Oct. 23--Chicago weather forecasts maintain that this fall and early winter will be warmer than in years past, which means you can hold off on the hot-chocolate-as-hand-warmer in favor of a chillier mug. Head to Caffe Rom, a local coffee shop chain with three downtown locations, for the Maple Freeze, a decadent blended coffee drink that's the color of a Halloween pumpkin.
The rich drink ($6 for a medium; $6.50 for a large) blends Caffe Rom's Italian coffee, made from Arabica beans, with maple spice syrup, whole milk and ice to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and amply caffeinated finish. Topped with a pillow of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, the Maple Freeze is the liquid version of a perfect autumn day. No puffy coat required. 71 S. Franklin St., 312-379-0291; 180 N. Stetson St., 312-948-8888; 400 E. South Water St., 312-981-776, www.cafferom.com.
Leah Pickett is a freelance writer.
