Posts Tagged with southport grocery

Southport Grocery caters?

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

A lot of folks know us for our brunch menu or our cupcakes or the grocery. Something we may get skipped over for though is our catering. Thats right, the same place that allows and even endorses cupcake batter poured on the griddle and combines brisket and breakfast, caters.

There is a handful of places that just copy and paste the restaurant menu and stick the food in metal tubs and let you deal with doing something with the contents. We at Southport Grocery know what it’s like to get those ‘tubs.’ We make most of what is on our menu in the cafe, but also some handmade tarts, crostini, even the ever delicious poached shrimp wonton. Just like in the cafe, we seek out and find the best produce and products we can to make your event special. Make it even more special, and maybe fool the party goers, by bringing in your own platters. Have a pretty floral plate grandma gave you and you’d like to show that you still use it? Bring it in and we’ll fill it full of tasty food.

Have a party coming up and want something more interesting than a pile of over steamed beef? Keep the beef, but bring in flavor with mini sandwiches. Want something a bit more classy than what you had at your high school graduation? Wow your party goers with a bakery tray full of awesome, or a stack of a bunch of flavorful finger food. Have an idea for something already? We can work with you to find the right flavors and type of food that will fit. Only having a handful of people over, but too busy to cook? We can work with your party no matter how big or small.

Make another day unique and have your guests experience exceptional food with our catering at your next gathering, just give us a call or stop by!

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Catering from Southport Grocery, a reminder

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Something you may not know about your favorite breakfast (or lunch) place, we cater! Thats right, we have a catering menu for inspiration or you can always talk to our chef and get something made just the way you want. Some of our favorites? We love the poached shrimp salad on wonton, or the a cheese platter with domestic artisanal cheeses, or the brown onion, roasted chicken & tomoato tart, or the… well you get the idea. But don’t let these squander your creativity, we can make nearly anything, just ask!

We can provide disposable platters, but encourage dropping off your own platters. We think this adds a personal touch, something of your style with our treats on top. We’ll wrap up your oder in the platters and tie a big bow for a perfect presentation.

Have a big meeting or your business is having a lunch with clients? We do box lunches as well. Have one of those early morning meetings and want to reward your steadfast employees? We’ve got breakfast boxes too, coffee cake and yogurt or granola and scone. Get boxes of your favorite Southport Grocery sandwiches, like the Trukey, Roast Beef, or Vege – all come with a bag of chips and a treat! Want to make up your own boxes? That is great too!

We can also provide drinks including boxed water, Izzies, coffee, even chocolate milk; depending on your clients.

Our catering menu is just an outline to your party or meeting, if you are looking for something in particular don’t hesitate to ask!

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Southport Grocery Cupcakes delivered to your door!

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Know an ex-Chicagoan who’s got a birthday coming up? How about an far flung friend in need of cupcakes? Ship them a dozen of our famous cupcakes! That is right we ship our cupcakes to those who need their cupcake fix. Available in all vanilla, all chocolate, or half of each – they are sure to brighten up anyone’s day when a box of our cupcakes arrives at their doorstep. Let them sit for a bit (to defrost) and they will be just as good if they had walked in the store that day!

Our cupcakes are tasty and fluffy – to die for. Read more about the cupcakes and see what others are saying on our cupcake page.

The cupcakes are made the day before they are shipped, frozen for shipping, packed in a special cupcake box to make sure they arrive in perfect order, and shipped overnight to their destination. The receivers not up to scarfing down a full dozen cupcakes? They can be kept frozen for up to two weeks. To enjoy, all they need is to sit for a few hours and thaw to perfection.

Any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a ring at 773-665-0100.

Posted in The Cupcake | No Comments »

Our Blog Refurb

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

We wanted to bring what we knew about food and the things we love to our Southport friends. So, we’re expanding our blog with lots more stuff; bursting full of ideas and info like:

on our shelves – great new products and tried and true favorites
helpful ideas – from recipes to dinner ideas
on the road – interesting tales of road fare
goings on – upcoming events in and around

Of course we’ll be still be bringing you our new menu items in detail in the future. There will be more of everything, and we’ll make ourselves more accessible and answer your questions answer faster than before. Looking for something? Search our tags. Doesn’t have a write up, let us know – we’ll get one cooking.

We aren’t diverting our attention from out famous cupcakes, fantastic food, and great service – that will never change. The Southport Grocery staff wanted to share what we wanted to know with our fellow foodies. Fresh food from local businesses are our favorite – Chicago and Milwaukee goodies bring a smile to our face. There will be more to read with flushed out articles about each topic – more details, more pictures, and more adjectives.

