This summer I have located one of the best places to spend those watched-over calories: Taylor Street, Chicago! Between the history of Little Italy, and the expansive growth of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Taylor Street has been attracting people since the 1850's. Mario's Italian Lemonade, open since the 1950's, serves a delicious slush-like lemonade in a variety of flavors. Loyal customers are willing to stand in the rain for this awesome refreshing treat. My Order: A Strawberry Limeade!
About a block west of Mario's you will find a more contemporary addition to the historical community: Busy Burger. Easily spotted amongst the modest and classic Taylor Street facads', the outside of Busy Burger is painted mars-black with huge white block lettering. Music spills from the speakers and into the street playing the hottest dance hits into the evening. Sleek silver tables, and Vivid Tangerine Chairs line the west-sidewalk, and the mesquite smell of grilled awesomeness dances in the air. My Order: a Busy Cheese Burger with Onion Rings (you're gonna wanna get the onion rings).
Finally, I want to highlight another hidden jem on my accent into food-heaven: Dinkels Bakery. Open since 1922 on Lincoln Avenue, Dinkels' roots are founded in Bavaria, Germany, where Master Baker Joseph K. Dinkel and his wife worked to achieve a very successful bakery. Expect a line of people from every generation there to pick up Birthday Cakes, Breakfast Treats and Fresh Bread. My Order: The Maple Bacon Donut!
Hope You Enjoyed those Chicago Food Finds: Stay Tuned for the Artist Scene in the Florida Keys!
