The Secret Life of Mee 002

So, I know I've slipped on doing these every week...but rest assured I will keep divulging with you all from time to time!

Today's secret: My pancake obsession...

Ummm....seriously. I have a problem. You see, not only am I bona fide foodie, but I'm a total
brunch-aholic! And living in Chicago only feeds my addiction. Any given weekend you can find me at the latest and greatest brunch boutiques waiting in ridiculously long lines (I refuse to get up early on the weekends) for a taste of their succulent breakfast specialties! I always want both salty and sweet, but if I have to choose, I go straight for the fluffy goodness and ewy gooey maple delight that I'm sure are reminiscent of the milk and honey in the Promise Land!!!

This past weekend I had the delight of two brunch dates on the calendar with some of my fave girls! So, for those of you living in Chicago and those of you who don't but should come visit, I'm going to give you the 411 on two new fave brunch spots.

1) Southport Grocery & Cafe - 3552 N Southport Ave,Chicago, IL 60657

This charming establishment is for those who love to eat and/or cook good food. Their Modern comfort food is served up in a chic, clean and contemporary venue. Space is definitely limited by the grocery and bakery areas, but it's cozy nonetheless (outdoor seating is avail too).

My friend and I split the Hash: Potato-red onion-mushroom-pepper-white cheddar hash topped with scrambled eggs & chive-sour cream. It was seriously one of the best "egg" options I've had in a while - hearty and comforting as it should be! I then got a side of the Bread Pudding Pancakes (just 1): A pancake made with gooey bread pudding topped with cinnamon-sugar butter & a side of vanilla custard sauce (featuring our house-made cinnamon-sugar butter from the grocery). Really? Who thinks of this??? I about died! My friend went the more healthy (weak) route with the Seasonal Fruit: Seasonal fresh fruit drizzled with vanilla vinaigrette. Ummm...vanilla vinaigrette is awesome...best side of fruit I've ever had!

Hash Bread Pudding Pancakes

My love affair with Southport Grocery didn't end there...Many SPG veterans pre-warned me of the killer cupcakes this little joint is famous for. So, of course, I HAD to get one....to go ;) I even waited till the next day to indulge and it tasted like Wedding Cake, mmmmm....


2) Over Easy Cafe - 4943 Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60625

So...just when I thought I had died and gone to brunch heaven, my friend Lisa introduced me to Over Easy! I had heard of this place for a year or so, but never ventured up north to check it out - BIG mistake! OE exudes charm, cheer, incredible service (my water was never more than an inch low!) and all your favorite dishes with a twist.


We waited diligently for an hour (Lisa promised it was worth it)...but their generous complimentary Julius Meinl coffee seemed to keep patrons at ease as they awaited their eggs.

Finally, comfortably seated at a two top we practically drool all over the menu just reading the options. Again...I am at a cross roads with what to order, thus we decide to split (which makes me really happy). By this time, I am coveting the Blueberry Crunch Pancakes: pancakes filled with granola, candied pecans & blueberries, topped with granola and served with cinnamon butter, powdered sugar & whipped cream, and we are both tempted by the Nueva Mexicana Omelet: eggs, corn, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro & goat cheese topped with salsa verde & sour cream, served with red potato hash & toast. So we get both :)

Blueberry Crunch Pancakes

Nueva Mexicana Omelet

Let me tell you...the omelet was more than worth writing home about...BUT, the Pancakes, they were DIVINE! Seriously, at every bite we were questioning our whereabouts; something this tasty could only come from Heaven!

Sigh...what a weekend, haha. Both of these breakfast havens exceeded my expectations and I'll surely be going back! Any takers?