JAM!

I have always been a fan of blueberry pancakes. So when my dad saw a restaurant "review" in Details Magazine claiming to have found the "best blueberry pancakes", he sent the online link to me right away. Details claims, "The ones on Jeffrey Mauro's quirky breakfast menu at Jam in Chicago have that sought-after fluffiness, but one component puts them over the top: They're finished with a chilled lemon crème fraîche, the ideal foil for all that warm, syrupy sweetness." They sounded delicious as did a couple other items on their menu so all I needed now was a reason to go. And about a week later, I had just the excuse!

My dad decided to come into Chicago for a day to visit and his train was getting in right between that breakfast and noon hour. Our first stop? JAM of course! The restaurant is a small, long space filled with natural light and complete with an open kitchen. Unfortunately, the blueberry pancakes were not on the menu this time around but apparently they will make a come back once blueberry season hits. How delicious does that sound? The only time they make blueberry pancakes with fresh blueberries? Yes, it was a bummer but it made me look forward to their deliciousness so much more.

(An Attempted Incognito Shot of the Restaurant From Our Table)

My dad and I ordered our meals and shortly after, we were brought a mini Snickerdoodle cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Yes, Snickerdoodle cupcake! It tasted so much like the cookie it was unreal and I immediately wished Brad was there to get to try it as well.

Either way, I decided on the "Chocolate Pancakes, Toasted Marshmallow, Graham Cracker Crumble, Banana-Milk Jam"

As they were cooking the pancakes, a waft of chocolate filled the air and it got my appetite going. The pancakes were cakey. Almost the flavor and texture of those "cakester" cookies...or at least how I would imagine them to taste :op

 My dad tasted the Banana-Milk Jam and said it tasted very similar to a Bananas Foster sauce. The presentation was delightful and when everything was combined together it was quite good.

My dad ordered the "Amish Chicken, Pan Roasted Breast, Salad of Warm Quinoa, Wilted Greens, Olive Oil Poached Tomatoes, Aged Goat Cheese".

I only had a bite of the chicken and quinoa but oh my goodness, it was excellent. The chicken was to moist and tender and was complemented very well by the quinoa, tomatoes, etc. In fact, I would have to say that the chicken beat my pancakes, hands down.

In all it was a great experience and I plan on going back to try the Blueberry Pancakes for sure!