Smokin' Chokin' and Chowing with the King

Outdoor Mexican Dining

2013-05-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

Summer is finally here! Personally I like eating Mexican food year-round but it can be soothing in the summertime too. There's just something about sitting outside on a nice day with a margarita by your side enjoying some of the finest cuisine this world offers. So I thought we'd put together a list of some places where you can do this here in Chicago. Get out and enjoy the weather while its here.
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Las Fuentes

Popular outdoor dining spot in Lincoln Park

There's been a Mexican restaurant at the corner of Wrightwood and Halsted for what seems like as long as I've been alive. I cant say if it's always been Las Fuentes but they've been there for a while now. I stopped thru last summer becasue I wanted to do exactly what I described up above while eating some food.

Nachos

People come here for the opatio forst. It's a nice place for families and friends in the neighborhood to be able to walk over to and spend some quality time together. Sure it might not be the best Mexican restaurant you've ever been to but the patio kicks ass and the drinks are strong. The food isnt bad, just not life changing.

Flautas from Las Fuentes

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El Tapatio

Popular outdoor spot at Ashland and Roscoe

First up, awesome neon. I really respect places that continue to light up their 1970's and before that neon signs. Same situation as our first stop here. I might not seek out Tapatio in the winter time but when the weather is warm and their patio is open it's a great place to enjoy some outdoor eats. One thing I've noticed at these family style sit-down Mexican restaurants is they always have bomb house salsa for starters. No exceptions here. Enchiladas are usually my go-to order at spots like this and El Tapatio's are tasty.

Chicken Enchiladas from El Tapatio

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Antique Taco

Hipsteriffic Mexican in Bucktown

On our fish taco tour we stopped thru quite a few of these new wave of taquerias that are taking Chicago and elsewhere by storm. They use ingredients and make drinks served a step above what you'd find at mnay other taco shops in town. Antique Taco opened with some hype in Bucktown last year that I thought it pretty much lived up to. This is a nice place.

Antique Taco Salad

Their signature salad pictured above might of been the best salad I ate all year when I tried it. It's really good especially in the heart if summer when corn is king. I'm also a fan of both the grilled ribeye taco and the fish tempura ones. I wasn't sure I was going to like this place when they opened but they surprised me with nice hunks of ribeye inside rather than chopped pieces. Fresh toppings and tortillas rounded it all out.

Antique Tacos

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La Quinta de los Reyes

New Spot on Elston in Albany Park

I stopped into this location of a place that was once and still might be in Berwyn. I was searching around the web trying to find some real deal shrimp taco dorados when results led me to this place. One day I was driving by and decided to try their version. I was a little bit disappointed that despite them being labeled as "Tacos" they were served as Flautas. Still I liked them and would check out what other offerings they have.

Shrimp Flautas

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Big Star

Where the patio is always packed

We cant have a round-up of good places to eat Mexican food outside without including Big Star. I've argued with people who claim they serve the best tacos in Chicago but I wont argue with those who say it has the best outdoor drinking space in the city. It's a great place to soak up the sun while sipping some booze. The food is pretty damn good too. Not the best but damn good. Take the tamales they now offer on special as an example. These masa made beauties might be near the top. It took me back to A1 Beanery of all places and had me wanting to return for one the next day.

Big Star Pork Tamale

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Las Fuentes
2558 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-2004

El Tapatio
3400 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-5475

Antique Taco

1360 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8697

La Quinta de los Reyes

4821 N. Elston
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 685-1111

Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039

Fish Taco Tour

2013-05-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

Chicago's Mexican food scene is strong. Strong as in one of the best places outside of Mexico to eat that countries cuisine. But there's still a few things we'd like to see a little more of. This list includes one of my dear loves, fish tacos. I almost chose San Diego recently as a vacation destination because I wanted to go there and eat as many fish tacos as I could find. That's going to have to wait for another time but in the meantime I have five fish tacos in Chicago which I enjoy when the craving for one hits. Mexican Fiesta month rolls on at S'C'&C. We hope you;re enjoying it.
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L'Patron

This is the first of a few posts this place will be featured in. Taco Shops open weekly in Chicago and for the most part take some time to catch on, if they ever do. But for whatever reason L'Patron was a big hit in the as soon as they opened. Now lines out the door during primetime are known to happen. They do alot of good stuff here with the fish tacos being in my regular order rotation. I always get at least one. Ask for them with their homemade tortillas and you got one of the best fish taco options in Chicago.

Top Notch Fish Taco's found at L'Patron

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Azteca De Oro

BYOB in Wrigleyville across from the Metro

If you just walk into Azteca de Oro you might decide to walk out. It has the looks and feel of one of these popular Mexican-American "healthy" eateries that are popular in California and now found abound due to the folks over at Chipotle. Don't walk out. While I haven't tried much of anything else here it all looks pretty good when I see it being served. I stopped in for the authentic Baja Style fish tacos served on flour tortillas and have been back a few times since. An order ($9.99) gets you three well sized tacos with two pieces of crispy perfectly fried tilapia fish inside with rice and beans on the side. Some of the best fish tacos in Chicago and the best deal for what you get.

Baja Style Fish Tacos

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Big Star

Not much more I can say about a place everyone else gives nothing but praise. When Big Star isn't frying pieces of fish and letting them sit until they're needed the fish tacos there arent half bad. Sometimes they're a little skimpy on the fish but I like the crispy cabbage toppings and chipotle mayo they use on them. These on a nice summer day sitting on their patio with a paloma are a good way to eat and drink.

Taco de Pescado at Big Star

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Takito Kitchen

"Upper Class" tacos became big when Big Star burst onto the scene. It wasnt long after that other places followed. One of the more recent ones is Takito in Wicker Park where they feature Mexican inspired cuisine with the help of an executive chef. I've only been once but cant wait to get back. I'm usually quick to stay away from these places because many times the hype doesn't match the product but as far as their crispy redfish tacos go, they sure do in this instance. Served on a hibiscus tortilla and topped with jalapeno slaw and a coconut custard with basil I think these are the best "fancy" tacos in the city. I love them.

Crispy Redfish Tacos at Takito

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Taco Joint

Away from the concentration of "hipsteriffic" taco spots in Bucktown is Taco Joint in Lincoln Park. It's similar to both the last two stops on our tour. It had been a year+ between visits for me when I stopped in for some food and drink on a nice Chicago afternoon recently. They have a bigger taco selection than the other places do including both a beer battered fish taco and also a ceviche option. The Victoria beer battered ones are pretty good and come on house made tortillas but I prefer their ceviche taco. Served in a crispy freshly fried shell with some cabbage on the side at $2.50 these are also a pretty damn good deal. They just opened a 2nd location in River North.

Beer Battered & Ceviche Taco at Taco Joint

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L'Patron

2815 W. Diversey

Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 252-6335

Azteca de Oro
3731 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 857-6565

Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039

Takito Kitchen

2013 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-9620

Taco Joint

1969 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 951-2457

Danny's Egghead Diner

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

Welcome back. We hope you're enjoying our Mexican Food Fiesta Special this month in honor of all the great eating options we have when it comes to it. Today we head over to Danny's Egghead Diner in the North Center neighborhood. Other than my man Mike Sula from the Reader I haven't seen or heard much discussion about this recently opened diner with a portion of the menu dedicated to some good honest Mexican cooking.

Irving Park just West of Lincoln Avenue

Located in the old Alp's East spot they didn't do much to fix up the insides. But I kind of like the old timey feel. It gives the place a little character. They still have the solo seats at the counter and some big 1970's style booths to hold families who visit on the weekends. Plenty of folks from different walks of life dining in on my visit. The menu has the usual suspects you would find at an American diner but also some Mexican influenced options courtesy of the chef who has a background in the cuisine. I was particularly impressed with the brunch specials list on my visit. Hash is hot right now and Danny's does a good one.

Before and After Chorizo and Black Bean Hash

The hash plate was about what you'd expect when ordering it. Why wouldn't nicely crisped chorizo atop country potatoes with cheese, a fried egg and a nice heaping spoonful of house made Guac not be good? Also worth ordering are the "Enchiladas Mamacita" off the house specialties portion of the menu. Chicken enchiladas take a bath in a nice smokey red sauce and are topped with a fried egg, guacamole and some sour cream with rice served on the side. The taste is as good as the presentation. Danny's Diner? I'm down.

Enchiladas Mamacita

Danny's Egghead Diner
2012 W. Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 857-0171
Website

Aurora Area Mexican Eats

2013-05-13T01:11:00.000-05:00

Eating like a local:
Regional food specialties
-Mexican food in Fox River Valley

As the cities Mexican population grows so do the surrounding areas. You'll find more Mexican families settling in places like Joliet and the Fox River Valley. Places that once only had the usual suspects you'd find in a Midwest suburb all of a sudden started seeing family owned grocery stores, taquerias and such. As the years go by these lil' shacks become hipper sitdown spots and with that the people start coming. The tribunes Kevin Pang did himself a little taco tour of the area that resulted in even more places I would like to try down in this sprawling area of good Mexican eats. Lets check some of the ones I've been to for our Mexican Fiesta in May. All Mexican food, all month long.
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Taqueria El Brasero

I had a pretty top notch bowl of CESJ in Aurora this past winter. Taqueria El Brasero is just off the highway the exit after the Outlet Mall (if coming from city). It's a sit-down spot that sits in a strip mall so you might not think twice about it but I would stop in if in the mood for some meat in it's own juice.

