$$ - Good Eats
April 22nd, 2007 at 07:13pm
Under $$ - Good Eats
With Chicago style pizza as big of a phenomenon as it is, inevitably the question of who does it the best arises. For someone who loves food and especially that for which Chicago is famous as much as myself, this is a question that I have grappled with at some length. It is also a question that I feel I cannot answer at this point in time. That is why I plan to hold a head to head tournament in the spirit of the NCAA Basketball Tournament to deem a Champion once and for all.
While qualifying is ongoing, the two heavy favorites going in are undoubtedly Lou Malnatis pie featuring its extremely crave-able and unique tomato sauce top and the somewhat more classic and heavier offering from Giordanos. While both spots are at the top of the Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza game, they each deliver a unique variation on the theme that makes comparisons difficult.
However, I am ready to step up to the challenge and sort out the best not just between these two perennial superpowers but also of possible surprise stories like Gino’s East, Eduardos, and The Art of Pizza among others. Check back soon to see the full bracket along with the results of Round 1.
By admin
April 10th, 2007 at 11:25pm
Under $$$ - Casual Dining+ $$$$ - Fine Dining+ $$ - Good Eats+ $ - Fast Food+ $$$$$ - Ridic Dining
While I love eating a great many places, very few elicit the title of perpetual favorites. Portillos is one of those places. I really have been dreading this write-up just for fear of not doing justice to the sacred walls of this glorious establishment.
I first came to terms with my problem when during my freshman year of college at the University of Wisconsin, I received for my birthday not one but two entire cakes of chocolaty heaven. Other people had clearly been introduced to my inner fat guy. I am not a religious man, but if I were, this cake would vie for the position of my deity. While a single entire cake is indeed gluttonous and possessing two at the same time approaches extreme levels even I quiver at the thought of, even the single slices served at the restaurant can put everything that is good in the world within reach of your fork.
I knew that this piece would inevitably digress into a love note to mi amor chocolate cake but I promised myself that I would fight to keep it on track. With that in mind I would like to get into some of Portillos’ other offerings.
The most astonishing thing about this spot is that while everyone loves it, each has his or her own reasons. While conversations with Coldstone lovers are always going to get back to cake batter ice cream, conversations with Portillos lovers are unscripted and spontaneous.
Following the obligatory affirmation that he is in fact a fan, the portillos lover will follow with an utterly unpredictable reasoning. “The Italian beef makes my heart sing.” “The grilled chicken sandwich is better than watching dragonflies fuck.” “The chili dog is more soothing than diarrhea when you’re constipated.” The list goes on. I have never heard of a spot where nearly every menu item is at the top of someone’s list. How can everything be so damn good?
Personally, I have experienced periods in my love for Portillos, much more akin to those that Picasso experienced than those which visit chics monthly. I began young and innocent with my cheese dog period, before exploring my slightly deeper cheeseburger side. The cheese fries were a comforting constant, a shoulder to lean on if you will, through this otherwise tumultuous period.
I then grew slightly more health conscious and my palette expanded forcing me into a long, drawn out grilled chicken sandwich period. The flavors that result as the mayonnaise plays on the seasonings of the perfectly grilled breast are nothing short of beautiful when combined on such a soft but substantial bun. Lately my emotions have been getting the best of my health conscious mind and I have been falling into the darkness that is the chili dog. While the chili is not all that noteworthy, I can’t help but love the experience.
If I die of heart disease, there is almost no doubt that my drawn out romance with Portillos played some part, but that is ok because everyone knows that in heaven, food orders are hastily scribbled on the backs of red and white striped paper bags.
By admin
April 10th, 2007 at 11:17pm
Under $$ - Good Eats
Anybody who tells you they haven’t grubbed tempo when they’re bent out of their minds at 4 in the morning is lying. Well I suppose there are those who have never graced the Windy City with their presence and those who have but have been unfortunate enough not to stumble on this detoxifying goldmine both during their all-night drinking session and during the day of recovery that followed it.
While there is always a line popping at any reasonable time of day, (between 4am and 2pm maybe) and this spot is slower than McDonalds to get into the credit card game, I am still a big advocate.
The biggest reason I love Tempo for satisfying all my late-night and brunchly urges is the sheer size of their offerings. Most of the menu is served in large skillets that easily fill even me up. This is not to say that the food is not also delicious. I was worried the first time I visited sober that like so many other spots and hookups all my late night dreams of greatness would come crashing down when I saw just how much the goods sucked with the lights on.
However, I was gloriously surprised. The spinach and feta omelet I ate was not only huge, it also tasted really good. Throw in some eggs and potatoes that I barely even got to as they were hiding beneath this monster of an omelet, and I was presently surprised.
I strongly advise brunch enthusiasts and boozehounds alike to visit Tempo. There will be a line but I feel as though it is well worth it. Just remember to bring cash money.
