On Sunday, I got the chance to dine at Frontier and I will tell you one thing: I seriously don’t know what I have been doing in life without it!
Frontier offers a rustic modern vibe, making you feel like you just stepped off the Oregon Trail (you know, that computer simulation game we all used to play in elementary school). The open-concept dining area with wooden tables and exposed brick walls create a warm and inviting family-style ambience. The glass ceiling in the back dining area staged the perfect lighting for me to take some pretty amazing photographs (because we all know that’s just as important as eating).
With a very adventurous menu, it’s easy to step out of your comfort zone and try something you normally wouldn’t. I’ll admit, some of the items were a bit intimidating (Turtle Bolognese), but I’m seriously glad I gave it a shot.
Here are my favorite dishes, all carefully crafted and made with lots of love:
½ Fried Chicken ($15.00) – I’m writing about this item first mainly because I couldn’t wait any longer to describe how amazing it actually was. This bone in, cornflake dredged, habanero maple syrup drizzled, fried chicken may be one of the best fried chickens in the city. The cornflake crust holds in all the juicy flavor of the chicken, while the habanero maple syrup gives the whole dish just the right kick. It’s served along side a refreshing kale slaw that ties the entire dish together. While one order is big enough to share…my guess is you’re probably going to want to eat the entire plate yourself (don’t worry, no one will judge you).
Peppadew peppers ($9.00) – Let me start by telling you that in my mind anything wrapped in bacon will automatically be amazing. Even despite my deep rooted love for all things bacon, these peppers could stand alone. They were well marinated, succulent while maintaining their structure (which to me is a very important characteristic of veggie appetizers) and just gosh darn cute. Stuffed with warm cocoa cardona cheese and dates, all wrapped in crispy duck bacon, these peppadews are a must when visiting Frontier.
5 Cheese Mac ($8.00)- Mac and cheese is always a staple item at any comfort food restaurants, and Frontier’s Mac is an essential when deciding out what to order at this restaurant. The five cheese combination of Chef Jup’s family recipe is a well-kept secret that I wish I knew how to recreate. The anticipation of breaking into the perfectly crisped cheese crust was like opening the best present you will ever get. I’ve had a hard time finding a great mac and cheese in Chicago (which is surprising since we’re so close to cheese country), but I’m confident I’ve finally found one of the best. Yay!
Turtle S’More ($8.00)- Seriously anything that comes in a cast iron skillet just warms my heart. Frontier’s version of a s’more was one of the best things I’ve eaten in a while. Let me help you visualize. Picture an open faced s’more with a thick, graham on bottom, gooey bourbon chocolate, pecan brittle and caramel on top, and then the most perfectly roasted maple marshmallow in between. I couldn’t get enough of this and my pants were definitely a little tight after enjoying this treat. Whatever, every bite was SO worth it.
So now that you’ve been convinced that Frontier Chicago should be a top dining priority, make sure you don’t miss out and head on over. Truly the most innovative food West Town has to offer on 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Love always,
Erica
Wow, I want to jump through the screen and eat this!! I have to go here next time I come. That S’mores and Mac and Cheese!! Incredible review I felt like I was there with you!