Where are the recipes?? It’s Fall and prime baking season, but it’s also my busy season, so I’ve been on the road again. This time, I’m in the great and wonderful city of Chicago. The weather is gorgeous, and I am in a great neighborhood. I would normally be eating my way through this city, but I’m getting over a pretty severe sinus infection and the antibiotics are making it hard to eat. Still, I got to enjoy my favorite cupcakes in the country and a few pretty great meals. Chicago really is one of my favorite food destinations. There is an excessive amount of sugary treats in this post because as of October 1st, I am going sugar free until Thanksgiving, so I had to enjoy all I could while I could. I am a sugar fiend, so I’m really looking forward to this challenge.

Swirlz Cupcakes – Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sometimes Soy Free

Every time I am in Chicago, I stuff myself full of Swirlz Cupcakes. The first time I had them, I flew out here with the primary goal of trying them, and I was not disappointed. These are, hands down, the best gluten-free cupcakes in the country, to date, that I have had the pleasure of ingesting. Gluten-free magical magicalness. In their shop, they have gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free options. The Whole Foods carries gluten-free/dairy free options. And their flavors are amazing!! I would eat these even if I could eat gluten. The turtle one has a praline-like surprise in the middle that made me squeal with delight. I ate two for breakfast one day. And one for dinner my first three nights in town. Tip: If you buy these at Whole Foods, let them sit out of the fridge for at least an hour so the frosting softens.

Bountiful Eatery – PALEO OPTIONS delivered!
OHMYGOODNESS! They deliver brunch! Until 2PM every day, you can order brunch to be delivered. My favorite meal is brunch, so this is VERY exciting information to me. They deliver Kombucha. They have a paleo platter – the Muscle Platter – eggs, kale, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit. They have gluten free French toast. IS there anything about this not sounding like a win? I didn’t think so. And their food is straight up tasty!

Defloured – Gluten Free

When I went to Whole Foods for my Swirlz fix, right next to the cupcakes I saw a big slice of coffee cake. I LOVE coffee cake, and this looked like a good moist cake, so I went for it. I was not disappointed! It was only a little dry when it was straight out of the chiller, but by the time I reach my hotel, it had warmed up and was very satisfying.

Jason’s Deli

One of the things my team enjoys about working in Chicago is Jason’s Deli and the fact that they deliver. Convention Center food is always expensive for what I consider waste food. It’s almost never healthy and slightly dangerous (NEVER eat anything in the Walter E Washington Convention Center in DC). I always try to find good food either near by the facility or that can deliver. Jason’s is an epic resource! Their gluten sensitive menu is pretty sizable and it’s posted on-line. Most of it is build-your-own sandwich or salad, which I just love! I ordered corned beef with stone ground mustard, avocado, and field greens served on gluten free bread. It was delicious and big enough to be two meals. They do post warnings regarding cross-contamination (they ARE a sandwich place), so if you have a severe reaction, this might not be your best option. I didn’t have noticeable reaction, but my system is off because I’m on antibiotics for a sinus infection, so I’m not the best gauge right now.

Chicago Q

Who doesn’t like a platter of meat? Before I even get there, we need to check in on the pickles. I ate a bowl of their pickles. No, I didn’t mean that I shared a bowl. I mean I ate a bowl of pickles. Then, I ordered the Q2 with baby back ribs and pulled pork. Everything they do is dry rubbed and it’s amazing. Ahhhhhh-MAY-zing! It doesn’t even need the sauces, but all four of their standard sauces are gluten free and dairy free, according to our waiter. I didn’t have a whole lot of confidence in our waiter, but I had to try the Carolina sauce. And that Carolina sauce… I may need a moment before I can continue without drooling on my keyboard… It was a bit thicker than a traditional Carolina sauce, but it was packed with just the right amount of flavor to really complement the meat and rub. I couldn’t eat more than two ribs and about half of my pulled pork. I took the rest to go and had an amazing breakfast the next day.

So the food at the Q was great. The bus boy and expo were great. The manager was great. The waiter looked like he was either sick or over-tired, and he definitely forgot about us more than once. We were a table of eight on a slow Sunday. He would have moments of being a really good waiter, so I think he was just having an off night. He described the house vegetable as having asparagus, so some of my friends ordered it and when it arrived with no asparagus, the manager sent out for asparagus and had it prepared for them. I will definitely be revisiting Chicago Q.

Eleven City Diner – Gluten Free

The BEST omelets I have ever had in my life and I make really good omelets, so that’s saying a lot. This is an old school diner – not one of those dive diners, but a for real old school New York diner. What kicks it up to that extra level of awesome is that they use local suppliers. I had the local sausages and it was really, really tasty. The staff was really fun, too. Everyone was chatty and attentive. Everything was really good for the price. A definite repeat experience.