\/AAAAAAAAJ5k\/0Gx3lhk8iCg\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961750927821426\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9dqKyP-Ykfo\/Tii_X4CjynI\/AAAAAAAAJ5k\/0Gx3lhk8iCg\/s320\/009%2B-%2BHot%2BChocolate%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631961750927821426\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With the bill paid and people still continuing to file in even as we exited the restaurant around 10:30 we thanked our server and again made our way to the street where a short drive would land us at our hotel exhausted, full, and happy to have experienced Segal\u2019s intriguing concoctions even though not all were perfect and despite the fact that our ears were still ringing as though we\u2019d just been to a concert as opposed to a restaurant (okay, slight exaggeration.)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>That said, having now experienced the scene at night I\u2019d definitely not hesitate to return for brunch to see the savory side of the menu \u2013 and to try those brioche doughnuts the girl at the table next to us was eating.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-a-HrwS0FYZ4\/TilrQXgh3zI\/AAAAAAAAJ58\/3ORxEJDIWIc\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25283%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-a-HrwS0FYZ4\/TilrQXgh3zI\/AAAAAAAAJ58\/3ORxEJDIWIc\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150737936047922\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-a-HrwS0FYZ4\/TilrQXgh3zI\/AAAAAAAAJ58\/3ORxEJDIWIc\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150737936047922\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving on to our final non-meal bites of the trip, the second night\u2019s dessert setting would feature one of Chicago\u2019s elder restaurants \u2013 The Atwood Caf\u00e9 located inside the classic Reliance Building \u2013 a fitting end to a day that saw us spend most of our time downtown browsing Chicago\u2019s iconic architecture from The Rookery to The Watertower and a distinct opposite from the loud cutting edge scene of the previous night at Mindy\u2019s Hot Chocolate.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-V9yYJ3NiMLU\/TilrRJIQTRI\/AAAAAAAAJ6M\/3rCqfxFd1MQ\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25287%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-V9yYJ3NiMLU\/TilrRJIQTRI\/AAAAAAAAJ6M\/3rCqfxFd1MQ\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150751256005906\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-V9yYJ3NiMLU\/TilrRJIQTRI\/AAAAAAAAJ6M\/3rCqfxFd1MQ\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150751256005906\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Making our way into the small restaurant by way of the hotel we were greeted first by tuxedoed door men and then by a friendly host named Patrick who would additionally act as our server for the evening.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With the hour again past 10:00 we were told the main menu was no longer available and confirming that just desserts and coffee was our intent we were led to a nice four top in the middle of the heavily draped and upholstered room where we found both silverware and menus continuing the robust art-deco theme.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With water poured and coffee offered and accepted by myself it was little time before our decisions were made and with a jovial \u201call the best choices\u201d Patrick disappeared only to return moments later with both water refills and coffee warm-ups and once again ten minutes later with our dessert selections.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZVslLURls6Q\/TilrQl3pmkI\/AAAAAAAAJ6E\/j57Q40VMrFM\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25286%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZVslLURls6Q\/TilrQl3pmkI\/AAAAAAAAJ6E\/j57Q40VMrFM\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150741791119938\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZVslLURls6Q\/TilrQl3pmkI\/AAAAAAAAJ6E\/j57Q40VMrFM\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632150741791119938\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Without a bad sounding selection on the menu, the first dessert \u2013 my mother\u2019s \u2013 would be the most \u201cplain\u201d yet at the same time perhaps the most intriguing, a dish called Buttermilk Pie with Huckleberry Compote.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Described as being fashioned after something the pastry chef\u2019s mother used to make at a diner down south and somewhere between tangy custard and sweet panna cotta baked into a soft shortbread crust this simple pie was topped with pan reduced huckleberries bursting with their juices and a dollop of whipped cream that served more to smooth than to sweeten \u2013 all in all this was diner food dressed up and down-home delicious.