Notice the nice clear broth in this bowl of Carne en su Jugo

I dont know if this place reaches Los Gallos' level when it's on but it they serve a very good bowl with some extra crisp bacon sitting in a slightly rich, nicely flavored broth. Included were all the usual's with exception of the dried chile peppers which I realized weren't there until after I ate, otherwise I would of asked for some. The steak had a few chewy fatty pieces but for the most part was finely chopped and cooked crisp which I like. This might be a weekend only offering so call ahead if interested.

Wayne and Garth never had eating options this good...

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Jalisco Tacos

Some specialties of the House

Chicago has a pretty heavy population of people from the state of Jalisco. What we dont have an abundance of is places that serve real deal tacos dorados. People in Aurora and elsewhere (they have a few locations) rave about them from Jalisco tacos. I tried one with deshambra (shredded beef) and aside from the fact it was fried fresh really enkoyed the spicing of the shredded beef inside. They also had an al pastor spit going on my visit so i tired one taco al pastor and thought that was pretty good too.

Taco Dorado and Al Pastor

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Las Cemitas Poblanas

Up on High Street in Aurora is an area where you'll find a few family owned places serving specialties from back home. Las Cemitas Poblanas serves Cemita sandwiches which are native to the Puebla state of Mexico. I was first put onto this place by Grubseeker over at LTH. Seeing as I love a good cemita I had to have a try.

Cemita Sandwich Shop in Aurora

My visit was very much enjoyed, just like most others who have been. Great hospitality. You can find tortas just about anywhere but you wont find cemitas all over. The bread is different in many ways including the topping of it with sesame seeds and they always come topped with a dark red sweet and smokey sauce. We've got a place in Chicago (Stay tuned) but it's nice to see this style of sandwich available elsewhere.

Cemita Cubana (pic by Grubseeker)

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Elotes Gomez

Corner Store in Aurora, IL

Also on high I was just driving by when I saw this store on the corner with the popular Mexican street food of elotes in its name. I stopped into try some as many other neighbors and churchgoers from across the street did the same. They had candy, drinks, nachos and some other grocery goods as well as ice cream. Elotes is the Mexican name for corn on the cob. It also refers to the street snack that takes it off the cob and mixes it in with diffeent condiments such as butter, chile powder, cheese and lime. The kids from around this way must love being able to walk over and get some of his.

Elotes

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Bien Trucha

I've enjoyed my visits to the hugely popular Bien Trucha in the beautiful town of Geneva which is about 10 miles north of Aurora. Ever since it's appearance on Check! Please this place has had lines out the door before they open for dinner at 5p. They let the folks in line figure out who was first as they watch the crowds form from the windows inside, only to come out and start taking names at 5:00 on the dot. The place is pretty small and I imagine it was getting packed like this every warm weather weekend night before Alpana was putting it's name out there for all. Eater beware.

Small Space, Big Tastein Geneva, IL

Some say the practices and policies here are similar to Cuba and China. I agree with those that say they come off as cocky, but so was Mike. The cocktails are very good and expertly prepared. On one visit after the CP episode, a lady and her hubby had rode over from Joliet and she put down five margaritas and we were done before they were so she may of had a couple more. I guess if its entertainment your looking for when you go out to eat, go to a place that gets alot of love on 'Check, Please' the weekend after the episode its on airs. Imagine this place with their rules, on a night like this.

Fresona (fresh muddled strawberries, lime, sugar, orange liquor, sauza blanco) & Elotes

Fresh chips and refried bean spread come on the house and their elotes are the best I've had from anywhere and that includes a recent trip to Aguascalientes. She loves the fresona cocktail and yes they're very refreshing and I'm not afraid to say it. I go for the pepino, also very refreshing and well executed. The only thing I've had that I wouldn't order again is the pica-pica which is bacon wrapped shrimp with onion, pineapple, and a chipotle-lime glaze. I expected these to be a few decent sized shrimp wrapped in bacon and then topped with a relish like mixture of that described but it was a kebab with big chunks of pineapple, small shrimp with little bacon around it and while not bad, not great.

Pica-Pica

I guess they feel taking ingredients off or substituting something for another thing will lessen their creations tastes which might weaken your experience which could then lead you to go Yelping about it. Some will think its worth the wait, others will think the wait plus small space and fact they are stern makes it a place not worth their while. This is the beauty of having choices of where one will eat. My take? The people of Geneva are lucky to have this as option.

Pollo Tacos (crispy rolled tortilla, shredded chicken, potato hash, crema & queso fresco)

I'm a sucker for good flautas and or taco dorados and so I've gotten these on all visits. Nothing too fancy as far as creation but these are done right. The best chicken flautas I've had from anywhere. I get cravings for these often. Then there's the pork belly tacos.

Barriga de Puerco Tacos

Described as slow roasted pork belly, adobo, salsa verde cruda, cucumber and queso fresco these were better than than the PB tacos offered at Big Star which I order from now and then. Again execution was perfect and the pieces of belly were cut up just right and each one came crispy and everything went real well together.

Beer Battered Shrimp Tacos

The Pescadilla tacos came heavily endorsed and they got even more love when Kevin Pang named them his "Favorite fish taco in Chicagoland". These are described on the menu as shredded shark and epazote with avocado-habanero pico. They come with hard shells and the shredded shark had a consistency similar to Italian canned tuna but a little different. I liked them and then when I tried for a second time I was totally sold. As I was saying I love a good expertly prepared hard shell taco.

Pescadilla Tacos

The 'Bien Trucha' tacos come with grilled skirt steak, home-made chorizo, manchego and roasted tomatillo-serrano salsa. These I've got a few times. Hey I don't know if these are authentic or not as far as Mexico City street food, actually take that back. I do. This style is popular on the street stands around Mexico City and enjoyed in the wee hours of the night by its residents. Not that I've ever been but it would be hard to match these. I find them near perfect.

Bien Trucha Tacos

So despite the hype before 'Check, Please' and even now after as its in full blown hype mode. I'm still a fan. The food is good, it's priced fair for what it is and its a nice option in Geneva for lunch or dinner with drinks. It would get the same love and have same lines in Chicago. Geneva is a really pleasant, cute little town with a really charming atmosphere with some shopping and spa shenanigans for the ladies and bars with cold brews for the boys. So you can definitely make a day of it. The Metra will drop you off right there in town which Bien Trucha is a short walk from.

Nice place to visit...

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Taqueria El Brasero

944 N Farnsworth Ave
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 898-7310

Jalisco Tacos
560 High St
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 801-1261

Las Cemitas Poblanas
715 High Street
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 801-8012

Elotes Gomez
301 High St
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 236-1500

Bien Trucha
410 West State Street
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-2665
Website

American-Mexican Restaurant Hop

2013-05-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Exploring NW Indiana

Fiesta Month rolls into Northwest Indiana where we've covered alot of ground as is. I'm starting to gather having read and heard from enough people that used to live on the Eastside of Chicago and in Da Region area that deep fried tacos used to be a popular thing around there. I've been tipped that there's some great ones to be had at the Mexican Pride festival in East Chicago every year and look forward to trying those.

Da Region

Here's what else I've found in my Northwest Indiana 1970's style American-Mexican restaurant round-up. First up I noticed that quite a few bars in the area offer "hard" tacos. I decided to try one at Chuck and Irene's in Hammond one day and ended up with a hard shell chicken taco similar to something you were served at your high school cafeteria. Something anyone with chicken, store bought hard shell tacos, seasoning, lettuce, tomato and cheese could make.

Just like mom used to make...if you grew up in Iowa in the 80's

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Adrian's Restaurant

If you're just driving by Adrians you probably wouldn't look twice. It looks like pretty much every other sit down restaurant in the area from the outside and it's got the looks and feel of a NW Indiana restaurant on the inside. Adrians is a bar first. I think a good chunk of their business comes from that.

East Chicago, IN

As you enter you're greeted by a swinging wooden door like you'd find at on old Wild West bar. On there is a note making sure you know that unless you're 21 you are not to enter. Over to the side in the other room next door is a family dining area that hasn't changed since the 70's.

Can we tweet?

I was tipped off on here buy someone I know from Horseshoe who said it's one of his favorite places to eat and drink at when he gets off. Like the decor in the dining room the menu seems to be the same as you'd find at a 1970's restaurant. Think Pepe's or Chi-Chi's as if an old timer who just likes to cook good homestyle food his way was running the place. The tipper along with the freindly waitress who I'm sure has been working there since the 70's both rec'd the nachos as being very popular. So we tried those.

