2020: Thank You Note
Annual wrap up season is here. The time of year when writers across the country spend weeks parsing through photos and notes from the year to assemble a list of meals and enthusiastically recommend to friends and family.
For obvious reasons, this year is incredibly different. My most memorable meal was a blurry trip to Red Hot Ranch spent inhaling a double ranch burger ordered on my behalf by an unwitting chaperone. It seems important to note, this was the last meal I ate at a restaurant before Illinois shut down. I had spent the better part of the day drinking my anxieties away at The Beer Temple. A co-worker and I showed up to our shift at Half Acre to find a “Closed until further notice” sign posted on the door. I was a very new employee and was easily missed on the phone tree alerting all staff that the brewery was closed. A few days later, most of us were furloughed and the hospitality industry began its bitter hibernation.
My heart genuinely hurts writing this despite the hopeful vaccine news, understanding the irreparable damage to the bars and restaurants I love so much across the city. It aches especially for the independent businesses that made sharing something like this so much fun.
So instead, I want to write a thank you note to the places that have continued to be sources of comfort and routine throughout this absolute shit, dumpster fire of a year. I am forever grateful that despite my own, let’s just say, under-employment, I have had the privilege of patronizing a few businesses here and there when I felt safe and financially stable enough to do so.
Thank you to…
Lost Larson, for being the first place I ventured to other than a grocery store back in the Spring. Since working on the team for a few months, it has always felt like a home away from home. It has been so comforting to visit with a friendly face (hi, Molly!) while picking up bread and the occasional treat for myself and my friends.
Four Letter Word, for so many mornings spent at the walk-up window. Without a doubt, it has been my most frequented business the past few months. I am not sure who enjoys our trips more, me or my dog. Small talk in line with strangers and neighbors has been so incredibly normalizing, a taste of routine and community. Beyond perfectly made espresso, I have been invigorated by the pastry collaborations by Banh Chanh and others. When my own culinary pursuits have severely lacked creativity, I have been inspired by their mouthwatering, Southeast Asian inspired baked goods.
Half Acre, for the best curb-side pick-up crew in the biz.
Lula, for continuing to be such an incredible community hub. Lula has always been so much more than a restaurant and it’s place as an anchor of Logan Square was more prevalent than ever this summer. Walking down the boulevard and watching so many socially distanced picnics take place over Lula take out always warmed my little, isolated heart. Not to mention, Emily’s coconut cake made for this summer’s Baker’s Against Racism fundraiser is something that still makes my mouth water several months later.
Jong Boo, for being my #1 food source, keeping me in full supply of pandemic staples from ramen to rice and satiating my desire for flavorful reminders of anywhere other than here. The kimchi wang mandu is undeniably the best eat-alone-in-your-car lunch/snack of my year.
Wherewithall, for not only prioritizing the safety of their staff and having one of the friendliest walk-up windows over the summer, but for partnering with Coprosperity Chicago to serve community meals every Tuesday for the rest of the year. The owners also founded Abundance Setting, an organization dedicated to supporting working mothers pursuing culinary careers. Seems extremely fitting, as watching chef/owner Beverly Kim open Wherewithall, just after giving birth to her second child, was something I marveled at from afar.
The Beer Temple, for being almost exclusively responsible for the beer and wine I sparingly consumed over the course of the past year. For being so close by when I was overcome with a desire to pop bottles of champagne after the 2020 election. I miss the tap room so much.
Carniceria Guanajuato, for so many reasons, but primarily: unbelievably good tortas, convenient produce, and the best retail salsas and guacamole you can buy in a grocery store. Living only 2 blocks away has truly spoiled me.
Metropolitan, for the only patio I ventured to in the pandemic. An extremely social distant, safely run reprieve from drinking alone. Great beer, incredible staff, and such underrated Chicago river viewing. The patio proved to be a great spot for socializing an eager pandemic puppy, too.
Pretty Cool Ice Cream, for nostalgic joy. I’m not typically one for ice cream thanks to my body’s disdain for lactose, but there were frequent visits to the shop this summer. Something about the childish levity of a popsicle was perfect on some of the hottest, most monotonous days. The Thai-iced tea and vegan chocolate pops are my favorite. I can’t wait to take Spritz for a pup-pop when she’s big enough for the long walk.
These places are very central to my neighborhood, as I did not venture out very far, and certainly not often, over the past several months. It is by no means all-encompassing, but I desperately hope they all thrive in the years to come and their staff continue to stay safe at work. Please support your neighborhood bars and restaurants this season. Tip VERY well. And yes, absolutely +20% on take out and walk-up window orders, too. Until we dine together again…