Quirky with a side of pad thai: Cozy Noodle and Rice

At times Wrigleyville is uninspiring, frustrating, limiting. But at others, it’s un-worldly, unapologetic, unbelievable. Despite the feverishly inebriated crowd that gathers outside my, and many others’, doors in the streets surrounding Wrigley field, I maintain my semblance of optimism as I experience the sheer electricity and possibility this city offers. There are a few local treasures that warm my slowly beating heart and my ever-expanding belly (not pregnant, just hungry), and one is Cozy Noodles and Rice. Just before the right field corner of Wrigley Field, where Addison and Sheffield collide, lays a quirky, small facade with an eclectic, inviting sign, welcoming you into a Thai heaven. Sensory overload doesn’t begin to describe the decor and atmosphere Cozy’s is providing. I frequent this place too often and I always find something new. Each table is made out of old Singer sewing machines, shellacked with cement, topped with broken tiles, stones, or photographs, then covered in glass, finished off with comfy chairs. The collection of novelty items, light fixtures, puppets and paintings will keep you busy as you take in the delicious scents and await your appetizing dish.

I’m a sucker for a deal. You won’t see me mall or department store shopping. And as much as I love spending my hard-earned money on a fancy meal, I relish the opportunity to find high-quality food at a low prize. Cozy’s is by far the best bang for your buck I’ve experienced here in the very expensive city that is Chicago. Not only do I receive buy-one-get-one-free coupons from my grocery store, but their lunch deal continues to blow my mind and spare my wallet. For $4.99 you choose between 7 hearty, tasty noodle dishes with your choice of appetizer. What?! Seriously.

It should be noted that Cozy’s is BYOB; so grab some wine or beer, your coups, and join your friends for a super inexpensive and beyond satisfying meal in a comfortable, friendly, bizarre environment. Cozy’s is family run, often their adorable son is hanging out amidst the lunch chaos. Every server, male or female, is adorable, affable, and so efficient. My meal has never been wrong, cold, bad, or late. I love this place.

As far as what to eat I’d say try anything. I’ve had so many noodle and rice dishes there that I cannot simply recommend one, but instead I’ll recommend all. I love their veggie fried rice, pad Thai, crazy noodles, chicken soup ($1.99 for a big bowl with an app!), dumpling noodles, and any of their curries are top-notch, just to name a few. The table comes stocked with Sriracha, soy sauce, chili peppers, jalapeno, and frequently refilled iced water. Be sure to visit the bathroom, as they're a visual joy along with the tables, walls, floors and food.

I love supporting local efforts, family run businesses, and seeing the blood, sweat, tears and passion in their faces as they serve customers with a smile. I cannot think of a better way to spend money. It’s the ultimate win-win. The great people behind Cozy’s deserve every dollar and every bit of success they’ve acquired. I’ll be a loyal consumer for as long as I live in Chicago.

Twirl that fork. Slurp those noodles. Eat your baby-corn with chop sticks. Enjoy.

Sandwiches, Salads, Soups and Soul at Panes Bread Cafe

Ahhh, bread. So simple, yet to vital. And so easy to f*ck up. There’s some colossally shitty bread out there. You know who you are. And if your idea of good bread is of the Wonder variety then you may as well move on and read the Wal Mart blog for food recommendations. This isn’t about bread though, this is also about sandwiches. Bread is very obviously the essential component in a sandwich, without it, it’d be like a hug with no arms. Apologies to my amputee friends out there. Panes bread cafe is a little Chicago gem run by a group of feisty European women. Clearly, I love them. We have the same cynicism for lesser food and the same enthusiasm for real quality food and simple ingredients. A great sandwich should not be hard to come by, but in many ways it is. Panes is attempting to make that craving for a mind-blowing sandwich an attainable reality by providing Lakeview customers with the best of the best at a great price.

Located on the 3000 block of Sheffield Ave, just south of Belmont, Panes has a small, modest sign out front, and an almost equally small operation inside. This only adds to its charm as inside is brightly painted in a beautiful Tuscan yellow, with industrial beams painted in a complimentary rustic red. It maybe sits 30 people, mostly those finding time on their lunch hour to scarf down something that will brighten their day, and their pallet. Upon approaching the counter you see a slew of freshly made breads, spanning from Spain, France, Italy and Greece inspired and cornering even the banana market. The menu is on the wall to the right and beyond selling bread, they serve appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, and of course, sandwiches.

I first had the privilege of a Panes experience about 6 months ago, when a great friend who has now left Chicago ordered it for our co-workers at my 2nd job. For $5.95 I got a large sandwich with grilled portabella mushrooms, homemade pesto, tomato, fresh mozzarella on tomato bread. It also came with a side of chips. I was so amazed the bread was not soggy in the least, despite the 1.5 mile delivery length and 30-40 minute wait. It was delicious, plain and simple. I could not wait to order again. When I did, I ordered their roast beef, which is home cooked and sliced, served with avocado, spicy mayo, grilled onions and monterey jack. Oh man, so good!

Just recently I went to Panes in person. It’s even better because you can pick up fresh bread and peruse their selection of hand-crafted desserts. I’m a whore for sweets so naturally I took home one of their “monster cookies.” I’m salivating just thinking of this. It’s a large cookie, as you probably imagined, made of peanut butter, oats, M&M’s and chocolate chips. It’s fricken fantastic. This trip I picked up a Sunny California and Super Panes sandwich and we enjoyed every finger licking bite. Not a bad item in this place, just no nonsense women giving you their best. They’re my heros.

If I’m slumming and forced to be in suburban America I’ll settle for a Quizno’s or Firehouse sub, but if I’m in Chicago and I’m fortunate to have such incredible options, I’ll ride out of my way or have Panes delivered. Every. Single. Time.

They don't even have a website, so here's a link to their menu.

Raise your expectations. And standards. Quality of life is important. Especially with food. Enjoy.