Posts Tagged ‘food’
3 Tasty New Ethnic Restaurants in Chicago that Everyone Should Visit
March 8, 2011
Taxim – Regional Greek
What exactly is “regional Greek”? I have no idea and most of the people I have asked — even those who have been to Taxim — were not sure either. “Just go and see for yourself,” was the answer I got from most of them.
So I did.
And I am glad that I did.
I did immediately see the problem with the descriptions though. The menu is all over the place — from the very traditional Ottoman to the Aegean Isles to modern Greek street food. Consider the pastourma-spiced-rubbed duck leg and breast meat gyros with a mint yogurt sauce. Or how about the house-cured sardines? Or octopus with fennel root.
And don’t miss the veggies. The Politiki melitzanosalata of wood-fire-roasted graffiti eggplants with pine nuts and homemade pita is especially tasty. (And yes, that description is from the menu. Wish I could write like that.)
Only one minor complaint. Not so much a complaint really — more of a warning. The space is really, really loud. What? Right.
Taxim is located in a storefront in Wicker Park at 1558 North Milwaukee Avenue and I would consider it to be affordable
Terzo Piano – Italian
This new gem from Tony Mantuano fits the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is located, perfectly.
Plan to go for lunch though — the restaurant is only open one night a week for dinner. (Call 312.443.8650 for information.) Luckily you can get pretty much the entire menu for lunch.
Try the antipasto plate with the flat bread and the hand cut tagliatelle.
Terzo Piano resides (perfectly) in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, 159 East Monroe Drive
Xoco – Mexican
All I can say is that Rick Bayless, the genius behind Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, has done it again. And I know that the people standing in the constantly long line to get in would definitely agree with me.
Rick invented or perfected the torta/churro — it doesn’t matter — and has taken it to totally new heights here. Order a pepito with beef and caramelized onion on a grilled Labriola roll and see if you don’t agree with me. Careful. Don’t talk with your mouth full.
Wash it all down with a cup of Aztec hot chocolate and smile. Heaven on Earth — on North Clark, no less.
Excuse me while I get back in line.
Xoco is at the end of the long line of hungry people at 449 North Clark Street
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Chicago’s “Southern” Side Shines in the Down-Home Cooking of the 3 Delicious Restaurants
March 8, 2011
Sure, in any world-class city, especially one the size of Chicago, you can pretty much get any food or cuisine you desire.
Chinese? Please, give me something difficult.
Brazilian? Fogo de Chao. Next.
Ecuadorian? La Humita.
The trick is not finding a particular food in a restaurant — it’s finding a restaurant that does the food justice. One that would be right at home in the culture or country.
One where the expats and recent arrivals eat.
That’s the trick.
Being from the South, I know Southern American Cooking. Heck, I grew up on Southern Cooking.
So allow me to give you 3 places to try that I think nail it cold.
Army & Lou’s
Deep-fried catfish is always in season at Army & Lou’s — and you don’t get much more Southern than fired catfish with coleslaw and cornmeal muffins. Luckily, all three are always available and always delicious.
The fried chicken ain’t half bad either if you are in the mood. Crank it up with some sweet tators and corn bread dressing. I usually skip the bean-of-the-day — but that’s just me. I’m sure they are killer too.
Finish with my favorite desert, bread pudding.
Find Army & Lou’s exactly where it has been for 50+ years — at 422 E. 75th.
Table Fifty-Two
A bit pricier than A&L’s, this may be upscale dining — but it’s still Southern all the way.
Apparently the chef is from Florida and used to be Oprah’s personal chef (if that’s true, she has good taste!)
Because this guy totally nails the taste of Old Florida. It’s getting harder and harder to find — in Florida! Get away from the resorts — away from the shore entirely and you’ll find joints selling buttermilk fried chicken, spicy low-country-style shrimp with grits and fried green tomatoes.
Which is exactly what you will also find at Table Fifty-Two.
Skip the wines. They are not authentic and very expensive.
Visit low-country Florida in the Windy City at 52 W. Elm.
