We love exploring restaurants that are off the beaten path and more importantly in or close to our neighborhood. Bread & Wine on Irving Park is one of those places. We have been going here for a while now – everything from a Friday date night to Sunday brunch and even a friends 40th birthday celebration. We were actually there on back to back Friday’s which is saying a lot coming from us. Its relaxed laid back vibe is always welcomed but it is the often surprising food that keeps us coming back again and again, not to mention a really unique wine list that in my opinion is totally affordable. When you like wine as much as I do – this is key to not going into bankruptcy!

So here are a few of our recent highlights:

Southern Fried Duck Balls – I had an idea what we were ordering when I suggested we try them but had a feeling Tony probably did not immediately clue in so when we ordered these for the first time a few weeks ago the waitress was kind enough (or not) to tell us “you know they are actual balls, right?”. I immediately saw Tony glance back at me with a raised eyebrow but knew he would be game – you have to try everything once! So when the plate came, they looked yummy – come on they were fried, anything is good fried. Severed with hot pepper jelly, a buttermilk sauce and cabbage chip as a singular bite they were really good, I especially loved the hot pepper jelly. Tony dove right in and had a few even after announcing that he was a little perplexed thinking he was eating Donald’s testicles. When we were back the next week, we were talking them up and a few people were curious so we ordered them again. One friend never heard our explanation that they were testicles until #3 but she was a trooper (insert joke here) and Tony even went back for two more explaining that “you can’t eat just one.”

Anything Charcuterie – All of their house-made meats and pate are to die for. I could honestly just sit there all night nibbling on meats and cheese while drinking copious amounts of vino. I especially loved the Mortadella and Pig Face Pancetta.

Brunch – I know, that doesn't really narrow it down but if I had to our favorites would be the Cured Pork Belly with crispy poached egg, cheddar grits and fresno chili hot sauce and the Corned Beef Cheek Hash Brown with fried eggs, mustard hollandaise, pickled chilis which was close to a religious experience. God, I wish it were Saturday right now – I’m gonna dream about mustard hollandaise.

Fines Herb Pappardelle – This homemade pasta which is served perfectly sauced with duck confit, asparagus, queso fresco and natural jus and finished perfectly with a sprinkling of fleur de sel almost had me licking the bowl – swear. Go early if you want this, it was 86'd on our last visit and I was heartbroken.

Pantone 7621 – A surprising cocktail that immediately caught the attention of my ad man/artist boyfriend was superbly sippable. Made with bourbon, combier kummel, combier orange, lemon, fresh beet juice and ginger syrup - it was a not too sweet and nicely balanced drink that is the most amazing blood red color. I am guessing it would be a great pair to the above mentioned brunch items…see my brain is still on that damn mustard hollandaise.

So those are some of our favorites. If you haven’t been, be sure to check out this little gem, it’s worth the trip. Oh, and sit at the chef's counter if available. You get dinner and show.

You can't eat just one