Husband and wife Tom Carlin (Galit) and Rachel Canfora-Carlin (Hogsalt) opened Burl in January in Evanston (2545 Prairie Ave.), and it has already become a town staple. Here’s what to order
Country ham and butter
The housemade bread service, consisting of fluffy pitas and airy focaccia, comes with a number of possible accompaniments. Opt for this one. Slather the bread with the rich butter, then drape the thick, salty ribbons of ham on top. It makes for an ideal bite.
Lamborghini Tractor
Burl’s cocktail program is small but mighty. This combination of reposado tequila, mezcal, and Amaro Nonino is a slow sipper that pairs well with the rich flavors on the menu.
Crispy Salad
Carlin knows how to treat vegetables. The mix in this salad evolves with the season, but the topping of “crispy bits” is a constant. Those bits consist of the best-ever everything bagel seasoning, which is paired with a creamy sunflower dressing.
Lamb chop
While the prep on the chop is always changing, the sourcing of the meat does not: Carlin gets it from Catalpa Grove Farm in Ohio. The thick, juicy chop is served almost like a porterhouse steak. Put your order in early: Burl sometimes runs out.
Anthony Todd is a freelance writer for Chicago magazine.