Daily Slice gives a quick snapshot each weekday of a different slice or pie that the folks at the Serious Eats empire have enjoyed lately.

I went to Abigail's to review their outstanding burger for AHT, but when I saw the menu featured a daily flatbread, I had to expand my order. On the day of my visit the special went for $12 and was topped with a mixture of red and gold beets, goat cheese, black olives, arugula, a lemon-truffle vinaigrette, and Parmesan. At first glance, I worried the pile of greenery on top of the flatbread would ruin the plate, but the fresh leaves and lightly acidic vinaigrette actually served to balance out a rich, earthy appetizer.

The thinly-sliced beet rainbow was the unquestioned star of the pie. The beets paired well with their partner in the now-traditional beet and goat cheese combination. I would have liked a little more tang from the very milky cheese, but the sprinkled Parmesan gave the whole thing a nice salty kick. The crust was thin and had just enough chew to avoid being termed a cracker. Flavor was not the crust's strong suit, but plain yeastless breads are generally not loved for their flavor. Unlike the burgers, the flatbread of the day does not make Abigail's a worthy dining destination, but if you're going there anyway, it makes for a good appetizer on the way to a more exciting meal.

Abigail's American Bistro

493 Roger Williams Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035 (map)
847-780-4862; abigails493.com

About the author: Daniel Zemans is so devoted to Chicago that he covers pizza for Slice and burgers for A Hamburger Today. When he's not focusing on expanding his waistline, he works as a lawyer on behalf of employees and tenants.