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Pulled Pork Bat 17 1709 Benson Ave. Evanston, IL If you’re an early reader of ‘wich Hunt then you’re aware of my deep affection for Bennison’s Bakery, “an Evanston institution since 1938.”  The Toulouse (straight from Bennison’s) is bomb and the Buffalo Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a staple in my diet—partly because the bun used comes from the aforementioned bakery.  Turns out Buffalo Joe’s isn’t the only spot in Evanston that takes advantage of these hand-sliced breads.  Unfortunately, their bread alone can’t save every sandwich that uses it.Bat 17, in downtown Evanston, is a simple concept with a seemingly simple menu consisting of sandwiches, beer, soups, salads and a reasonably sized dessert menu (I should disclose that prices are not recession friendly.  Expect over $10 for a Regular Size and $12+ for the Full Size).  The sandwich menu is broken down by sandwich type—chicken, turkey, beef, vegetarian, etc.—, which I guess is the seemingly simple part.  Problem is, there are too many derivatives.  Maybe it’s my indecisiveness or my love for everything edible that’s to blame, but when I’m at lunch I don’t really feel like choosing one sandwich from a tall list of 39.  It’s one of those ordering experiences where you change your mind 5 different times before convincing yourself you’re really craving Turkey and not Corned Beef.  Thankfully, Pulled Pork was the special because I didn’t really feel like Turkey or Corned Beef or any of the other 37 varieties. The packaging of the sandwich got me all hot and bothered—a significantly sized square, neatly wrapped in thick white butcher paper, sealed with masking tape and the word “pork” written in black sharpie.  The thing weighed pretty heavy too, which added to my excitement; however, everything from that point was pretty uneventful.  The sauce used was ok and had a nice sweetness to it, but every few bites I got a pork chunk surprise that was far from pulled.  There were some jalapenos thrown in, which made things interesting, some cheese that I can’t recall (maybe Munstuer), some soggy fried onion strings, and possibly some cole slaw—not sure.  Oh, and it was pretty messy too, which is not always bad if it’s coming from a sandwich I want to shove in my mouth and smear all over my face.  Not one of those sandwiches.  I won’t bother breaking down the list of ingredients, because it’s all pretty forgettable.  Not so much a “fail,” but more of a “I wouldn’t order it again.” 

Pulled Pork
Bat 17
1709 Benson Ave.
Evanston, IL

If you’re an early reader of ‘wich Hunt then you’re aware of my deep affection for Bennison’s Bakery, “an Evanston institution since 1938.”  The Toulouse (straight from Bennison’s) is bomb and the Buffalo Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a staple in my diet—partly because the bun used comes from the aforementioned bakery.  Turns out Buffalo Joe’s isn’t the only spot in Evanston that takes advantage of these hand-sliced breads.  Unfortunately, their bread alone can’t save every sandwich that uses it.

Bat 17, in downtown Evanston, is a simple concept with a seemingly simple menu consisting of sandwiches, beer, soups, salads and a reasonably sized dessert menu (I should disclose that prices are not recession friendly.  Expect over $10 for a Regular Size and $12+ for the Full Size).  The sandwich menu is broken down by sandwich type—chicken, turkey, beef, vegetarian, etc.—, which I guess is the seemingly simple part.  Problem is, there are too many derivatives.  Maybe it’s my indecisiveness or my love for everything edible that’s to blame, but when I’m at lunch I don’t really feel like choosing one sandwich from a tall list of 39.  It’s one of those ordering experiences where you change your mind 5 different times before convincing yourself you’re really craving Turkey and not Corned Beef.  Thankfully, Pulled Pork was the special because I didn’t really feel like Turkey or Corned Beef or any of the other 37 varieties.

