BRIEF: Eat this: Brussels sprouts sandwich

May 20--On paper, it sounds like some cruel punishment for misbehaving children. So yes, our waiter had to talk me into this. But what arrived was a welcome surprise from the fertile mind of Nico Osteria chef Erling Wu-Bower. Treat this more as a bruschetta, with crispy-fried Brussels sprout leaves, paired with creamy stracciatella cheese and burnt lemon honey. On top of this goes pesto, chopped hazelnuts that almost taste like chocolate and grated Parmesan cheese. Frankly, it reads simple, but it tastes like the embodiment of springtime, served on a great piece of toast ($14). Nico Osteria, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100, http://www.nicoosteria.com.