[Photo: Michell Eloy]

Though there's nothing particularly exciting about grilled chicken breast, I'd argue it gets an unfair wrap for being overly bland and the meat of choice for picky eaters. It's a safe order at most restaurants (so long as it's cooked well), and unless it's amply seasoned with sauces or spices, it doesn't pack a lot of taste. But accompanied by the right garnishes, vegetables and seasonings, chicken breast can be a subtle compliment to other, more robust flavors in some dishes.

That's the case for the roasted chicken panini ($9.99) at Fox & Obel Bistro. This part high-end grocer/part deli in the Gold Coast serves up a chicken sandwich that's, dare I say, rather flavorful. Thinly sliced slabs of juicy chicken breast are topped with fire-roasted red peppers, arugula sprigs, and mozzarella cheese. Two slices of house-baked brioche bread slathered in pesto sauce bookend the meat and garnishes. Everything is then pressed together and heated on the griddle for a sandwich that defies the bland-chicken stereotype.

Fox & Obel

401 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)
312-410-7301
fox-obel.com