It sure has been a busy but delicious holiday season. From a quick trip to Omaha to my annual mother/daughter/best friend weekend in Chicago, my plate has been filled with memorable meals. Here's a look.
Publican - Chicago
Fresh off the plane, we headed to Publican for Saturday brunch. I started things off with spicy pork rinds. I take pork rinds pretty seriously. When done right, they are one of the most addictive snacks on the planet and Publican does them right. I devoured the cheesy, spicy puffs. Sorry Cheetos - there's a new sheriff in town.
I consider myself a pretty adventurous eater but I was admittedly intimidated by the blood sausage breakfast plate. However, it came with a pretty convincing recommendation from our server, so I decided to give it a try.
Thank goodness I did. The rich and flavorful sausage balanced perfectly with tangy creme fraiche and earthy cauliflower. A runny egg yolk never hurts either. It was one of those perfect-forget-what-you-thought-you-knew-about-food bites.
If you make it to Publican for brunch, don't skip the side of maple-braised bacon. Thick cut and sweet, it put all other bacon to shame.
Publican is worth the trip to Chicago. In fact, I think Publican is one of the best places I have ever eaten. period.
Publican is worth the trip to Chicago. In fact, I think Publican is one of the best places I have ever eaten. period.
Dixie Quicks - Council Bluffs
Off-beat, quirky and unique are words I would use to describe the decor at Dixie Quicks. Hidden dinosaur figurines, a large Venus flytrap and comic book imagery can be seen throughout the restuarant. There is also an adjoining gallery space next door with revolving featured artists.
I also decided to give the soup special a try. I'm now a believer in Dill Pickle Soup. Rich and creamy with a smack of dill pickle at the end. Bizarre and delicious.
