Snuggle on the couch, pick a movie and get cozy: These flavor maestros are go-tos for in-the-know foodies across Chicago.
The Goddess and Grocer’s turkey pot pie, with puff pastry filled with turkey, carrots, onion, celery, peas, potatoes, corn, cream, rosemary and thyme
Renowned for decadent sandwiches, desserts and beverages, The Goddess and Grocer offers seriously comforting favorites with a variety of takeout options. Layers of Butterkäse fill its famed short rib grilled cheese, with pickled red onions and fresh arugula served on grilled challah bread. And the Shepherd’s pie is a classic with a twist: Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and ground beef are cleverly surrounded by savory tomato sauce. Curbside pickup and no-contact delivery, 1127 N. State St., goddessandgrocer.com
Dumplings, udon, pho and ramen are tableside treats for an evening of rest and relaxation—blankets and fireplace not included. Thai fried chicken, hot chicken bao buns with lemongrass fire sauce and coconut curry pho—chock-full of rice noodles, ground lemongrass chicken, coconut broth and cilantro bean sprouts— complete this decadent meal at home. Edamame, chicken red curry and Korean barbecue dumplings round out the plate, with Vietnamese iced coffee or matcha tea to wet your whistle. Pickup and delivery, 1542 N. Damen Ave., urbanbellychicago.com
River Roast boasts a menu stocked with American favorites, including applewood-smoked and -roasted chicken, buttermilk-brined fried chicken and braised short rib with white corn grits, plus smaller bites like jars of seasonal house pickles and Golden Goblets of fried chicken drizzled with honey. To drink, its Warm Hug home bartending kit brings spiced rum, apple cider and its personalized house mix to your home bar. Carryout and delivery, 315 N. LaSalle St., riverroastchicago.com
Premier catering company Jordan’s Food of Distinction brings handmade empanadas, soups, entrees and bottled Spritzology options to its new walk-up window (Tuesdays through Fridays, 4 to 8PM), where the menu changes weekly. The six empanada options can be combined with entrees such as Chinese-style barbecue pork shoulder and Thai tom yum-style chicken thighs served with oyster mushrooms, lemongrass and creamy coconut rice. For added decadence, go for the spicy Mexican hot chocolate. Curbside, to-go, pickup, delivery and private dining in the studio kitchen upon request, 1551 W. Thomas St., jfod.com
Gifting foodies with easily accessible grab-and-go-style coffee, wines, spirits, cocktail kits, salads, snacks gifts and more, upscale corner cafe Foxtrot is not only available for in-store shopping, but will also deliver to your doorstep in as little as an hour. Get caffeinated with a steaming cup of Metric’s Foxtrot brewed, locally roasted coffee, discover a new favorite beer, or purchase cards and gift wrap for last-minute celebrating. Delivery and in-store shopping, multiple locations, foxtrotco.com
At Jewish delicatessen Rye Deli & Drink, deluxe bagels go next-level with toppings that include an array of smoked meats, vegetables and fish alongside shareable soups and sandwiches. A signature Brik egg pastry is offered for a savory breakfast, served with fingerling potatoes, fresh thyme and dill—all encapsulated in a crispy crepe shell. Pickup, 25 S. Halsted St., ryechicago.com
With an enticing selection of Italian family recipes with modern flair, Formento’s brings bright and flavorful dishes to the table. Whipped ricotta with pomegranate and lemon cauliflower can be incorporated into homemade pastas, such as fresh risotto, bucatini with carbonara, and spaghetti and meatballs with pomodoro. To accompany dinner, over 600 globally sourced wine varietals are on offer. Limited indoor dining plus igloo dining and heated tents, curbside, pickup and no-contact delivery, 925 W. Randolph St., formentos.com
Dishing out traditional Japanese-inspired fare, Cat-Su Sando gifts foodies with sandos, grilled kushiyaki skewers, broths, and pork or shiitake gyoza. For chilly nights, three rich and flavorful soup options include chicken noodle, satsumaimo with Japanese yam and leek gyoza, and pork and noodle with shiitake. Grilled vegetable offerings include honeynut squash, “BBQ’D’’ purple sweet potato and mustard greens marinated with ginger and lime. Takeout and delivery, 3220 W. Grand Ave., catsusando.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Victoria Kent