Did we miss your favorite spot in a city we visited? Had a taste of something new? Know a good substitute for an ingredient? Leave a comment! We want to hear from you. We want the blog to connect with you as a lover of food, of all things tasty and cute. So don’t skip on the hot tips if you have them, we’d love to know!

Check out the new look and stay up-to-date, there is always something new or happening.

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Metromix – Review

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

This is one grocery store where it’s OK to eat the food. This cute spot has a cafe in addition to a store, which allows customers to relax and eat before shopping (Mom always said not to grocery shop on an empty stomach!). The brown and blue cafe is trendy but comfortable with a menu of light, healthy eats.

Starters include ginger carrot bisque and baby spinach with pears, parmesan and cider vinaigrette. For lunch or dinner, we like the roasted thyme chicken with marscapone mashed potatoes. There’s also a great grilled brie on ciabatta with garlic-braised tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Desserts don’t disappoint, especially the banana ravioli with vanilla custard sauce.

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As See on: Check Please!

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

Restaurant
Southport Grocery

Type of Cuisine
Modern Comfort

Food Address
3552 N. Southport, Chicago

Phone
(773) 665-0100

Hours
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for breakfast and lunch only on Saturday and Sunday.

Average Dinner Tab
$12 per person without drinks

Reservations
Reservations are not accepted.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted.

What our reviewers said:

Nick recommends it for mimosas all day long, and says the décor is so cute.
Robert liked the concept and thought it was a great bang for the buck.
Jill said she’s looking forward to going back to try the cupcakes.

Recipes
Vanilla Vinaigrette

Posted in What Others are Saying | 1 Comment »

ABC Channel 7 – Hungry Hound: Halloween

Friday, October 27th, 2006

Sweet treats for adults this Halloween

Friday, October 27, 2006 | 5:57 PM
By Steve Dolinsky
October 27, 2006 (WLS) — ABC7′s Hungry Hound spans the globe in his search for sweets– from American cupcakes to Australian donuts and scones.

Why should the kids get to hoard the sweets over Halloween? Adults not only have sweet tooths, they’re often somewhat more refined. Two brand-new bakeries offer everything from home-spun cupcakes to the best scones in town.

Who doesn’t love a cupcake every now and then? They certainly put a smile on people’s faces, and that’s the mantra at the brand new Swirlz Cupcakes in Lincoln Park.

“I think people come in and they’re very pre-disposed, but they’re open to try new things; and we’ve done a lot of sampling,” said Margot Chapman, Swirlz Cupcakes.

Ten flavors are on hand everyday; five of which stay the same, including chocolate, vanilla and red velvet. Everything is baked and frosted in-house; there’s also one flavor each day that’s gluten-free – that means no wheat, oats or barley – and an additional sugar-free option. Chapman says despite the popular flavors, customers still want to try something new.

“So people come in and they’ll say ‘I really want red velvet, it’s very nostalgic from my childhood, but I’m gonna try the pumpkin.’”

Over in Humboldt Park, there are several flavors from “down under” at the brand-new Tipsycake on North California, where a custom cake designer is expanding her modest operation.

“We’ve been making custom cakes and pastries for about a year-and-a-half; now we have a small retail storefront, which we’re encouraging people to come in and place orders,” said Naomi Stepanek, Tipsycake.

Original birthday, baby shower and other special-occasion cakes are always on hand, but check out the tiny, focused retail counter up front: brownies, cupcakes and rugelach are worth picking up, including some of Stepanek’s favorites from back home.

“We have lemingtons, which are the Aussie’s equivalent of a doughnut.”

Sponge cake is layered with raspberry preserves…rolled in tons of coconut. For an early-morning treat, do not miss the fantastic scones. They come with the requisite fruit preserves and clotted cream, and Stepanek says they are one-of-a-kind.

“Because they’re made by an Australian, that’s the one recipe that I stick to, and only I know the recipe because it’s all about the texture, and what you put in it and how you make it.”

Two other alternatives for excellent baked goods: the cupcakes at Southport Grocery are out of this world and just about anything from Bittersweet Bakery in Lakeview.

Swirlz Cupcakes
705 W. Belden Ave.
773-404-2253

Tipsycake
1043 N. California Ave.
773-580-8113

Southport Grocery
3552 N. Southport Ave.
773-665-0100

Bittersweet
1114 W. Belmont Ave.
773-929-1100

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Daily Candy – Small Stuff We Love

Friday, August 11th, 2006

Cut Down to Size

Small Stuff We Love
August 11, 2006

Big news, kids. There’s actually a lot more than the devil in the details.

