April 2008 Archives
When you walk through the velvet curtains of The Violet Hour, you'll be transported to a bygone day when going out for a drink was truly an occasion. This hidden gem in Wicker Park is literally hidden, a nod to Prohibition days with no marked address or sign...only a simple light above the door.
The Violet Hour is a modern speak-easy where you'll be treated to a beautiful, serene atmosphere and the discreet attention of knowledgeable servers. This is cool and sexy Chicago at its best. Come to relax in the intimate seating areas with a special someone or group of friends, or cozy up to the bar and watch your stand-out bartenders make outstanding, classic cocktails. Impressively, The Violet Hour makes their own bitters and simple syrups and uses twice-filtered ice cubes. Attentive precision goes into the creation of each drink, from premium ingredients to exact mixing, shaking and pouring.
Tastybeat highly recommends these refreshing, flavorful concoctions:
- Fresh Fruit Gin Gimlet with gin, lime juice and fresh fruit
- The Vodka Part and Parcel with vodka, grapefruit and St. Germaine elderflower liqueur.
Both are delightful with just a touch of sweetness. Enjoy!
Smooth Drinking,
Tastybeat
The Violet Hour
1520 North Damen Avenue (map)
Chicago IL 60622
773.252.1500
Hours:
6PM-2AM Every day except Saturday, open until 3AM Saturday.
Michael Canady, owner of Canady Le Chocolatier, came to his craft through passion. During his world travels, working as an academic advisor in the oil industry, he sought out the tutelage of chocolate experts in Switzerland and Belgium. Visit Canady's quaint store on South Wabash Avenue, and right away you'll sense his hobby come to magnificent life. The finer things are all on display, from the house made chocolates, superb gelato (also made on-site), elegant packaging, and fascinating global treasures Canady has collected over the years.
And if you're inclined to receive a brief tutorial of your own, Canady is a pleasure to talk with. He will eagerly share his excitement for chocolate and gelato making, and his kitchen is even open to view.
Canady's chocolates are spectacular all year round, but with the temperature finally climbing we have homed in on the outstanding gelato. Canady Le Chocolatier offers a range of gelato flavors, from more traditional hazelnut and mascarpone to bright and unique choices such as pink grapefruit and pineapple. Tastybeat recommends the refreshing grapefruit; paired with a delectable hand-dipped dark chocolate orange slice, you'll be transported. Michael's favorite gelato is the more subtle mascarpone, also excellent.
Canady has created a wonderful gem of a store in his hometown Chicago. We highly recommend this South Loop destination.
Happy Savoring!
Tastybeat
Canady Le Chocolatier
824 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago IL 60605
312.212.1270
Hours:
Monday -Saturday: 11:30-9PM
Sunday: Noon-8:30PM (or later, weather permitting)
The Coffee & Tea Exchange has been roasting a carefully selected variety of fresh coffee beans from all over the world, right here in Chicago. Visit this classic Lakeview purveyor of coffees and teas for exceptionally crafted, top quality coffee (and tea). When you enter The Coffee & Tea Exchange retail store, you'll immediately sense their deep commitment to product; coffee and tea lovers will be in seventh heaven. And for Chicagoans preferring decaf, you'll be happy to know that the Exchange uses only the water process method for removing caffeine from their roasts.
Each bean variety at The Coffee & Tea Exchange is roasted individually to its flavor peak in their Chicago warehouse. For the customer, this means an assortment of unique, full flavors to satisfy an array of tastes.
Tastybeat recommends these two medium roast coffees:
- Kenya AA -earthy, a little heavy with floral notes, almost chocolatey
- Tanzanian Peaberry -smaller, sweeter beans that provide earthy dual flavors
Other superb picks can be found among their Fair Trade, Organic shade-grown coffees. Of these, the Guatemalan is a customer favorite, but be sure to inquire because they usually offer 3-4 fair trade coffees at any given time.
The knowledgeable staff at The Coffee & Tea Exchange, including Steve's daughter Lauren, are more than happy to help you with your selection. And while you're shopping, grab a fresh cup of brew for just $1.00--the best deal in town!
Happy Sipping,
Tastybeat
The Coffee & Tea Exchange
3311 North Broadway (map)
Chicago, IL 60657
773.528.2241
Hours:
Monday -Thursday 8AM-7PM
Saturday 9AM-7PM
Sunday 10AM-6PM
Now that spring has sprung and everyone is ready to enjoy the longer, sunnier days, Tastybeat has an outstanding brunch suggestion--M Henry! This cheery spot in Edgewater (just on the northern edge of Andersonville's Clark Street corridor) offers up hearty plates of savory and sweet breakfast favorites with a sophisticated yet homey twist. You'll enter through the restaurant's bakery and will be seated in one of many cozy spots in this charming eatery. There's really not a bad table in the place--some regulars say they feel like they're in Europe whenever they walk into M Henry.
And what's more, you'll find everything prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients, including locally produced and organic products whenever possible (and some vegetarian and vegan options, to boot). Tastybeat especially recommends these two delicious items from the menu:
- Blackberry bliss cakes--fluffy hotcakes layered with fresh, juicy blackberries, vanilla mascarpone crème, and topped with a brown sugar and oat crust.
- Out of this world breakfast bread pudding--a bowl of creamy vanilla and egg custard brioche bread pudding, topped with warm peaches and blackberries. A meal on its own or a great starter to share.
You can't go wrong at this Edgewater treasure; your sweet and savory breakfast cravings will be more than sated...and M Henry also serves a very tasty lunch throughout the week. Take it from us: you'll want to linger in this charming urban café.
Happy Eating,
Tastybeat
M Henry
5707 North Clark (map)
Chicago IL 60660
Phone: 773.561.1600
Café hours:
Tuesday - Friday
7am - 2:30pm
Saturday, Sunday
8am - 3pm