By admin
April 5th, 2007 at 09:02pm
Under $$$ - Casual Dining+ $$ - Good Eats
If asked my favorite bar in Chicago, the vast majority of the time, I would answer with the simple, fake word “Rockit.” However, though their name doesn’t appear in the dictionary, nothing else about this place is faked.
By all accounts celebrities tend to hit this spot when they visit town. While that may conjure the image of asshole elitists circling around crispy white tables sitting in uncomfortable chairs staring at one another’s perfectly styled hair while odd trance music plays (but I digress), Rockit is far removed from any of these visions. This fairly dark, rustic space with heavy wood tables and booths seems more inviting for a gathering of old friends than MC Hammer hanging out with his groupies. Add in a friendly, albeit fairly ubiquitous staff and you have a very nice spot to spend an evening.
The areas where it really counts are where Rockit really stands out though. Food and drink. So what if they have a great atmosphere? If the food and drink sucks, I won’t be going back. Luckily though, this place has it all.
Great signature beverages – a first visit wouldn’t be complete without trying the Bomb Pop (raspberry and lemon vodkas, blue Curacao, lemonade and grenadine). This outstanding cocktail combines the flavor you loved as a kid with a buzz that would make any 20 year old long for a birthday. If you’re feeling daring, a Blueberry Pie (Stoli Blue, splash of blueberry puree, pineapple juice, splash of ginger syrup, splash of roses, lime shaken and strained) should be a decent departure from your average bar fare.
However, as much as I love a great cocktail, even I throw enough crap into a shaker and pour gold once in awhile. Food on the other hand takes a bit more delicate touch. The food at Rockit is outstanding. While I can’t recall a single negative comment, I have repeatedly heard praise from all directions. Whether it be directed to the standard dinner menu or the scaled down late-night version, praise for Rockit’s food runs long.
Personally, I list their Cajun Salmon with Pasta amongst my favorite meals in the city. Coming in at just $18, this dish consists of excellent salmon resting on a bed of incredible pesto pasta. The pesto sauce was fresh and tasty and the pasta a filling counterpart to the wonderful salmon. As far as late night fare, my choice has repeatedly been the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This rather gourmet take on a standard bar food dish features pesto mayonnaise and is served on a really quality roll.
I am almost embarrassed to say that I have never tried the signature Rockit Burger but I suppose that gives me a reason to go back. It also shows just how good these other two dishes are that I keep going back to them though I am utterly intrigued by another menu item.
I recommend Rockit to visitors and locals alike. The food, drink, and atmosphere are all superb and the price is quite low for such a sought after and classy establishment.
By admin
April 2nd, 2007 at 08:20pm
Under $$ - Good Eats
We entered this quaint River North spot on a recent Friday night. Some tourist types were near the door and decided to come in behind us. IF we had anything to do with their decision, I am deeply apologetic.
Upon our two parties entering, we were greeted merely by a sign “Please wait to be seated.” I have seen such fare before, normally at an off time when there is only one hostess working and she has taken another party to their table. Soon she returns and all is well in the world. However, this was 8pm on a Friday night and the dining room was crowded and in full swing. We proceeded to wait 10 minutes when a woman finally came over and could not comprehend how the two parties before her were not one. As lovely as these strangers looked, we were not particularly interested in sharing a table with them. The woman left.
A few minutes later another waitress came over and upon understanding that we were two separate parties, explained that it would be a 20 minute wait for us and a 30 minute wait for the others. I noticed that no one was seated at the sushi bar and inquired to its availability. She said that we could sit down.
To keep this review shorter than my dinner, I’ll resort to a timeline here:
- 5 min later – Asked for menus
- 10 min after menus – Asked to order
- 30 min after ordering – Asked if we were getting our drinks
- 10 min after that – Received soup, drinks, and someone else’s entrée
- 2 min after that – Went to cashier to get napkins
- 15 min after that – Received main course
- 10 min after finishing – Requested bill
- 5 minutes after asking – Received bill, went to cashier to pay
Notice not just the times, but the fact that we had to ask, and in a few spots stand up to walk and ask sometbody else, every step of the way to inspire action. At a spot where I was spending $60 for two people, this is inexscuseable.
See here is the thing. I’m a very patient diner. To upset me with poor service takes a lot. What this means is that when I do become upset I realize that the service is reaching epic proportions of horribility. This was probably the worst service I have ever had. It put me in a bad mood for the rest of the night.
The food was fine, nothing special, but nothing horrific either. However, I will not return to Silver Spoon because of the absolutely terrible service we received. There are enough far better sushi restaurants that care enough to staff enough people to pay attention to their guests that I just don’t need to.
By admin
March 31st, 2007 at 06:45pm
Under $$$ - Casual Dining+ $$ - Good Eats
A prime River North location, valet parking outside, innovative menu, not a place I want to pick up the check. Or is it?
