Our vacation this past week was all about sun and fun…and food. We ate very well while were were away and there wasn’t a meal that disappointed.
Our first stop was the well-attended Popolano’s in Chesterton, Indiana. This wonderful restaurant provided fantastic Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. Seated on the patio, we enjoyed a perfect summer evening under the lights and received excellent service that was the perfect compliment to our food. The only disappointment to the meal was the cannoli that lacked substance.
In the mood for a little spice, we ventured into a menu that originated south of the boarder. El Salto did not disappoint! With its garlic roasted shrimp, perfect taco salads and salsa, this Chesterton option was everything we’d hoped it would be. Perhaps the best item on the menu was the re-fried beans. Made in the store, these beans offered a nutty, roasted flavor unlike any I’d ever tasted before. We left the table fully satisfied by the food, even if the server seemed to be less than enthused to be serving us.
The next outstanding meal was found in Chicago. Based on the recommendation of a 17 year old friend, we caught a taxi and made our way to Ann Sather on Belmont. Known for their Sweet Rolls, this Swedish diner had the most amazing breakfast. The rolls (2 for $3) were smothered in sugary goodness. In fact, by the end of the meal, everything was covered in powdered sugar glaze: the coffee mug, the silverware and our fingers! My Smoked Salmon and Eggs Benedict were unbelievable. There wasn’t a person at the table who left disappointed with their meal.
Our biggest, and most expensive meal of the trip occurred on the night of our 27th anniversary. We made a reservation for Cafe Bionda on State Street in Chicago. Let me just say that I’ve never had a better plate of Eggplant Parmesan. And this establishment wins, hands-down, the cannoli award. Throw in a glass of their Cabernet and it was the perfect meal.
Our final dinner together was a simple pizza from Pizza Hut. Carried out and eaten in our hotel room for a twenty-spot, the thin-crust vege with bread sticks and a small side salad was nothing short of beautiful. We watched the Olympics and enjoyed the quiet of the room during our last night together. It was a wonderful meal to end our wonderful vacation.
