In honor of the Chicago Marathon, we’re taking a look back at some of the carbiest carbs we’ve consumed this year. From a giant bowl of ramen to a loaf of pasta, there’s no question that these nine dishes will exceed your daily (maybe even weekly) recommended carbohydrate intake. Proceed with caution and an empty stomach.
Carbelicious ($15) at Green Street Local
130 S. Green St. 312-226-6565
The proof is in the name, and this dish delivers carbo-loaded goodness via a loaf-shaped serving of baked angel hair pasta dripping with mozzarella-Parmesan sauce and served in a bed of marinara. We recommend wearing your finest stretchy pants.
Cacio e pepe ($12) at Bar Marta
2700 W. Chicago Ave. 773-697-4489
Housemade spaghetti topped with pecorino cheese and black pepper sounds simple enough, but this comforting dish is perfectly executed. Did we mention you can add fresh-shaved truffles? Because you can and you should.
Craziest bread with warm marinara ($14) at Parlor Pizza Bar
108 N. Green St. 312-600-6090 and 1824 W. Division St. 872-315-3005
This show-stopping shareable appetizer starts with an unassuming loaf of housemade beer bread. Toss in garlic, mozzarella, shallots, scallion cream, Parmesan, pepperoni, cherry peppers and sesame seeds, and you’ve got yourself a well-deserved food coma.
Sticky buns ($9) at G&O
459 N. Ogden Ave. 312-888-3367
What’s better than one sticky bun? A sizzling skillet of seven sticky buns smothered in cinnamon and gooey sea salt caramel and sprinkled with pecans. The shareable dish is available during brunch hours on Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Ramen Bowl Challenge ($30) at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
1482 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-270-4150
Take your carb intake to the next level with a friendly challenge at this Wicker Park ramen shop. Order a super-sized serving of Kizuki’s tonkotsu or yuzu shio ramen, which is about four times larger than the regular bowl (or 4 quarts of soupy goodness). Patrons who finish the bowl without assistance in less than 30 minutes don’t pay for the bowl, receive a T-shirt and get their photo on the wall of champions.
Kinmont burger ($13) at Kinmont
419 W. Superior St. 312-915-0011
We found burger bliss in a seafood restaurant with this bone marrow-spiked burger topped with housemade pickles, Dijonnaise and cheese stuffed inside a super-soft bun. We recommend pairing it with a beer (oh, look, another carb) for the full effect.
Crunchy French toast ($11.99) at Kanela Breakfast Club
To find a location near you, visit kanelabreakfastclub.com
Carbs on carbs on carbs is the name of the game at this popular brunch spot with locations throughout the city. Challah bread is rolled in crispy corn flakes and topped with fresh berries and creme anglaise.
Chicago-style hot dog bun ($5) at The Bakery at Fat Rice
2951 W. Diversey Ave. 773-661-9544
Are hot dogs a carb? We’re not concerned when it comes to this Portuguese-style sweet dough pastry stuffed with bits of hot dog, relish, celery salt, poppy seeds, tomatoes, onions and mustard. It’s sweet, savory and Chicago-approved.
Buckwheat pasta a la chitarra ($18-$30) at Honey’s
1111 W. Lake St. 312-877-5929
You’d be foolish to skip the pasta section at this West Loop newbie that earned a perfect 4-star review from RedEye critic Michael Nagrant. And this toothsome tangle of buckwheat pasta steals the show with thyme butter, chanterelle mushrooms, pecorino cheese and breadcrumbs. Go big or go home with the full portion.
@morgancolsen | mcolsen@redeyechicago.com