To wit: some small stuff that we’re sweating big time this summer.

Little Thing #1: Curbside Service at Kiehl’s. There’s no parking on Armitage and you’re fresh out of face wash. What’s a girl to do? Call ahead and give them your credit card number. They’ll ring you up and run the goods out to your car (907 West Armitage Avenue, at Fremont Street; 773-665-2515).

Little Thing #2: Sprinkle Vials at Southport Grocery. Take your pick of sprinkles (solids, shapes, or rainbow) at the cash register and decorate your cupcake how you want, when you want (3552 North Southport Avenue, between Addison Street and Cornelia Avenue; 773-665-0100).

Little Thing #3: Bangle Bags from She-Knits. Just the right size for cell phone, keys, lipgloss, and poop bags — for when you have to walk the dog (Mint Boutique, 2150 North Seminary Avenue, at Webster Avenue; 773-322-2944).

Little Thing #4: BugBam Wristbands. Waterproof, sweatproof, and all-natural bug repellent in the shape of a “cause” bracelet. Because doing away with mosquitos is one cause we can certainly get behind.

Little Thing #5: Twiddledee Jewelry. Earrings and necklaces made from vintage beads and glass in sweet little combos that include owls and crocheted baubles (Hanger 18, 4726 North Lincoln Avenue, at Leland Avenue; 773-275-3349).

And since none of these things will set you back as much as a big-ticket item, your bank account will thank you.

And that’s no small change.

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Chicago Tribune – At Play, March 2006

Thursday, March 9th, 2006

DINING

This time, it’s personal
Readers spoke, Phil listened–and ate lots more flapjacks

By Phil Vettel
Tribune restaurant critic
Published March 9, 2006

Back in January, I wrote a story evaluating some of Chicago’s top pancake chains, from Walker Brothers to Lumes Pancake House.

I wasn’t surprised that a few of you wrote in to suggest a few places I had overlooked.

“You totally missed [fill in the blank],” went a typical e-mail. “Their pancakes are perfect.”

“You must try [another restaurant],” went another. “It has the best pancakes around here.”

I figure anybody who takes the time to read my stuff must have something on the ball. So, based on the most glowing testimonials, I set out once again. As in the original story, I focused on multi-unit restaurants–though one reader’s impassioned e-mail moved me to add one independent to the mix.

Remember: These are the places you recommended.

(And please feel free to write in with more of your favorites. Just understand that I’m a little pancaked-out for the foreseeable future.)

Egg Harbor Cafe

Location visited: Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard; 630-792-0724

Other locations: 11 others in the Chicago suburbs; www.eggharborcafe.com

Comments: There are only two pancakes on the menu of this 20-year-old suburban chain (not counting the Swedish pancakes, a different animal). The Signature pancakes are made with a whole-wheat batter, though they don’t have an appreciably different texture than that of regular pancakes. The same batter goes into the blueberry pancakes. Both are decent enough, but no great shakes; I much preferred the excellent French toast that my son ordered on one visit.

Flapjack rating: Two spatulas

Kingsberry Waffle House & Restaurant

Location visited: 3345 Vollmer Rd., Flossmoor; 708-922-1799

Other locations: Mokena, Oak Forest

Comments: This family-run breakfast-lunch spot looks like a house of Pancake Worship because its vaulted ceilings and sun windows bathe the restaurant in light. Wall murals depict naive-style pioneer scenes, including one in which a woman carries a plate of impossibly large pancakes. At least they seemed impossibly large until my order arrived. Big, airy buttermilk pancakes cover the whole plate, and come with whipped butter and warm syrup in ceramic pitchers. The complimentary fruit is a friendly touch.

Flapjack rating: Three spatulas

Cracker Barrel

Location visited: 1855 W. Diehl Rd., Naperville; 630-778-6699

Other locations: Hundreds, in 41 states; www.crackerbarrel.com

Comments: The readers who said I missed out on this one were so right. Amidst down-home (some might say corny) country atmosphere sit some of the fluffiest, golden-brown pancakes around. And they’re served with warmed, 1.7-ounce bottles of pure maple syrup (sugar-free syrup available). Toppings include apples, blackberries and peaches; I especially liked the wild-Maine blueberry pancakes (with blueberry syrup) and the pecan pancakes. The syrup and the pancake mix are available for purchase in the attached Old Country store.

