The Original Pancake House Beverly
10437 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
773-445-6100

American | $

Massive pancake house vibes.

This Dutch Baby pancake, also known as a German pancake, puffs up dramatically in the oven. It was sensational.

I have been eating pancakes for 65 years.  Nothing could prepare me for the sheer perfection served up at the Original Pancake House. Every bite of their signature offering—whether the airy, delicate Dutch Baby or the classic, buttermilk-rich plate—was a revelation. They weren’t just good; they were, unequivocally, the best pancakes I have ever eaten. They hit that perfect balance of being fluffy yet substantial, with a buttery richness and a crisp, golden edge that simply dissolved in my mouth. Forget what you think you know about breakfast comfort food; this is the new standard, and I’m already planning my next pilgrimage to experience that unforgettable taste again. We will be visiting relatives in Chicago over the Christmas holiday. I told my brother we would only come if he took us to get pancakes again.

The Top Five Comfort Food Sides for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving might be known for turkey. The truth is that America has made its decision. The real stars of the holiday table are the sides. According to Campbell’s 2025 State of the Sides Report, nearly half of Americans say they would be perfectly happy with a plate full of side dishes and nothing else. That says everything about where our hearts and appetites lead us. Below are the top five comfort food sides that define Thanksgiving across the country.

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1. Stuffing, America’s Undisputed Champion

Stuffing or dressing. Whether it is baked inside the turkey or layered into a casserole dish. This dish remains the most beloved side in the United States. It ranks number one in forty two states. It also appears in the top three in all fifty states. Many cooks say it is the dish that makes Thanksgiving feel complete. Comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable, stuffing and dressing continues to dominate the national table.

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2. Mashed Potatoes, Smooth and Buttery

Mashed potatoes hold steady at number two nationally. They claim the top spot in several states like Indiana and Kansas. Their appeal is simple. They are cozy, creamy, and ready to pair with anything. From classic olive oil and butter versions to richer plates enhanced with mushroom or turkey gravy, mashed potatoes remain a universal favorite. They are also one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd without stress.

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3. Sweet Potatoes, A Comfort Food With Soul

Nearly a quarter of Americans make sweet potatoes a holiday must have. Whether served as candied yams with brown sugar and pecans or as a savory roasted version, sweet potatoes bring tradition and warmth to the holiday plate. They rank high in many states, including big populations like Mississippi, Arkansas, Maryland, and New York. Their natural sweetness and soft texture create a nostalgic side that fits perfectly into any comfort-food lineup.

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4. Mac and Cheese, The Modern Holiday Icon

Mac and cheese has officially become a Thanksgiving powerhouse. It is the number one holiday side for Gen Z, and Millennials are close behind. Many Americans now believe mac and cheese should be served at all holiday gatherings, not just Thanksgiving. It is comforting, rich, and easy to personalize with different cheeses, crispy toppings or mix ins. It also ranks among the favorite leftover dishes, proving that this comfort classic has staying power long after the big meal.

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5. Green Bean Casserole, The Timeless Classic

Green Bean Casserole remains an iconic Thanksgiving dish. The report notes that nearly half of Americans consider it the most iconic side of the holiday. It appears on more than half of all Thanksgiving tables nationwide, and is especially treasured in the Midwest. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of Campbell’s iconic recipe, and its blend of creamy soup, tender green beans, and crispy onions continues to define holiday comfort. For many families. the meal simply would not feel like Thanksgiving without it.

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Why These Sides Matter So Much

These dishes are more than food. They are tradition, memory and care served on a plate. According to the report, 81 percent of Americans say preparing holiday sides is how they show love to family and friends. Whether passed down through generations or adapted in creative new ways, these comfort foods bring people together. They offer reassurance, connection, and a reminder that even in busy times, sharing a homemade dish is one of the simplest ways to show love.

If you are planning your own Thanksgiving menu this year, consider leaning into the sides that Americans treasure most. These dishes deliver comfort, flavor, and the unmistakable feeling of home that defines the holiday spirit.

Virtue
1462 E. 53rd St.
Chicago, IL 60615
773-947-8831
https://www.virtuerestaurant.com/

Soul Food | $$$

On a recent visit to Chicago, my brother and sister-in-law introduced us to Virtue, a standout restaurant in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Virtue honors elevated Southern cuisine grounded in African American heritage, blending history and heart in every dish. Chef Erick Williams, a James Beard Award winner, draws inspiration from his family’s recipes to craft soulful, comforting food that feels both familiar and refined.

Southern charm and urban sophistication.

It’s almost like being at grandma’s house.

The drop biscuits with pimento cheese were fantastic.

We started with Cornbread and honey butter that was off the charts good. Sweet and moist like you would find in millions of southern households daily.

