Two titans of the Chicago food scene are coming together to create a delicious pop-up. Debbie Sharpe, aka The Goddess, and Chef Thai Dang from HaiSous are teaming up to bring their signature flavors to pop-ups at the Goddess and Grocer Fulton Market and Bucktown locations this winter.
The dishes bring together existing Goddess menu items with the addition of Chef Thai’s international flavors. It’s a marriage made in culinary heaven. This longtime friendship started when Debbie opened her commissary to Chef Thai. He was starting over, and Debbie was there to support a friend. She told him to grab a hotel pan and to fill it with whatever food items he needed. This generosity helped Chef Thai when he needed it the most. It’s been a special friendship ever since this moment.

Crispy Chicken Bánh Mì. Photo by Kristen Mendiola.
Some of the new pop-up creations include a delicious Crispy Chicken Bánh Mì. The fried chicken has a caramelized fish sauce, which creates an unexpected flavor. This new sandwich stands apart from other restaurants, especially in a city full of hot chicken creations. It is topped with pickled carrot and radish mayo, cucumber, slice tomato, lettuce, mint and cilantro. It’s one of my new favorite sandwiches in the city.

Dang Good Wings. Photo by: Kristen Mendiola
Every restaurant makes wings, but the Dang Good Wings really shine. There are two flavors: honey sriracha or the HaiSous famous caramelized fish sauce wings. Both variations are incredible and go beyond the typical buffalo wings. The caramelized fish sauce wings are a step above all others. It has a delicious crunch with a flavor that rocks my world. It’s perfect comfort food.
There are also some great vegetarian choices, like the papaya salad with sesame tofu. I’m not vegetarian, but creative dishes like this make me want to give up meat. At first, I thought it was pasta noodles, but I was surprised to find out it was actual strands of young papaya. I’ve had this salad at other restaurants, but I’ve never had it executed this well. I can hardly wait to have this tasty dish again. There’s a few more surprises on the menu, including loaded fries with caramelized fish sauce and a lemongrass tofu wrap.
It would not be a proper visit to Goddess and the Grocer without enjoying a sweet treat. Debbie is known for her incredible baked goods. Goddess Executive Pastry Chef Alysha Dinatale worked with the Thai Pastry team to create two fantastic desserts. I fell in love with their Vietnamese coffee tres leches cupcake. Tres leches cakes from Mexico are one of my favorite desserts. I love this international twist on a classic. There’s also a fantastic lemongrass eclair with dark chocolate.
Do not miss this pop-up collaboration, which will be available for two upcoming weekends in Chicago. It brings together two talented chefs for a unique culinary collaboration. The dishes for this pop-up bring together the acclaimed flavors of HaiSous and merge them with the signature Goddess menu items. It’s a true flavor explosion.
POP-UP DATES
The Goddess and Grocer Fulton Market (911 W. Randolph):
Friday-Sunday, January 27-29, from 11am-3pm (while supplies last)
The Goddess and Grocer Bucktown (1649 N. Damen):
Friday-Sunday, February 3-5, from 11am-3pm (while supplies last)
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