Discovering the Flavors of Chicago’s North Shore

Cruising up Lake Shore Drive on a sunny Saturday morning, radio playing the tunes from our wedding playlist and the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan to our right, we slowly felt our stress levels dissipate. Arriving at our hotel in downtown Evanston, Illinois, we could barely contain our excitement about being together, just the two of us—no work, no kids, just us.

Hungry from the drive, lunch became the first destination on our list. I couldn’t believe we were about to have our first meal together in months where we could sit, talk and laugh without checking our phones every two minutes. And, since our neighbor raved nonstop about Evanston’s restaurants, my mouth was already watering. I was in the mood for a burger, so as soon we put the car in park, we walked hand-in-hand to Edzo’s Burger Shop, the perfect choice for my carnivorous cravings. After grabbing two seats at the counter, we ordered from an encyclopedic choice of burgers; phenomenal fries that we fought over: garlic parsley for him and buffalo wing for me; and the thickest, smoothest milkshakes ever concocted: spicy Mexican chocolate for him and fluffernutter for me.

Leaving Edzo’s feeling just the right amount of full, we decided to walk off some of those delicious calories and explore our new surroundings. With so many things to do in Evanston, we decided it was time for some culture. Our first stop was the Block Museum of Art, a free public museum on the campus of Evanston’s prestigious Northwestern University. We loved the imaginative style and collections that crossed over many time periods and cultures and were blown away by the exhibition of reproducible art forms, including prints, photographs and computer-generated art. Based on our neighbor’s suggestion, we made time to wander outside and explore the world-class outdoor sculpture garden.

Ready for a cold drink after The Block, we headed to Smylie Brothers Brewing Company, a family-owned craft brewery whose drafts change with the seasons. Jack, a craft-beer connoisseur, couldn’t decide which one to try first, so he was over the moon when the friendly bartender told him about the beer flight, which allowed him to try as many brews as he wanted. I was more in the mood for a cocktail, and with a dizzying array of choices, I finally settled on the Dead Farmers Bloody Mary with the option to upgrade to a spicier version made with pepper-infused vodka. Best buck I’ve ever spent!

With the rest of the afternoon wide open, we decided that some retail therapy was in order. With so many one-of-a-kind shops, it was easy to find souvenirs for our kids and friends. And, without the other knowing it, we even bought surprise anniversary gifts for each other.

We dropped off our shopping bags at the hotel, called the babysitter to check on the kids and headed out to our next culinary adventure, Found. Curious about the name, we learned it comes from the owner’s belief that we find everything—our food, our furniture, our friends and ourselves. We “found” ourselves loving the mid-century modern style and hippie vibe of the place. Our friendly server told us we were seated on an old Chicago courthouse bench, which I thought was a cool touch.

Sharing locally inspired fare is Found’s mantra, so share we did: avocado toast with grapefruit, sunflower seeds and seeded wheat bread from a local bakery; caramelized cauliflower with labneh and mint gremolata; and pan-roasted salmon with chanterelle mushrooms, fennel and roasted grapes. When we saw the dessert menu, we were glad we had shared entrées and saved room for something sweet. We devoured the peach tart dripping with caramel, maple bourbon ice cream and pistachios before making our way back to the hotel.

We woke up early Sunday morning out of reflex and reminded ourselves that we were on vacation, so back to sleep it was. After another hour of sleep and a leisurely cup of coffee at our hotel, we decided to head into Chicago for the morning. Staying in Evanston is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Chicago’s North Shore and its proximity to the city while not compromising on a comfortable and affordable hotel. Plus, it was a breeze to hop on the Purple Line to get into the city.

We spent a couple hours exploring the bustling and beautiful Navy Pier and worked up some serious appetites. Back in Evanston, we couldn’t wait to get to brunch at Peckish Pig, where Liverpool-native Debbie Evans, owner and executive chef, made us feel like long lost friends. We felt her warmth and zest for life throughout the cozy eatery with its charming loft ambiance, soft lighting and reclaimed wood furniture.

A few minutes after ordering, our server set a bag down in front of us filled with warm house-made doughnuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar. After wolfing them down in about five seconds flat, we reminded ourselves that this is our anniversary trip, so why not take a celebratory pause for a special cocktail? I ordered the F.E.W. of my Favorite Things, a delicious concoction of amaro, sweet vermouth, orange bitters and the star ingredient, FEW bourbon, which we learned was distilled just blocks away. Jack went with a house-brewed draft of the Wildcat Unfiltered Wheat, a nod to Northwestern University’s mascot. We clinked glasses and Jack toasted to a fun and flavorful weekend.

After a couple drinks, we were in bring-on-the-brunch mode. I feasted on The Full English, a yummy egg, bacon and sausage combo, complemented with black pudding, baked beans and fried bread. Jack ordered cheesy grits with seasonal roasted vegetables and the chorizo, spinach and pancetta skillet. Always one to end the meal on a sweet note, Jack insisted we treat ourselves to the decadent almond and coriander pound cake and sticky toffee pudding. How could I say no?

Knowing it was nearby, I couldn’t resist checking out the distillery that made the bourbon in my cocktail at Peckish Pig. So, after brunch, we headed to FEW Spirits, the first distillery in Evanston. Taking the distillery tour was a thrill for both Jack and me, as we were fascinated to learn about the city’s history of liquor and as the home of the temperance movement. Of course, we had to complete our historical research with a tasting of some of FEW’s award-winning spirits, including the smooth and spicy bourbon whiskey, the warm and citrusy American gin and my new favorite, the sweet and oaky rye whiskey. After our tasting, I couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle to bring home and sip when we need a reminder of our anniversary trip.

We headed back to the hotel for a much-needed nap after a big brunch and spirit tasting. Naps are such a rare treat in our day-to-day life, so we relished in this rare opportunity.

After some rest, we were ready to indulge in our final meal of the weekend. Five & Dime, a rooftop restaurant and bar, guaranteed to end our getaway on a high note. The outdoor terrace felt hip and urban but down-to-earth and welcoming at the same time.

We started with the Nachos-Nachos, a generous portion of chips topped with black beans, beef, jalapeños and a creamy house-made cheese sauce, and the Little Frenchie salad with a sweet and tangy honey and apple cider vinaigrette. Yum! Still hungry for more, we moved on to the tuna poke bowl and beer-cheese burger. And Jack’s sweet tooth wouldn’t let us leave without dessert: bread pudding with caramel, Rumchata and Kerrygold Irish cream.

On our way out, we discovered the restaurant’s game room where we played a competitive game of Ping-Pong, followed by a nerve-racking giant Jenga challenge. Of course, I let Jack win!

Driving home the next morning, we relived the entire weekend, moment-by-moment and meal-by-meal. As we playfully disputed which meal was the best of the trip, I kept thinking about how much fun we had trying different dishes and experiencing Evanston’s restaurants. I suggested to Jack that we make it a point to check out a new restaurant in our area at least once a month so we can continue to discover local flavors while rediscovering each other.