The packaging of the sandwich got me all hot and bothered—a significantly sized square, neatly wrapped in thick white butcher paper, sealed with masking tape and the word “pork” written in black sharpie.  The thing weighed pretty heavy too, which added to my excitement; however, everything from that point was pretty uneventful.  The sauce used was ok and had a nice sweetness to it, but every few bites I got a pork chunk surprise that was far from pulled.  There were some jalapenos thrown in, which made things interesting, some cheese that I can’t recall (maybe Munstuer), some soggy fried onion strings, and possibly some cole slaw—not sure.  Oh, and it was pretty messy too, which is not always bad if it’s coming from a sandwich I want to shove in my mouth and smear all over my face.  Not one of those sandwiches.  I won’t bother breaking down the list of ingredients, because it’s all pretty forgettable.  Not so much a “fail,” but more of a “I wouldn’t order it again.” 

Pulled Pork from Bat 17

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Bennison’s Bakery Evanston, IllinoisToulouse I never eat breakfast.  Never been to Paris.  After this morning, I suddenly want to do both.  My hermano and co-worker Jesus, delivers once again.  Not only did he not have to come to work on a Friday, but he also didn’t have to bring breakfast sandwiches from, what’s turning out to be, my new go-to work spot.  Bennison’s mutha$&%^@*! Bakery.  If you’ll recall in my previous post, Buffalo Joe’s makes an unbeatable Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, served on a heavenly bun courtsey of Bennison’s mutha$&%^@*! Bakery.  Known for their wide assortment of sweets, freshly baked artisan breads, cakes, cookies and other bomb delights, the award-winning Bennison’s Bakery also serves a handful of Parisienne sandwiches. The Toulouse (only available on Friday’s and Saturday’s) murders any McDonald’s breakfast sandwich—even the McGriddle.  Yeah, I said it.  The croissant is warm, buttery and flaky; the eggs fresh, fluffy and well seasoned; the bechamel outstandingly rich and creamy.  The ham was good, not to salty, but the bacon is forgettable and initially undetectable.  If they can fix the bacon part, I would drive to get 2 of these every morning/afternoon after a night of tossing a few back.  Did I mention they put the bechamel inside AND out.  Be advised that Bennison’s keeps to the bakery standard and does not have any seating. They do have a couple of table tops that you can stand at.  My recommendation would be to take it to-go and enjoy it over at Fountain Square in beautiful Downtown Evanston.  Be sure to say what’s up to “Easy Rider.”  You’ll know him when you see him.  Details: croissant scrambled eggs bacon ham bechamel sauce Note: Names have been changed to help preserve anonymity.

Bennison’s Bakery
Evanston, Illinois
Toulouse

I never eat breakfast.  Never been to Paris.  After this morning, I suddenly want to do both.  My hermano and co-worker Jesus, delivers once again.  Not only did he not have to come to work on a Friday, but he also didn’t have to bring breakfast sandwiches from, what’s turning out to be, my new go-to work spot.  Bennison’s mutha$&%^@*! Bakery.  If you’ll recall in my previous post, Buffalo Joe’s makes an unbeatable Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, served on a heavenly bun courtsey of Bennison’s mutha$&%^@*! Bakery.  Known for their wide assortment of sweets, freshly baked artisan breads, cakes, cookies and other bomb delights, the award-winning Bennison’s Bakery also serves a handful of Parisienne sandwiches.

The Toulouse (only available on Friday’s and Saturday’s) murders any McDonald’s breakfast sandwich—even the McGriddle.  Yeah, I said it.  The croissant is warm, buttery and flaky; the eggs fresh, fluffy and well seasoned; the bechamel outstandingly rich and creamy.  The ham was good, not to salty, but the bacon is forgettable and initially undetectable.  If they can fix the bacon part, I would drive to get 2 of these every morning/afternoon after a night of tossing a few back.  Did I mention they put the bechamel inside AND out.  Be advised that Bennison’s keeps to the bakery standard and does not have any seating. They do have a couple of table tops that you can stand at.  My recommendation would be to take it to-go and enjoy it over at Fountain Square in beautiful Downtown Evanston.  Be sure to say what’s up to “Easy Rider.”  You’ll know him when you see him.  Details:

  • croissant
  • scrambled eggs
  • bacon
  • ham
  • bechamel sauce
Note: Names have been changed to help preserve anonymity.

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