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Chicago's must-try dishes

Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune

At the Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Takos Koreanos, menu items range from pork belly mini-egg rolls to kimchi fries to banh mi sandwiches with sides of kimchi-mixed guacamole and chips.

The tacos, however, stand in a league of their own. Ordered a la carte or as part of a combo plate with kimchi fried rice and Korean potato salad, the tacos are crispy and savory delights. In particular, the kalbi barba "Korea" tacos ($3.30 per taco, also available in burrito or quesadilla form) are not to be missed. The kalbi, which refers to braised, marinated short ribs in Korean cuisine, is slow-cooked for four hours and pulled, doused with soy sauce, carrots, green onions, radishes, pears and a dash of sugar, and topped with a crunchy house vinaigrette slaw and roasted sesame seeds. 1706W. Foster Ave., 773-654-1220, cash only. -- Leah Pickett

At the Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Takos Koreanos, menu items range from pork belly mini-egg rolls to kimchi fries to banh mi sandwiches with sides of kimchi-mixed guacamole and chips.

(Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune)

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Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

In 2012 the family-owned Massa Italian Cafe & Gelateria in Elmwood Park was featured on an episode of "Sandwich King" on the Food Network, in which host Jeff Mauro sunk his teeth into a panzerotti, a crispy, calzonelike pocket of fried dough stuffed with tomato sauce and Italian cheeses. But that's not the only outrageously appetizing sandwich that Massa has to offer. On the sweet side, try the gelato sandwich ($4.99), consisting of creamy homemade gelato sandwiched between two rich and buttery chocolate chip cookies, which are baked fresh in-house. In particular, the nutty pistachio and amaretto gelato are highly recommended to add a pinch of savory to the sugar rush. Make sure to try the fried dough too. 7434 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, 708-583-1111, massacafe.com --Leah Pickett

(Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

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Every week in our Dining section, Tribune writers tell readers to Eat This! Check in for the latest drool-worthy dish.