Three local treats you must try this month.
Goat empanadas ($16) at Girl & the Goat
809 W. Randolph St. 312-492-6262
My friends had been pimping this place for half a year, telling me the months-in-advance reservation is totally worth it. They also told me the must-try menu item is the wood oven roasted pig face, which, while amazing, is not the dish occupying my daydreams. Get the goat empanadas and do not (I repeat: do not) share. The plum pico de gallo and avocado garnish are not just for show; they perfectly complement the goat, and you’ll want every last bite. —Lauren Chval, The Mash
Mushroom-hazelnut doner ($8) from DAS
2855 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-276-0270
My Sunday mornings begin the same way each week. I wake up with a raging, uncontrollable desire for a delicious German doner sandwich from DAS that makes my Logan Square farmers market experience complete. I call this feeling the doner boner, and after reading this, you too will have one. The Radler’s recently opened late-night kebab shop, located behind the upscale dining restaurant on Fullerton Avenue, pops up at the market each Sunday with bratwurst and doners, flatbread-wrapped sandwiches that are actually of Turkish origin but have become popular street food in Germany. My favorite is the mushroom-hazelnut with sliced crimini, minced shallot, garlic, parsley, lemon zest and juice and chopped hazelnuts topped with cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, lettuce, feta, harissa chili paste and tahini mayo in a wrap. Even better, you can build your own at the store. Hungry yet? —Heather Schroering
Rhubarb Smash ($12) at Bohemian House
11 W. Illinois St. 312-955-0439
Growing up, I was never a fan of rhubarb pie. I couldn’t understand why people enjoyed the celery-like, leafy stalks inside a sweet dessert. I came around to the flavor after I graduated from college, but it’s still not something I look out for on menus. But when I read the description of the Rhubarb Smash at this River North spot, I was intrigued. Tequila, aperol, mango syrup and rhubarb jam: sold. The bitter bite of aperol mixes perfectly with tangy tequila and sweet rhubarb and mango flavors. If this is what a summer send-off looks like, I’m not mad at all. —Morgan Olsen
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