Let’s talk food! Who doesn’t love a good meal? We love that traveling
enables us to try new food from different cultures, and the pride people have
in sharing those particular dishes that their city, or country, is known for.
Chicago has a few favorites that we had full intentions of tasting thanks to
@ThingsToDoInChicago, especially the famous deep dish pizza that consistently
tops the charts of visitors and locals.
The culinary journey started in the Warwick hotel. We had
plans for brunch after a good work out in the hotel gym, but we decided to grab
something quick before getting ready to head out. Guadalupe our server was such
a doll! Not only was she helpful but super friendly as well and didn’t hesitate
to answer my menu questions, or find the answers if she wasn’t sure. We give
the hotel restaurant five unicorn stars for overall service, cleanliness, food
quality, and menu selection.
All bundled up and ready to walk, we headed out to Sunday
brunch at Joy District. To save a few coins, and to give ourselves that up
close and personal feel with the city, we decided to walk the few blocks to our
destination. We were in for quite the unexpected adventure, because what was
supposed to be a 20 minute walk turned into forty-five. We got lost! Not just on
the way there, but on the way back too. Defeated and tired, we resorted to
calling an Uber to rescue us and our howling feet.
We initially found Joy District’s Instagram page before arriving to Chicago, and thought it to be adorable and well visited. The atmosphere seemed to match our preconceptions when we walked in, but would shortly change. Although the host was sweet, very friendly and helpful when we were making our reservations, offering to us a table with beautiful views for photography, and unsolicited discounts, when we arrived the tempo of service was not the same.
After being seated, we received wrist bands, champagne and chaser. I asked a bartender for a gluten free menu because of my intolerance, but was indirectly answered with a pointed finger towards an unspecified bar, which allegedly had fruit, eggs and a few other options. Because I didn’t see any other bar around, I asked for clarification, and she pointed again to the stairs, and told me to follow them. Gratefully the host was nearby, overheard, and guided us into the right direction of the buffet style brunch.
The setup was very cute
upstairs, but to be honest, we were still a little thrown off about the poor
customer service. Gratefully, I was able to find a few things that I could eat.
We sat down at a table we’d found, and finished our drinks. A server came to
check on us once while we were still eating, however that was it. No one returned
to offer us a refill on our bottomless mimosas, which we weren’t informed about
until we were already leaving. We had to ask a gentleman cleaning the tables to
please retrieve our server, so we could get our bill. Overall, we rate Joy
District three stars. The initial host was warm and super helpful, and the
presentation of the venue was beautifully detailed. But the lack of
information shared regarding the bottomless mimosas, lackadaisical service, and
limited food for party-goers with food allergies, especially considering the entrance
price per ticket, was not enjoyable.
We were able to squeeze in the chance to indulge in the
famous Chicago, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnatis, which was highly suggested
to us from a couple of Chicago locals. I took a quick look at the online
menu, and to my surprise, I found a gluten free pizza. I didn’t really have high
hopes of its quality because a gluten free crust isn’t exactly ideal for deep
dish. We arrived that evening though ready to at least try it. Shansae was our
waitress, and was patient and knowledgeable as I bombarded her with my gluten
questions. To my surprise, they did in fact have a crust, and gluten free
pizza. It was absolutely delicious. They
made the crust out of sausage, and although I don’t usually eat red meat, or
pork, I had to make an exception, and believe me, there were no regrets. It
actually resembled a deep dish, and the portion was so plentiful that I had
enough for breakfast the next morning. I literally want to place an order now
thinking about it. Did I mention they ship their pizzas? *drool*
Clara Ruiz