ML Interest Tag: lingonberry

Pancake Spots That Need to Rule Your Breakfast World

by Maria Chambers

Pancakes, flapjacks, silver dollars—no matter what your kids call them, we know they love them. National Pancake Day is March 1 and IHOP is offering a free short stack per guest from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. If you prefer to explore a spot that’s more local, we’ve done the grueling work of finding the best spots in our brunch-loving city to find pancake paradise all year long. From plain ol’ tried and true to the gourmet, read on to find the top choices for every taste.

For Nutella goodness & rainbow cuteness: Sugar Factory

The insane double stack rainbow pancakes come with a fully colorful rainbow stack, warm maple syrup, powdered sugar and butter. They're served with chocolate chips, gummy bears, strawberries and whipped cream with rainbow sprinkles on the side. As a bonus, you get a Sugar Factory rubber ducky as a take-home gift. 

If rainbows aren't your thing, they have a Nutella-focused breakfast treat. It's topped with melted hazelnut chocolate, whipped cream, strawberries and served with warm maple syrup. 'Nuf said.

5445 Park Place, Rosemont & 55 E. Grand Ave., River North; Online: sugarfactory.com

For fruity delights: M.henry

The blackberry bliss cakes live up to their name. These heavenly hotcakes are pillows of pancake-y goodness with silky vanilla marscapone slathered on each bite. Topped with blackberries and an apple crisp-like crumble, they will make the whole family dream for days.

5707 N. Clark St., Andersonville; Online: mhenry.net

For sweet simplicity: Sweet Maple Cafe

No need to be fancy: These no-frill pancakes are made from an original family recipe and served with Vermont maple syrup and pure butter. The space itself is small and homey (with free parking across the street); it’ll remind you of rolling out of bed at Grandma’s to the smell of pancakes on the griddle.

1339 W. Taylor St., Little Italy; Online: sweetmaplecafe.com

For total indulgence: Bongo Room

Warning: If you let your littles indulge in more than a short stack they may be bouncing off the walls until the end of the day. The good news is you'll happily volunteer to clean their plates yourself. Pumpkin chai, caramelized apple, white chocolate & caramel pretzel. . . these over these over-the-top creations taste more like dessert than breakfast. And, selections change often, so keep visiting. 

1470 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park & 5022 N. Clark St., Andersonville; Online: thebongoroom.com

For birthday pancakes: Southport Grocery and Cafe

Whoever thought to use cupcake batter to make pancakes is probably more of a genius to your child than Albert Einstein. This cafe makes some of the best cupcakes in town, which translates perfectly to the not-too-sweet griddled version served with vanilla butter. Oh, by the way, did we mention they're gluten free?

3552 N. Southport Ave., Lakeview; Online: southportgrocery.com

For sheer variety: Walker Bros.

This North Shore mainstay (it’s been around for over 50 years!) knows flapjacks. The menu has over a dozen varieties from the kiddie favorite “little dollars” to the oven-baked thick and gooey apple cinnamon pancake. Each location is super kid-friendly with plenty of high chairs and spots to sit while you wait for your table. Because, let’s face it: There will be a wait.

Locations in Arlington Hts., Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Lincolnshire, Wilmette and Schaumburg; Online: walkerbros.net

For good old fashioned goodness: Delia’s Kitchen

These pancakes are so delicious you’ll forget they could even be good for you! They’re made with healthy whole grain buckwheat and simplicity is key. The old-fashioned stack is served in a classic manner with butter and syrup. The only challenge may be ignoring the bacon pancakes listed on the menu. Be sure to try their blueberry lemon ricotta stacks. So, so, so good!

1034 W. Lake St., Oak Park; deliaskitchen.net

For the fluffiest around: Blueberry Hill

If large fluffy flapjacks smothered in fruit are your pancake style, this is your holy grail. Blueberry, pecan, banana and chocolate chip are just a few of the ways to top off your favorite breakfast treat.

Locations in Aurora, Darien, Homer Glen, Homewood, LaGrange, Oakbrook, Plainfield & Tinley Park; Online: blueberrybreakfastcafe.com

For a cultural twist: Svea Restaurant

Andersonville still brims with Scandinavian cultural influences, including the Swedish American Museum, which has a hands-on exhibition area for kids. But first, stop by Svea, an authentic Swedish restaurant-meets-diner. Try the paper-thin Swedish pancakes served with the fun-to-say, slightly tart lingonberry jam.