Heaping Plate of Chicken Nachos

This big ass plate pictured above was $10 and came loaded with shredded chicken (choice of meat) and beans underneath all that cheese. We couldn't finish the whole thing despite trying. The drinks are cheap and the margarita wasn't half bad considering. But the reason I was there was because he told me they have some great deep fried tacos like those at Loncar's. Available everyday for $2 each these were as big as theirs but stuffed with a wetter more seasoned blend of ground beef. Good although not quite up to par with the other guys across the border. There's just something about that hot sauce.

The elusive Deep Fried Taco

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Restaurante Casa Blanca

East Chicago, IN

I've driven past this place countless times over the years and had read some good things about their steak tacos online. I dont know how long they've been around but this place is old school. It's actually quite beautiful inside. It almost feels like you're in a church. A few Mexican families were dining there on a weekday afternoon so I'd guess it gets packed on the weekends.

a peak inside

No deep fried tacos here like I went in looking for so instead I opted for the "huge" steak taco they serve that was getting praise from others online. They asked if I wanted flour or corn and most mentions were for the flour which folks said was filled with meat. That it was, but the quality of the meat was probably just a 7 out of 10 but it was spiced in a rather unique way. The meat was quite juicy and not as dry as it looks. It was ok. I doubt the urge for one will ever hit me again though.

Steak Taco
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Avila's

Mexican-American Bar & Grill in East Chicago

Right down the block from Casa Blanca is another spot I've driven by but never been in. I thought that there was a real good chance this place would be similar to Loncar's on the Eastside of Chicago and went on in to see what was up. It's smokey in there. Somewhat similar to Loncar's but no fried tacos here. I did try their chicken fajita plate and again...liked it for what it was. Something most of us could make at home. Too dark inside to get a decent pic.
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Plaza Garibaldi

East Chicago, IN

The search for a deep fried "hard" shell taco like that at Adrian's in East Chicago continues at Plaza Garibaldi where they, like Adrian's, have a "hard shell taco" on the menu. No mention of a deep fried and I didn't ask because that's part of the fun. I didn't know what to expect. It had the cheap thrill of a scratch off ticket. Loser. Again just a pre-made hard shell filled with ground beef and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Those that love them some Ortega Taco kit tacos for dinner would like these.

Hard Shell Taco
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El Taco Real

Hammond, IN

This place has the atmosphere down pat. I grew up loving Mexican food. Long gone places like Lindo Mexico on Lincoln off Wrightwood and La Canasta on Webster were frequented by my family and others from the area. The inside of El Taco Real felt like those old time places. A little pond with a tiny waterfall along with lots of families and couples here for what looked like their weekly dinner at the place. The food though? Meh. Not how I remember Lindo Mexico to be.

a peak inside

They serve "hard" tacos so I got one of those and an enchilada as tasters. Another scratch card, another loser. I dont mean too sound too harsh I just mean in terms of the deep fried taco search. None here and nothing special as far as the generic hard shell taco and enchilada goes.

Enchilada and a Hard Shell Taco

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Taco Trader

Dyer, IN

Fans of the now shuttered shuttered Mexican Inn on the Eastside rejoice! Taco Trader was opened by a family member from the folks who ran the Mexican Inn at 95th and Ewing. The menu is pretty simple and two favorites remain. Their signature deep fried tacos are available (with your choice of filling) as are their soft cheese tacos. I think the deep fried guys here were even better than they were there. Or maybe I was just a little too happy to have finally found a worthy one. Just $5 for three. I'm glad this place isnt closer to me. Not sure I'd be here in five years if it were.

Deep Fried Taco Box

Soft Cheese Tacos from Mexican Inn (RIP) now available at Taco Trader

Good Sh!t
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Memo's Taco Mex

Highland, IN

Alright throw all the spots we've just been too out the window. Despite the fact it sits in a strip mall down a not so busy street, Memo's is different. It's authentic. Another winner LTH has led me too. I doubt I ever would of known without it. This place is great. It's a family run business with some great people taking care of you. I always thought the Molletes on their menu were their own creation but I guess this is a popular dish at family dinner tables around Mexico.

Molletes aka Mexican Bruschetta

Memo's makes theirs with toasted garlic Texas sized toast with a smear of refried beans topped with guacamole, roasted red peppers and cheese. These are sure to please folks from all walks of life. Also listed on their menu is a section of "Tacos Dorados" which you know I'm all over. Do not miss their shrimp taco dorado. They're on any "best tacos in Chicagoland" list I'm asked to make.

Shrimp (Bottom) and Beef Tacos Dorados

The Insides

The shrimp dorados are addictive with the mango habenero salsa served on the side and a little pinch of slaw put into the open area on top. The shrimp go in a corn tortilla and they hold it shut with tongs while deep frying it for a few minutes. Crunchy outside and excellent tasting insides. They have a few specialty tacos incl. the campechana with skirt steak (always quality) along with chorizo and cilantro and red onions. Very good as are the mahi mahi tacos available on Friday only.

Taco Campechano

The taquito's appetizer is basically alambres served in mini corn tortillas. Skirt Steak, bacon, green peppers, onions, and cheese? Yes please. They also do breakfast as well as specials on weekends. Items like pozole, carnitas and cochinita pibil. Carne en su Jugo on the menu too.

Taquitos

Then there's the Pancha. This is great. They take a big fresh flour tortilla and fill it with skirt steak, refried beans, green peppers, onions and cheese and then cook it on the flattop basted with red enchilada sauce. So it's basically a burrito, enchilada, and fajitas all rolled into one. Served with housemade guac and sour cream on the side. At $10 it makes for two meals for me and that's saying something, I eat well. All of their salsas are made in house and each one is top notch. This is a place that could easily hang in the city. I would be there often if it was nearer. Actually I think they used to have a place on Torrence. Fill up on gas while there and it's worth the ride. Great place to eat.

Pancha Burrito
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Adrians Lounge
1208 Carroll St
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 397-5951

Casa Blanca
4616 Indianapolis Blvd
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 397-4151

Avila's Restaurant & Lounge
823 W Chicago Ave
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 397-0070

Plaza Garibaldi
4302 Indianapolis Blvd
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 397-2237

El Taco Real
935 Hoffman St
Hammond, IN 46327
(219) 932-8333

Taco Trader
875 Joliet St
Dyer, IN 46311
(219) 864-0007

Memo's Taco Mex
2128 45th St
Highland, IN 46322
(219) 934-7300

Xoco

2013-05-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

When I explain to others who ask "Why?" when saying Mexican food is one of Chicago's strong points I like to give example of the fact we have food from all over Mexico and it's featured in both the classic no frills taqueria and also at places a step above those like Xoco. Rick Bayless has done alot for Mexican food and has to be considered one of the great brand ambassadors for it. He deserves the recognition he has gotten which is more than I can say for his brother Skip. Xoco is his Mexican Street Food inspired spot located right down the door from his pioneer place Frontera and his high end Mexican dining spot Topolobampo next to that in River North. Along with Torta's Frontera at O'Hare they make up his mini empire.

"Big bold Marketplace Mexican Flavors"

The menu at Xoco isnt big but some of the stuff on it puts out some of the big bold flavors they claim. Unfortunately I cant say their seafood caldo is one of them. I was expecting much better because that's what I usually get at places like Tortas Frontera O'Hare where you'll inhale some great Mexican style sandwiches. At an airport of all places. Xoco does real tacos al pastor on Wed. nights and I'd always hoped Mr. Bayless would serve a dish with his take on Carne en su Jugo. If they we're going to serve it here they need to step the broth game up big time. Just a couple shrimps in it but my biggest complaint is the broth, way too weak.

Seafood Caldo

The aforementioned tortas that people get to the airport early for are also available at Xoco. I think there may be a few different selections at each place but I find them both very good options. Since this is a step up from the street food you'd find at Maxwell Street Market so is the price. But I can justify the $12 average price-tag on them because they're very good.Worth treating yourself too for lunch.

Cochinita Pibil Torta

Seen in the first set of pics is the wood fire grill which they use to toast the bread here. It's really fantastic stuff as are the ingredients they put in it. Cochinita Pibil is a slow roasted pig dish popular in the Yucatan state of Mexico. Rick and staff use wood roasted suckling pig for this version with achiote, black beans, pickled red onions and a spicy habenero salsa rounding it out. It's a great sandwich. I gotta give them that.

The insides

When waiting in line to place your order, which you then sit down and is then brought out to you, it's hard to resist the smell of the fresh churros being fried. The quintessential Mexican street snack is basically a long donut which can sometimes be filled with creme or jelly and usually comes served with a side of melted chocolate for dipping. They do these justice here. So my advice on Xoco? Torta and a Churro and you'll be good to go.

Churro from Xoco

Xoco

449 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 334-3688

Website

Maxwell Street Market

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

Chicagoland is an international melting pot with a heavy Mexican influence these days. The area is flooded with taqueria's and family owned sit-downs where you can sample some cusine that wasnt all that popular some 30 years ago. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo this year we eat Mexican food all month long. If you were wondering where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year in Chicago, I got the spot.

