A few years ago, I remember attending an LGBT-focused event downtown. There were various goodies on the table, and I asked a then-intern if he wanted anything. "Are you kidding?," he responded. "There are carbs everywhereand no vegetables anywhere."
Well, he might head for the hills upon seeing the menu at the gay gathering spot known as Crew Sports Bar + Grill ( 4804 N. Broadway; www.worldsgreatestbar.com/ ). Although there would be some ( pretty nice ) salads for him to graze on, this place specializes in ( carb-loaded ) comfort food.
Oh, and about those comfort foods: Some seasonal changes have been implemented. Chef Robyn Marfurt has kicked in some items such as the Big Fat Southern Sausage, monkey bread and a chicken-fried burger.
I relish this place for two reasons: I'm a sports fan ( with a cluster of screens ) and I like comfort food ( although, thankfully, I also like working out a bit ). However, watch out: The key word I associated with most of the culinary newcomers is "kicky" ( as in "at least a bit spicy" ).
The monkey bread is not the sweet item I've experienced in other places ( e.g., Kanela ). This one is a biscuit with pimento peppers, asiago cheese, cheddar cheese and chives, served with a side of sriracha butter; it has just the right amount of heat, although some may like it even hotter. There are also pepperjack mac bites that have just that: bite.
The chicken-fried burger ( with pickles, mayo, American cheese and bacon ) is not for the weak-willed, in terms of size or tastemy dining companion and I both loved it. Somehow, I managed to finish off that entire sandwich. Lastly, I got a sneak preview of the LGBT sandwich, which contains arugula ( in place of the lettuce, of "L" ), pickled beet, tomato jam, goat cheese and baconI would come back for this alone, as no one ingredient didn't overwhelm any of the others.
However, Crew has still retained many of its popular items, including pulled-pork mini-sliders, fried pickle chips, the shrimp po' boy wrapand just enough salads ( like the pear & pecan as well as the fire-grilled Cobb ) to possibly lure my carb-phobic friend.
Leghorn expands
Leghorn Chicken is known for its tasty fare and unconventional styleand it's now in the River North area, occupying the tiny cafe connected to the Ohio House Motel, 600 N. LaSalle St.
The original socially conscious ( announcing it would donate some proceeds to LGBT organizations ), BYOB chicken shack first opened doors in Ukrainian Village in March 2014 and instantly drew in the masses with its signature menu item: a Nashville Hot or Pickle Brined fried chicken sandwich, simply prepared and served hot on a bun or biscuit. It also drew controversy with its unapologetically loud airing of graphic hip-hop music. ( Said music is also at this venue, although it's not as loud herepossibly because of its hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. )