North Shore exports pizza and French fare to city
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Tasty thin crust pizza from Washington Gardens' new takeout spot in Chicago. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
I recently checked out two fab new Chicago spots launched as outposts of beloved North Shore eateries.
WG Pizzas: Benjamin Glazer grew up adoring the delicious crispy pizza at Highwood's Washington Gardens and, a few years ago, achieved his dream of buying the Italian restaurant.
- This month he's exported part of that dream to a kitchen in Avondale (near Elston and Addison) where he's cranking out the pies of his North Shore youth.
Dig in: I went into a recent tasting with some skepticism, but between the crackly crust, flavorful sauce and generous cheese, this pizza knocked my socks off.
- I was surprised WG could achieve the crust without long fermentation or air drying.
Best bet: While I really dug the Italian beef and giardiniera and the almost-dessert-like, balsamic-drizzled black-and-white pizza, my favorite was the juicy sausage and giardiniera.
The other dough: At $20-$23 for a 12-inch pizza, these cost more than Pizza Hut and Pat's, but WG's substantial toppings are worth it.
- Takeout and delivery only.
The bottom line: I had no idea there was more to North Shore pizza than Burt's and Barnaby's — but wow.
Petite Pomeroy: This smaller sibling of the popular Pomeroy in Winnetka just opened above Gemini Grill in Streeterville. It adds to a recent French bistro explosion with Obelix, La Grande Boucherie and, soon, Gavroche.
The vibe: Aproned servers, French music, warm lighting and the scent of fresh bread create a cozy bistro feel in a room that looks out onto Holy Name Cathedral.
Dig in: Bistro classics from onion soup ($15) and mussels ($24) to bouillabaisse ($49) and profiteroles ($13).
- We loved the garlicky escargot ($17), steak frites bordelaise ($39) and especially the rich Arctic char over beluga lentils, with fennel confit ($27).
The bottom line: Vive la Rive-Nord in Chicago.