My wife loved her Blackened Catfish with Carolina Gold Rice and Barbeque Carrots. Her fish was cooked perfectly, blackened but not burnt. Carolina Gold Rice makes everything better. You can order it online or try to find it at a high-end specialty food store, you won’t be disappointed.

These Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey are not for me. Everyone who tried them said they were excellent.

My sister in-law chose the Short Rib with Creamed Spinach, Potatoes, and a caramelized Onion Gravy. The dish was packed full of flavor and the ribs just fall off the bone.

A friend joining us got the Salmon with Red Field Peas, Turnip Chow Chow, and a Cornbread Crumble. She really enjoyed the dish. The red field peas are a type of cowpea that is a Southern staple commonly found in dishes like the classic Hoppin’ John.

My brother chose the Half Chicken with Farro, String Beans, Charleston Curry, and a Maple Glaze. The chicken was moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the glaze. Chef’s Charleston Curry—a nod to the Lowcountry classic “Country Captain” adds a subtle depth and warmth that ties the dish together. This sauce was introduced to many Americans through the classic Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook.

I ordered the NY Strip Steak with Chermoula and Bone Marrow Butter—the most expensive item on the menu at $69. It was a good steak, perfectly cooked and satisfying. If you’re in the mood for steak, you won’t be disappointed. But if your goal is to experience Virtue’s full creative and cultural spirit, explore another entrée to get a deeper taste of what makes this restaurant special.

Virtue delivers a concept-driven dining experience that’s both soulful and refined. The food is exceptional, and the service strikes a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. The space, though stylish, can get quite noisy—a small trade-off for its popularity. Even on a weeknight, the restaurant was packed, so reservations are essential.

Located in Hyde Park near the University of Chicago, Virtue sits in a lively neighborhood with limited street parking. If you’re seeking a dining experience that blends Southern tradition with contemporary flair, Virtue is well worth a visit. You’ll leave impressed—and eager to return.

Washington, D.C. Restaurants Feel the Sting of Prolonged Government Shutdown

It’s been over a month since the federal government shutdown began, and for the restaurant world in Washington, D.C., the impact is immediate and increasingly painful. Recent data from BlackBox Intelligence reveals a sharp dip in restaurant traffic and sales, highlighting how the local hospitality industry is getting squeezed more than most.

The situation is grim for the city’s roughly 2,660 restaurants, many still trying to recover from previous disruptions. This time, the shutdown is compounded by ongoing government layoffs and declining consumer sentiment. As Jean Hagan, partner at EisnerAmper, points out, “Less people in the city means less restaurant customers.” Add to that the anxiety of rising prices and worries about jobs, and it’s clear why diners are staying home.

According to BlackBox Intelligence, restaurant traffic in the D.C. market dropped 2.8% in the week of Oct. 12, compared to -1.6% pre-shutdown. Upscale dining took the biggest hit, with traffic down 6.8% and total sales sinking 5.7%. On a brighter note, casual dining saw a slight uptick, with traffic up 1.6% during this timeframe.

Major brands are also noticing the pressure. The Cheesecake Factory expects Q4 revenue to fall by about 1%, reminiscent of the 2019 shutdown effect. Shake Shack, meanwhile, is rethinking its development pipeline, tilting away from D.C. and New York after ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.

As the shutdown drags on, analysts predict a conservative outlook for the rest of the year, especially for chains like CAVA and Sweetgreen that have a sizable presence in the D.C. area.

How Are Operators Coping?

Industry experts recommend that restaurants analyze their sales and profitability by daypart—and cut any zones that lose money during the shutdown. Loyalty programs are also getting attention, with consultants urging operators to launch or enhance these efforts to entice reluctant customers. Some restaurants have invited furloughed workers in for discounted meals. Taking care of regular customers can enhance brand loyalty when the shutdown is over.

The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: as long as the government shutdown continues, D.C.’s restaurants will be fighting an uphill battle to keep seats filled and lights on. It’s not much better in Northern Virginia or the Maryland suburbs.

Monroe Bay Oysterette
15111 Washington St #113
Haymarket VA 20169
571-248-0861
www.monroebayoysterette.com

Seafood | $$

Located in Haymarket, VA, this little gem offers some of the best seafood in Northern Virginia.

There are about eight tables inside, so this outdoor summer-time seating helps.

This kitchen has an amazing history. Pre-COVID Chef Anne Thomas created stunning dishes here when she opened AKT Nourish.

I ordered the crab cake sandwich, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This was not your average crab cake — it was a towering masterpiece, easily twice the size of what most restaurants serve. Each bite was rich with sweet, succulent crab, held together by just enough binder to keep it intact. Grilled to golden perfection, it arrived on a nice bun with a velvety aioli that tied everything together beautifully. The seasoned fries on the side were crisp, flavorful, and the perfect partner to this star of the plate. Simply put, this is the crab cake every other restaurant should aspire to serve.

