Chicago - April 11, 2008

Which Came First?

DailyCandy Omelet Roundup

Some wouldn’t know a good omelet if it smacked them in the face. So we put all our eggs in one basket and hatched a roundup of our favorite scrambles in town.

Someone’s in the Kitchen with Ina
For service with a smile, head to Ina’s (1235 West Randolph Street, at Willard Court; 312-226-8227), where the lady dishes up specialties like Amy’s omelet, stuffed with local Amy’s chicken sausage, asparagus, and Brie. Spankin’ fresh fruit on the side and hearty whole grain bread keep it light.

It’s All Greek
For an eggstra (oh yes we did) special meal, try Greektown’s Meli Cafe & Juice Bar (301 South Halsted Street, at Jackson Boulevard; 312-454-0748). The gigantic menu is chockful of egg dishes like the spicy flamenco omelet (chorizo, avocado, jalapeño, onion, tomato, pepper jack) and an assortment of frittatas. Portions are huge — toast, jam, whipped honey butter, potatoes, and fruit come on the side. Wash it down with fresh-squeezed orange-carrot-honey juice.

Ain’t No Finer Diner
The Original Mitchell’s (1953 North Clybourn Avenue, at Racine Street; 773-883-1157) has no problem on the scrambling front. (Don’t let the strip mall scare you.) Feast on combos like the ranchero omelet with salsa, mozzarella, and beans or create your own. Served in a steamy skillet atop crispy hash browns, these guys are big enough to share.

Corner the Market
CornerStone Cafe (2753 North Western Avenue, at Elston Street; 773-235-1155) serves up fluffy eggs with sides to boot. We loved the fresh spinach and mushroom omelet, which comes with crispy hash browns and buttermilk pancakes. Plus, you get a whole pot of coffee so you don’t have to worry about asking for refills.

Now get crackin’.