Nestled in the heart of the Windy City, Chicago's love affair with hazelnuts is as deep and rich as its history. From artisanal chocolatiers to innovative pastry chefs, the city's culinary scene is buzzing with creative takes on this humble nut. Let's delve into the world of hazelnuts in Chicago, exploring the unique flavors and experiences that make this city a hazelnut haven.
Chicago's hazelnut journey begins with its Italian roots. The city's Little Italy neighborhood has long been a hub for traditional Italian pastries, many of which feature the sweet, earthy flavor of hazelnuts. From cannoli to tiramisu, these classic treats are a testament to the enduring appeal of hazelnuts in Chicago.
Hazelnut Pastries: A Chicago Tradition
Chicago's Italian bakeries are the backbone of the city's hazelnut scene. They've been crafting generations-old recipes, passing down techniques that ensure each pastry is a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.
At the forefront of this tradition is Eataly Chicago, a sprawling Italian marketplace that houses several bakeries. Their torta Caprese, a flourless chocolate and hazelnut cake, is a must-try. The cake's dense, fudgy texture is punctuated by crunchy hazelnuts, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Exploring Beyond Italian Bakeries
While Italian bakeries remain a staple, Chicago's hazelnut scene is evolving, with pastry chefs pushing boundaries and incorporating the nut into innovative desserts.
Take, for instance, The Bakery at Fat Rice, a Portuguese-Chinese fusion restaurant. Their Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese custard tart, gets a Chicago twist with a layer of hazelnut cream. The result is a unique, indulgent treat that's equal parts creamy and crunchy.
Hazelnuts in Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven
Chicago's reputation for world-class chocolate makes it the perfect place for hazelnut-chocolate pairings. The city's chocolatiers are masters at blending the two, creating confections that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
At Vosges Haut-Chocolat, founder Katrina Markoff's Exotic Chocolate Bars collection features a standout hazelnut-chocolate combination. The Bread & Chocolate bar marries dark chocolate with hazelnut praline and caramelized hazelnuts, creating a symphony of flavors that's as complex as it is satisfying.
Hazelnuts in Savory Dishes: A New Frontier
While hazelnuts are traditionally associated with sweet treats, Chicago's culinary scene is exploring their savory potential. From pesto to crusted proteins, hazelnuts are finding their place in unexpected dishes.
At Girl & The Goat, chef Stephanie Izard uses hazelnuts to add depth and crunch to her Wood-Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts. The sprouts are tossed with a hazelnut romesco sauce, then topped with crispy hazelnuts and fried shallots, creating a dish that's equal parts smoky, sweet, and savory.
Hazelnut Pesto: A Game Changer
Hazelnut pesto is another savory application gaining traction in Chicago. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor pairs beautifully with pasta, vegetables, and proteins.
At Spiaggia, chef Tony Mantuano uses hazelnut pesto to elevate his Rigatoni alla Norma. The traditional Sicilian dish gets a Chicago twist with the addition of hazelnut pesto, which adds depth and nuttiness to the classic tomato and eggplant sauce.
As Chicago's culinary scene continues to evolve, one thing is clear: hazelnuts are here to stay. From traditional Italian pastries to innovative chocolate confections and savory dishes, the city's love affair with this humble nut shows no signs of slowing down. So, the next time you're in the Windy City, don't miss out on the chance to explore its rich hazelnut scene. Your taste buds will thank you!