Hopleaf

Rise and Shine!

Last nights dinner was INCREDIBLE.  I woke up this morning still full and extremely happy – isn’t that the best way to wake up?  Brian and I went to a restaurant/bar called Hopleaf last night with two of our friends.  Hopleaf is in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago which is one of my favorites.

When you first walk into the bar you are immediately greeted by the door man who casually checks your id while simultaneously flipping through some Earnest Hemingway book.  The decor of the place is trendy but casual – exposed brick walls, wooden bar booths, shiny beer taps and a open concept kitchen.  Hopleaf has a some-what recently added addition (since we have been there last) that really brightens up the place.

The craft beer selection is extensive.  I’m talking a 10 page booklet with excellent Belgium offerings.  The waiters are all very knowledgeable about every beer and are not pretentious about it.

To start, the group ordered a round of appetizers: Belgium style mussels steamed in Wittekerke white ale with frites, the sausage plate and a caramelized onion and goat cheese tartlet. All of this was brought to our table within 20 minutes and we could not believe how much food it was!  The mussels were succulent and juicy with a delicious aroma of shallots and thyme.  The sausage that I tried had an amazing spice to it and it was paired with a mustard dipping sauce that I could have licked straight from the container.  The onion tartlet was good – but the frites – oh those frites – to. die. for.  I’m not even a huge “french fries” fan, but these were so thin and crispy they practically melted in your mouth.  Did I mention they came with a heavenly garlic aioli?  yum.

As if we needed anymore food to stuff into our bellies, our entrees came out just as the last fry left the basket.  I ordered the Diver Scallops which came with a roasted pumpkin puree and crisp apple slaw.  It was delicious.  The scallops were cooked perfectly and the slaw added a nice acidity when paired with the earthy pumpkin puree.

The scallops were technically on the appetizer list, but I was grateful for the small portion because I was already pretty full.  The rest of the crew got the Tilapia Sandwich with gribiche sauce, the Organic Black Earth Farms Brisket Sandwich and Brussels Sprouts with breadcrumbs and bacon.  I think it’s safe to say at this point in the meal we were indulging in pure gluttony.

I highly recommend Hopleaf to anyone who loves craft beer and Belgium-style food.  Their menu is a slam-dunk, I would have easily ordered everything listed.

Happy and full!

After we left, we were walking down Clark and noticed a dog store that had all of these adorable doggies running around and playing.  We literally could not help ourselves and went inside to see what was going on.  There was an event called ‘Woof and Wine’ going on where dog owners could bring their dogs and have a cocktail while getting to know the other owners in the area.  Clever!  Brian and I went ahead and bought some dog food for Bailey to support the local store, and my friend bought her a nice treat!  It was truly a great evening with friends and food.

I have indoor soccer tonight at 9:30 p.m., which is later than I was hoping for…  but at least I can get a few things done around the apartment before I leave.

Ta Ta for now!