Beignets at Azul 18

Pilsen may not be the first Chicago neighborhood that comes to mind when you think of beignets, the deep-fried puff pastries that originated in France and have since become synonymous with New Orleans. Yet you’ll find some of the best in the city at Pilsen cafe Azul 18, where they are battered, fried and puffed to crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside perfection. Owner Jose Cruz recommends starting your meal with a warm batch of these made-from-scratch beignets ($5.60), plated with Nutella and raspberry jam dipping sauces. The dish is designed to come out of the kitchen quickly — fry and go — so you can dig in while cooks labor over your main course.

1236 W. 18th St., 312-285-2964, www.azul18chicago.com

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