Make me a Grahamwich

As some of you know, Dan and I are super smart and rented a condo unit just a quick 10-minute walk from both of our downtown Chicago offices. When we bought Benson in April of 2009, we started to swap turns heading home over lunch to let him out. Almost two years later, when Benson is fully potty-trained and can probably hold his bladder for 8+ hours, we still go home. Today was my last day walking Benson over my work lunch-hour. Sad!

Anyway, a co-worker and I were contemplating what to get for lunch as we passed by Grahamwich, a trendy upscale deli by the mastermind Graham Elliot. My husband Dan and I have been meaning to stop in here since it opened in the fall ... and no excuses really, as it's literally around the corner from us.

Let me just say, I have heard buzz about this place since it opened, and it still well-exceeded my expectations. I ordered the beef shortrib sandwich aka a pile of goodness - and well worth the $10.00. The talented staff starts with a pretzel roll and carves out the inside. Then place on top tender chunks of shortrib, baby watercress, pickled shallots and shoestring potatoes and wallah! One of the most amazing sandwiches I have ever eaten. Actually...maybe THE best sandwich I have ever eaten. Oh, except for Dan's spectacular PB+J.

My co-worker ordered the grilled cheese - a combination of wisconsin cheddar, prosciutto, tomato marmalade and cheese curds - YES, cheese curds! Lucky for us they were slow on her order and they gave us a free bag of g'wich chips so we wouldn't go back to the office and write a bad review: homemade chips with fresh herbs, bacon bits, cheddar cheese and ranch powder. Um...yum!

If you live in Chicago, I highly recommend making a trip here over your lunch hour, or to beat the long lines, try dinner. If you are visiting, it's near Michigan Avenue so I would definitely make this a destination! One important note: bring cash! They don't accept credit cards yet (lame).

http://www.grahamwich.com/