Bite Club: Strawberry shortcake grapes

I've recently been flogging my new book about foods invented in Chicago.

• The book contains a chapter on "taffy grapes," but some new versions have come along since we turned in the manuscript.

The bite: Strawberry shortcake grapes featuring fresh green grapes dipped in strawberry frosting and then rolled in vanilla cake.

The verdict: I liked the contrast between the juicy, tart grapes and the rich cakey topping, but the whole thing felt a little too sweet for me.

• Full disclosure: I have a low tolerance for sweets.

What's more: That same establishment, Harold's Chicken on North Clark Street, also sells Cookies and Cream grapes dipped in chocolate cookie crumbs, as well as candy grapes with a Jolly Rancher type coating on the outside.