International flavors of the World Cup
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The World Cup is well under way in Brazil, which means thousands of ex-pats here in Chicago are showing their national pride and cheering on their native country. But if you want to cool off while watching the games, you may want to consider some of the world's other cups, which can all be found right here in Chicago.
Greektown has been busy during the World Cup, especially at 9 Muses, where they show the games even when Greece isn't playing. What to drink while cheering?
"If you were in Greece it's a given, you gonna drink frappe," said 9 Muses owner Yianni Theoharis.
That would be a little bit of water, some sugar and some strong, finely-ground coffee all blended together, then poured over ice, with a bit of milk and water.
"You can have it three ways: no sugar, little bit of sugar or a lot of sugar, with milk or without milk. You gotta have that drink, you gotta get the power, gotta get the extra energy the extra kick," said Theoharis.
Near the Mexican consulate, La Lagartija has always been a great little taqueria, as well as a source for agua frescas; they make about four flavors each day. There's horchata - made from rice water, cinnamon and condensed milk, plus melon with blueberries, fresh parsley and lime juice, and my favorite - jamaica - made from the juice of steeped hibiscus flowers and sugar syrup.
"Especially in Mexico, we have really nice weather, but it doesn't matter now if you live in Chicago; people ask for those kind of waters," said Luis Perea, owner of La Lagartija.
In River North, Brazilian fans congregate at Sushisamba, which makes caipirinhas by the boatload.
"We start with the liquor, cachaa itself, is made from pure cane sugar. A lot of people will say it's close to rum, a little bit different - rum is made from molasses," said Adam Solomon, the GM at Sushisamba.
First, you muddle sugar and fresh limes together in the bottom of a glass; then add the cachaa, shake with ice and serve.
"This is definitely the place to get a caipirinha during World Cup," said Solomon.
Now four years ago, since the World Cup was in South Africa, a lot of the games were held at odd times, but this year, because they're held in Brazil, most of the games are going to be happening at decent hours in the middle of the afternoon here in Chicago. Perfect time for a frappe, agua fresca or a caipirinha.
9 Muses
315 S. Halsted St.
(312) 902-9922
La Lagartija
132 S. Ashland Ave.
(312) 733-7772
http://lalagartijataqueria.com/
Sushisamba
504 N. Wells St.
(312) 595-2300