5236 N. Clark St., Andersonville; facebook.com/SVEAChicago

For ooey-gooey goodness: Wildberry
 Pancakes & Cafe

Cinnamon spice and everything nice (like a warm vanilla glaze) is what these pancakes are all about. Every bite carries the perfect amount of sweet. If you visit the Randolph Street location, you and your kids can run off your sugar buzz across the street at Maggie Daley Park.

Locations in: Loop, Streeterville, Libertyville & Schaumburg; Online: wildberrycafe.com

For a healthy start: Prasino

Gluten-free? Vegetarian? Vegan? Prasino has ‘em all and they are all delicious. We’re partial to the carrot cakes (vegetarian) made with fresh grated carrot, cinnamon and nutmeg topped with raisins, sweet cream and candied pecans.

93 S. La Grange, La Grange; Online: prasino.com

For a lunchtime pancake: CornerStone Cafe

You've probably driven by the CornerStone Café a million times. Next time, stop for pancakes—especially at lunchtime when you can have pigs in a blanket. We’re talking old-school pigs in a blanket with two or three sausage links wrapped in some of the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever eat.

2753 N. Western Ave., Bucktown & 2200 N. Clybourn, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagocornerstonecafe.com

By Popular Demand: The Original Pancake House

Chicagoans are passionate about The Original Pancake House. And who can blame us when their specialty is an apple pancake oven-baked with fresh granny smith apples and topped with cinnamon glaze?

19 Chicagoland locations; Online: originalpancakehouse.com

— Maria Chambers & Jen Peterson

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16 IKEA Finds That’ll Get Kids Excited about Studying

by Erica Loop

The summer swelter is nearing its end. Before your kids trade swimming for studying, you’ll need to stock up on the essentials (especially if you are remote learning this year). That’s where your fave Swedish retailer comes in. Along with the must-have meatballs and lingonberry sauce, an IKEA study table, IKEA desk and other school-ready picks can make the summer-to-school transition the best time of the year. Keep reading to see our favorites.

RÅSKOG Utility Cart

IKEA

Organize your child's workspace with the IKEA RÅSKOG utility cart ($29.99). Fill the bins with pens, pencils, paper and every other school supply your student needs. 

MÅLA Paper

IKEA

Make your child's crafting dreams come true with this assortment of rainbow hues ($4.99). The paper pack comes with different colors and different sizes too!

LUSTIGT Caddy

IKEA

Store your child's fave art supplies in IKEA's LUSTIGT craft caddy ($17.99). Not only can they keep crayons, markers and pens in the box, but there's also an A4-size paper storage tray in the bottom. 

MÖJLIGHET Headset and tablet stand

Tidy up those cords with this cute stand ($3.99) that comes in a variety of colors. 

VÄGGIS Noticeboard

IKEA

Forget about Pinterest for a moment. This noticeboard allows your child to pin their favorite artwork, reminders or anything else IRL. And it's only $5.99!

MICKE Desk

IKEA

The simple IKEA desk ($99.99) fits almost any room. Combine it with other IKEA units or keep it as is for a minimalist work station. 

NÄVLINGE LED wall/clamp spotlight

Let their work shine bright this school year with this clip-on lamp ($17.99).

STARTTID Pencil Case

IKEA

So you say your kiddos need something cute to carry their pencils in? This pick ($1.99) is an adorable option.

HEMNES Desk

IKEA

If your child needs more storage space, this HEMNES desk unit ($449) is ideal!

OBERGET / BLYSKÄR Desk Chair with Pad

IKEA

Now that your child has a desk, she needs somewhere to sit. The OBERGET / BLYSKÄR chair ($34.99) is easy on your back-to-school budget, adjustable and cute! Comes with different colored pads to match your decor.

FLISAT Desk

IKEA

With three different heights, this children's desk ($79.99) is an adjustable option your kiddo will enjoy for years to come. 

VIMUND Desk Chair

IKEA

Kids can get comfy in this ergonomic junior chair ($69.99). 

KUNGSFORS Magnetic Clip

IKEA

The KUNGSFORS clip ($4.99 for three) is perfect for organizing your child's school papers, artwork or other papers. Or use them to leave little reminder notes behind!

MÅLA Chalk

IKEA

Little artists will get a kick out of these bold colors. Your child will get nine pieces of chalk in a pack for $2!

MÅLA Colored Pencils

IKEA

If your pint-sized Picasso is all about drawing, this 10 piece pack ($4.99) has a rainbow of colors to create with. 