Maxwell Street Market on a Sunday

Instead of jumping from bar to bar drinking Corona and cheap shots of tequila and not remembering any of it or the Papa Johns pizza you consumed afterwards you can go check out Chicago's Maxwell Street Market. Eat some authentic Mexican food and explore a part of Chicago's history. Maxwell Street Market has changed over it's 100+ years as new rushes of people come to Chicago. These days it provides an authentic feel of Mexico without ever leaving the city.

You can sample popular street foods, buy and barter for fresh groceries and ingredients for Mexican inspired dishes. Need some new socks? A lawnmower? Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega Genesis? Candy Cigarettes? All that is there. I'm guessing this is where the guy who sent that goat head to Tom Ricketts got it.

For Sale

The food though! Now that's what draws so many from all different backgrounds and keeps them coming back. Maxwell Street Market is a great place to eat Mexican food in one of the best cities you can eat it in. So you know you're going to be eating well when you do. You're not going to find many burritos and there are no Doritos Locos Tacos here. Well you may see a really nice old lady selling burrittos but if you do they'll be like those found in the Northern Mexico state of Durango. There's no lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes served there. Just beautiful small handmade flour tortillas filled with authentic Mexican dishes like chicharrons or birria. You wont find any tacos topped with cheddar cheese but you may indulge in a quesadilla made with Oaxaca cheese. So much better!

You never know who might be there vending their old family recipes on any given Sunday but you're sure to see the cuisine from most of Mexico's 31 states represented. There's so much more to Mexican food than tacos and nachos. Juts like here in America, the food varies by region in Mexico. Any Mexican street dish you can think of such as tamales and elotes are served at Maxwell Street Sunday's plus all the things you might not of ever seen or eaten are too. All made right there like you're at the fair and this means the prices are more than fair. Rubi's is a popular place for their homemade tortillas and unique topping like squash blossoms and cactus to fill quesadillas and tacos with. They also put out some top notch al pastor.

Rubi's Tacos at Maxwell Street market

Since Cinco de mayo falls on a Sunday this year, the Market is sure to be extra special. Performances will be given and people will be jolly. Maybe I'll see you there! Free parking on Sundays soon! Chicago is one of the top 5 cities with a heavy population of Mexican immigrants in America. I've long argued it's one of the best places to eat Mexican food in the world. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo we will have features on it all month long. So please stay tuned. Plenty of tacos and some surprises to come.

Oaxacan Tamale

Maxwell Street Market

800 S. Desplaines

Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 745-4676

Back to Bayfield

2013-04-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

Eating like a local:
Regional food specialties
-Whitefish Livers, Burgers, Apples, the Apostle Islands & Pie

Where to start and what words to say when trying to describe the place you believe is the best "getaway from it all" destination in the Midwest? SERENITY NOW! That's what I get every time I go to Bayfield Wisconsin which sits about 8.5 hours north of Chicago on "the grandaddy of them all" Lake Superior.

Bayfield, WI

If you cant live without your regular morning Vanilla latte than Bayfield isn't for you. But if you like having to worry about nothing than Bayfield is as peaceful a destination as we have in the Midwest. There is no Subway, no Starbucks, no Holiday Inn and no 7-11. There's no chains whatsoever. Actually there's only a few places to eat and drink. Maybe around 10 total within a few miles, this isn't a place you go for food first or to see what the late night scene there is like.

But if you want outdoor fun mixed in with the option of doing nothing, it's a great place. It might be more of tourist town than a fishing village these days but the peaceful charm remains the same. Summer isn't quite here but you need to start thinking about where you want to stay ASAP. Part of it's charm is that there isn't all sorts of commercialization so there's limited spots to stay.

Some sights from the town

So this was my third trip up to "paradise" and each time I've always left wondering why I didn't give myself more time to stay. I'm not the biggest outdoor guy but I loved getting around the Apostle Islands by biking and kayaking. Some say there's no better places to do them. As far as food goes I got back to Morty's and it's still fun. This time around I also made it over to the historic Greunke's Inn.

One of the Originals

It was in the 1940's that Victor Greunke decided to put whitefish livers, a local delicacy loved by the fisherman in the port town of Bayfield onto the menu at his place. In the beginning he would hand out the freshly battered and fried livers to customers who were instantly won over. These days it's a specialty of the area and a few places have them. But I had to go try them at the original. If you've been to Bayfield more than once than odds are you've been to Greunke's. It doubles as a lodge and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner inside their very charming digs.

As we enter

They have a diner like set up in front with tables and waiter service in a few separate rooms housed in the old building. The central part of town can be walked thru in 10 minutes so most people who've been to Bayfield have probably smelled their nightly fish boils. It's those and the whitefish livers that they're known for. You can get the livers sauteed or fried and just like the 1st day they were served, they come with toast, a lemon wedge and tarter sauce. I got them fried and thought they weren't all that different taste and texture to fried oysters. They were good but I guess as the younger lady working the counter told me "They're better sauteed". So next time I'll have to try them like that.

Fried Whitefish Livers

There's some other nice options I didnt get to as well as spots in nearby towns. The truth of the matter is all the places that serve whitefish do it up right but that's because its so fresh and so easy to prepare. That said the best thing you can do for food on a trip to Bayfield is come prepared. Bring coolers and stock up on your favorite sipping alcohol and some of the great beer only available in state. South Shore Brewery in nearby Ashland is "Next". You have to drive (or boat) to get here. Even nearby Duluth airport is a couple hours away. So seek out a great local butcher en route and buy some eating meats and bring everything you have at home with you. It'll save you money and you'll still eat great.

Cumberland, WI

We made an impromptu stop at Louie's Finer Meats which we passed going thru the town of Cumberland. A fun part of the drive for those that can stand a roadtrip is the fact that once you get North there is no major highways. You get to go thru these cool little towns and can stop if you want. We did just that when I saw this amazing place that looked legit just fro the looks. That it was.

Small part of their selection

I got $40 worth of sausages and other pork products and loaded them up on ice in a cooler. Here's a big tip for those considering going to Bayfield. Rent a place with a kitchen and even better an outdoor grill too. There's only a few hotels and B&B's but the rest of the towns rentals tend to be condos and houses for groups of 2 to +12 (Mostly owned by same people). Having a kitchen you can store all your goodies bought en route with the supplies brought from home and take full advantage of the 4 local fish purveyors in town. Did I mention there is no Long John Silvers?

Whitefish, Lake Trout and Walleye - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On our first day of arrival it was already 4p and I decided to go to Meyers Beach for the last of the sun and also a quick dip into Lake Superior. We had perfect weather to where it was pretty damn hot out thus making a swim in the chilly super clear water very refreshing. No salt, no sharks, this is my preferred place to swim. Meyers Beach is part of the Apostle Islands National Park system. It costs $3 (honor system) to park there. It's about a 15 minute drive from the center of town but is well worth it. It was gorgeous on this day.

Meyers Beach

Before the beach I stopped into "town" to see what was there. Corncupia is unincorporated but not totally empty. The public harbor has an Inn, gift shop, bar, restaurant and old time family fishery along with some really old fishing boats on display at their free walk up museum. I saw a few local hippies too.

Cornucopia, Wisconsin (10 miles west of Bayfield)

The "gateway to the Apostle Islands" as it's called is the home to Halvorson Fisheries. It's run by a family that's been fishing these waters for over 40 years. I ended up coming back here after my 1st trip making sure to stock up on a few things to take back home to Chicago. On the 2nd trip the evening before we left I noticed a truck loading up just caught and cleaned whitefish and lake trout. The driver noticed my Bears hat and told me he was headed that way. Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines.

Halvorson Fisheries

What's available then and there...

At work in the back

Smoked Fish at it's finest

Loading up and heading back to Chicagoland

Of the four local family fisheries (all of which are great) I liked this one the most because of their selection. It still wasn't alot but they had a freezer full of trout cheeks and pieces of burbot to take back and their fresh caught whitefish and trout was a couple bucks cheaper than the others. The smoked fish is terrific. The brown sugar trout the best I've had. I was eating it for dessert each night. Less than $5/lb to eat lake superior whitefish and trout that was unloaded an hour ago and cleaned up less than 30 minutes before it's cooked! Why pay $15+ when its so easy to prepare this fish? Crack open your favorite drink and it's anything but work getting ready to eat this.

Blackened Whitefish & Brats: Wisconsin Style Surf & Turf

One of the family fisheries sold walleye fished out of Canadian boundaries and I ate that along with Whitefish and fresh lake trout sided with fresh local produce in abundance. I ate great and it never cost so little. Trout cheeks and bacon with eggs for breakfast, Walleye Sandwich for lunch and blackened whitefish with pan fried (in butter) award winning brats with green beans and country corn with breakfast sausage mixed in for dinner (pic above). We ate what we wanted when we wanted, often after 9p and that's because theres so much to explore outdoors during the day.