Wishbone
This is Southern comfort food at it’s best — and most reasonably priced. Golden corn cakes, cheesey grits and shrimp, juicy grilled chicken (with mango salsa — okay, it’s not ALL authentic), crab and crayfish.
Also don’t miss the pecan topped mashed sweet potatoes. Unless I am there and there is only one last helping. 
Desserts include my weakness, peach cobbler, and chocolate pecan pie.
Drop in anytime to Wishbone at 6611 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn
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A List Of The Most Memorable Meals I Have Ever Eaten
January 18, 2011
Over the past three years, I have attempted to eat at every restaurant in New York that I possibly can. While I may regret some of the meals and wish I could have some of that money back, there are a handful of meals that are the best I’ve ever had and don’t’ regret for a second.
While it hurts me to think about how much money I have spent on food living in New York, some of the meals I have had will stay with me forever.
Gotham was my first experience with fine dining. This restaurant has been a New York staple for over 25 years and with good reason. From the food to the dcor to the service, everything is impeccable and makes for a memorable experience.
Sushi Yasuda, is simply put, the best sushi in New York. I have been to Gari, I have been to Ushiwakamaru, and the other greats (with the exception of Masa and Kuruma Zushi), and I maintain that there is no place like Yasuda. In fact, I have made it a tradition on my birthday to go there for lunch with my mom.
Farm to table dining has been a big hit in New York recently. New Yorkers demand the freshest produce and it when it comes to farm-to-table dining, look no further than Blue Hill at Stone Barns. It is located on a farm outside of the city and one of the best dishes I’ve ever had was “this morning’s farm fresh egg.”
The best meal I have ever had belongs to Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin. Chef Ripert is a seafood genius and every course here was impeccable. I can confidently say that the Langoustine dish here was the best bite of food I have ever had.
But what will be my favorite meal three weeks from now? I only question this because I am going to Per Se. I had to make this reservation over 2 months ago and have been anticipating this meal ever since. A lot of hype to live up to, but I am confident that Thomas Keller’s staff will not let me down.
Finally, Il Mulino is the mecca of Italian dining. It is heavy and bountiful, and you won’t eat for days, but it is an incredible experience.
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The Virgin Islands And What To See When You Are Going
December 22, 2010
When planning a trip to the United States Virgin Islands, one stop that must be on your list is St. Thomas. Whether you are going with family, friends, on a romantic getaway or by yourself, St. Thomas has something for everyone.
If you are an avid golfer, then the golf course at Mahogany Run should be on your list of things to do. It is a wonderful 18-hole course located on the north side of the island.
The best beach on St. Thomas is Magen’s Bay. Peaceful with crystal clear water, this beach is where the locals go and with good reason. It is synonymous with relaxation.
If you leave Magens’ Bay and find yourself with a sweet tooth, look no further than Udder Delight. This world famous milk shake shop is located at the top of the hill right outside of Magen’s Bay.
After trying every restaurant on the island, I can safely say that Thirteen takes the prize. Thirteen is located in the hills and is tough to find, so your best bet is to take a cab there.
No trip to St Thomas would be complete without, ironically enough, leaving the island.
You must leave St Thomas while visiting St Thomas and go to St John. There is a ferry that leaves about every hour and it is a quick boat ride to St Thomas’ sister island. The beaches here, including Trunk Bay, are even more beautiful than the beaches on St Thomas.
Another great way to leave the island is to rent a boat for the day. You can go sailing around the islands and stop at islands like Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.
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Places That Help Explain Why New York Is Home To The Greatest Pizzerias In America
December 22, 2010
In case you didn’t know, New York has some pretty good pizza.
Sorry Italy, sorry Chicago, its no contest. There are an endless number of pizza places to try in New York and new restaurants and gimmicks (pizza in a cone?) are popping up all the time.
From thin crust to coal-oven to Neapolitan to Sicilian, New York City has every type of pizza you would want. Maybe we don’t have deep dish, but congratulations Chicago, you and Pizza Hut can keep that one. Anyway, here are some of my favorite pies and slices in the Big Apple.
