The Bakeries of Dekalb County

Chapter 1 - the Neighborhood Bakery and Deli

There is no more gratifying smell in the world than wafts of fresh baked goods. In all corners of Dekalb there are generous auras that drift and float, beckoning growling and grumbling bellies to indulge. All bakeries offer extraordinary treats for any occasion, meeting, or brunch and the tour begins in Dekalb, at the Neighborhood Bakery, which serves up an array of paramount baked goods:

With a generous and intense selection of cheese, fruit and nut fillings, the coffee cakes are fresh, buttery, and flaky but not overly sweet. If unable to choose just one, full coffee cake, there are plenty of hand held delights such as the almond or cheese claw and cherry turnover that equal their big brother, just more accessible and compact.

Surrounded by a tender, and perfect crust, the peach pie is summer in a bite: tart, juicy and sweet – simply put: voluptuous.

Mind the cliché, but the kolacky, which must make an appearance at all family gatherings, are exactly like grandma used to make and will harken any nibbler with Eastern European heritage back to Christmas Eve. The raspberry, cheese and apricot filled pockets disappear long before other desserts are introduced, but the dusting of powdered sugar upon upper lips spills the secret of who has satiated the need for a bite of Poland. Making good kolacky is an art form, and the Neighborhood Bakery is to kolacky what Edward Hopper is to art: traditional, refined, unassuming and deep, though presented in a bite size masterpiece.

the Neighborhood Bakery and Deli 

2205 PLEASANT STREET UNIT 1

Dekalb, IL 60115

North of the Dekalb Airport

On Pleasant Street

Phone: (815)748-7707

Fax: (815-787-7943

The Neighborhood Bakery is very moderately priced and accepts credit/debit cards, however, the hours are short (especially for a bakery), open from 7am – 3pm weekdays and 8am-2pm Saturdays (closed Sunday and Monday).

Lothson's Karry Out

From the gentle hum of exhaust vents, to the snap and sizzle of chicken bathing in its oil, setting foot into Lothson’s Fried Chicken isn’t stepping into a restaurant from a bygone era, rather, it is crossing that threshold (for the first time in decades) to grandmas old house. The faux leather couch and fake wood paneling are welcoming reminders of the soothing charms that once existed at the 2 flat near 47^th and Damen. Despite being a carryout only diner, Lothson’s comfort is so palpable, guests could close their eyes and each of the (remaining) senses would be touched, thus rekindling that yearning for Grandma’s house.

There is a reason why Lothson’s has been cooking fried chicken since 1949; generously portioned flavorful, crunchy and moist, every ideal of what fried chicken should be.

It is the kind of fried chicken that beckons in the middle of the night - which shouldn’t be confused with waking and eating a snack because one is hungry in the middle of the night, but waking up solely to eat that one leftover piece (the one tucked behind the gallon of milk, hidden from family). Then upon licking fingers clean from a thoroughly satisfying, and bellying filling morsel, return to the marshmallow pillow cloud of a bed and doze off smiling, thankful for the foresight to save a piece of fried chicken just for that feeling.

When families traveled along a highway, sixty years ago, to have a good time instead of trying to make time, Lothson’s was there on the Lincoln Highway. Though removed from its seat on the major thoroughfare, it’s still there on Rt. 38 with its constant hum of patrons: young, old and older.

With only two cooks since 1949, Lothson’s methodic and attuned delivery of fried chicken is a constant for those who “know” and for those who seek fried chicken perfection. While perch is listed on the menu, the large, red, neon sign announces “CHICKEN” to Dekalb, Sycamore, Cortland, and Malta – there is no need to deviate from what it declares. Chicken, slaw, fries and rolls. Lothsons’s history is vast and rich, just like the fried chicken dinner.

Lothson’s Karry Out

644 E. Lincoln Hwy

Dekalb, Il. 60115

(815) 756-4303

CARRY OUT ONLY

South Moon BBQ - Hinckley, Il.

My aspirations of one day becoming a champion pitmaster came to an abrupt end with the first bite of the pulled pork sandwich from South Moon BBQ (Hinckley, Il.). There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this titillating sandwich. Subtly smoked and sauced with a deft hand, this behemoth might be the most memorable BBQ experience I’ve encountered in my 34 years*. It is the perfect union of fresh baked bun, flavorful, tender and juicy pork kissed with a deep, rich St. Louis style sauce and complimented perfectly by any of four sides that makes for one hearty meal.

The reason why new "country" restaurants, like South Moon, are so good is because they know they have to be; that there's no margin for error in what they do. Traditional/cultural/ethnic small town restaurants have to properly articulate and refine their craft to gain and maintain business, to make the diner’s drive and experience completely worthwhile, so THOSE diners share their emprise with others. Decent city (Chicago and suburban) restaurants are a dime a dozen, and any given person will choose “this Thai to that Thai” because of personal preference, but it’s all fairly similar. Country ones don’t have that luxury; South Moon BBQ is no exception and the fare delivered takes nothing for granted. I suppose being directly between my home and work doesn't hurt their chances of my appreciation, but the food is remarkable. The staff is polite, helpful, and charming, treating each customer like lifelong friends. The menu at South Moon is concise and to the point as well as being fairly priced.

The drawback at South Moon are more or less backhanded compliments: I wish there was a real seating area instead of a few small tables. I’d definitely enjoy spending more time with “Pork Chop” and his family shooting the breeze while admiring the kitschy wall décor (originally packaged action figures including: KISS, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc…).

146 E Lincoln Hwy
Hinckley, IL 60520
(815) 286-9227
http://www.southmoonbbq.com/

*Save for Carson’s Ribs, because going there always marked a special event or Russell’s BBQ which is a nostalgic, familial past time.

Naf Naf Grill

The most delicious single bite of food in the Chicago land area exists in Naperville. The flavors, textures, and layers of the falafel sandwich found at Naf Naf Mediterranean Grill perfectly marry to create a simply divine, yet foodgasmic morsel. The handmade pita pillows nestle a handsomely dressed (with chili paste, tahini and pickled vegetables) falafel. By itself, the falafel is a delectable bite: warm, savory, spicy and crunchy - tucked gently under its pita blanket; anxiously awaiting like kids on Christmas Day, to erupt from slumber and celebrate a joyous occasion. Simply put, it is a profound eating experience.

Located off of I-88 and the Naperville Rd. exit, Naf Naf is very accessible, has ample parking, and is reasonably priced. Since it moved locations, it is seemingly constructed more for the lunch crowd than a family dinner; which shouldn’t be a deterrent as families are welcome and there is plenty of space to sit and eat, but the restaurant does lack character.

The sterility is easily overlooked with all of the singing and dancing from the falafel sandwich taking place on the taste-buds which is why Naf Naf Mediterranean Grill keeps me coming back – it makes all falafel sandwiches in the greater Chicago land area pedestrian. The average cost is about $10 per person.

Naf Naf Grill
1739 Freedom Drive, Suite 109
Naperville, IL. 60563
(630)904-7200
http://www.nafnafgrill.com/