ALL ABOARD! Ferry Boat to Madeline Island

One of the must do trips is taking the ferry out to Madeline Island which is located north of Bayfield. Its the largest of the 22 islands that make up the enclave and has been inhabited for over 400 years. It's seen the flags of three different nations flying. The Ojibwa made their home here 100's of years before any European settlers came strolling in. You can board the boat by foot or vehicle with the latter being $50 but I think if you're with family or not bringing your own bike it's worth it in the end.

Life on the Island

There's not much going on as far as shopping and stuff though they do have places to eat and buy souvenirs as well as a museum and a couple of bars, businesses, homes, a school etc. Even though it's an island its still big and you'll need to be on a bike (rentals available) or in a vehicle to get around. Our day there brought back alot of memories of a family vacation we went on to Abaco Island in the Bahamas back in my middle school days. Its got that island vibe.

Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island

Hidden behind the sand and water are some beautiful walking trails

If you already brought a bike with you while vacationing than I'd advise bringing that. It'll cost extra to bring it on board but they charge $10/hour for rentals on the island and if you're going to the state park (12 miles each way) and plan to relax at the beach the hours add up. Shuttles go to and from the island every half hour morning to night. If you;re an avid biker and have one you might not need a car. If you're with kids or elders, take a car. The bike ride to the beach at the state park was awesome but it would of been nice to further explore with a car.

Some sights from the bike ride on the island

After a day of bike riding and sitting in the sun, a refreshing tropical drink goes a long way. You can get a well made one for a nice price at Tom's Burned Down Cafe. This is one of the more unique bars I've been at in a state with many. It's featured in a great new book about the states tavern history and tradition called "Bottom's Up".

Tom's Burned Down Cafe on Madeline Island

There were quite a few people here most of whom seemed like regulars. People do live on the island year round and many spend their summers on it. "Tom's Burn't Down Cafe did not start out as a open air bar with and eclectic verity of chairs and tables. Tom and couple of partners moved an old bar named Leona's into the town of La point. They worked for over a year to renovate Leona's into bar and restaurant, and then unexpected happened!" So today it's a beautiful pile of junk to have a drink at. I felt like I was in the Caribbean as I drank mine.

a view from the bar

Aside from the island hopping, kayaking, and biking and boating there's also some fun stuff off shore. Such as the fruit and flower orchards. Bayfield County as some terrific apple farms and the biggest weekend of the year is their annual Applefest in early October. It gets booked up by March. The apples were just harvesting at the end of August when we were there and the first ones of the season from Bayfield Apple Company were great. I picked up some great apple butter as well as my favorite aroma scented cinnamon apple candles. My favorite, especially for the Fall.

One of the many orchards located in the county

When you have lots of fresh fruit and specifically apples that means that the baked goods arent far away. In fact you might just come across the best damn pie you ever ate. That's what happened to me. I knew when the day came it would be in Wisconsin.

Pie's all over the place

I usually find the food publications and their "best of" lists readable at best. But not necessarily trustworthy. However I just knew Judy's Gourmet Garage would be as good as Travel & Leisure Magazine said it would be when they named it as having the best pie's in the country. It's got that vibe going for it before you go and those at the magazine arent the only ones making that claim.

Judy's Gourmet Garage

Judy Faragher and her sister first sold apple pies at a hometown fest. They became such a hit that eventually she went big, turning the garage of her home into a bakery. When fruits are fresh and in season you'll find them in her pies. Her turnovers arent to be missed and neither is she. When I asked about her "paste-e's" she gave me a mean look and said "I dont make those and I'm too damn old to wear them" LOL. I forgot that they're called "pass-ty's" and got a huge crack out of that. What a sweet lady and she makes some amazing pies. No sugar whatsoever is used and she will never use canned fruit. In the winter she settles for frozen. Amazing crust. WOW.

Inside the garage turned bakery

I also got an amazing hot out of the oven apple pie from a lady selling them from her farm as we headed back to Chicago. They know how to bake up there so dont miss out on those. A couple years after my last visit I was back in Bayfield and again had Patsy's in Washburn on my mind. Lucky for me they were open this time around. Washburn is a town over from Bayfield and Patsy's is a spot to stop in at for those staying somewhere near on this patch of Lake Superior shoreline towns.

-Got beef?
The Burgers of Wisconsin

Washburn, WI

After eating fresh for a few days straight I needed some damn meat in me and Patsy's was the place. The bar itself has been around since the late 1800's when these towns were more centrally located due to their proximity to the Great Lake. Back when Superior and the other four great lakes were some of the main trade routes this area was a much busier place. The second floor used to be a longstanding brothel but a fire wiped that out. Today Patsy's is the locals watering hole. It's well kept inside with that friendly Wisconsin vibe. The burgers are said to be the best by many from around this region. They're made at the end of the bar as is customary with so many other great drinking establishments slanging great burgers in the state.

As we enter

The burgers are 6 oz of fresh ground beef from a butcher nearby. A patsy's classic comes with "Caramelized Onions, Lettuce, Tomato and Miracle Whip on a Toasted French bun" I was expecting it served on a French roll but was not mad about the bun they use. Made fresh daily by the bakery down the street. The best buns on burgers are always found in Wisconsin. Great example here. The beef was cooked to my medium rare requast and full of flavor, another trend I find common. A fantastic no frills burger made by using the best possible options for beef and bun. This is why I just kill my burgers craves when I'm in the Beer, Cheese and as I continue to prove, Burger State.

Patsy's Classic with Cheddar

I'd strongly advise you not miss out on this precious little town that while not unknown, remains a gem. You have to plan a vacation here for summer during the Spring. Weekends get booked quick and most of those who are there are repeat visitors for a reason. I cant wait to get back. Due stay tuned. Travel season is just getting started. Much more to come.

See ya next time...

Greunke's Inn
17 Rittenhouse Avenue
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5480

Louie's Finer Meats
2025 Superior Avenue
Cumberland, WI 54829
(715) 822-4728

Halvorson Fisheries, LLC
22690 Siskiwit Parkway
Cornucopia, WI 54827
(715) 742-3402

Tom's Burned Down Cafe
234 Middle Road
La Pointe, WI 54850
(715) 747-6100

Bayfield Apple Company
87540 County Highway J
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5700

Judy's Gourmet Garage
PO Box 1226
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5365

Patsy's Bar and Grill
328 West Bayfield Street
Washburn, WI 54891
(715) 373-5792

Bar Ombra

2013-04-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Italian Bar food

One day I'll get over to Italy and most likely will never want to leave. I'm the type that can love or dislike a living area based on what type of food is around there. So I'm pretty sure I could live most anywhere in Italy be it the city or countryside. Take a place like Venice where they snack on all sorts of goodies while sipping drinks at their local watering hole. Nice. Fortunately I dont have to travel 8 hours by plane to get a taste of these cicchetti style bars. There's one called Ombra in Andersonville.

A long glass covered counter where the bar is at displays some eating options

I got some folks I follow on twitter who I rely upon to let me know what fancier places are worth trying. When I say fancy I dont necessarily mean collared shirt, old money dining. I'm just talking about the newly opened spots that have some press behind them that people are buzzing about. Because lets be honest, half the press was invited there to eat free and say good things about it in return. So when trustworthy twitter folks sing the praises of places like Ombra I'm sure to check it out.

Some offerings from behind the bar

Cicchetti Bars are popular spots for both locals and tourists in the know in Venice. They're places where you can get a drink, a quick snack and catch up with friends or just relax to thoughts of nothing. These bars serve different selections of appetizers with the cold ones lined up in front of you at the bar and hot ones cooked to order. Just point to this or that and your server will grab it and put it on a plate for you. Inside Ombra it's intimate. Props for the woodwork and setting. Food options are abundant, remember you visit these places with friends and family so you can try a little bit of everything. Bruschette, foccacia and cheese options join many other favorite flavors of the Tre Venezie. If it looks good here, it probably is.

Stuffed Mushrooms, Meatballs and Pesciolini

Ombra

5310 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 506-8600

Website

Rickshaw Republic

2013-04-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
New to the 'Scene'

I've been thru the somewhat newly opened Rickshaw Republic in Lincoln Park here a couple times since they opened and am happy to have them around. I'll echo what others in the food writing world have said about the ambiance inside and attitude of the family that runs the place. Both are great. Considering this is Chicago's only Indonesian restaurant they're giving the Southeast Asian cuisine a good name. One of the family members who works the front was very enthusiastic in explaining the dishes, you could feel his passion. Specialty of the house is anything with moms fish cake in it so I went with that wrapped around a boiled egg on one visit.

Submarine Fish Cake aka Pempek Telor

This dish was different. It was a little bit rubbery as far as texture goes but I guess that's supposed to be so. Even though it was my least favorite of what we tried, I ate all of it. The noodles with it were served cold which is how they're supposed to come. The idiot reviewing the place on Yelp should have asked. I tried some of the Rickshaw Noodles (served hot) with pork belly and liked those and the beef rendang is a very good example of the popular Southeast Asian dish loved by many.