In recent years, the Neapolitan pizza pie has become very popular in New York. These pizzas are notorious for being small, round personal pies which are cooked to a perfect temperature and use incredibly fresh ingredients. Right now, the two best Neapolitan pies in the city go to Keste and Motorino of Williamsburg.
When it comes to coal oven pies, Lombardi’s on Spring Street takes the cake. Well-known as the oldest pizzeria in New York City, Lombardi’s is constantly packed with tourists. This is one place that is worth the wait though. The pies are enormous and have an authentic New York style taste.
There are several arguments about the best slice in the city. A lot of people like Joe’s in the West Village, but I prefer Bleecker Street Pizza. It’s a clean, simple slice that is on the crispier side. No wonder the food network awarded this as the best slice in all of New York City.
If you don’t mind traveling for your slice, then Brooklyn is a must visit. Between Lucali, Grimaldi’s and Franny’s, Brooklyn is stacked with some of the best slices in all of the city.
In my experiences, the average wait at Lucali is about 25 minutes. The slices are also expensive, with a plain slice going for $5. But when you bite into that delicious slice, you will agree that it’s worth it.
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A Southern Guy’s List Of Things To Do When Passing Through Nashville
December 21, 2010
Have you ever been to Nashville? If you have not, then you should consider it. If you’ve never been to the South, then what are you waiting for! Nashville is an incredible city and one of the most fun places to visit south of the Mason Dixon line.
Here are a few great things to do in Nashville.
The best brunch I’ve ever had is at Loveless Motel and Caf. It is about a 25 minute drive outside of the city and is in the middle of an incredibly rural area. Martha Stewart called it the “best breakfast in America”. I would have to agree.
The buttermilk biscuits alone are worth the drive. They have a smoker and smoke all their meats daily. The pulled pork is phenomenal.
If pancakes are your thing, then Pancake Pantry is another great breakfast option. The sweet potato pancakes are incredible, as is everything else on the menu. The place is well known for long waits, so bring a newspaper to help the time pass. It is worth the wait.
Downtown Nashville is unlike any other city. The bright lights, country music, karaoke music help create a unique atmosphere. If you find yourself in downtown Nashville, be sure to visit Printer’s Alley, an off the beaten path alley with great bars. The Hard Rock Caf is also located downtown and is situated right along the Cumberland River.
The Grand Ole Opry is a Nashville staple and if you want to see live country music, there is no better venue for it. Every legendary singer has played here, from Johnny Cash to Hank Williams, and if there’s a show while you’re in town, it is worth checking out.
If you are looking to walk around a little bit, look no further than Vanderbilt University. Located in the heart of the city Vanderbilt is a beautiful campus and there are few better places to be on a beautiful day.
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Food Fight! The Largest Food Fight In The World Occurs Every Year in Spain
December 21, 2010
Early on a beautiful, bright sunny morning in August, trucks groaning with over 90,000 pounds of red ripe tomatoes ease down the ancient, narrow streets of this picturesque Mediterranean village in the Valencia region of Spain.
Bound for the Farmers’ Market?
Not today.
Today is the Annual La Tomatina — Or “Tomato Fight.”
By 11am this small town will be awash in a fiery blaze of tomato juice as up to 20,000 “combatants” engage in the world’s largest food fight.
First buckets of water are thrown at the crowd from the tomato trucks, mostly as a foretaste of what is to come. Then the tomatoes start rain down from the truck. Those on the ground catch and pickup the orbs and start throwing them back at the trucks and at each other. Soon it is all out red juice war with everyone seeming to be an army of one.
After the battle, you can wash off in makeshift public showers supplied by the town folk.
History of La Tomatina
The batalla — or “battle” — takes place during a week-long celebration that has no political or religious significance — it’s just good, messy fun. It seems to have started as recently as the 1940′s when a number of friends started a tomato fight for unknown reasons in Buol’s main town square. Soon the fun started drawing passers-by into the fray and everyone had a great time.
It was apparently so much fun that the city officials decided to make it an annual event and it has grown to the huge festival it is today drawing people — and attention — from all over the world.
