Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Best Pizza in America?!

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Great Lake's Mortadella Pie is the number one pizza in America, according to GQ magazine. (Photo: GQ)


GQ food writer Alan Richman seems to think so about Andersonville newcomer Great Lake, whose Mortadella Pie topped the list for the Top 25 Pizzas in the country in the June issue:

"[Nick Lessins's] cheese pie, prepared with fresh mozzarella made in-house, grated Wisconsin sheep’s-and-cow’s-milk cheese, and aromatic fresh marjoram instead of basil, was slightly shy of unbelievable. The next day I returned to try the same pie topped with fresh garlic and mortadella, the dirigible-sized Italian sausage that looks like bologna, tastes like salami, and is usually cut into chunks. He sliced the meat very thin and laid slices of it over the pie the moment it came out of the oven. The mortadella, with its combination of burliness and creaminess, was a meaty addition to the earthy, bready crust. This pie—creative, original, and somewhat local—represents everything irresistible about the new American style of pizza-making."

Well done, Great Lake!

Toast to Tuesday deals

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There's so many amazing things to cheer to today. The Weather. The Blackhawks. The fact that you've got so many dining and drinking deals to choose from:

Who needs a Big Mac when you can get $2 Black Angus burgers at The Beer Bistro every Tuesday?! You can order the burger any way you like and enjoy with something from their extensive selection of craft beers. Outdoor patio is also open today.

It's the perfect day to finally settle on Chaise Lounge's breezy rooftop area. Tonight's deals include $5 martinis, a three-course, prix-fixe dinner for $25, gourmet tacos piled high with fish or pulled pork (two for $6), and carafes of margaritas or mojitos for $18.

The simple, yet contemporary award-winning fare at Crofton on Wells is a little on the expensive side, but not if you get there between 5-7pm Monday through Friday. Thirty-five dollars gets you three courses, or $55 if you pair with vino.

Fried chicken lovers can eat as much as they like on Tuesdays at Kitsch'n on Roscoe. For $10, you get the deal, plus a glass of wine or beer.

Top Chef finalist Dale Levitski's whipping up a number of specials at Relax Lounge for a special party hosted by Zipcar. Enjoy one comped Ziptini cocktails ($3 after), plus $3 Goose Island 312 drafts, $2 select domestics and $5 burgers. 6-9pm. RSVP to RSVPchi@zipcar.com for admittance.

And pinot lovers will dig tonight's wine event at the Tasting Room, as the intimate wine lounge honors various styles of the grape from around the world. Taste more than 30 wines paired with appetizers. 6-8pm. $30. Reservations required.