My wife ordered the butter-poached scallops, delicately paired with corn Elote — a clever nod to classic Mexican street fare. From the first bite, she was captivated. In fact, she talked about the dish all the way home, marveling at their silky texture and rich, buttery flavor balanced by the sweetness of the corn.

You don’t have to see the ocean to have great seafood. Just head over to Monroe Bay Oysterette in Haymarket. Seating is limited so they are not able to seat any party larger than five. The menu has plenty of choices and the prices are very reasonable. It’s a great place for date night. With limited seating, noise is almost non-existent, and you can actually hear the person you are with. Our waitress was fantastic and really hustled. At one point I saw her break into a short sprint to get something from the back of the restaurant.

Make sure you go with people who like seafood. This is a seafood restaurant, not a restaurant that serves seafood. The only non-seafood option on the menu is a Ruben, not a burger in sight. If you love seafood, make your way to Monroe Bay Oysterette. It’s the kind of restaurant you can’t help but tell your friends about — but secretly, you’ll want to keep it all to yourself.

There is a wide variety of cuisine to choose from locally. These ten restaurants will not disappoint.

1) Bistro L’Hermitage (Occoquan/Woodbridge)

Northern Virginia’s Francophile favorite—white-tablecloth service, classic French technique, and seasonal chef’s menus in a cozy, romantic setting.
Website: bistrolhermitage.com

2) Semifreddo Italian Cuisine (Manassas)

House-made pastas and refined Italian plates; weeknight half-price wine bottles sweeten the deal for date night or celebrations. Chef Franklin is amazing.
Website: semifreddoitaliancuisine.com

3) Himalayan Grill (Haymarket)

This newly opened Indian restaurant has quickly become one of the top rated restaurants in the county. The food is authentic and delicious, the service is friendly and attentive.
Website: himalayangrillva.com

4) The Black Sheep (Manassas, Farm Brew LIVE campus)

Modern American cooking, a serious whiskey & wine program, and striking barn-industrial design on the 2 Silos campus. The most visually stunning restaurant in the area.
Website: theblacksheeprestaurant.com

5) Hidden Jules (Haymarket)

Chef Aaron Lynch has created a refuge for those seeking delicious comfort food. Each dish is crafted using locally grown organic ingredients. There is plenty of parking and seating, inside and out.
Website: hiddenjullescafe.com

6) Carmello’s (Old Town Manassas)

A fine-dining fixture since 1987 serving contemporary Mediterranean with Portuguese-Italian flair; a perennial Wine Spectator award-winner.
Website: carmellos.com

7) Secret Garden Café (Occoquan)

A picturesque courtyard, hearty brunches, and all-day comfort plates—this hidden-gem setting is half the magic.
Website: thesgcafe.com

8) Zandra’s Taqueria (Old Town Manassas)

Hand-crafted tacos, margaritas, and a lively rooftop patio—perfect for casual nights in Old Town Manassas.
Website:  zandrasmanassas.com

9) Dixie Bones (Woodbridge)

Classic Southern barbecue that’s been smokin’ since the ’90s—come for the ribs and pulled pork, stay for the sides and sweet tea.
Website: dixiebones.com

10) Blue Ridge Seafood (Gainesville)

A family-run staple since 1979 serving blue crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and more—casual, lively, and beloved by seafood diehards.
Website: blueridgeseafood.com

Farewell to a Downtown Legend: Cole’s French Dip to Close After 117 Years

After more than a century of serving savory comfort in Downtown Los Angeles, Cole’s French Dip, widely considered the city’s oldest operating restaurant, has announced its permanent closure. The final day is set for August 3, 2025—marking the end of an era for an institution that witnessed LA’s transformation firsthand.

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A Storied Beginning

Founded in 1908 by Henry (Harry) Cole inside the historic Pacific Electric Building, Cole’s quickly became more than a sandwich spot—it pioneered the iconic “French dip” sandwich. Local lore suggests that a diner’s soft-bread request sparked the invention, launching one of LA’s most enduring food legacies.

The restaurant earned its landmark status with tin ceilings, vintage mahogany interiors, and even a secret speakeasy—The Varnish—that helped revitalize downtown nightlife. Over 117 years, Cole’s welcomed film crews, writers, mobsters, and late-night diners, securing its place in the city’s cultural fabric.

