Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

SAVOR: PB&J
DISH Dining Guide
by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times
2020-09-09

This article shared 3607 times since Wed Sep 9, 2020
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


Who didn't love a good peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich while growing up ( unless you had a peanut allergy )?

Well, the folks at PB&J ( 205 N. Peoria St.; PBJWestLoop.com ) offer this popular item—although, of course, the restaurant has its own spins on that classic. However, "PB&J" also stands for "pizza, beer and jukebox"—and each is definitely represented here.

Just looking around the airy interior ( which is where the three of us sat because the winds were gusting at about 40 mph that day ) shows plenty dedicated to music/the jukebox. The lyric wall alone ( with lines from dozens of songs ) will have you guessing and staring for hours, but there are also other items such as the Rolling Stones logo and even a fixture featuring the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury with reworked lyrics that reflect a pro-mask wearing stance. ( However, there are plenty of TV screens showing sports if you're interested. )

Start things with a drink—and there's a lot available, from beer ( of course ) to wine to White Claw. However, I opted for the Pear Pressure cocktail—a refreshing take on a Moscow Mule that consists of Grey Goose Pear, ginger beer and lime. However, there are plenty of other options, such as Hot & Bothered ( Cuervo Tradicional, pineapple, lime and habanero bitters ) and This One's for Karen ( champagne and passionfruit )—although, in these politically charged times, that name might have to be reconsidered.

The thing about PB&J's menu is that it offers something for anyone. Shared apps include whole jumbo wings ( in sweet chili, buffalo and BBQ varieties ), truffle fries and even drunken mussels. And salads include the Not So Greek Salad and the provocatively named The Beet Down.

Now, back to the PB&J—as in the sandwiches. This spot has the standard Wonder Bread PB&J, Elvis Style ( with toasted wheat bread, chunky peanut butter, honey and sliced bananas, with bacon and candied bacon options ) and the Not Your Mama's PB&J ( a delicious item that's on oven-toasted multigrain, with almond butter, berry compote and maple-bourbon honey ).

There are other sandwiches, however. One of my guests adored the Keep On Jammin' Burger, which has a patty with beet-onion jam, gruyere, crispy green tomato and bacon aioli, on a sesame bun. I almost got the country chicken sandwich, which features cornflake-crusted fried chicken, creamy slaw and chipotle slaw.

However, as the venue's name indicates, there's also Neapolitan-style pizza—which I ultimately chose. There are enticing choices, such as the delightful BBQ Mother Clucker, which sports smoked BBQ chicken, pickled red onion, mozzarella and cilantro. We also went with the Burrata & Balsamic ( with a prosciutto option ); on its own, it's fine—but it doesn't quite measure up to the other pizza, which dazzles the taste buds by comparison. However, I'm sure even the Mother Clucker might not fare well against the Chicago Heat Wave, which counts "spicy" pepperoni among its ingredients.

And then there's the Golden Goose ( which we did not try ). However, it stands out for at least one reason: It's $350 ( and must be ordered the day before being at PB&J ). It consists of Maison Dutriez's red currant jam ( the world's most expensive jelly, which is hand-seeded using goose quills ), Adams All Natural Peanut Butter, toasted edible gold leaf bread and a drizzle of New Zealand Manuka honey. It's pure indulgence.

So if you get a chance, stop by ( or order from ) PB&J. Whether you get a pizza or an actual PB&J, you're bound to be satisfied.

Note: Profiles/events are based on invitations arranged from restaurants and/or firms.


This article shared 3607 times since Wed Sep 9, 2020
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

SAVOR Easter roundup for 2024 2024-03-24
- Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth, spring, life—and brunches. Chicagoland restaurants will be out in full force on Sunday, March 31, offering Easter meals—some with their own twists (including ...


Gay News

SAVOR WhiskyX, an Easter soiree, a pizza-making class and more 2024-03-24
- I'll drink to that: On March 21, I was invited to check out dozens of whiskeys, rums, tequilas and other spirits at WhiskyX, which took place at the Chicago venue Morgan MFG and which hundreds of ...


Gay News

SAVOR REVIEW Sushi By Bou 2024-03-19
- Going into a sushi restaurant, I didn't expect to hear a 1920s version of the Carly Rae Jepsen hit "Call Me Maybe" emanating from the speakers. However, that and other Great Gatsby-like flourishes can be found ...


Gay News

SAVOR Gemini Grill opens, 'Rick Bayless Day' and more 2024-03-17
- —And I quote: I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."—Groucho Marx —Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so ...


Gay News

SAVOR REVIEW La Grande Boucherie 2024-03-14
- Just a few months ago, The Group NYC—a hospitality consortium based in you-know-where—opened the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can read my review of ...


Gay News

SAVOR James Beard contest, a new Publican opens and a PAWS event 2024-02-25
- Contest: You have a chance to be in on all the action during the chef-studded James Beard Award weekend of June 8 in Chicago. Among other things, the grand prize winner will get a three-stay in ...


Gay News

SAVOR Green City Market; Sofitel's 'Un-Tea' time 2024-02-24
- For those who wonder about the lack of a farmers' market in Chicago during the winter months, I point you toward Green City Market (GCM) Avondale, taking place on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through March ...


Gay News

SAVOR A new Sushi By Bou, a seafood boil class and James Beard scholarships 2024-02-18
- Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so much to the people who've already subscribed. The latest entry (Feb. 17) features Beyonce, Zendaya and my Oscar predictions. Subscribe ...


Gay News

SAVOR At Willies 'n Waffles, sexuality is on the menu 2024-02-12
- Having written about Chicago's culinary scene for at least 15 years, this writer has covered all sorts of spots—from Michelin-starred upscale establishments to those so-called "holes in the wall" that can serve some of the best ...


Gay News

SAVOR 'The Bear,' new pizza lounge, Chicago Black Restaurant Week 2024-02-11
- "Bear" necessities: The third season of the Chicago-set series The Bear will debut in June, per Variety. FX chairman John Landgraf made the announcement during the network's presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter 2024 press ...


Gay News

SAVOR Taylor's Tacos' Chef Taylor Mason on being part of the Vegas event 'Pepsi Dig In' 2024-02-08
- On Feb. 8-10 (Super Bowl weekend), Taylor's Tacos Chef Taylor Mason and wife/co-owner Maya Mason will be showcasing two exclusive dishes at the Pepsi Dig In: Brunch with the Best takeover at Delano Las Vegas, giving ...


Gay News

SAVOR Jean Banchet Awards, new Black-owned spots and free pizza 2024-02-04
- Congrats!: The winners of the Jean Banchet Awards—which honor Chicago cuisine—were recently announced at Venue Six10. Longtime Chicago Tribune critic Phil Vettel was (justifiably) honored with the Culinary Excellence of ...


Gay News

SAVOR Chocolatier Uzma Sharif on being part of World of Chocolate 2024-02-03
- AIDS Foundation Chicago will hold its annual World of Chocolate event on Friday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd. Attendees will embark on a global tour of chocolate—but there will ...


Gay News

SAVOR Valentine's/Galentine's Day offerings for 2024 2024-02-01
- Love is in the air—until it isn't. While some couples will be getting ready to celebrate their closeness (and all that other mushy stuff) on Valentine's Day, others will get together to celebrate Galentine's Day (celebrating ...


Gay News

New Survey: Unstable housing most cited reason for food insecurity among LGBTQ+ youth 2024-01-30
--From a Williams Institute press release - A new report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds that 85% of LGBTQ+ youth programs surveyed said unstable housing was the main reason LGBTQ+ youth had inadequate access to food. The programs ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.