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s9KmdjkabCg\/Tilrto75nOI\/AAAAAAAAJ6c\/ingmF4prWUg\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252813%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s9KmdjkabCg\/Tilrto75nOI\/AAAAAAAAJ6c\/ingmF4prWUg\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252813%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151240830459106\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s9KmdjkabCg\/Tilrto75nOI\/AAAAAAAAJ6c\/ingmF4prWUg\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252813%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151240830459106\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving next to the more complex menu options, my aunt\u2019s choice for the evening would be Red Velvet Cookie Dough with Goat Cheese Icing and Beet Puree \u2013 clearly another southern inspired dish, but this time reconstructed from the ground up with dollops of what literally tasted like chocolate chip cookie dough touched with cocoa and cream beneath inverted ice cream cones and resting atop a thick and tangy cream cheese.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With the earthy flavor of beets both spread across the base of the plate and lacquering the inside of the cones this dish was far less sweet than what most folks would expect from Red Velvet (as popularized by the cupcake craze) but actually much more interesting though I must admit the texture of the cookie dough did get to be a bit much at times.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OXZSWqaaTfk\/TilrtLRCQsI\/AAAAAAAAJ6U\/KCmLA4QLJxc\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252810%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OXZSWqaaTfk\/TilrtLRCQsI\/AAAAAAAAJ6U\/KCmLA4QLJxc\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151232866042562\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OXZSWqaaTfk\/TilrtLRCQsI\/AAAAAAAAJ6U\/KCmLA4QLJxc\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151232866042562\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Rounding up the trio with my choice, a choice that would have been a no-brainer on any menu in America for me, Fig Bread Pudding with Lemon Basil Sorbet and Chantilly Cream was every bit as good as anticipated\u2026or at least the Bread Pudding and Chantilly Cream were.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the pudding \u2013 to be fair it was less bread pudding and more a traditional English Steamed pudding rich with both creamy and fibrous bits heavily accented with notes of honey, cinnamon, and brown sugar, but semantics aside it was great, especially when paired with the light and smooth Chantilly plus drizzles of honey fig sauce on the plate.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Loving the bulk of the plate and really rather indifferent to the sorbet I\u2019ll only note that while it didn\u2019t really \u201churt\u201d anything, the sweet and savory concoction certainly did not compliment the dish in any conceivable manner and would have likely been served with another dish while pairing something more fitting with the pudding.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-srouIieSqTY\/TilrtyEkiSI\/AAAAAAAAJ6k\/Bcgezx0vhkE\/s1600\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252815%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-srouIieSqTY\/TilrtyEkiSI\/AAAAAAAAJ6k\/Bcgezx0vhkE\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151243282745634\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-srouIieSqTY\/TilrtyEkiSI\/AAAAAAAAJ6k\/Bcgezx0vhkE\/s320\/015%2B-%2BAtwood%2BCafe%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632151243282745634\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With no pressure to leave as Rat Pack standards played overhead we sat for a while enjoying our desserts while I sipped my coffee before Patrick would stop by again to make sure all was well and suggest we request the bill \u201cwhenever we were ready.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Another cup of coffee later and at this point not really making much difference in my fatigue the bill was next collected and paid with a sizable tip and after declining a cab since we\u2019d driven we made our way to the streets which, save for the elevated train were largely quiet, and with my mother opting to drive I fell asleep almost the moment we got into the car &#8211; a well earned food coma if I do say so myself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having just returned from Boston a week earlier the turnaround time for yet another trip to the Windy City was short, but with NEXT reservations and a trip to the Rookery as well as Wright\u2019s Home, Studio, and Walking Tour &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/?p=362\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[528,527,529,25,3,96,28,11,13,525,526,153,97,70,85,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alliance-bakery","category-atwood-cafe","category-black-dog-gelato","category-bread-pudding","category-breakfast","category-chicago","category-coffee","category-cupcakes","category-dessert","category-doughnut-vault","category-hot-chocolate","category-ice-cream","category-illinois","category-macaroon","category-souffle","category-vacation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=362"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}