Quartinos (Corner of State & Ontario) labels its offerings as italian tapas. As someone who loves food, I tend to be very indecisive when picking up a menu for the first time. Tapas is the perfect answer for those times when everything looks good. I also love quality Italian food as much as anybody who has lived off store-bought marinara sauce and spaghetti for the better part of college and fallen in love at first sight with hundreds of super hot Italian girls. However, I have never heard of a restaurant offering a combination of both of these dining pleasures. I was intrigued and ready to pay for it.
Once inside the crowded, yet surprisingly comfortable bustle of this friendly spot, we ordered clams and a carafe of cabernet sauvignon to start. The wine was impressively good - even before considering the $18/L price tag. The clams were deserving of a similar reaction. Coated in an excellent sauce and served in a generous helping, this was good eating. For the next course, we ordered the cavatelli. Touted by our friendly and fast waitress as a potato pasta similar to gnocchi, this dish was impeccable. I have not had pasta this good in quite some time. The sauce was bursting with flavor that was brought out perfectly by fresh ricotta cheese spread across the dish. This dish alone makes me want to return to Quartinos very soon.
Following this dish we settled on calamari as our final dish. The generous helpings made three dishes seem like the perfect number for two people. The calamari was the first and only falter of the entire meal. A bit undercooked and rubbery, they were still not horrible and I have certainly seen far worse served at higher priced establishments. We were well into our second carafe of wine by this point and decided that dessert was a must upon seeing the nutella paninis seductively lighting up the menu. When they were brought out, it was clear that these small sandwiches dripping with chocolate were the perfect end to a very enjoyable dinner.
I have no doubt that I will return to Quartinos in the near future. If I were to only consider the food, I would draw the exact same conclusion. Add to this that my girlfriend and I were able to enjoy 3 generously sized tapas dishes, dessert, and plenty of wine for less than $50 and I am just salty I didn’t hit here any earlier.
By admin
March 31st, 2007 at 06:44pm
Under $$ - Good Eats
Today we had the pleasure of finally visiting Minnies (1969 North Halsted). Our interest in this place was originally piqued by the European walk-up window outside but once we discovered that everything on the menu is miniature, we had to try it.
From the moment we entered, we were struck by the devotion to keeping everything mini in the small diner. A full bar comprised entirely of mini liquor bottles, including a top shelf section, mini beer bottles, and mini sandwiches on everyone’s plates. The small dining room and bar area were crowded but not uncomfortable and after a very brief wait we were taken to a table.
Service was fast and refreshingly friendly. Our order was taken and delivered quickly. The atmosphere was great, a great mix of young professionals and young families with children adding a happy din to the room.
If you’re like me, when you visit a new restaurant, you can’t entirely decide what to get. Minnies has the perfect solution for this. The standard order is comprised of 3 mini sandwiches and a side of frites. By selecting 3 sandwiches, I could get all the things that looked great on the menu rather than having to decide. The frite sauce was an impressive addition to the side. My 3 sandwiches were the pesto chicken, the venezia, and a turkey cheeseburger. They were all delicious with the pesto chicken coming in at the top of the list.
For dessert, my friend got the original butterscotch milk-shake. As he stated, “anytime a place calls something ‘the original’ its gotta be good.” Apparently it was.
I went with the waitress’ other suggestion “Minnie’s chocolate chip mint cookies in a bowl.” Comprised of essentially 3 brownie cookies, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whip creme, this was just a straight up good ending to a very enjoyable meal.
Cliff Notes — A great, friendly diner where each guest orders a variety of miniature items. Great staff, fast service, and reasonable price make this place a must hit.
By admin
March 31st, 2007 at 06:43pm
Under $$ - Good Eats
With the unfortunate passing of the beloved Amarit, my Thai loving brethren and I were left with but one choice for great Thai food at a great price in the River North/Gold Coast scenery.
Luckily though, Star of Siam (Illinois & Grand) doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. After being in the same location for the past x years, we hope that the small, comfortable restaurant will remain for some time.
Being my go-to Thai restaurant and Thai being my go-to food, I’ve tried a few different dishes here. However, without a doubt my favorite remains the Green Curry with chicken. The heat in this dish has been perfected to the point that it just burns so good. Add to this a combination of vegetables and a very basil-y finish served in a heaping portion for around $7 (don’t forget to add a side of rice) and it is the making of a great dish.
If you have time to dine in the restaurant, enjoy the butter seating in the middle of the dining room where you look to be sitting on the floor but in reality your feet drop through the floor. Mind-blowing. I also feel the need each time I visit to indulge in a beer by the name of “Phuket].” Incredibly immature of course, but seems to be a recurring theme in my life so I don’t pay much attention.
