I usually write an intermittent Five Worth Finding column that covers everything from Web pages to clothes. However, this article is devoted specifically to four restaurants and one dessert company with items that deserve a look ( and taste ):
—Benny's Pub & Eatery at Horseshoe Casino ( www.horseshoehammond.com/restaurants.html ): Hammond, Ind.'s, gambling mecca has several eateries, including Foo Noodle Bar, which Savor has previously profiled. Gamblers who want something a little more upscale can enjoy Jack Binion's Steakhouse but the casual Benny's ( with Chef Christopher Baulo ) certainly has more than enough for any diner.
Appetizers include shrimp platter and pig skins; burgers include The Miracle ( with crispy chicken skin, braised oxtail and bone marrow; and grilled-cheese concoctions, such as Double Popper ( which comes with cream cheese, American cheese and jalapenos ). However, it's the shakes that may have people returning—selections include non-alcoholic ones such as Buttercake, and alcohol-based items like the Jiminy Cricket ( with chocolate and creme de menthe ) and the $100 Shake ( with Louis 13 cognac, peanut butter, bacon, vanilla ice cream, bananas and 99 Bananas Liqueur ).
—Lounge menu at The Tortoise Club ( TortoiseClub.com ): The Tortoise Club ( at 350 N. State St. ) still has its laid-back sophistication, but has amped its attraction factor even more with more sumptious bar bites. Among the items are chorizo dip, crispy olives, peanut butter bacon toast and—in what seems to be a trend—cocktail shakes. ( Tortoise Club's shakes are The Hummer, an espresso-flavored concoction, and the chocolate-mint Grasshopper. ) Also, if you're lucky, you'll be entertained by bartender Shanna, who resembles actress Megan Fox and is pretty witty, to boot.
—J. Rocco ( www.jroccoitalian.com ): This two-story Italian eatery in the River North area ( 749 N. Clark St. ) just opened, and it specializes in rustic dishes. There's a very savory selection for people to choose from, including various pasta dishes ( gnocchi, tagliolini, fusilli ), risotto, lamb and even sturgeon. However, the upstairs bar—with items including pork and meatballs as well as duck-sausage pizza—might be even more attractive.
—Pastoral ( www.pastoralartisan.com ): Life and business partners Ken Miller and Greg O'Neill own this food-and-wine shop that has locations in Lakeview and the Loop. My favorite item is the Health Nut Salad, but there's a slew of sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie and other tasty items. There's a reason people stop by here on their way to events in Millennium Park.
—Miss NiNi's Fine Desserts ( www.MissNini.com ): For starters, Miss NiNi offers something that no other bakery offers—the opportunity to enjoy four flavors in one cheesecake. ( The Decadent Turtle and Pumpkin Cheesecake options are just sinful. ) However, that's just the tip of the iceberg: Other selections include the Royal Red Velvet Cake, Cranberry Orange Bread, Chunky Chocolate Pumpkin Bread and the Better-Than-Fudge Cake, among other things. ( Needless to say, carb-phobic individuals need not apply. )
(Email items to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com and/or follow me on Twitter at azygous60610.)