Rickshaw Noodles with Pork Belly

But the Indonesian fried rice is my favorite thus far. I've returned for it via pick up but must say the price of it with a side of killer homemade sambal sauce at close to $14 isn't a steal of a deal. I look forward to further exploring the menu as well as "Mom's Specials" which change weekly depending on what she feels like cooking. Yes the mother is actually in back cooking it up. I thought the price was pretty fair all in all but it's best to go with a few others so you can try different items. I'll be back.

Indonesian Chicken Fried Rice

Rickshaw Republic
2312 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-4750
Website

Fried Chicken Fling

2013-04-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Fried out on 420

You didn't think 4/20 was gonna go by without another special did you? This year we stick to the fried foods but celebrate it with chicken. So I hope you're not drained out on it just yet. Wait until this is over please because we're about head out to 10 spots I've had it at and can recommend to those looking for some in Chicagoland and beyond. If the munchies haven't hit you in the head yet, they're about too.
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An Ode to Cherry Supper Club

Cherry, IL (RIP)

I'm starting today's tour down in the Lasalle County, Illinois area because that's where any discussion of fried chicken in the state should start. People know about Nashville, they know about the rest of the parts down south and they should know about Southeast Indiana as far as great places to eat fried chicken goes but not many know about this part of Illinois. It can hang.

Wing Night at Rip's

Rip's Chicken is the most well known spot to eat fried bird at down here and I can verify that as it's one of the most read posts ever on this site. People google "Rip's Chicken" from all over and they're slogan "We're worth the drive" is so very true. But the thing is, just about every spot down this way serves fried chicken and most places make a better version than anything you'll find in the city. Grubseeker has doc'd many of these spots and his theory is that when the people of Kentucky came to the area for mining jobs they brought their fried chicken recipes with them. Some call it Martucky down there mixing Marseilles, IL with Kentucky.

Fried Chicken from the Cherry Supper Club

The Cherry Supper Club was just down the road from Rip's located in Cherry, Illinois and very similar in style. Cherry was the site of the 1909 Cherry Mine Disaster in which 259 boys and men died. Unfortunately as of last word the Supper Club no longer exists which might also make for no more businesses in town. But I share it here today to let all fried chicken fiends in Chicago know that you need to roll down state a couple hours to find some of the countries best. Just a pick a place, odds are their fried chicken is legit. If they have "ravs" get some of those too. Full report of the area and it's offerings coming soon. Stay tuned.

Soup and salad with plate of "ravs and spaghetti" at Cherry Supper Club

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Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

You ever seen one of these on the roads?

Well as long as we're down state we mgiht as well hit a Lee's. This one was in Matoon. The first Lee's opened in Lima, OH in 1966 "by Lee Cummings, the nephew and business partner of Harland Sanders, and is now a chain of over a hundred stores." from Rene G on LTHforum. I really enjoyed my sides at this regional fast food stop. The chicken and noodles were much better than they needed to be and the fried bird was pretty good too. Somewhat similar to the Colonel. I guess you can see why.

Lee's Fried Chicken and some Sides

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Mini Hut

Popular locals stop on the Southwest Side

The Mini Hut is my favorite fried chicken available daily in Chicago. This butter crust fried chicken shack is about as no frills as you can get but who cares, those types of places are usually where you'll find the best. The entry is located just off Archer and it's best to call ahead because they're frying to order here and you're going to start wanting some as soon as the whiff hits you which it will do as soon as you step out the car. Take it to eat at Tom's Tap down the block and have a beer and watch some baseball while you indulge.

Fried Chicken Boat from Mini Hut

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Heinie's

Longtime Southeast Side favorite

Hienie's is one of Chicago's original "Diner's, Drive-In's and Dives". They've had a cult following for some time now and we're featured on the cover of the original "The Streets and San Man's Guide to Chicago Eats". Located at 103rd and Torrence they double as both a fried shrimp and fried chicken shack where you must get the sauce. It's so well known and loved that it has it's own facebook fan page.

Fried Chicken and Fries from Hienie's

The sauce is what makes people crave this place. Don't get me wrong, they do an excellent frying job but people fiend for that neon orange sauce you see in the picture which hasn't been adjusted. I'd describe it as a buffalo sauce with mustard and vinegar that will tingle your taste buds. Although this sauce is found at many places on the Southeast Side, it's "Hienie's hot sauce" that it goes by. I'm not sure why we dont see more of them like we do Harold's but there is a 2nd location in Orland Park. More on that sauce HERE.

Hienie's Hot Sauce is something...

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Frontier

So in case you havent "scene" it already, fried chicken is the next big food trend in Chicago. There's a handful of places that have already opened which specialize in it and then there's a bunch of bars that have it on their menu as a special on certain nights. Frontier on Milwaukee is one of those places that feature it as a weekly special. Theirs is served on Mon. and it's freakin' fantastic. This batch has some heat which I enjoyed. It was also as juicy of an order as I've ate of late and had some of the best crust I've ate on any chicken. The special will set you back $12 and comes with half a bird as well as a slaw salad and a cheddar & house smoked ham hock biscuit and honey for drizzling. So good.

Monday Night Fried Chicken Special
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The Southern

About a mile away from Frontier is the Southern and they do their fried chicken special on Wednesday's which makes it the best night to visit. If you're going to call your spot "The Southern" then you better do fried chicken right. That's the case here where it's fried to near perfection and comes atop some wonderful tasso ham gravy and is served with a biscuit. If you like Nashville style fried chicken which is HOT then try stopping in on Thursday when that's on special for country night.

Fried Chicken at the Southern

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Spoon Thai

Chicago is rich with good Thai food and Spoon Thai is one of the longtime favorites of many. We'll get too each and every one as the days go by and as we do you'll see that each place has certain dishes that stand out above others. I'm no expert in eating Thai food but with today's wealth of information available online as well as the fact many places list their unique specials of the house as so on menus you dont need to have lived in Thailand for a few years to know whats up. What stands out at Spoon? Definitely gotta try their Thai Fried Chicken. They chop each piece up into smaller pieces and give them trip to the fryer with Thai spices seasoned into the mix and it comes served with a homemade tamarind chile sauce. Very addictive.

Thai Fried Chicken

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Acre Restaurant

We haven't had fried chicken for breakfast yet so how about we try some for brunch? Acre Restaurant in Andersonville has a very respectable Chicken and Waffles made with fresh Amish chicken. It also comes served with some sausage on the side. Definite bonus points for that.

Chicken and Waffles at Acre in Andersonville

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Rita's

Locals favorite in Lake Bluff

I'm not often in Lake Bluff but I do go thru there sometimes although it's usually in town where they have a nice local micro brewery and also Inovasi which is a place that I like near the lake. So I had no idea about Rita's down on Rockland Road towards 94 and Lambs Farm. But when I was tipped off that this old school roadhouse style tavern had some of the best fried chicken around I was more than down for the ride. It turns out they also do a fantastic fish fry featuring lake perch and the honey crusted chicken was indeed some of the best. Extra crispy and flavorful on the outside and juicy meat inside. For a heavyweight 1-2 punch have some cocktails in the tasting room at North Shore Distillery before or after.

Fried Chicken Dinner from Rita's

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Brat Stop

The legend that is in Kenosha

It's been a while since we've been to the Brat Stop huh? Well lets head a little further north and end our fried chicken fling in Kenosha. As is the case with many places in Wisconsin they broast their chicken here which results in a faster cooked less greasy batch. The company that makes these cookers is based out of Beloit so you tend to find this style throughout the state. When it's on special the fried chicken at Brat Stop isn't a bad selection if you're not feeling like a brat. I've come to learn they do most Wisconsin favorites right at this mega bar off I-94 just over the Illinois border in Kenosha.

Broaster Chicken from Brat Stop

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Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
Locations in 13 US States

Mini Hut
6659 W Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 586-2115

Heinie's
10359 S Torrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 734-8400

Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 772-4322

The Southern
1840 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-1840

Spoon Thai
4608 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 769-1173

Acre Restaurant
5308 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-7600

Rita's
13744 Rockland Rd
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
(847) 362-0157

The Brat Stop
12304 75th St
Kenosha, WI 53142
(262) 857-2011

Marco's Beef

2013-04-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Got Beef? Italian Beef
As seen on 'What's your Beef?'

Lets start this review off like many others. Sorry about the delay. In all honesty I just hadnt had any beef cravings of late. They really do come and go by the boatload. Well when the taste for one did come, I made sure to get to a spot that I haven't doc'd on here. It had been a while since I last stopped thru Marco's Beef so I gave it a go while passing by. You might not get the vibe when looking at it from the outside but this place takes the time and care of making their own beef.

Fullerton just west of Austin

From my standpoint it's still a better than average example of this style of sandwich served in this city, though not quite 1st team, it can be considered an essential role player and maybe even 6th man. The folks there are good people and they load up their tender thinly sliced beef. The gravy has a nice spice kick and the peppers seem to have a little bit of everything in them. A solid option to have if you're anywhere near.