TJENA Desk Organizer

IKEA

Keep your kiddo's desk clear with this organizer ($4.99). 

 

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: IKEA

 

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Hide & Seek IKEA Style? Police Stop a 3,000-Person Game in Scotland

by Erica Loop

Swedish meatballs, lingonberry sauce, those teeny tiny hex wrenches and—hide and seek? IKEA’s Glasgow store was recently the site of a would-be mass hide and seek game.

The game, which would have included a reported 3,000 participants, was sadly thwarted by police. After getting wind of the plans, the police were dispatched and the game was called off.

photo: Courtesy of IKEA

So how does a 3,000-person game of hide and seek happen at IKEA? By way of Facebook, of course. A call to hide (and seek) went out in a Facebook group, and IKEA fans in the Scotland area agreed to join in the furniture store fun. Police were stationed at the store, ready to turn away anyone who looked like they were only there to play the game.

This isn’t the first time a mass hide and seek game among the Malm’s and Pax’s. The first event dates back to a Belgian store in 2014. Following the first game, organizers in Eindhoven, Amsterdam and Utrecht planned super-sized seeking games.

In 2015 IKEA put a firm end to the games (which were never sanctioned by the retailer). IKEA Glasgow Store Manager, Rob Cooper, told The Scotsman, “The safety of our customers and co-workers is always our highest priority. We were aware of an unofficial Hide and Seek Facebook event being organised to take place at our store today and have been working with the local police for support.”

Cooper continued, “While we appreciate playing games in one of our stores may be appealing to some, we do not allow this kind of activity to take place to ensure we are offering a safe environment and relaxed shopping experience for our customers.”

—Erica Loop

 

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Vegans Rejoice! IKEA Will Soon Serve a Plant-Based Protein Swedish Meatball

by Erica Loop

IKEA’s Swedish meatballs are a staple of the retailer’s in-store menu, but if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, forget about indulging in the tasty treat—at least until 2020. The build-it-yourself-with-a-hex-wrench fab furniture store recently announced it’s developing a plant-based protein alternative option.

Even though IKEA already serves up veggie balls as a meat-free option, the in-development version will look and taste like meat. Think Impossible Burger in a Swedish meatball form.

Not only are the new in-the-works meatless meatballs perfect for vegetarians, but the plant-based protein is also a sustainable food choice that’s good for the planet too! Michael La Cour Managing Director at IKEA Food Services AB, said in a press statement, “We see a growing demand from our customers to have access to more sustainable food options and we want to meet that need. Our ambition is to make healthier and more sustainable eating easy, desirable and affordable, without compromising on taste and texture.”

So when will IKEA make the plant-based protein meatballs available to the public? According to the retailer, the company will start testing the product early next year. But if you’re all in for a Swedish meal, and need something to dip into your lingonberry sauce, you can always try the veggie balls and dogs.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of IKEA

 

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Score Cheap Seats to Scandinavia on This Airline & Fly for Under $400

by Erica Loop

Your Scandinavian travels can now include more than spending the afternoon dining on Swedish meatballs and lingonberry sauce at IKEA. Scandinavian Airlines now has round-trip flights to select cities in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands for under $400! But there’s a catch.

How can you score a round-trip Scandinavian flight for such as low, low price? You’ll need to act fast––the airline’s fab fares are only available through May 19.

That doesn’t mean you need to jet out of town before the end of the month, but you do need to visit the airlines’ website and book your ticket right now (or at least before May 19). To get this super-sweet Scandinavian deal you’ll need to fly out of New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C. or Miami.

Keep in mind, not every flight from a U.S. city to a Scandinavian city is under $400––prices depend on when and where you choose to fly. Visit Scandinavian Airlines website here for prices or to book your vayacy.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Scandinavian Airlines via Instagram 

 

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IKEA’s Easter Buffet Is Your Swedish Meatball Dreams Come True

by Erica Loop

If an all-you-can-eat IKEA Easter buffet for under $13 sounds like a dream—wake up, because it’s a reality! The Swedish retailer is celebrating the season with its annual Easter Påskbord and we’ve got the need-to-know details for you.

As if noshing on IKEAS’s famed Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam wasn’t a treat on its own, now you can get a feast of foodie finds for one low price—but it’s only for one day. The Easter Påskbord buffet is on Apr. 5 at participating IKEA stores across the United States.