Star of Siam is one of those places that everytime I receive my meal, whether delivered or at the restaurant, I am both amazed by the epic portions and disgusted by knowing I will finish it in the course of a single sitting. Not a bad feeling to have for under $10.
By admin
March 31st, 2007 at 06:42pm
Under $$$ - Casual Dining+ $$ - Good Eats
bis·tro [bis-troh; Fr. bee-stroh] noun - Spot with weak food during the day that pops super late with wicked good food and alcohol til the sun comes up.
Based on two recent trips to Bijan’s Bistro (663 N State St. I won’t even waste your time with their janky website) the above definition is pretty spot on. Who knew? honestly…
Let me set the stage a bit.
Trip 1
Out meeting people for brunch, disappointed to see a meager breakfast food offering, ask waitress for recommendation, enthused by her asshole sounding suggestion of the salmon tartine until it comes out and I realize I got lox & bagel minus the bagel while everybody else seemed to get heaping mounds of better looking whatnot. I decided to place the blame straight on the spot, leaving my shoulders free of the burden and vowed to never return.
Trip 2
Fast forward a few weeks. Bijan’s Bistro has all but faded from my memory when I arrive home late one Saturday evening with my memory faded. My roomate hatches a plan to eat at Bijan’s because it is apparently open until 5am. With the strange feeling that I may miss out on a golden experience I join him. As we enter we can’t believe the crowd amassed in this small eatery at nearly 3 in the morning. And it seems, no one is planning on going anywhere soon.
We get a table after a short wait and both order the pesto chicken sandwich. Mine is accompanied by incredible cottage fries while my friend opts for the french fries. I’m blown away by how good everything is. Apparently I was wrong about his place and see many hazy nights in the future being spent amongst the industry folk within the mahogany walls of Bijan’s Bistro.
If you’re ever looking some good eats late night in River North I have to recommend giving Bijan’s a try. I’m almost thinking I might give it another shot during the day especially considering the outdoor patio I saw popping out there today.
By admin
March 31st, 2007 at 06:11pm
Under $$$$ - Fine Dining+ $$ - Good Eats
After hearing good things from a variety of sources, we finally made it out to Café BaBaReeba (Halsted).
I can definitely see where the good will towards this spot originates. The atmosphere is jovial, the staff extremely attentive and friendly, and the food isn’t bad either. It must be noted that in my opinion anyway, tapas style dining (as a meal) is best enjoyed in parties of four or more, and I don’t think Café BaBaReeba is any exception. I think that tapas serves as an excellent aperitif for individuals or couples as well. Café Ba has a nice bar area to accommodate those just seeking a snack with their drink as well.
Unfortunately, our group was a bit tired and sangria sounded like far more of a party than we were looking for. I was up, but then again I’m always up so that goes without saying. Had we been interested, the sangria list was impressive with a variety of intriguing flavors. The tapas began trickling in and once the kitchen caught up with our order, the floodgates opened and the new plates arrived at our table by the minute. With 5 of us all favoring different things, we had an intricate sharing system going on with each person generally ordering for him or herself and everyone pretty free to pick off the plates of others.
My first dish to arrive were the patatas bravas. A favorite of mine from time I spent in Barcelona, these potatoes, browned to a crisp were served with one of the better sauces known to man were great. My only regret is eating so many of them as this set a tone for the rest of the meal. The next plate with my name on it was the goat cheese baked in marinara. My first time enjoying this dish as a lad of about 12 is the reason why to this day I list my favorite cheese as that of the goat. Oh its just so good. I really want to go to Babba Reeba everyday and just pick up this dish and dip out. Really is that good. Like the potatoes though, bread dipped in heavy sauce doesn’t keep your stomach feeling empty for long.
I was so full, I largely passed on the seared octopus dish I was supposed to share with a friend. I did however perk up and open enough space to grub the escargot I had ordered. I am not an escargot expert by any means so my ability to compare is limited, but this was very good. By the time I finished my escargot, our entire table was leaned back in their chairs and even the girls were unbuttoning their jeans to make way for their newly enlarged stomachs resulting from throwing their no carb diet plans out the window for the night.
I have to give Baba Reeba extra credit points for what happened next. After passing on dessert due to over ingestion, we found our table populated by each and every dessert on the menu – gratis. Our server was kind enough to treat us to dessert seeing as it was our first visit (and the kitchen was closing soon – but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. And clearly still an extremely nice gesture anyway.) The desserts were something as a blur. Very delicious but left me feeling even more rotund than I already had.
Overall, I can see where the hype comes from. I wouldn’t get all crazy and say its my favorite restaurant or anything, but it is good eats in a nice atmosphere where the staff is friendly, attentive enough that you will never be short on water, and nice enough to maybe even throw in dessert if you’re lucky. I will go back in the future, hopefully when everybody is ready for Sangria (except for grampa Wilson who swears it tastes too much like a long island.) Maybe he can just settle for a long island.
By admin
