Weekend Wrap Up: Whisk Chicago, Belly Shack, Big Star, Hash Chicago & Hubbard Inn

friday

Steve got back from his business trip in China late Thursday night, and took the day off Friday. We headed for lunch at a new spot in our neighborhood, Whisk Chicago, which took over the space of our once favorite Middle-Eastern, Chickpea. Whisk Chicago offers Brunch daily from 7am-3pm and burgers at night. We shared the chilaquiles and the Whisk house burger 
{8oz burger, chihuahua cheese, chipotle mayo, guacamole & tortilla chips. I can't wait to head back to try the sweet items off the menu!

Friday evening rolled around, and I had an early bird dinner with my girlfriend, Julia, of Julia Franzosa Photography, at Belly Shack. 

photo credit: Andrew Nawrocki 

We decided on Belly Shack as its half way between our neighborhoods of Logan Square and Wicker Park, and a perfection location to meet at.  We both decided to walk, and were very hungry upon arrival. I ordered the Korean BBQ Beef {kimchi, ssam paste & scallions served with flatbread} and Julia ordered Tofu Organic Brown Rice Bowl {topped with bok choy, bean sprouts, mushrooms, & kimchi} which is not pictured. 

Afterwards, Stanley "Pup" and I headed to Big Star Chicago to meet my friend Maris of In Good Taste Magazine, and her brother who was visiting from New York. Big Star Chicago is always fun and it's dog friendly! 

saturday

Steve and I walked over to have brunch at Hash Chicago. It's BYOB and one of our favorite brunch spots steps away from our home.  With Popular Pays, I was able to exchange my social media currency for a one egg hash. I decided to order The Breakfast Club 

           {grilled chicken, grilled romaine, tomatoes, homemade ranch} 

and Steve ordered the Texas Tacos {scrambled eggs, potatoes, chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo on a corn tortilla}, which is not pictured. Hash also had the new flavor, green pepper, of Cholula! If you haven't tried it yet, get your hands on some as you will love this hot sauce! 

Later on that evening, we met up with a group of friends for what was supposed to be a night out on a boat. Unfortunately, we faced a little storm that delayed our departure our of the 31st street pier, but we made the best of it hanging out in the cabin having fun while the boat was docked.  When we finally got out, we were able to anchor up and catch the concert sounds from Northerly Island and the fireworks at Navy Pier. Good friends, good food and lots of good fun! 

sunday

Every Sunday, we head to the Wicker Park Farmers' Market, and this Sunday was no different.  I filled my basket with arugula, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, english peas, and french breakfast radishes to make a delicious salad for Sunday supper.  Afterward, we headed to Hubbard Inn to preview their brunch menu with a live jazz band. Brunch started off with a seafood tower, 

and a fresh assortment of baked muffins, seasonal berries and bagels and lox...  and of course I enjoyed a solid bloody mary to start off my Sunday funday. 

As for my entree, I ordered the crab cake benedict and Steve ordered the peaches n' cream French toast, not pictured. We left very content and our bellies full! 

We finished up our Sunday with supper consisting of a delicious farmers market fresh salad 

    { arugula, roasted potatoes, red onion, radish, & cherry tomatoes with a       grilled flank steak} 

recipe coming soon!!! 

What did you do this past weekend?