THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Pork & Mindy's Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Pork & Mindy's Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Just past Wicker Park’s famous Six Corners, the flagship eatery of celebrity chef Jeff Mauro’s concept reflects the urban appeal of the neighborhood. Brick walls, exposed beams and art lend street chic-ness to the storefront space. Diners line up for counter service, and follow to the dining room for open seating, a mixture of high tops, lower tables and booths lining the left wall. Mauro occasionally pops in barring his filming schedule (he hosts Food Network’s “Sandwich King” and “The Kitchen”).

Likes: Standout sandwiches and sturdy sides.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: A sandwich isn’t just a sandwich at Mauro’s original location (he lovingly calls them “sangwiches”). Made-with-TLC, Bao to the Pork brims with hunky pork shoulder, fresh pickled daikon, carrot, cucumber and jalapeño and Asian plum sauce for sugar. Chicken Fried Pork has hand-breaded pork loin, lettuce, tomato and spicy pickles plus apricot habanero aïoli for a tinge of sweet heat. The Buffalo Cauliflower is a strong vegetarian option, served smoked with P&M Buffalo sauce and Gorgonzola and a smooth buttermilk dill ranch. Sides don’t skimp on flavor, from the pig candy (slow-smoked bacon dusted in brown sugar) to the cheesy beef tots layered with braised chuck, smoked mozzarella, smoked sweet pepper and giardiniera. Order the Underwood Pinot Noir --- served in a can and chilled --- to complement the high-low vibe of the restaurant.