Love on the Blu - Blue Island, IL
Love on the Blu, Blue Island IL
So... anyone from Chicago not under a rock has probably been to the famous Batter and Berries up North at 2748 N Lincoln Ave. The BYOB, black owned spot has lines out the door on the weekend, but they also have TEA. The word around is that there was some kitchen turmoil, and the main ingredient, Chef Derek Rylon, apparently took his talents AND MENU to South Beach. Ok, not exactly a full LeBron move, but he did bring his signature menu to the South Suburban area and to an unsuspecting location.
Located on Western Ave in Blue Island, IL, Love on the Blu features the most craved (or missed) items in their original "Chef Rylon" form. From the Mega French toast flight that has half-slices of blueberry, strawberry, dulce de leche, and my surprising favorite, lemon french toast PLUS the featured flavor of the month, to the Chicken and Waffle- a SUPER MOIST DELICIOUS BREAST with a hot sauce glaze and a cornbread waffle with chunks of chicken sizzled inside the batter, the food DID NOT disappoint, and you know that is a stretch for me.
Everything also comes a la carte, so budget for some cheesy hash browns or bacon. Their menu boasts waffles and omelettes, as well as a few lunch items and sandwiches, but be sure to ask about the specials of the day. They had an Alfredo omelette, and the french toast specialty flavor, Cheesecake Rum, won the day *Drool*
I want to be real with you. The current location is NOT the same as its northern counterpart. The lounge-turned-soon-to-be-restaurant-hotspot is pretty small, and the location is not as "prime" as the spot in the city; if there is a wait, you may be S-O-L without a real place to wait or go or shop like up north. They do have a full bar, as it is predominately a lounge, but it has about 4 seats only.
We went of a Friday afternoon and the buzz is not fully out, so there were only 2 other tables at about 2 pm. They are still seeming to work out staffing kinks and getting the lounge servers trained for full food service, but the staff, while a bit "nervous", were very nice and the food came out hot and fast.
If there is a wait when you check them out, put your name on the list and give it a go. Don't expect the best service or ambiance just yet; the music is great, tho. I was def jamming the whole time and the food was worth it. Just a note, try things the recommended way, without adding syrup or hot sauce (y'all know i'm a proponent for no outside sauces on a chef's creation before tasting it) They put secrets and lies in that french toast batter that you need to taste without messing it all up with syrup.
Have you been yet? What was your experience? Leave a comment below!
Love on the Blu
12454 S Western Ave
Blue island 60406
https://www.facebook.com/LOVEONTHEBLU/
Phone - 7089259904