Chicago 2010: "Bike & Brunch" - Chez Joel

Chez Joël is a true French bistro set in the heart of Little Italy (there is no "little France" in Chicago). It is simple yet refined. Small romantic tables, French posters and an outdoor area set in a brick walled garden.

Why then would this be a spot to bike to for brunch? After a particularly crazy evening out, I dragged myself out of bed committed to continue this little Sunday morning project. However, by the time we got our act together, most brunch spots had already closed, and I noticed the Taylor Street bistro empty but open at 2pm.

So, terribly under dressed, we locked our bikes to a nearby signpost and gingerly wandered into the restaurant's outdoor dining (fittingly it had an Italian fashion poster on the brick wall, presumably an homage to its Little Italy location).

We gulped some water and sampled hot, fresh-baked bread with butter and jam, which was excellent.

My biking partner ordered what turned out to be a massive "Benedicte Provencal", which was a Benedict without the muffin - rather it was set on a tian of vegetables. I was assured it was quite good.

I opted for the Croque Madame, which was served with shoestring fries (which were not crispy, very tender and excellent). The Croque Madame was very good, and I would definitely order it again.

All and all, a successful second episode of Bike & Brunch.

Chicago 2010: "Bike & Brunch" - Demitasse

In a new series on my ever-evolving (or devolving given my rate of posts?) I am instituting a "bike and brunch" segment for local Chicagoans. I will endeavor to find new and interesting weekend brunch spots using only my bike and keen sense of both direction and smell.

The first location on this new initiative is Demitasse, a coffee shop/diner in the near south loop. I use "diner" with some reserve; the chef and baristas are craft in nature....nothing artificial or frozen here. It is really more of a coffee shop with a great kitchen. Fresh, finely chopped potatoes are sauteed in oil and served aside fresh baked "frittata" (really an unfolded omelet) with various ingredients. I opted for bacon, mushroom and cheddar and it was perfectly cooked and each bite bursting with ingredients. The side of "Italian-style toast" was also delicious - and unsurprising given the Taylor Street locale.

I am rather particular about my coffee, and another reason "diner" is an inappropriate moniker despite the black and white checked floor and the cliche booths and tables. They roast their beans in-house, and the house coffee mixture is dark and strong without being bitter. Importantly, it is also served in mugs that hold the heat and aren't too small or large - just right.

My dining and biking partner sampled the buttermilk pancakes, and while "not as good as Ina's", they were very tasty.

Bike there soon!

Note: American Express is not accepted (but hopefully will be soon).