They now sponsor it, pay for it and clean up the mess.
More Than Just Throwing Tomatoes
But that is because La Tomatina has grown into a full-blown fiesta that now includes the festival for the town’s patron saint. For the week leading up to the epic battle every year the town is filled with tourists — and tourist money! — and there are parades, fireworks and street parties with wine, music, dancing and plenty of good food including the town specialty — Paella.
Made, naturally, with…tomatoes.
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Wisconsin Cheese — Best in the US and Gaining Ground on the World
December 20, 2010
Certain places become known for certain food. Sometimes it’s just an development of innovation in a particular food — such as Philadelphia and the cheese steak or Memphis and BBQ — but often it is because the best examples of the foods are created in the area — like Napa Valley and fine wines.
That’s the way it is with Wisconsin and artisan cheese.
If your idea of great cheese goes far beyond the gooey orange stuff poured over nachos, you are probably always on the lookout for new and delicious specialty varieties to try. True cheese heads are an adventurous and curious lot, always looking for the next “best cheese I’ve ever eaten!”
Foodie Fantasy and Dream Tour
Wisconsin is the largest producer of cheese in the United States and the state’s artisan cheeses have won more awards than those of any other state — or any other single country, for that matter.
Small, Old World-style cheese making facilities are increasingly becoming destinations for food lovers, much the same way wineries and breweries did in the late ’80′s and 90′s.
If you love good cheese, here are 3 spots in Southwestern Wisconsin you should not miss:
Madison’s Fromagination
This is one of the biggest and best cheese shops in the world. Located smack in Capital Square, you can spend a day just wandering the aisles and taking in the wonderful smells. But be sure to pick up a favorite or three.
Go on Wednesday or Saturday and you can also enjoy the largest producers-only farmers market in the country, the Dane County Farmers Market. 300 plus vendors sell thousands of home-made food products including hundreds of small run cheeses. Heaven on Earth.
America’s Little Switzerland
Forty-five minutes southwest of Madison is Green County — known as “America’s Little Switzerland — where you can watch one of the last remaining makers of the 180-pound “big wheel” style Emmenthaler Swiss working.
Be sure to stop at the New Glarus Brewery for a pint and the Chalet Landhaus Inn & Restaurant for a fondue demonstration by Swiss trained chef, Mike Neval.
Carr Valley Cheese
One of the nations most decorated artisan cheese makers, Carr Valley Cheese of La Vallee, won 16 ribbons and 2 Best in the Show awards at the 2008 American Cheese Society Competition.
Do not miss the Wollersheim Winery. The vineyards at this National Historic Site were planted by the “father of modern wine making”, Agoston Haraszthx in the 1840′s. Guided tours and tasting are offered daily.
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3 Killer Cheeseburgers in Chicago Will Make You Swear Off American Cheese Slices Forever
December 19, 2010
I was never a big fan of cheeseburgers. While everyone else was singing their praises, I always just preferred a simple hamburger.
I never knew why — until I got older and started experimenting with different cheeses.
It wasn’t the cheeseburger I didn’t like — It was the cheese.
Not to be a cheese snob, but we are really doing ourselves a disservice and missing out on a lot of taste by always eating our cheeseburgers with a thin slice of cheap “American process cheese food.”
Thankfully I’m not alone. Other people — in particular cutting edge chefs — have the same thought and are starting to experiment with real — and “real good” — cheese. Sharp cheddar is a great instant stand-in for American. But don’t stop there. The next time you have cheeseburgers, try blue cheese (restaurants have been putting it on steak for years), Gorgonzola, mozzarella or any of the thousands of other cheeses available.
You’ll love it.
In the meantime, here are 3 Chicago chefs and restaurants who have heard the call of good cheese and are making delicious use of different kinds.
Abigails’ Cheeseburger
This is a good place to star if you are new to experimenting with different cheese cheeseburgers since it is the most like traditional cheeseburger — only many times better.
Super-chef, Michael Paulsen, uses aged Wisconsin Cheddar. He does add a “non-traditional” balsamic/red onion jam to the top, but you won’t complain.
