Beer Bistro

My wife and I stopped into the Beer Bistro on Madison last night for burgers and beers. She had the bistro burger, which is served with giardiniera, and I had the bacon cheddar burger. Neither of them was as good as the southwest burger she had last time, so when you're there go for that. Now that that's out of the way, on to the main attraction.

The beers on tap at Beer Bistro are continually rotated. There's always something new to try and they pay attention to the consistency and flavor of the beer. They clearly take pride in the beer they serve. (Unlike some other places: I'm looking at you, Boston Blackie's. Guinness in your hands is like matches to a two-year-old.)

The Leffe Brown was very good, with a subtle chocolately and nutty flavor and just the right weight. I'd recommend this beer. On the other hand, the Left Hand Beer Stout (pictured at right) left something to be desired though the head on this beer is surprisingly resilient. I could have turned the beer upside down and used the foam as a coaster.

Chicago-Style Pizza

Chicago may be known for deep-dish pizza but there's more to Chicago pizza than Chicago-style pizza. Northern Italian style, for one. Quartino, which is styled after an Italian kitchen and has a homey atmosphere, is one of my favorite pizza places, oddly enough. I've been back several times, and have had trouble ordering anything other than the pizzas as my entree because they've always been so good.  The zola noche and pear pizza is especially good, as is the Stefano (spicy Italian sausage).  I usually get a pizza that is half each - which is another benefit.  If you can pick one or the other, you can have a favorite and still try something new with the other half. Plus, they serve wine by the carafe which lets it breathe some and lets you choose how much to get, even at a fair price.

Tonight they are having a wine tasting with Spanish wines, which is why I'm writing. Anyone who is up to braving the weather tonight will be well-rewarded I'm sure at State & Ontario.