Cynthia Pelayo's latest thriller, Vanishing Daughters, is coming out this month. Filled with nightmarish fairy tales and psychological suspense, her latest novel is set in Chicago and is soon to become the next book you can't put down. With multiple books published, the Bram Stoker Award and International Latino Book Award, and many words of praise including Esquire's Best Horror in 2023, we know that Pelayo is good with words, but what about meals? Pelayo let us in on the best breakfast sandwich in Chicago, where to go for a happy hour sans the alcohol, and the best to-go Italian to feed a rowdy family so as not to scare the other patrons.
It's first thing in the morning, coffee or tea? And who does your favorite brew?
Lately, it’s been a matcha latte at home in the morning, but for a treat, Dayglow at 1757 N. Kimball for a French Dispatch, which is espresso, roasted chicory, cream, cinnamon and anise.
For the most important meal of the day, aka breakfast, where do you go and what do you order?
Loaf Lounge at 2934 N. Milwaukee for their sausage, egg and cheese. It’s the best breakfast sandwich in the city.
Are you a grab-and-go lunch eater or a slow sit-down type? What's your place and order?
Grab-and-go at Café Tola at 3324 N. California for an empanada, usually a chicken tinga.
Afternoon pick me up? Snack? Caffeine or happy hour? Where is your favorite spot to jump start the evening?
I don't drink alcohol but thankfully there are places with great mocktails in the city. My go to is Billy Sunday at 3143 W. Logan for a Lupine Lady, which is lavender and thyme infused with verjus, lime, mint, basil and sparkling water.
Dinner time, what place or meal brings your day to a close the right way?
We’re Chicagoans with small (loud) kids so we’re going to keep it simple when we go out. For dinner out with kids, we’re going to Portillo’s so they can all get their chicken tenders, or hot dogs, or burgers, and of course the chocolate shake.
For dinner, if we’re bringing it in, it’s going to be pasta and it’s going to be Tortello’s at 1746 W. Division. It’s the best handmade pasta made by owners born and raised in Italy. We’ll order Pomodoro or Ragu or Tagliatelle Tina with some focaccia on the side.
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