Visit Abigail’s at 493 Roger Williams Ave in Highland Park. The Cheeseburger will run you $9
Nightwood’s Hamburger
It says “hamburger” on the menu, but this is all cheeseburger. A beer fondue of white Cheddar, to be exact.
The beef is ground fresh and seasoned with Worcestershire sauce. After being wood grilled the burger is topped with home-made mustard and the cheese.
Don’t bother to mess with it any further. Just enjoy.
Nightwood is at 2119 S. Halsted St. and the Hamburger is $13
Yoshi’s Cafe’s Wagyu Beef Burger
Let’s finish on a high and totally unexpected note.
Chef Yoshi Katsumura makes a massive 10 ounce patty of premium Wagyu Beef and then tops it with a piece of brie and mixuna leaves. Unconventional? Yes. Delicious? YES!
As of my visit he said he was considering adding a knob of foie gras to the top. Look for it when you go.
Find Yoshi’s Cafe at 3257 N. Halsted St and expect to drop $18 for the Wagyu Beef Burger — or a lot more if he does add the foie gras.
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Hoquiam Fishing – Of fish and Lumberjacks
December 9, 2010
Fishing is something that a lot of people really appreciate and in Hoquiam there’s the Hoquiam River that offers a variety of possibilities for amateur and sports fishermen alike. Fishing is a very relaxing activity and develops your patience and knowledge about the different kinds of fish and their habitat.
If you are looking for a good enough experience of fishing in Hoquiam River, it will be a good idea to get some assistance from Hoquiam residents who are willing and able to accompany you in your fishing trip or better yet seek out professional fishing guides and for just a few dollars maximize your fishing experience. The river is stocked from hatcheries with Steelhead Smolts and has Salmon during the fall season. Though the river cannot be described as teeming with both species the Hoquiam River offers good enough numbers to satisfy any would be angler.
The river’s Salmon population is managed most especially in the fall season and anyone interested in Salmon fishing should refer to the most updated copy of the rules and regulations regarding Salmon fishing. Hoquiam River offers both Coho and Chinook species that are definitely good eating.
Salmon fishing is regulated and fishermen intending to take Salmon from the river Hoquiam are limited to the use of single hook without barbs in the fall season. Violators of the regulations can expect stiff fines and penalties if caught. To enjoy your Hoquiam fishing adventure and nature trip, make sure you make yourself aware of the various rules that govern the area around the river.
Salmon are fish that usually live in the open ocean as adults but migrate back to the same rivers where they journey to repeat the cycle, spawning in the same rivers where their parents laid them as eggs and like some species such as the Chinook die after laying and fertilizing their eggs.
If the fresh water of the river Hoquiam is not enough or you are simply looking for variety, the Hoquiam waterfront can give you just that, with its many piers and abutments and old pilings being perfect habitat for Sea Perch and its cousins being in steady supply for marine angling. If you are looking for more action Sea-run Cutthroats can also be found in decent enough numbers. Anglers are allowed to take home at least two fish a day if both catches are 14 inches in length. Fourteen inches is the legal size for Sea-run Cutthroats. The waterfront is also in the verge of being rehabilitated so depending on your timing, more activities and facilities maybe in store for any visitor to the Hoquiam waterfront.
If you are interested in visiting the Hoquiam River, you might also want to stay in the famous Hoquiam Castle bed and breakfast, a national historical site and declared as one of the most beautiful homes in the United States, there is also the Polson Museum a restored mansion belonging to one of the former lumber barons during Hoquiam City’s hey day as a lumber and shingle producer. The museum houses the history and heritage of Hoquiam, something that the people of Hoquiam are very proud of. Hoquiam is also home to the world famous Loggers Playday that celebrates the lumber town’s heritage, especially the skills and competence of the lumberjacks that share a long history in both sweat and blood with the city and its people.
You can easily get to Hoquiam River by following the 28th street going to the boat ramp near the mouth of the river itself.
Check out Wade Entezar and the lumber town of Hoquiam and it’s fisherman considers the future and its riverfront property.