First Slice Cafe

Moved from Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings, July - September 2010

The First Slice Pie cafe (finally) opened next to the Francisco brown line stop. We had lunch there this weekend. They have a nice selection of salads, soups and sandwiches as well as an array of tasty-looking baked goods. The soup and sandwich we tried were tasty and seemed healthy. Nothing mind-blowing but a nice snack option in the neighborhood and the proceeds go to a good cause.

First Slice Cafe
4664 N. Manor
Chicago, IL 60625
Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (?)
Thurs-Sat: 7 am to 7 pm
Sunday: 10-4

I work near the First Slice outpost in the Water Tower pumping station downtown. After seeing a review in the Trib a few months ago, I've checked it out several times. As mentioned in the review, the Chicago-style vegetarian is hearty (but I really dislike the neon relish that is a critical part of it, so I'm glad I got it only as part of a 1/2 sandwich+soup combo). I enjoyed the other vegetarian sandwich they had more (goat cheese and veggies), and the side salads that come with the quiches and sandwiches are quite tasty.

However, the reason I'm inspired to post this review is my new addiction: the Latin Hip-Hop salad (without cauliflower, and also without tortilla strips, unless I'm feeling decadent that day). The spicy marinated cauliflower detracts from the flavor combination, I think. The salad is equally good with or without the tortillas, but obviously healthier without. The salad has corn, tomatoes, radishes, scallions, caramelized red onions, pumpkin seeds, and queso fresco atop romaine lettuce. The vinaigrette is described as "mojito dressing" - limey, not so minty, and a perfect tangy addition. The salad itself has so much flavor that only a small amount of dressing is needed.

As my frequent buyer card can attest, I've had it about ten times. I particularly recommend Wednesdays, as the cook who assembles the salads that day seems to have higher ambitions, and makes the salad look as good as it tastes (he may also work other days, but definitely Wednesday). I had one disappointing experience the second time I ordered the salad. The first time, it didn't have cauliflower, so I didn't know to ask for it without, and the guy working that second day just pulled a premade one out of the fridge. Ick. So, asking for it without one ingredient ensures that I'll get one made-to-order (just in case).


First Slice Pie Cafe
811 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 202-1227

I can't remember if the Michigan Avenue First Slice location has been mentioned in the "places to eat and work" thread, but it's one of my favorite places to work if I have to be downtown. Besides the pie and tea selection, I like the sturdy two-tops, large communal table and free wi-fi.

pamiam wrote:However, the reason I'm inspired to post this review is my new addiction: the Latin Hip-Hop salad (without cauliflower, and also without tortilla strips, unless I'm feeling decadent that day). The spicy marinated cauliflower detracts from the flavor combination, I think. The salad is equally good with or without the tortillas, but obviously healthier without. The salad has corn, tomatoes, radishes, scallions, caramelized red onions, pumpkin seeds, and queso fresco atop romaine lettuce. The vinaigrette is described as "mojito dressing" - limey, not so minty, and a perfect tangy addition. The salad itself has so much flavor that only a small amount of dressing is needed.

As my frequent buyer card can attest, I've had it about ten times. I particularly recommend Wednesdays, as the cook who assembles the salads that day seems to have higher ambitions, and makes the salad look as good as it tastes (he may also work other days, but definitely Wednesday).

I worked from the Michigan Avenue First Slice on Friday and tried the Latin Hip-Hop salad for the first time. I was impressed. The bits of cauliflower were tiny; I probably wouldn't have noticed them had I not read this thread. I especially enjoyed the generous amount of scallions and caramelized onions and the lime dressing. There are definitely more Latin Hip-Hop salads in my future.



On this most recent visit to First Slice, as I was standing in line to place my order, I realized why I like the Water Works location so much. I love First Slice's pie, but it's actually a fond memory of ordering a sandwich in that space about 10 years ago that keeps me coming back. I can't remember the name of the sandwich shop that occupied the space before First Slice, but I was in line there circa 1999, chatting with a friend and realized that the person behind us in line was the video artist Bill Viola. I was a huge fan of his work at the time, was completely star struck, but somehow mustered the courage to talk to him. Right there, he ended up making a quick drawing for me, which is one of the most prized images in my possession--by far, my best experience waiting for food.

happy_stomach wrote: On this most recent visit to First Slice, as I was standing in line to place my order, I realized why I like the Water Works location so much. I love First Slice's pie, but it's actually a fond memory of ordering a sandwich in that space about 10 years ago that keeps me coming back. I can't remember the name of the sandwich shop that occupied the space before First Slice, but I was in line there circa 1999, chatting with a friend and realized that the person behind us in line was the video artist Bill Viola. I was a huge fan of his work at the time, was completely star struck, but somehow mustered the courage to talk to him. Right there, he ended up making a quick drawing for me, which is one of the most prized images in my possession--by far, my best experience waiting for food.

happy_stomach-

Chicago Flat Sammie's was in there for a bunch of years. I can't remember if there was something before Sammie's.

Some coworkers and I do a weekly morning coffee run. Our most frequent stop is First Slice. They have good coffee and their muffins, etc. are tasty. On top of that, the prices are extremely fair. I've had a couple of the lunch items and know I liked the curried chicken salad. I'll have to try the Latin Hip Hop.

