He may currently live in Los Angeles but Mitchell Bisschop grew up in Chicago and recently returned for the run of his one man show, Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago. Based on the work and life of Chicago's most popular columnist, the late Mike Royko, Bisschop wrote and performs in the production that highlights Royko's fearless reveal of corruption and his commitment to champion the everyday citizen. While Bisschop is back in town, we had to know where he's eating, including old haunts, thick as mousse drinkable chocolate, and cheezborgers.
It's first thing in the morning, coffee or tea? And who does your favorite brew?
I love coffee, Intelligentsia, at home, pour over. If I must have coffee outside the home, I will typically go to Dark Matter, Colectivo, or as a special treat Kopi Cafe has this thing called Hot Sipping Chocolate, which is kind of like a chocolate mousse in drink form. I can't have it all the time but I totally would because it's about the greatest thing I have ever tasted.
For the most important meal of the day aka breakfast, where do you go and what do you order?
I have been going to S&G Restaurant on Lincoln for over 20 years. I am very biased towards that place because it is like a warm hug when I'm in town. It is comfortable. I always get two eggs over-easy, bacon and wheat toast. Big Jones in Andersonville has top-notch biscuits and gravy. I'm not big on sweet breakfast, I love eggs, meat, and bread in the morning.
Are you a grab-and-go lunch eater or a slow sit-down type? What's your place and order?
I am a grab-and-go lunch guy. I love a good light sandwich for lunch. I'm close to Argyle and Broadway where you can get an amazing banh mi, I go to Ba Le Sandwiches more often than I probably should. I never say "no" to a pork banh mi. There is this small place called Coco's Vietnamese on Lawrence, love their banh mi too. Oh! And I have to mention the chicken shawarma at Taste of Lebanon, just incredible.
Afternoon pick me up? Snack? Caffeine or happy hour? Where is your favorite spot to jump start the evening?
I am not a big snacker. I'll have a soup or maybe a coffee. A Corona or Modelo if we are doing happy hour and I need some calories to tide me over. I hate to spoil my dinner.
Dinner time, what place or meal brings your day to a close the right way?
For my birthday this year, I tried Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder for the first time. Holy cow! I thought it would be fun but I didn't realize how good it was and you can't beat the atmosphere. I like old school places where you can sit for a couple hours with a friend and the time just drains away. What else is life about! Miller's Pub for ribs. Billy Goat Tavern (Royko's old hangout) for a cheezborger and beers. Italian Village is where my family always liked to go before they moved out of town. I wish more of those old places were still around.
Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago is on stage at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division) until Sept. 29. For more information and tickets, visit chopintheatre.com.