I know I say this a lot…
…But yesterday, Peej really knocked October’s Date Night outta the park, what with his at times-irksome habit of knowing me maddeningly well.
He took me to the Chef Battle: Dessert Edition- an NPR-sponsored event with crazy dessert tasting stations from some simply amazing Chicago restaurants (and plenty of palate-cleansing stations with cheese and nuts and…pulled pork sliders) and an open bar (sigh).
Here’s what we devoured:
Clockwise, from top left: Hong Kong milk tea with kulfi, pear and elderflower (Blackbird); “Bubblegum, 1969”-a crazy deconstructed mousse-like thing with candy chips and a tea for infusing (Ben Roche); masala chai creme brulee tart with salty chocolate and raspberries (Cheap Tart); pumpkin-filled chai salambo- an awesome kind of cannoli (Bad Wolf Coffee)
More tastings! Clockwise, from top left: Earl Grey sundae (Black Dog Gelato); Earl Grey panna cotta (Bad Wolf Coffee); pumpkin chai brioche sandwich (Black Dog Gelato); and a roasted Kabocha mousse with matcha cheesecake and coconut tuille (Cheap Tart)
Clearly, there were common themes throughout the night (pumpkin, strong tea, etc), and I just want to say right here and now, Chicago restaurants, that you are all winners in my book.
That said, we had to cast a vote for one- AND ONLY ONE- restaurant. We both wholeheartedly chose Cheap Tart. I fell absolutely in love with their mousse and cheesecake and coconut little wonder- and the chai tart was just a completely cohesive dessert from start to finish. Now I must frequent them every single day.
I’m also absolutely love with this guy who keeps carting my ever-growing self around town. I mean, I’m sure this whole evening of dessert was rough on him, but he persevered.
Because that’s what marriage is.
Also, cheesecake. Marriage is about a lot of cheesecake.
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