-Mary

The GP wrote:

happy_stomach wrote: On this most recent visit to First Slice, as I was standing in line to place my order, I realized why I like the Water Works location so much. I love First Slice's pie, but it's actually a fond memory of ordering a sandwich in that space about 10 years ago that keeps me coming back. I can't remember the name of the sandwich shop that occupied the space before First Slice, but I was in line there circa 1999, chatting with a friend and realized that the person behind us in line was the video artist Bill Viola. I was a huge fan of his work at the time, was completely star struck, but somehow mustered the courage to talk to him. Right there, he ended up making a quick drawing for me, which is one of the most prized images in my possession--by far, my best experience waiting for food.

happy_stomach-

Chicago Flat Sammie's was in there for a bunch of years. I can't remember if there was something before Sammie's.

Yes! I was in line for a "flat sammie" when I met Bill Viola. I prefer First Slice, but those sandwiches weren't too bad.

Mr. lemoneater and I wandered by the Ravenswood Manor branch of the cafe, and ordered the lasagna and a cheese scone. I especially enjoyed the scone - tender, moist and with a nice thin crust of cheese on top. We took the lasagna home and re-heated it for dinner. It was satisfying, but I personally like more tomato with my pasta.

We're considering the dinner subscription, which also funds the First Slice non-profit that provides free meals to the homeless. (The non-profit serves the same meals that are sold in the cafe.) Has anyone tried the dinner subscription?

lemoneater wrote:

We're considering the dinner subscription, which also funds the First Slice non-profit that provides free meals to the homeless. (The non-profit serves the same meals that are sold in the cafe.) Has anyone tried the dinner subscription?

Can you provide more info on this?

lemoneater wrote:Mr. lemoneater and I wandered by the Ravenswood Manor branch of the cafe, and ordered the lasagna and a cheese scone. I especially enjoyed the scone - tender, moist and with a nice thin crust of cheese on top. We took the lasagna home and re-heated it for dinner. It was satisfying, but I personally like more tomato with my pasta.

We're considering the dinner subscription, which also funds the First Slice non-profit that provides free meals to the homeless. (The non-profit serves the same meals that are sold in the cafe.) Has anyone tried the dinner subscription?

Yep. We did it until last spring. It is a wonderful time saver. The meals aren't all stellar but it made our lives a lot easier in the "what's for dinner, sweetheart" department. Also I think a family subscription is less than $20 per meal. Meals are complete, down to the salad dressing and croutons for a salad. If you are perfectly comfortable cooking your own meals, then pass ( I was finally willing to try my hand at cooking on a school night again after several years off).

One of the best things I ever had was their Soul food kids soup (or something like that). It had black-eyed peas and collards in it if I recall correctly. PM me if you want more info.

I went to the Water Tower location earlier today after seeing Our Body at the Museum of Surgical Science (which really made me want some brisket). I had what may have been the best turkey chili I've ever eaten. There was nothing about it that was unusual, it was just incredibly flavorful with tons of meat and beans. Then I had a slice of Polka Dot Pie, which was basically a thin, rich brownie crust and an almond cheesecake filling, studded with little dark chocolate discs. At first I just thought it was okay, but as I went on I found my bites getting smaller so I could savor it longer. The coffee was really good too, though I can't remember the brand now; I never heard of it before. And I walked out with three caramels with pretzels inside for Mr. Pie. I'll have to report on those later.

[cross posted in Openings and Closings thread]

I'm sad to report that the First Slice Cafe location in the water tower pumping station has closed. It was one of my regular lunch spots.

First Slice Pie Cafe [CLOSED]
811 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

The GP wrote:[cross posted in Openings and Closings thread]

I'm sad to report that the First Slice Cafe location in the water tower pumping station has closed. It was one of my regular lunch spots.

First Slice Pie Cafe [CLOSED]
811 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

On the bright side, I was in Andersonville last weekend, and there's a sign in the window on Ashland & Balmoral that they will be opening up there.

Eva Luna wrote:

The GP wrote:[cross posted in Openings and Closings thread]

I'm sad to report that the First Slice Cafe location in the water tower pumping station has closed. It was one of my regular lunch spots.

First Slice Pie Cafe [CLOSED]
811 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

On the bright side, I was in Andersonville last weekend, and there's a sign in the window on Ashland & Balmoral that they will be opening up there.

Excellent news, Eva! That's not far from home. They must be going into the spot where Sunburst florist used to be.

Just as an FYI the Ravenswood Manor location, just north of the Francisco Brown Line "L" stop, is still open and still selling great stuff. Mrs. Kman loves being able to walk up there and get their quiche.

The GP wrote:

Eva Luna wrote:

The GP wrote:[cross posted in Openings and Closings thread]

I'm sad to report that the First Slice Cafe location in the water tower pumping station has closed. It was one of my regular lunch spots.

First Slice Pie Cafe [CLOSED]
811 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

On the bright side, I was in Andersonville last weekend, and there's a sign in the window on Ashland & Balmoral that they will be opening up there.

Excellent news, Eva! That's not far from home. They must be going into the spot where Sunburst florist used to be.

Yep, that's the spot!

(Cross-post from "Openings, Closings, Comings, & Goings")

First Slice Pie Cafe looks to be opening a space in the former Boocoo Cultural Center at Church & Dodge in Evanston (now owned by the city, and renamed the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center as of last February). Bulletins as events warrant.


First Slice Pie Cafe
1823 Church St.
Evanston IL 60201
(no phone at present)