Lunch near the not-so-new office

I'm embarrassed by how long it's been since I've posted a blog entry. More than three months!! I could claim busyness with working full-time, planning a wedding, planning a trip around the world. But it's also not making writing a priority.

Now, with my wedding quickly approaching and the promise that Z and I would give guests ideas of things to do in Chicago, it's time to step up my blogging game. I'll start with a sandwich spot I tried recently near my not-so-new office. (I didn't change jobs. Rather, my company moved to a new office building for the third time in the three years that I've been there....)

Bombacigno's J & C at 558 West Van Buren looks like an outdated dry goods store from the exterior. With an oversized awning and bars over the windows, I expected to step inside and send a letter via the Pony Express, not order a delicious sandwich.

But with 4.5 starts on Yelp and a 100% rating on Urban Spoon, I figured it was worth sampling a sandwich. The space inside mirrors the outside. It's dark with an old hardwood floor. But the crowds of business people inside don't seem to mind. A large chalkboard with the names of sandwiches, pastas, soups and salads lines the entire back wall. Once I figured out how to read the handwriting on the wall, I found some delicious-looking sandwiches, including a smoked turkey on focaccia served with a light pasta salad.

My colleague and I took our sandwiches to the additional seating area on the second floor. The stairs to the second floor have a definite downward slant to the right and the walls upstairs are lined with old newspapers and memorabilia of Chicago of yesteryear. Just like the building its located in and the memories that line its walls, Bombacigno's food and service has stood the test of time

Lunching in the West Loop-ish area

Today my friend Devin, who has been hounding me about writing a blog since I first told him I was thinking about starting a blog, asked me for lunch recommendations in the Randolph/Halsted area. Devin, you have given me the perfect topic for my second blog post!

I consider myself an emerging foodie. I don't think I have the appetite to be a full-fledged foodie. Frankly, I still like to fit into my skinny jeans. But I enjoy and appreciate food. Even if that means sampling rather than devouring the foie gras in front of me.

In no particular order, here is where I would want to lunch in the West Loop/Fulton Market District area:

Blackbird. Always a classic. Delicious at lunch, too. Blackbird changes its menu from time-to-time, so there's always a new reason to go back.

Sepia. Another Michelin star winner. More affordable at lunch. It's truly one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and I'm consistently amazed by how easy it is to get a reservation here. Now that I've let the cat out of the bag, go show them some love.

For a more casual option, try Haymarket.

Dragonfly Mandarin also has a lunch menu. A solid Chinese option if that's what you're in the mood for.
De Cero offers yummy tacos. And a lunch menu, but March-August only.

Saigon Sisters is ultra-yummy Vietnamese food. I don't recommend the pho, but the sandwiches are to die for. The Porky is my favorite. My boyfriend will walk half-a-mile from his office in the Loop in 20-degree weather to pick up a sandwich.

Saigon Sisters also has a location in the nearby French Market. Pick up a Vietnamese sandwich at Saigon Sisters or an artisan sandwich at Pastoral. Sinfully Healthy is my favorite. Don't forget to save room for dessert at the French Market. You'll find plenty of artisan candy makers and bakers, including Sweet Miss Givings. Try the red velvet cupcake. AH-MAZ-ING!! Sweet Miss Givings is a social enterprise bakery offering employment opportunities and training to needy Chicagoans.