There are a lot of arguments in favor of going organic. It’s better for the environment. It’ more nutritious. It makes you feel morally superior(oh, c’mon, you know it’s true). But the one reason we never fully bought is that organic tastes better. Why? Call it our version of the Twinkie Defense. Yeah, Twinkies may have scary-sounding ingredients, but would this junkiest of junk foods be the same without them? We put a few other temptation to a side-by-side taste test to see which wins out.
Who’s got the better … pizza?
Organic: 10-inch Pepperonata flatbread (tomato sauce, pepperoni, heirloom yellow and red peppers, Kalona Creamery mozzarella and provolone) at Crust (2056-58 W. Division St. 773-235-5511); $13.14
Non-organic: 9-inch pepperoni pizza with grilled red peppers and fresh mozzarella at Pizza Metro (1707 W. Division St. 773-278-1753); $13.71
The ingredients on our flatbread from Wicker Park organic spot Crust were superior in every way, from the pepperoni (bigger and spicier) to the cheese (creamier and richer). The fresh herbs sprinkled on top sealed the deal. Ironically, the crust was the only area where Crust didn’t have a clear advantage. The chewier, softer flatbread couldn’t outshine the crisp, almost pastry-like crust at Pizza Metro.
Advantage: Organic. Crust’s commitment to fresh seasonal and local ingredients puts the flavors in another league.
Who’s got the better …
vanilla ice cream?
Organic: Traders Point Creamery from The Goddess and Grocer (1646 N. Damen Ave. 773-342-3200); $6.50/pint
Non-organic: Breyers All Natural from Dominick’s (6009 N. Broadway); $2.70/pint
A herd of grass-fed cows in Indiana recently let us in on a pint-sized secret: Natural is better. Indiana artisan dairy Traders Point churns out creamy, smooth, hormone-free ice cream. The only drawback? Price. The organic stuff’s more than double the price of our grocery-store standby. Still, if you’re going to indulge, we say go all the way. Find pints of vanilla, chocolate and raspberry at Drew’s Eatery (2207 W. Montrose Ave.) and Provenance Food and Wine (2528 N. California Ave.), in addition to The Goddess and Grocer. Expect more flavors this summer.
Advantage: Organic, hooves down.
Who’s got the better …
hot dog?
Organic: Welles Park Dog from Drew’s Eatery (2207 W. Montrose Ave. 773-463-7397); $5.49 with chips
Non-organic: Chicago-style dog from Chubby Wieners (4652 N. Western Ave. 773-769-1394); $3.35 with fries.
Chicago’s dining scene may have its haute Mexican cuisine, molecular gastronomy and world-class French restaurants, but it can’t shake its reputation as home to the humble (and delicious) Chicago-style hot dog. Drew’s take on this classic — an organic Applegate Farms dog, tomato, cucumber, pickle spear and seasoning on a wheat or white bun — is tasty, but we’re still suckers for the 7-inch Vienna Beef dog dressed up Chicago-style at Chubby Wieners.
Advantage: Non-organic. Without glowing green relish, it’s just not a Chicago dog.
Who’s got the better … mini-lemon meringue tart?
Organic: 5-inch tart from Bleeding Heart Bakery (1955 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-6934); $6
Non-organic: 2.5-inch tart from Bittersweet (1114 W. Belmont Ave. 773-929-1100); $3.25
A lemon meringue tart hits you like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Make it through that sticky meringue, and the tangy lemon curd enlivens your tongue and soul. While Bleeding Heart’s version certainly lifted our spirit, Bittersweet’s bigger, brighter, tangier flavor put us in the stratosphere. Plus, Bittersweet’s sturdier take on classic pate sucre crust is picnic perfect. Bleeding Heart’s advantage: Its shareable version was nearly double the size (though not quite double the price).
Advantage: Non-organic. Bittersweet’s fresh, natural lemons may not be certified organic, but they still got zing.
