I'm going to come right out and say it...bacon is the new black.
We all should have something wonderful to celebrate today. And not just because this weekend we're celebrating the Labor Day holiday. Did you know that today is International Bacon Day? It just so happens to be the first Saturday before Labor Day each year. It's only fair that such a heavenly treat have its own day of recognition.
Last month we established bacon's delicious stake in society as we took a look at 101 Ridiculously Awesome Bacon Products. So to celebrate today, International Bacon Day, I wanted to share a few mouthwatering, sweet and savory bacony delights that are not to be missed in Chicago...assuming your arteries can handle it.
Insert valiant cheers of crispy, sizzling goodness here.
When River North hot spot, Xoco, launched their Mexican Soft Serve, ice cream lovers across the city became giddy with anticipation. Imagine their surprise to find an affordable gourmet dessert (less than $5) under the name of maple-pecan-bacon-streusel topped with salted caramel sauce...I like to call this "awesomeness with a spoon" for short. With a mouthful of a name, you know you'll get more than a mouthful in taste. This Dutch pancakery joint with locations in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park is known for unique pancake combinations, including popular bacon-infused treats like the Bacon & Havarti cheese pannenkoeken delight shown above.Sweet meets spicy in this new spin on country friend bacon from Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston. Our friends at WaSC make everything fresh for you when you show up to their iconic neighborhood hot dog joint, so be sure to pack your patience in addition to your appetite. To experience this delicate balance of opposite tastes head north to 802 Dempster.Garrett's isn't the only notable popcorn joint in town. The Salted Caramel offers specialty popcorn in delicious flavors like smoked pecan with bourbon and bacon bourbon with full-sized bacon chunks. According to BourbonBlog.com, "The Bourbon whiskey intensifies the richness of the caramel, and balances the saltiness of the bacon in this Caramel Corn. A bold flavor, some sweetness rounded by everything else in there." www.saltedcaramel.netStreeterville's More Cupcakes is home to a wide array of savory treats like bacon maple (shown above), bacon white truffle, BLT and bacon bacon bacon. More is located at 1 E. Delaware and open seven days a week to satiate your taste buds and ever offer local and national delivery.
Ha. I think I could try any of them but #5...just doesn't seem right.