Jianbing Chicago serves up Chinese breakfast pancakes

Some of my favorite meals in China were breakfasts of jianbing made by street vendors who cook savory crepes topped with egg, scallions and bean paste before your eyes.

• I was stoked to hear that a Jianbing Chicago stand opened in downtown's French Market a few years ago, but didn't get to try this delicious breakfast until they opened a second location at Block 37.

The bite: Jianbing's smoked bacon, avocado and cheddar cheese bing ($11.95) features funky fermented bean paste, smoky bacon and smooth avocado on a crispy pancake.

The verdict: I'm not sure what's more enjoyable — watching the cooks make these behind glass or eating them as I rush to my first meeting after getting off at the Red Line exit of Block 37. Super convenient!

• I can't wait to return for other flavors, including the vegan bing and crawfish bing.