Ina's in Chicago

Ida Pinkney, The Breakfast Queen

On one of my trips to Chicago a few years ago, a friend of mine and I decided to forgo our usual breakfast stop of Wishbone and try a different place - Ina's. I loved it so much, that my husband and I went for breakfast on my next Chicago visit that year.

Ina's owner, Ina Pinkney, opened the restaurant in 1991. It QUICKLY became one of the faves in the Loop. Known as The Breakfast Queen, she's been written about in many publications and has even appeared as herself in a Quaker Oats commercial. Her recipes have been featured in many recipe books.

 I am not a huge fan of pancakes, but I do like a few bites - usually from my husbands plate. Not the case with Ina's Gingerbread Pancakes. I ate a whole plate of them on my first visit! They are so light and just downright DELISH!  The only bad thing about them is that they are not always available. I am praying they are available on on Spring trip to Chicago. The good thing is Ina has shared her recipe with her fans.  You can find it here.