Dish is going the casual route this week in terms of restaurantsbut that doesn't necessarily mean the quality of the fare takes a dip.
Corridor Brewery & Provisions ( 3446 N. Southport Ave.; CorridorChicago.com )so-called because it's located in the city's Southport Corridoris a prime example of this.
Corridor hasn't been on the block for long, having officially opened in October. However, the team behind the site ( the same that's behind DryHop Brewers ) aims to make quite the impression.
Owner Greg Shuff told Dish that the food revolves around the brewing schedulea statement that's not that surprising for a place that spotlights brews.
Speaking of beers, head brewer Brant Dubovick has crafted some interesting brews, including the tasty Nibble, Nibble Little Mouse ( 6.5 percent alcohol by volume ), which has hints of pumpkin and walnut. Cotton Candy Goat is a French table beer with notes of vanilla, pear and citrus.
As for food, Executive Chef Joel Pillar has made some pretty intriguing creations, including a mushroom, leek and goat-cheese pizza that's impossible to resist. Other offerings range from Belgian-style mussels to fried oyster po' boys to grilled asparagus salad.
Hitting a Home Run
Continuing the casual route, a friend and I hit the newest Home Run Inn Pizza ( 3215 N. Sheffield Ave.; HomeRunInnPizza.com ).
Although Home Run Inn ( HRI ) has several restaurants in the Chicagoland area, I'd never entered one. It's a safe bet that I'll return.
The decor isn't necessarily special; there's a bar in the center, and there are a few large TV screens devoted to sports. However, the menu and food surpassed expectations.
First up, though: Don't expect a list of nutritious ( albeit delicious ) itemsafter all, this is a pizzeria. That being stated, things started with two pieces of the signature cheesy garlic bread that were the size of whale kidneys. At this point, I knew the visit would be, um, fulfilling.
We did have salad thoughthe tasty HRI Caesar, which comes with dressing, garbanzo beans, parmesan, bacon and croutons. Then, we had personal eight-inch pizzas, including a lovely grilled artichoke, roasted garlic and spinach combo to which I added turkey sausage. ( Not all Home Run Inns serve the same items, so you may not necessarily get something you see online. ) Add to that a cupcake, and you have an instant ( and well-deserved ) food coma.
By the way, there are all sorts of pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches and other items there. Try ityou'll like it.
( FYI: This Home Run Inn offers delivery to Lake View, Wrigleyville, Boystown, Park West, West DePaul and parts of Roscoe Village. )