National Apple Pie Day on May 13 puts America’s favorite pie front and center on the dessert stage at Benny’s Chop House (444 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312-626-2444). For this year’s celebration, Benny is showcasing the delicious Fuji Apple Tart from Pastry Chef Aaron Lindgren.
To create this thrilling dessert, Chef Lindgren starts with fresh Fuji apples, known for their
crispness and sweetness. He caramelizes them to bring out their natural sweetness and tosses them in a blend of cinnamon, sugar and citrus zest. The mixture is then baked in tangy cream cheese dough; the baking process continues to caramelize the apples while leaving the crust ever so delicate and fluffy. To complete the creation, the chef accompanies the tart with Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream topped and a haystack of fresh Fuji apples. The result is a beautiful, mouthwatering and memorable finale to a wonderful dining experience at Benny’s Chop House.
This great dessert really should be no surprise, since Benny’s long list of regular customers comment frequently that the desserts are nothing short of amazing. Paired with the perfect dessert wine, the dessert course is a signature event every time. It’s another reason Benny’s Chop House is considered one of Chicago’s best the steakhouses for those who desire the best in modern and sophisticated dining.
To make National Apple Pie Day more intriguing, here are some fast facts about this perennial classic. According to a 2004 survey by the American Pie Council, one out of four Americans prefer apple pie, followed by pumpkin or sweet potato, anything chocolate, lemon meringue and cherry. In 2004, 36 million Americans identified apple pie as their favorite.
With regard to pie as a favorite, one in five Americans admits to having eaten an entire pie by themselves. More than one third of Americans have craved pie in the middle of the night and have eaten pie in bed. Apple pie in history: the first time fruit pie was mentioned in literature was when Robert Greens Arcadia wrote, in 1590, "Thy breath is like the steame of apple pyes." People have had a love affair with apple pie ever since.
About Benny’s Chop House
Benny’s Chop House is located at 444 N. Wabash Ave. in Chicago, IL 60611. Whether your preference is for 100% USDA Prime natural, dry-aged, and wet-aged steaks, fresh fish and seafood flown in daily, or many other superbly prepared appetizers, salads, entrées and desserts, there are many ways to enjoy a memorable experience at Benny’s Chop House.
You’ll relish perusing Benny’s wine list that has earned Wine Spectator’s "Best of" Award of Excellence. Benny’s extensive wine collection includes more than 1,500 labels. Yet, the enjoyment doesn’t stop there. If spirits are your penchant, you’ll be pleased to know that Benny’s has one of Chicago’s most completely stocked bars and an elegant and creative specialty cocktail menu.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight. The bar and lounge remains open an hour later. Live jazz from some of Chicago’s best musical artists is presented Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Benny’s participates in many events and holds by invitation only events at the restaurant. To learn more and register to receive invitations, contact Benny’s at (312) 626-2444 or visit www.bennyschophouse.com.
December 1 has been set aside as National Pie Day. In additional to Delightful Pastries’ full selection of full and mini individual pies, they’ve added two new choices just in time for the holidays. 
