Beignets: Of course, Louisiana has a state doughnut: It’s the beignet. Deep-fried square pillows of dough are powder bombed with confectioner’s sugar, an ideal a.m. accompaniment for cafe au lait. In New Orleans, the best known version not from obligatory Cafe du Monde could be found at Morning Call, the beloved French Quarter coffee stand dating to 1870 (it’s since moved to nearby Jefferson Parish). One thousand miles away, in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, stands Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe, where owner Jimmy Kang pairs his dual love of New York-style pizza and New Orleans-style beignets. Kang said he takes his beignet cues from Morning Call, where he found lighter and fluffier beignets than those served at Cafe du Monde. Kang tows the traditionalist line — no jams, sauces or sacrilegious stuffing, just pockets of airy golden fried dough and enough powdered sugar to spike your glucose levels to code red. Pro tip: Don’t wear dark clothing while consuming. An order of three beignets for $3.50. 5159 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-293-6992.