Flapjack rating: Four spatulas

Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Location visited: 1783 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-247-7777

Other locations: Algonquin restaurant opening in summer; www.nextleveldining.com

Comments: Owned by the same company that owns Seasons of Long Grove and Dunhills in McHenry, Wildberry has space for 220 diners in a warm and wood-trimmed interior divided into four distinct areas. Owner George Archos says his people worked for a year perfecting their buttermilk-based pancake batter, which is a little thinner than some of the fluffiest flapjacks but has a wonderful, almost malty flavor. The cranberry-pecan pancakes are really good, the cranberries’ tartness offsetting the sweet pancakes perfectly. There’s a coffee kiosk by the front door, handy for grab-and-run weekday commuters and weekenders waiting for an available table.

Flapjack rating: Four spatulas

Southport Grocery & Cafe

Location visited: 3552 N. Southport Ave., 773-665-0100

Other locations: None; www.southportgrocery.com

Comments: This cute-as-a-button shop combines a comfort-food cafe and a grocery store of upscale foodie items, not to mention carryout and catering services (some devotees stop in for the cupcakes alone). Chef/owner Lisa Santos also makes sinful, bread-pudding pancakes (the batter has pieces of bread in it) topped with homemade cinnamon-sugar butter and vanilla custard sauce; and buttermilk pancakes studded with her homemade cornflakes, stuffed with vanilla-roasted walnuts and topped with wild-berry yogurt. The bread-pudding pancakes are a pure sugar rush; you need to order a side of bacon just to balance things out. The buttermilk ‘cakes are less sugary and more textural. Organic maple syrup from Wisconsin tops ‘em both off.

Flapjack rating: Five spatulas

———-

pvettel@tribune.com

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Girlawhirl – Southport Avenue Shopping

Monday, December 12th, 2005

Favorite Chicago shopping street: Southport Avenue
Dec 12, 2005

As far as Girlawhirl is concerned, Chicago is totally her kind of town. She loves the laid back vibe, the cool neighborhoods, and the fact that while it’s one of the biggest cities in the country, it’s also one of the easiest to get around. You can always find what you’re looking for and get back to your hotel in time to change and go out for a fabulous dinner. And Southport Ave is one of the best streets for shopping, strolling, and checking out the scene…One of the best parts of shopping on Southport is that men can shop there too! Jake is located at the top of the block with half of the store dedicated to the fellas. Then there’s Shane, and even Kuhlman for more tailored looks. All have a great assortment of clothes and accessories for men and women.

When she’s with the Super Pals, Girlawhirl opts for a leisurely lunch at the Southport Grocery and Café enjoying the scene, if the weather cooperates, from the sidewalk seating. The cupcakes baked here are divine, so save room for one, or take a few to go, along with an incredible oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Then the girls move on to Trousseau for the best of the best in lingerie and Dilani for sleep shoes and bags.

Body Chemistri is always fun, because what girl doesn’t want to create her own perfume? And there are other aromatherapy items there, like a great smelling pillow that can be heated in the microwave for extra soothing benefits.

For the house, Southport Blooms has gorgeous flowers, Splendor keeps it chic, and Fourth World Artisans adds an exotic flare. And Fly Paper keeps it fresh with great stationary, games, magnets and other goodies.

Southport Avenue is one of Girlawhirl’s favorite places to be!

Go Do It!

Anthony’s Italian Ice · 3442 N Southport · 773 733 3012
Australian Chocolates · 3425 N Southport · 773 281 3830 · www.australianhomemade.us
Body Chemistri · 3451 N Southport · 773 296 4999 · www.bodychemistri.com
Beansprout · 3732 N Southport · 773 472 4780 · info@beansproutkids.com
Dilani Shoes · 3440 N Southport · 773 598 1503
Flirt · 3449 N Southport · 773 935 4789 · www.shopflirt.com
Fourth World Artisans · 3727 N Southport · 773 404 5200 · www.fourthworldartisans.com
Fly Paper · 3402 N Southport · 773 296 4359
Jake · 3470 N Southport · 773 929 5253 · www.shopjake.com
Kuhlman · 3724 N Southport · 773 472 6332 · www.kuhlmancompany.com
Red Head Boutique · 3450 N Southport · 773 325 9898 · www.redheadboutique.com
Shane · 3657 N Southport · 773 549 0179
Southport Blooms · 3709 N Southport · 773 472 2280
Southport Blooms · 3709 N Southport · 773 472 2280
Southport Grocery · 3552 N Southport · 773 665 0100 · www.southportgrocery.com
Splendor · 3717 N Southport · 773 244 2444 · www.splendorboutique.com
Trousseau · 3543 N Southport · 773 472 2727

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