Beef with Hot from Marco's

Rating Scale 5/5

beef: 4
bread: 4
gravy: 4
hot peppers: 4

Score: 16/20

Marco's Beef & Pizza

6008 W Fullerton Ave

Chicago, IL 60639

(773) 745-1015

Website

Bucatini all'Amatriciana

2013-04-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

--Tailgatin' and how to make mofos start playa hatin' (Recipes)

Guanciale is very unheralded by those not in the know. The number of those that dont is actually pretty high. You just cant find this old Roman specialty made of pigs jowl everywhere. I picked up this beauty below from Salume Beddu in St. Louis where they make their own in house. Seek these boys out if you're in the area. I should of got more. But I knew that was going to happen when I was buying it so that's what I get. Luckily I'll be back as I may be investing with a buddy in the area. Great place to eat.

Guanciale

Salume Beddu describes their guanciale as so "A Roman specialty. Highly spiced with red pepper flakes, brown sugar, black peppercorn & rosemary". It's not smoked and just cured for a few weeks before being ready to eat. So what do you do with it when it is? Well there's two recipes that immediately come to mind, both pastas. First is real deal Carbonara which if you've never made you should check this HERE for tips. But one of my favorite meals to make and also eat is Bucatini all'Amatriciana. It's so simple and so good. Just make sure to use canned romas if tomatoes arent in season. Note: Google it for the recipe. They're virtually all the same. Make sure to cook your guanciale on medium heat, not high. You want the flavor to stay in it. Substituting bacon just doesn't cut it. Use Pancetta if you must.

Bucatini all'Amatriciana at Home

Salume Beddu
3467 Hampton Ave
St Louis, MO 63139
(314) 353-3100

Website

Turkey Club Crawl

2013-04-08T12:00:00.002-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where can I get a good Club?

Some things are just always better when someone else makes them for you. That's the case with me and Turkey Club Sandwiches. OK well maybe once a year the day after thanksgiving I can make one that's great but other than that I'm not cooking turkey all that often. I cant stand the places that use lunch deli meat instead of fresh sliced breast and over the last couple years made it a point to find a serviceable turkey club, these are my findings.
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Palace Grill

Longtime locals favorite near the United Center

The Palace Grill on Madison Street has been serving Chicago's hungry since 1938. It's also housed in a cool old school building and has a dope neon sign. This place is a popular stop for Blackhawks and Bulls fans headed to the game and also city workers and anyone who lives near there. They serve a respectable club but not one to make me come directly back when the taste for one comes. But good enough to get it again when I find myself there.

Turkey Club from Palace Grill

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RJ Grunts

I hadnt been to RJ Grunts in god knows how long leading up to last year. But my lady friend happens to live near there so I've been in a couple times since we met. I like Grunt's. I know it's nothing special and they started the salad bar trend which some cant stand. Others love it. But I dont care about it either way. I just like the fact there's a Lincoln Park place that remains that was there before I was. That said they're Club was how I found others things I've ate there of late. Good in some aspects but lacking in others. The turkey was top notch and the bacon good too but where was the middle piece of bread? That and a lack of toast on the two pieces it came with prevented it from being the best.

Turkey Club from RJ Grunts

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Melrose Restaurant

The old school Greek diners are fading in our city and even faster go the ones that stay open into the evening. The Melrose over on Broadway is a place I've never dined inside at but I did stop in for a club sandwich to go one night when riding by and I was pleasantly surprised. There are three things I judge a good turkey club by and the most important is the turkey itself. Here they had the real stuff, cut thicker which I like. My other two needs of an actual triple decker sandwich with crispy bacon were also met. I liked the thick cut Greek diner style fries too.

Very Respectable

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Golden Apple

Longtime locals favorite in Lakeview

The Golden Apple has been serving the families and local drunks of Lakeview for over 40 years now. They're open 24 hours a day and have had a broad range of clientele over the years. I used to go there now and then with my friends back in high school but dont get there all too often anymore. However because of their always being open I did stop in for a club one night when there were no other options. If the person taking my order asks if I want cheese on my club I will say yes so you'll notice some have it on them in this roundup. Theirs was another ok but not great one. Cheap deli meat was it's downfall.

Turkey Club's at 2 in da morn

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Sam & George's

Not far at all from our last stop in Lakeview is S&G as the locals call it as those are the letters on it's sign outside. They've been serving the community for over 50 years and are open from 5a until 8p daily. During the cities best months you can sit outside and dine. They serve a nice option for a Club here. The most lacking aspect was the amount of bacon which there was little of. I need bacon placed on the bottom piece of bread and then again as the last layer before the top piece of bread goes on. Otherwise the portioning just isn't right when it;s a triple decker. Props for the option of tots.

A nice Turkey Club option to have

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The Original Alps

Longtime locals favorite the Irving Park neighborhood

As mentioned this round-up wasn't done all in one day or even a month or for that matter a year. But I can remember which ones I liked and the original Alps which is still standing was the best. This place has some history too as it first opened up shop at 71st and Exchange before moving North in the mid 60's. They've been where they are today since 1970. It's a classic Greek owned diner and they put out a near perfect (in my book) Club. I'll just have to start ordering double layers of bacon when I eat one.

Chicago's best Turkey Club? Maybe

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Palace Grill

1408 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-9529

RJ Grunts
2056 North Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-5363

Melrose Restaurant
3233 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-2060

Golden Apple
2971 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-1413

Sam & George's
3000 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-4025

Original Alps Restaurant
3637 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 267-5112

French Market Eats

2013-04-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Dining Downtown

You know what? As many places as I get too in this great food city of ours I had never been to the French Market until a couple months ago. Located downtown on Clinton within the Metra Building they're open Monday-Saturday and have a collection of independent vendors selling everything from fresh fish to Frites.

Downtown Chicago at Clinton and Randolph

It might not be quite like the Eastern Market in Detroit or the Reading Terminal in Philly but it's a start. Chicago needs a huge indoor year round marketplace which every other metropolis seems to have. For now we'll just have to settle with the French Market. When I say "settle" I speak as if I were some food snob that insists you eat the way I say is proper. Well I'm not and I say that in jest. We're blessed to have what we do in Chicago, believe me it could be way worse. Out first stop inside is too a place that every neighborhood in every area of America could use. Fumare Meats and Deli has to be the most popular place here.

Fumare Meats

Long before I had a camera with which I've take less than 50 pictures of people with I took a trip to Montreal and we all went to the world famous Schwartz's Deli there. I loved it and that just might of been what triggered my now almost sociopath ways of finding places to eat while out and about. Well back to the French Market and Fumare. Great place. Started by a guy who left banking to start something he loved doing they offer a variety of local meats and make one of the best sandwiches in the city. Named so by me and just about anyone else who's had one.

Fumare Montreal Style Smoked Meat Sandwich

What's smoked meat? It's not BBQ which is also that by definition. It's more like a kosher style of pastrami you'd find in the delis of NYC with a slight taste of smoke from cooking. It's similar in prep (they use brisket though not the navel) but different in the seasoning and spices used. It's unique to Montreal although like any popular regional eat it expands. Fumare doesnt claim to make an authentic version of this sandwich just one in similar style. That style is one I can dig.

One of the cities best Sandwiches

As far as the rest of the French Market food options go there is some left to be desired but the way I see it, downtown has never been a foodie destination so to say. If I worked near the French Market or took the Metra to the same station it sits in five times a week I'd appreciate the fact it was there but I'd also wish it was more of a destination rather than holdover. Delightful Pastries has some pretty good stuff like the ham and cheese croissant while the pommes frites at Frietkoten Belgian Fries and Beer were good for fries they weren't all that different from them. I've had better representations of the popular Belgian street snack elsewhere. I had a pretty good cheap eats samosa from the Indian inspired Klay Oven Kitchen.

Delightful Pastries

Quick Eats

Vietnamese Bahn Mi Sandwich Shop

My second favorite eat to date out of this place is also a sandwich. The "Hen House" at Saigon sisters came rec'd in a TOC sandwich article and tasted pretty great. I say this for the area. Nothing here is cheap and neither are these but they're good. I think the meats and bread which is always fresh because of constant traffic make these bahn mi's pretty fantastic. I'm just not a fan of the ones with cheap mystery meat. They have a restaurant menu location on Lake street which I haven't been too. Looking forward to seeing what else they have or may come.

Note: There is free validated parking with $20 purchased.

Caramelized Chicken with lemongrass, ginger, mint, lime, crushed peanuts and mayo

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Chicago French Market
131 N Clinton St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 930-4220

Website

Shwings

2013-04-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

-KingT's Wing Fling

I wasn't sure if I should share this new find in Stone Park in the 'Wing Fling' posts or the 'Shrimp Shacks of Chicago' but it's worthy of both. Located in a small strip mall you might not ever think twice about this place unless maybe the name catches your eye. It did mine as they had the "coming soon" sign up for a while. Last week I was told of this new place I should try near a site and sure enough this was it.