The buffet includes three courses, desserts, and beverages. The first course includes tasty treats such as assorted varieties of herring, deviled eggs with shrimp or seaweed pearls, marinated salmon with mustard sauce, and poached salmon with cucumber dill sauce. The second course features assorted Swedish cheeses, Swedish cucumber salad, Swedish red potato salad, and crispbread, crisprolls, softbread and thinbread. Third course offerings include chicken meatballs, Swedish meatballs with Lingonberry Jam, mashed potatoes or boiled dilled potatoes, Jansson’s Temptations, and Swedish ham. Along with these savory selections, you can also get your fill of assorted Swedish desserts, cookies, fountain drinks, and hot beverages.

Seriously consider buying advanced tickets—seating is limited. Contact your local IKEA store for details. Prices are $16.99 per adult and $4.99 per child (ages 12 and under). IKEA FAMILY members get the discounted rate of $12.99 per adult and $2.99 per child.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of IKEA

 

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Let It Glow: Candle Traditions from Around the World

by Amber Guetebier

This time of year the days are shorter and the nights are longer so it’s no wonder that holiday celebrations around the world rely on candles to make them a little brighter. Since it’s Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, we rounded up a few different traditions from across the globe that are sure to light up your night. Scroll down to see what we learned.

photo: Partha Sarathi Sahana via flickr

Worldwide Candle Lighting

Organized by the Compassionate Friends Network, Worldwide Candle Lighting Day takes place every year on Dec. 11 and encourages people around the world to light a candle to honor a child who has passed away. Whether it’s a son or daughter, friend or stranger, grandchild or sibling, you can light a candle to honor lost loved ones. Candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. This tradition was started in 1997 and has since become a global effort to bring compassionate and love to those who are grieving. Learn more here.

Diwali

Diwali is an ancient Hindu tradition that takes place in the late autumn in the northern hemisphere, typically in November. In 2016 it was held on Oct. 30.  Also called the Festival of Lights, it is a five day celebration of light over darkness and marks a time for making wishes for the coming year. The night before Diwali the home is cleaned and decorated. On Diwali night, people dress up and light diyas, or lamps and candles, inside and outside the home. Lamps that float are sent out on water with wishes to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families feast and often exchange gifts. Celebrated widely throughout India, Diwali is also celebrated among Hindus throughout the United States.

photo: hotzeplotz via flickr

Hannukah

Also called The Festival of Lights, the eight candles of the menorah represent the oil that burned for eight days instead of the one it should have. This is the miracle of light, the ability to triumph in the face of adversity and shine against darkness and evil. Each night, one candle is lit and games are played festive food is served. The celebration lasts for 8 days, and usually begins in late November to mid-December. This year it begins on Dec. 24.

photo: Miles Banbery via flickr 

Imbolc, or Brigid’s Day

The old Irish holiday of Imbolc, or St. Brigid’s Day, falls on Feb. 1. Originally named for the Goddess Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brighid, it is also celebrated by Catholics as St. Brigid’s Day and honors St. Brigid of Kildare. The day officially marks the beginning of spring and so candles are lit to represent the sun and longer days that will be ahead. It is one of the four fire festivals in Irish mythology with bonfires lit throughout the countryside. Candles and offerings are made to Brigid, including corn dollies fashioned in her likeness, both at home and in churches.

photo: Mr. TinDC via flickr 

St. Lucia Day

Nordic countries have a long tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice. Today, on Dec. 13, many people in Sweden, Norway and parts of Finland celebrate St. Lucia Day, sometimes called St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional festival of lights. Each town and village chooses a St. Lucia who leads the town’s young girls on a procession. The Lucias are dressed in white with wreaths of lingonberry branches and candles (real candles are used for older kids, while smaller kids may use electric candles) around their heads. Boys dress as star boys, and very young girls will dress like Lucia minus the candles. Gingersnaps are the traditional treat for this day.

photo: Matt Pagel via flickr 

Kwanzaa

his week long celebration began in 1966-67. It is held over seven days, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1 and honors African American heritage and history. Celebrated throughout the U.S. and other parts of the Americas with music, dance and food shared throughout each of the seven days. The final night culminates in gift giving and a feast. Each day honors one of the seven principles of Kwaanza: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara is the candleholder which holds seven candles, with one being lit in honor of each of these principles. Cakes are a popular means for holding candles and become part of the feast.

What candlelit traditions do you celebrate? Share them with us in the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier

 

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