Summer’s fleeting, and we all know what that means — no more worrying about bikini bods or washboard abs. Break out the bulky sweaters, throw dietary caution to the wind, and let the belly rolls roll with 10, too-good-to-resist decadent dishes.
1. Bottomless mac and cheese
Go carb crazy with this comfort-food deal at Risque Cafe (3419 N. Clark St. 773-525-7711). The $6 all-you-can-eat dish features ample mild cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Top it off with your choice of pulled meat ($2 additional) or vegetables. Then, have another round. And another!
When: 4-11 p.m. Wednesdays
Blubber cover: XL sweatshirt
2. S’mores pizza
The campfire classic meets pizza dough at Ian’s Pizza by the Slice (3463 N. Clark St. 773-525-4580) with this uber-sweet dessert/pizza. And it’s a cavity-maker: homemade crust topped with marshmallow fluff, graham crackers, chocolate chunks and mini-marshmallows, all baked to gooey perfection. Available in 12-inch ($14) or 20-inch ($28) sizes.
When: By special order; 24-hour advanced notice required.
Blubber cover: Fleece pullover
3. Martha’s Special Occasion Carrot Cake
If no ordinary slice of carrot cake will do, sock it to your belly with this fist-sized hunk of pastry at Hub 51 (51 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0051). The mammoth three-layer wedge ($7) — named for owners R.J. and Jerrod Melman’s mom — is served with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra scoop of cream cheese frosting, just in case the cake itself wasn’t sinful enough.
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Cardigan
4. All-you-can-eat bacon
If the thought of endless amounts of bacon doesn’t make your stomach turn, head to Chinaski’s (1935 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-2353) and scarf down all the deep-fried sizzlin’ strips your heart can handle — for free!
When: 6-10 p.m. Mondays
Blubber cover: Heavy-duty slicker
5. Thanksgiving Day Sandwich
Can’t wait till November to gorge on Thanksgiving leftovers? Do it today at Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway 773-506-3100). This heaping doozy is stacked high with roasted turkey, homemade herb stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo ($8.95), and it’s served with green bean casserole.
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Bathrobe (assuming you’ll want a nap after this meal)
6. Biscuits and gravy
OK, this dynamic duo has zero nutritional value. We know it. You know it. But gosh darn, it’s good. Washington Park newbie Ms. Biscuit (5431 S. Wabash Ave. 773-268-8088) hits it out of the park with its $4 version of the Southern classic: two baseball-sized, buttery biscuit-rolls topped with thick homemade sausage gravy.
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Old college hoodie
7. Chicken ‘n’ waffles
Calories be damned. The fried Southern-style entrees at Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles (3947 S. King Drive 773-536-3300) are too tempting to ignore. Heavyweights can order up the biggest thing on the menu: a half chicken and two waffles, smothered in gravy with onions ($14.30).
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Poncho
8. Kuma’s Burger
Forget mini-burgers. With this $10 whopper (no pun intended), Kuma’s Corner (2900 W. Belmont Ave. 773-604-8769) gives diners the green light to gorge. The 10-ounce hunk of fresh ground beef is topped with cheddar, bacon — and a fried egg, all sandwiched between a pretzel roll with your choice of fries or chips.
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Big ol’ parka
9. Cheesy Sundays
Say, “cheese please!” for this decadent weekly freebie at Taste Food & Wine (1506 W. Jarvis Ave. 773-761-3663.). The Rogers Park wine shop serves up a spread of complimentary picks every Sunday, ranging from brie and blue to cheddar and manchego.
When: 11 a.m. Sundays
Blubber cover: Light jacket
10. BLT cupcake
A BLT cupcake? Believe it. At new Gold Coast bakery More (1 E. Delaware Place 312-951-0001), the choices don’t stop at chocolate. This bacon cupcake, topped with ranch frosting, heirloom tomato and microgreens ($4.25), gets our nod for lunch. Oh, and we’ll take the salted caramel-filled buttercake cupcake ($3.95) for dessert. Call in your order before More officially opens Sept. 12.
When: Daily
Blubber cover: Puffy coat
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metromix@tribune.com
