By Summar Ghias
I had long been intrigued by the farm-to-table Logan Square tavern Longman & Eagle for its triple threat status as buzzed-about restaurant, bar and inn. After several failed attempts at eating a meal there (on account of their ‘no reservation’ policy and my frequently impatient stomach), I was finally able to give the place a try for brunch. It was my first time eating the down-South specialty known as “Chicken and Waffles” and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.
Longman and Eagle’s version of soul food is incredibly flavorful: the herb crusted fried chicken and fluffy waffles come with a yummy sweet potato hash (we got the no pork version). Combined with maple syrup, it’s a conveniently sweet but savory dish for the indecisive brunch-goer. We ate it all together – chicken, waffle and syrup in each bite – which I was later told says a lot about you. What, exactly? I go big or go home. Obviously.
We also got the cinnamon spiced brioche French toast, which sadly was a bit on the lackluster side in comparison. Though I haven’t yet had anything on their dinner menu, I was able to indulge in several of the dessert selections on a separate occasion. My group of friends and I devoured our plate before I could even take a picture (sorry guys, this Flickr photo below will have to do), a testament to just how amazing the warm gruyere donuts with fig jam, hazelnut mascarpone and wild flower honey were.
Our other desserts of choice– the dark chocolate crispy fernet pave with malt gelato and caramel pudding and the chocolate and currant trifle with lemon and Bangladeshi bay leaf shortbread – were chock full of interesting flavors, but a smidge less successful than the donuts.
The vibe at L&E is totally charming, too – the dark woods and rustic shabby chic furniture make for the perfect ambiance to warm your stomachs. And, if you actually do get seated for a meal and are thereby suffering from food coma afterwards, L&E conveniently serves as a boutique inn as well. Eat. Drink. Sleep? I’m in.
REPORT CARD
Meal: Brunch and dessert
Price: $
(Out of three stars)
Ambiance: ***
Food: ***
Service: **
Would I go back?: Yes — most definitely!
Restaurant Info:
Longman & Eagle
2657 North Kedzie Avenue,
nr. W. Schubert Ave.,
Chicago, Illinois 60647
(773) 276-7110
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Chicken and Waffles? I must say those aren’t two things I’ve thought to eat together before, but it does still look really good. The dessert looks quite tasty too!
Bangladeshi bay leaf?!??! Who owns this spot?
By the way, the best Chicken and Waffles at an upscale joint can be eaten at Founding Farmers, in D.C.