Winter, spring, summer and fall – this year has been a delicious all over the calendar as I RSVP’d to restaurants all around our area. I can’t pretend that I only ate ingredients when they were in season, but for many of the dishes there is a connection to the time of year that just made the bites better. Here is a dozen that have stayed on my mind long after I crumpled up my napkin.

Winter

1. Dim Sum at The Sweet Dim Sum, Oak Park: With both sweet and savory items on the menu, there are many options here. Korean-style corn dogs covered in potato cubes was a favorite. Mochi donuts, steamed or fried dumplings, chicken feet! When days are grey the menu here is cheerful and exciting.

Risé eating a steamed dumpling (Photo by Lynette Hoag)

2. Waffle flight at Chicago Waffles, Oak Park: Four quarters of flavor: red velvet, chocolate, green tea and Liege (a style of waffle that is different than your run-of-the-mill Belgian). There are also gluten-free and savory waffles on the menu, as well as a full-service bar. 

3. Oysters at Hemmingway’s Bistro, Oak Park: Conventional wisdom used to say not to eat oysters in summer months (due to lack of refrigeration and the ensuing spoilage). Today you can safely enjoy them anytime. Still oysters have a holiday-time presence in my imagination. This dozen didn’t disappoint!

Spring

4. Apple fritter from Turano’s Mamma Suzi Bakeshop: Easter always inspires me to search for my platonic ideal of an apple fritter. A childhood memory – crisp edges, pillowy insides, ample apples – sits on the edge of my consciousness, begging me to look for ones that measure up. This pastry from Mamma Suzi’s satisfied my craving. 

5. Feteer meshaltet at North Avenue Falafel, Chicago: If you haven’t tried the Egyptian street food at this restaurant yet, don’t waste another minute. Mashalet is a traditional, super-flakey phyllo pastry served with a dish of yogurt and honey. Savory and sweet options deserve attention too.

6. Meyer lemon olive oil from Olive & Well, Oak Park: When I can barely manage to stay sane through the dreary days of March, I open my bottle of this fragrant olive oil and smell the promise of summer to come. Then I use it in salads, with chicken, fish – anything to get me through the gloom. 

Summer

7. Linguine Alla Di’Vino at Di’Vino, Forest Park: I’ve read many glowing reviews of this new restaurant. Wow, do they deserve that praise and more! This shrimp linguine with caramelized garlic cream sauce, studded with serrano ham and prosciutto blew me away. The cocktails here don’t disappoint either. Let’s just say … Smoked Old Fashioned!

8. Veggie quiche at Spilt Milk, Oak Park: I’m sitting in dappled sunlight at a sidewalk table outside this esteemed baker, my fork poised to slice into their veggie quiche. The crust gives way to a balance of richness and lightness, like a perfect Chicago summer day with a high of 78 degrees.

9. Homegrown tomatoes & mayo from my yard: OK, I’m bending the concept, but my garden’s plants did come from the Tomato Lady of Oak Park. How had I never tried the transcendent combo of a homegrown tomato paired with good mayo on a slice of bread before? Watch out BLT, bacon and lettuce might be out of work.

Fall

10. Pineapple water at Taco Town, Elmwood Park: Pour it on as summer fades away. This fresh-made beverage isn’t too sweet. The drink is sunlight personified; pineapple juice layered with cucumber water and the slightest hint of jalapeno. Sip as you choose your own adventure through the many menu options.

11. Gnocchi di ricotta al tartufo at Piacere Mio, Forest Park: When thoughts turn to heartier meal, order these ricotta dumplings, snuggled up with chicken, asparagus, sundried tomatoes, then blanketed with truffle cream. My mouth is watering, just with the memory as I write about this dish. 

12. Chimichurri sauce at EmpanadUS, Riverside/La Grange/Homewood: To be certain, the 19 or more flavors of empanadas are excellent here as well. There are even sweet and vegan options. But the house-made chimichurri sauce is something to write home about. You can buy it by the jarful to take home too. A new take on spicy fall flavors!

Photos by Risé Sanders-Weir