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Closing Credits: Why It’s Shutting Down

In a bittersweet announcement, owner Cedd Moses and hospitality group Pouring With Heart cited a litany of modern challenges behind the closure:

• Lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic

• Revenue losses tied to the 2023 writers and actors strikes

• Rapidly escalating labor and rent costs

• Bureaucratic hurdles, crime, vandalism, and rising downtown disorder

• The 2024 closure of The Varnish, drained by these same pressures

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A Reflection of LA’s Changing Voice

The abrupt farewell follows other historic closures—just this spring, the 101‑year‑old Original Pantry Cafe shuttered amid labor disputes. Specialty eateries like My 2 Cents, Mother Tongue, and Shibumi have also closed their doors, painting a stark portrait of struggle across LA’s food scene.

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One Last Bite—and a Glimmer of Hope

Moses issued a heartfelt message inviting patrons to reminisce and say their goodbyes over one more French dip:

“We have cherished our time serving the Downtown community… come in and see us this month before our departure, to laugh, to cry, to raise glasses, to eat, and to say your goodbyes alongside us.”

Despite announcing a definite closure, Cole’s might not disappear forever. Heritage advocate Alison Martino hinted at potential new ownership taking the reins, holding out the possibility of a rebirth, though no specific plans have been shared.

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What’s Next—and Why It Matters

• Final day: August 3, 2025

• No current plans to relocate or reopen elsewhere

• Potential buyer window still open: interested parties can inquire via Cole’s website

The closure is more than the end of a restaurant—it’s a reminder that LA’s soul lies in these enduring, character‑filled eateries. Cole’s wasn’t just a place to grab a sandwich; it was a tangible bridge to the city’s past, where each bite came wrapped in history.

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Final Thoughts

Cole’s French Dip stood as a culinary and cultural landmark, surviving wars, economic shifts, Hollywood’s golden era, and social changes. Its closure marks the end of a narrative—one that linked LA’s early transit hub to its modern downtown revival. Here’s hoping that, through new ownership or preservation efforts, this storied institution might find a second life. But until then, August 3 is the last encore—for a 117‑year performance that defined LA’s dining history.

Nankar Brasa Peruana (Peruvian Grill)
13938 Estate Manor Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155
(571) 316-9330
www.nankarperuvian.com

Peruvian | $

On a weeknight around 5 PM it was not very busy. Nice and quiet, just the way I like it.

They were crushing it in the kitchen.

 
When we visit a restaurant for the first time, we usually skip the appetizers—we never know how big the entrées will be. So we go straight for the main course.

The fried plantains my wife ordered were outstanding, expertly cooked to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smokiness. Her beef empanadas were equally impressive. The pastry was crisp and delicately thin, avoiding the heavy, doughy texture often found in casual dining establishments. The beef filling was well-seasoned and thoughtfully portioned, without the excessive filler that tends to overwhelm flavor in mass-produced versions. These empanadas felt authentic, more like a home-cooked dish one might be served in a Peruvian household.

I ordered the Chaufa, a breakfast-style fried rice that showcases the unique fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors known as chifa cuisine. I chose the beef version, which was richly seasoned and full of savory depth. It’s easy to understand why this dish is a staple in Peruvian households and restaurants—it’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Chaufa can also be made with chicken, pork, or seafood, making it a versatile option for a range of tastes.

If you’re in Northern Virginia and looking for a dining experience that’s a bit different, consider making the trip to Gainesville for authentic Peruvian cuisine. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by a Spanish music soundtrack—occasionally mixed with unexpected Michael Jackson songs—that adds a fun and energetic vibe to the dining experience.

They do a brisk take-out business and I imagine they are busy on the weekends. Whenever you go you won’t be disappointed.

Transcribing cooking videos from YouTube using TurboScribe is a straightforward process that allows you to convert video content into accurate text quickly. Begin by visiting the TurboScribe website at https://turboscribe.ai/ and creating a free account. Once logged in, navigate to the “Transcribe Files” section and select the “Link” option, represented by a chain link icon. Here, you can paste the URL of the desired YouTube cooking video and click “Import” to upload it to the platform.

After the video is imported, specify the language of the audio and enable speaker recognition if necessary. Click the “Transcribe” button to initiate the transcription process. TurboScribe will process the video and generate a transcript, which you can access from your dashboard. You can download the transcript in various formats, such as TXT, DOCX, or SRT (subtitles), depending on your needs. With a free account, you can transcribe up to three videos per day, each up to 30 minutes long. For additional transcription needs, upgrading to a paid plan unlocks unlimited transcriptions and extended features.

Sure you can toggle off the timestamps and cut and paste the transcript into a document, but this is faster. A 29.48 minute video took 5 minutes to transcribe. There are a number of download options with or without timestamps. Cutting and pasting the transcript directly from YouTube creates a 24 page document with annoying short sentences.

Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, baked sweet potatoes are a versatile, nourishing side dish that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Sometimes, the simplest things are some of the best. Here are step-by-step instructions if you have never baked them before or a reminder to pick some up soon.

Source: Baked Sweet Potatoes