So the one really fun thing about the fact that my husband and I both work in the city is that every once in a while, we can sneak away and grab a quick lunch date. We don’t often get out without the girls, which I know all of you fellow Mama’s and Papa’s out there get that. So, when we can get the chance to grab a bite to eat and have some adult conversation, we jump at the chance. One of the places that we like to sneak away to is called Revival Food Hall. I feel like I need to say this quietly as they are pretty much direct competition of a business that I am currently helping to manage in addition to catering now at work, so don’t tell! I just have to say, they are doing something right over there and they are always busy.
Revival Food Hall is an awesome concept and super fun and trendy. It is owned and operated by a Chicago Hospitality Collective called 16″ on Center. They have created an incredibly hip, trendy, fun open space filled with Chicago favorites. All of the restaurants that are inside are local Chicago favorites that are small, but known and have an awesome concept and homemade focus. There are 16 different concepts under one roof. That means you have 16 different chances to find something that you like. If you can’t find something you like out of 16 different choice, you never will, right! I have tried a few of the different concepts now, but I am so excited to keep eating my way through them all. I am obsessed with two of the concepts, really enjoyed one of the other concepts and thought another concept was good, but I have had better.
I am totally obsessed with the duck fat fries at Petite Bouchon. I mean, let’s be honest, what is not going to be absolutely delicious when it’s fried in duck fat. However, these were just so incredible. They are all short, misshapen fries, that you can tell are hand cut. They are wonderfully crispy and just ridiculously rich. They let you pick from about 5-6 dipping sauces and of course I chose a mayonnaise based sauce because why wouldn’t you add more fat to duck fat fries!!! Yet, the one I chose, I loved. It was a spicy mayo and it cut the richness perfectly. I enjoyed them so much, I wish I had them to eat every day!
My next obsession is Antique Taco. I have actually been wanting to go to the flagship, original Antique Taco forever. I have just never made it over there. SO, when I saw that there was an Antique Taco Chiquito inside of Revival Hall, I was like, yes… MUST TRY!!! So, I was reading over the menu as I was waiting in line and I could not leave without getting the creamed corn Elotes. I am an Elotes lover anyway, but what is this… creamed corn Elotes! WHAT!!! As I was looking at the menu though, I was trying to figure out what to do, because I was thinking well, I am not going to be able to eat two tacos AND creamed corn Elotes. There tacos come in two or three. So, I was all set to order my creamed corn Elotes, guacamole and chips and my usual Horchata. Then I got up to the front and saw a “Mom’s Taco”. What is this… “Mom’s Taco”? I read the description and it is a crunchy taco, with seasoned ground beef and black beans, topped with creme, cabbage, queso fresco and habanero powder. Turns out, they have a different crunchy taco special every Tuesday and you can get just 1 tacos for $3. It was meant to be, not only could I get just 1 taco, but that taco was just screaming at me to try it. I also saw the different agua fresca choices and I saw honeydew, I had to change from my usual horchata. I am now completely obsessed, I want creamed corn Elotes every time I think about corn or Elotes, I want that honeydew agua fresca every day in Summer… AND THAT TACO!! I mean seriously, habanero powder!! That was like “Mom’s Taco” to the nth degree.
I really enjoyed Danke sandwiches. I had the prosciutto sandwich and it was really good. The bread was homemade, the prosciutto was sliced paper thin and melted in my mouth. The Parmesan cheese was super sharp and cut well. I think what made it really good versus making me obsessed is that I have had other prosciutto sandwiches that were slightly better. I like fresh mozzarella on mine and the Parmesan was good, but I was missing the fresh mozzarella. Although, it was a delicious sandwich, there is no doubt about that.
Lastly, my husband had eaten at Smoque BBQ. Now, I have eaten at the flagship Smoque BBQ in Chicago before and I have always felt that it is just okay BBQ. The thing I like the most is the sauce and the meat quality, but the flavor on the meat to me is just okay and the sides are just okay, I felt the same about this location, but he really liked. SO, just goes to show, that everyone has different tastes and preferences.
I think that this is a wonderful concept and the new wave in quick service restaurants. I love that you have a place with all of these amazing Chicago restaurants all in one. I can definitely see this see more of these concepts popping up around town. Yet, Revival Food Hall, they have it down and they have so many amazing offerings. I am looking forward to eating my way through them all. Go in and check it out and share your favorite spot the me!!!
