The Wicker Park/Bucktown area is one of my favorite neighborhoods to venture to and I don’t feel like I get out there enough.  However, the past few weeks have been filled with adventures on the Blue Line to get to one of my favorite dining destinations.

Club Lucky – Let’s reminisce about 2010 for a minute…  It was one of (well maybe THE BEST) year of my life so far.  I was graduated with my Master’s, took 6 months off, back packed Europe with my best friend, moved to Chicago, spent a month in NYC, and met some incredible people.  Pretty hard to top.  I moved to Chicago a bit sooner than all my friends and I met some people in my building who took me to Club Lucky.  It was a late night and I had a couple adult beverages in me but I remember the food being great.  I was very excited when my mentor recommended Club Lucky for some appetizers.  We ordered the Fried Mozzarella and the Sausage with Onions and Peppers.

I don’t really go out and order fried mozzarella anymore.  Those were the days of chain restaurants.  However, these are circular pieces of fried joy.  The rounds are melty while having a seasoned crust that creates a welcome treat when combined with the marinara sauce.

The sausage also did not disappoint.

It wasn’t dried out and the peppers and onions weren’t overly drenched in oil.  Absolutely perfect.

Northside – We continued our trek to Damen and ended up at The Northside.  I’ve passed by this spot numerous times but never stopped in.  I have been missing out.  The outdoor patio is relaxed, airy, and fun.  I ordered my new favorite summer drink  (Effen Cucumber Vodka + Cranberry) and sat down to look at my options.  To be honest, I was already full from the mozzarella and sausage we tasted at Club Lucky, but that didn’t stop me.

I went with the Falafel Wrap with hummus and Jerusalem salad with a side of sweet potato fries.

I honestly didn’t have high expectations for a falafel wrap at a place that should only be serving traditional bar food.  I was wrong.  The falafel was moist and flavorful and the salad added bright notes that pulled it all together.  Plus, I’ve barely met a sweet potato fry I haven’t liked.  I highly recommend Northside.

Glazed and Infused – Rounding out for that side of town is Glazed and Infused.  I’m a sucker for a donut and new shops keep popping up around the city.  I was stuffed from Sunday brunch at Takashi (more to come…) but couldn’t resist stopping by to try Glazed and Infused.  I asked the lady working the counter for a light donut recommendation and she picked out the Lucious Lemon which is lemon cake filled yuzu curd and topped with lemon glaze and candied zest.

I love lemon pastries in the morning but it just isn’t the same without a cup of coffee.  My friend and I stopped to get some and I was in heaven.  On it’s own, I would say the lemon is overpowering but contrasting with the bitterness of the coffee is a heavenly combination.

I won’t say Glazed and Infused is my favorite just yet but I’m intrigued to try some of their other flavors.

Till next time, peace out food ninjas!