Eating Your Way Through Block Thirty Seven
This summer, when looking for an apropos place to quench your cravings downtown, look no further than Block Thirty Seven, the sleek behemoth resting right in front of your face. Within those shiny walls, unbeknownst to many, lies a hotbed of cooling bites and drinks through several different cafes, making it entirely possible to utilize Block Thirty Seven as your go-to Loop oasis. And with the announcement of Richard Sandoval's forthcoming Eataly-esque Latin food hall and a new restaurant from the folks behind The Gage, it's only getting better. In the meantime, here's a map to Block Thirty Seven dining success this summer.
(Block Thirty Seven. Credit: Block Thirty Seven)
Which Wich
With a massive menu of customizable sandwiches, Which Wich is ideal fodder for picnics in Millennium Park or Grant Park a couple blocks away. The menu may seem intimidatingly sprawling, but the restaurant helps mitigate anxiety by narrowing it down to 10 categories: turkey, ham and pork, beef, chicken, seafood, vegetarian, BBQ pork, Italian, classics, and breakfast. Pick your poison, then select from available sandwiches therein. For example, BBQ pork sandwiches for the season include a classic sandwich topped with cole slaw and pickles, or a Western interpretation topped with jalapenos, crispy onions, and cheddar, both heaped on sweet Hawaiian buns. For chicken sandwiches, you'll find Buffalo chicken, chicken salad, chicken cordon bleu, and more. Some sandwiches are available on white bread, wheat, in a bowl, or as a lettuce wrap, aka a "lettucewich." If you're feeling crafty, customize your sandwich with desired cheeses, spreads, dressings, mayos, vegetables, spices, and more.
Godiva
The best new way to cool down this summer is with the Trufflelatas at Godiva. These frappe-like creations derive inspiration from Godiva's famous truffles with their myriad flavors and colors. Blended into thick, fudgy desserts, Trufflelatas are at once rich, decadent, and refreshing. I like the strawberry cream version, a lustrous pink mixture that sort of tastes like pureed strawberry shortcake. In addition to Trufflelatas, Godiva is also offering Belgian soft-serve ice cream, perfect for licking as you meander around the Loop or just linger in Block Thirty Seven and bask in A.C.
Magnolia Bakery
Two words for you: icebox cake. Remember it well, because it's your new summer sensation. This classic, Americana cake traditionally consists of wafer cookies striated with sweet whipped cream, cooled in a refrigerator. Magnolia Bakery offers their version in hulking slices with about one million layers of dark chocolate cookies and minty cream. In addition, the bakery also offers seasonal flavors, such as a strawberry version for June. In addition to cookies and cream, this one also contains a bit of strawberry jam thrown in for good measure. While you're here, you may as well pick up an iced coffee and some banana pudding for the road. Or for five minutes after you finish the icebox cake.
Starfruit
Here's something to scream for this season: frozen kefir. Why? Because it offers the cooling, sweet sensations of ice cream minus the guilt. Starfruit peddles a plethora of iced kefir flavors for overheated customers, the perfect remedy for summer sweats. Tangier and more vibrant than frozen yogurt, kefir is zesty and vigorous, perfectly toeing the line between sweet and tart. Order it with any and all toppings you desire, then go to town.
Other Restaurants nearby:
Lavazza (Washington St.) - 27 W. Washington St.
- Matt Kirouac