Chicago's Ham Sandwich Served with Truffle Mayo 😍

🥶 Since Chicago turned into “Chiberia,” I’ve been hibernating (check my username 😂). But good company and sunny weather make everything better! Met up with a friend at Boqueria in the Loop — a tasty spot I’d happily visit again. Quick take: The paella was fine, but the tapas really stood out! 📓 Note: “Tapas” here aren’t just small bites — portions are generous and carb-heavy. We left stuffed! Ranked by personal preference: 🌟🌟 Bikini Sandwich ($9) My favorite! A grilled ham sandwich with burrata (that creamy “cheese pouch”) — extra fragrant when toasted. Tiny pearl onions added nice texture. Comes as two halves… and they even serve it with truffle mayo?! The truffle flavor was strong and delicious — we used it to slather on bread with extra ham. Unbeatable for the price! 🌟🌟 Pickled Onions & Peppers The lamb skewers came with sweet pickled onions + green onions — perfectly balanced with the meat. The 48-month aged ham was served with pickled peppers — mild, tangy, not too salty. My Sichuan friend loved it so much we took some home! The ham itself was chewy and rich — my friend’s top pick. 🌟 Thoughtful Paella Detail The lemon wedge was wrapped in cheesecloth — no seeds falling in, no accidental squirting. Little touches like this made me like the place even more. Downside: some sand in the mussels and clams. Squid was nicely tender. Overall, the paella broth could’ve been richer, but it was still better than most in Chicago. I’d give it 70/100. 👉 Also ordered grilled octopus (solid but standard) and mac & cheese. This was my first mac & cheese outside a school cafeteria 😅 My cheese-loving friend enjoyed it — made with ham and smoked cheese, using casareccia pasta (holds less sauce, so less heavy). Topped with crispy breadcrumbs for nice texture. #ChicagoEats #TapasLove #TruffleMayo #BoqueriaChicago #FoodieDate #LoopDining 🥪