I'm more into the nibbles than the sips.

Longman & Eagle has been open less than a year in Chicago (near the Logan Square Blue Line stop). I had the opportunity to have brunch there with one of the owners (a friend of Dan's) and his wife, which was a first for me.  It was a singularly decadent experience -- and an awesome meal.

I ordered the Brioche French Toast Stuffed with Housemade Seasonal Preserves, Honey Creme Fraiche, Blis Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup. So yummy.  So next level.  The preserves were an enormous pile of a squarish blueberries. The creme fraiche carried the faintest tinge of lemon foam. Wow!  Dan had biscuits and pork gravy with a side of potato terrine, and I loved my bites of that, too.

The photo above, though, is of Mike's Bloody Mary (I'm told the shot of beer he ordered with it is a midwestern thing, but I never noticed such a tradition in Kansas).  I took a snapshot with lust in my heart because the drink came garnished not just with lemon, lime, and spices, but with a cornichon AND a small block of cheese.  Be still my beating heart!  This is what I like to see.

I wish this place were in my neighborhood.  Smashing menu, great decor, sidewalk cafe, beer garden?  It's fab.  When they do someday turn the rooms upstairs into hotel rooms, I'll be happy to check in.

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