Kasama

Filipino fine dining at night, cafe with incredible pastries on the weekends. Insanely long lines, even in the freezing temps. We showed up on a Sunday almost ninety minutes before opening and were still only the third group in line. It crawled even after the doors opened, and we didn't get in until nearly two hours later. The pastries were worth it. With a hundred people stacked up behind us, we gave the display a quick scan and just grabbed whatever looked good. Caramelized banana cream tart, Ube and Huckleberry Basque cake, and the truffle croissant. Every element felt well thought-out, but the truffle croissant was the one. I loved the sugar crystals scattered on top, and that almost cheap, candy-store sweetness paired really well with the savory truffle notes. The savory dishes, honestly, were more pedestrian. Not a lot of refinement or creative touches, just hearty food that feels good after standing in line for hours. Like everyone else, we grabbed the breakfast sandwich, the Filipino Breakfast, spring rolls, and pork belly adobo, and it was all solid. Pretty much what you'd expect from a good hole-in-the-wall Filipino spot.

The best bakery items I've ever had to be honest, everything was so good. I thought I had a favorite (the eclair) but I don't, I could eat each one of these and enjoy them all equally. The muffin top was soft with crunchy texture from the sugar sprinkles, and the ube and huckleberry basque cake is unlike anything I've ever had before. The apple pie was baked perfectly with the freshest ingredients, and the eclair was sweet and creamy. I'm trying to think of an equivalent bakery here in the dmv where I’m from, but can't (maybe Sunday Morning, Gwenie's, baked joint, or Rose Ave but this felt like another level). Now, for the not so good news, their breakfast sandwich was mid. Some people say it's the best breakfast sandwich they've ever had....its not. It tasted like any other breakfast sandwich, just made with higher quality ingredients. Save your money and don't get this, instead spend it on more dessert items from the bakery. Also, don't wait in line (there's always a line), order ahead for pickup the day you want it in the morning. It'll probably be ready an hour after you do the pickup order. I wish I had time to do the Michelin star dinner this place is known for but maybe for the next visit lol

Kasama, wow what an incredible breakfast! 2-Michelin starred Filipino restaurant and made more popular with the TV show The Bear, is extremely popular so get ready to wait in line. It also is ranked #31 on the world’s best list!! I got there at 8:30 and there were probably 50 people in front on me with the opening at 9. The trick is to order online at 8:45 and pick up. Mine was ready at 9:16. I then ate at some benches on the side of the restaurant. You can’t eat inside unless you have waited in line. I wouldn’t have been inside at least until 9:45 in line. Make sure you save room for some excellent pastries as well as the main dishes. I got the Longanisa (a traditional sausage that is a staple of Filipino breakfast) sandwich with egg and cheese as well as the ube and huckleberry basque cake. Both were phenomenal!! My next trip to Chicago, I know where I’m going again!!