Stone Park

I stopped in for early lunch around 11a after being up all morning and starving I was told to give them a little time as they were just getting the fryers going. Fine by me. I'm all for making sure the fryers are up to temp before serving soggy shrimp. The lady working the front was really nice and told me how their homemade soups have been a big hit around that way with all the locals and people that work around the area. I didn't try any but nice to know for the future. I opted for a 1/2 lb of jumbo shrimp and a 5 piece wings.

Jumbo Fried Shrimp

They did an excellent fry job with both the shrimp and wings. Shrimp had a crunchy medium battered exterior and didn't dry out on the inside. The wings are cheaper (5 for $3.25) and better than most every bar in the city that has a weekly wing special. They're as good as most others I can remember. They have a variety of sauce options in-house that I look forward to trying the next time I'm out this way. Other seafood options include catfish and cod and they also do boneless strips made to order and have fresh cut fries and specials. They're open until 4a Thurs-Sat. Good stuff.

House Hot Wings

Shwings
1743 N Mannheim Rd
Stone Park, IL 60165
(708) 483-8595

Website

Barbara Ann's

2013-04-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where the locals eat.

Hello and welcome back to all the longtime regular readers and also the newbies who keep on coming. The numbers dont lie. It's been way to long since we took a trip to the Southside to try some authentic Chicago style BBQ. Before a fire took out much of what was inside, Barbara Ann's on Cottage Grove was one of the cities more popular spots for bbq. They've recently reopened and it had been way too long since my last visit so that switched as one day I rode by and saw smoke filling the streets.

Longtime locals favorite in Grand Crossing

Barbara Ann's began in 1967 when Delars Bracy opened up naming it after his daughter. Learn more about the Mississippi native who started the place and his daughter who keeps the family legacy living by checking out this SFA oral history story HERE. They use a real deal Chicago style Aquarium Smoker and were putting it to great use on my visit last week. "Tip's and Links" are what we prefer here and on this visit around 6p on a weekday they were almost perfect in each and every facet of what makes for great BBQ of this variety. Extra props for golden crisp fries and always serving sauce on the side. If interested in learning more about Chicago Style BBQ check this wonderful Sky Full of Bacon video on it. Barbara Ann's, BIG fan.

Rib Tips and Hot Links Combo

Barbara Ann's Barbecue

7617 S. Cottage Grove

Chicago, IL 60619

(773) 651-5300

Lake Perch Special

2013-03-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

Eating like a local:
Regional food specialties
-Searching for Perch around Northwest Indiana

I'm a big fan of lake perch (get outta here with that ocean crap) but never grew up eating it. I would assume I had it at some point in my teens and enjoyed it as I do all other fish and seafood especially that which is fried. But I don't think I really grew a love for it until I started to learn of others love for it over at LTH and how over time its appearing on less menus. I would imagine it was the stories and the lure which triggered my itch for it. So I decided to seek out some places in an area where it was once abundant and has always been a popular eat. Come along across the border into Northwest Indiana and beyond and enjoy the tour. You know how we roll.

Somewhere along US-41

I learned the fishing laws of Great Lake states as I sought out some spots. You cant commercially fish for lake perch in Lake Michigan. You can get a license and are limited to catch X amount each day but other than that fisherman have to stay away from it in Lake Michigan. So this means most of the lake perch at these places is coming from either Lake Eerie or Lake Superior.

Signs of Perch are still around...though some spots are long gone

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Up For Grabs

Whiting IN

This might be your best bet for a great plate that's not too far away. About 15 minutes from downtown Chicago, Whiting is home to the popular Pierogi Fest each summer. Coming from the city it's right before Hammond which was once the home to the popular now defunct Phil Smidt's. This place might of been my favorite from this list. What you see in the pic is only half of a plate as me and a buddy split one. The ladies working here were super friendly and the inside decor is very old school with the feeling like you're eating at someones home. Make sure to get their signature red boiled potatoes as your side. They pack some real flavor.

Half of a Lake Perch Lunch
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Friday Night Fish Fry at Knights of Columbus

East Chicago IN

Some sights from inside

Every Friday during Lent the Knight's of Columbus in East Chicago host a Fish Fry dinner. This is just one of many Lenten fish fry's you'll find around this way but not too many of them have lake perch anymore. They offer an assortment of fishes and frog legs too at theirs. I think it was $12 that got us in as we beat the rush just as doors opened. Old people were soon to follow. After you pay and get your ticket they had a long line of side options for you to choose from. It looked like it was pot-luck style and all I really wanted was the perch so I passed on them and the deserts but enjoyed my fish fry featuring lake perch. I also scooped up some really great homemade butter cake the young scouts were selling.

Lake Perch Fish Fry
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Chuck and Irene's Hotel and Bar

Hammond IN

Since lake perch is kind of becoming an old school dish around the Midwest Great Lakes States you'll notice most of the places in this report have been around for a while. The original Chuck and Irene's started in 1947 in East Chicago. They moved to Hammond in 1959 and not much has changed except maybe the flat screens. This is a great stop on the perch trail. It's nestled in among the factories and they open at 6am and close at 3a. I've been here quite a few times and have talked to guys who were there before work and said they'd be back the next morning as soon as they were off. Indiana passed a state wide smoking ban but they're exempt from these rules. It can get cloudy inside.

a peak inside

Friday is fish and seafood day and they do up some great plates. For those of you looking for your lake perch served bone-in this is your spot. They offer a "side" of melted butter (more like a melted stick) for you to dip your fish flesh in after you rip it off the bones. It comes served with a little relish plate and a bread basket before the good stuff. Maybe it was the butter? Maybe it's that like steak, fish tastes better off the bone? Maybe they're just experts at frying fish as the batter was perfectly light while extra crispy? I cant pinpoint the exact reason this $14 plate was so so great but it was.

Lake Perch with Bones (Served Friday's when available)
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Town Club

Highland IN

This place is always mentioned when "who has the best perch in Northwest Indiana" is discussed. It's reminiscent of many steak and seafood spots from around here that are now long gone. Though a few of them like town Club are still around. Their perch is delivered fresh on ice from Lake Superior and worth the ride from the city if you enjoy this dish. Also good are the handmade onion rings and their famous fried zucchini. Good atmosphere and good eats.

Lake Perch Lunch
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Tradition's

Highland IN

Around 1910 a couple opened a saloon and boarding house called Grimmer's for folks traveling thru these parts. That place is what Tradition's is today. It's gone thru a few name changes as time has gone by with it's most recent fit a popular place for locals to eat and drink and catch all Chicago sports teams on TV. I had a tasty lake perch sandwich for lunch. It was more like some lightly dusted pieces of lake eerie perch served on some locally sourced rye but I liked. They say they also offer blue gill daily but didn't have it on either of my visits. No food on Sundays.

Lake Perch Sandwich
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Tiebel's

When Phil Smidt's went away I imagine this is the place most patrons who loved it and their atmosphere went to instead. Some folks must of preferred it since they've been around since 1929. It's a popular spot with a huge banquet hall. They're known for their fried perch and chicken. I like the perch more than the chicken but this place is probably the priciest of those on here. Some of the unhealthiest too as they give you cups of melted butter to dip it in. I think Friday is AYCE day. If you can eat enough, it might be worth the close to $40 it cost. They get really busy on weekend nights and also do take-out during lunch. More on them HERE.

Lake Perch Lunch from Tiebel's in Schererville IN
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Dick's Restaurant

St. John IN

I dont really remember how I found each and every one of these places but most of them were thru google searches and a few like Dick's came thru rec's of people I talked too. This is another one of those old school steak and seafood places around the area. When we stopped in for the lake perch lunch around 3p there were a good amount of seniors eating dinner. Middle of the road as far as the fish goes but the difference in the best spots and the lesser favorites on this list isn't all that much. I do remember that Asian inspired slaw in the picture being some of the tastiest I ever ate.

Lake Perch Lunch
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Boundary Waters Lodge

Demotte IN

This place came recommended by some bikers one day me and a friend decided to try a few of the spots on this list out. It's a taste of the Northwoods of Wisconsin in a strip mall in Indiana. The owners spend some time there each year and wanted to open up a place in Indiana with the dark lighting and wooden stalls with animals heads on the walls tavern type vibe. The lake perch was one of the better batches with a perfect lightly dusted coat of batter before frying. One thing worth noting is that the fries included on most all these plates were average at best. I don't think I encountered a fresh cut batch but it's all about the lake perch.

Lake Perch lunch
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Marti's Place

Hebron IN

This place takes the prize for best vibe. Located in the middle of nowhere you would never find this place unless you happened to already be lost and drove by or knew where you were going. It's a really cool spot popular with bikers and who knows who else as there's not many other signs of life around. It sits on the Kankakee River between DeMotte and Hebron Indiana.

Indoor and outdoor seating

Inside there's a really nice old school bar which on our visit had a bunch of regulars seated there. We sat outside and it was a great vibe on a summer day with boaters coming thru and the entertainment of feeding big fish with a big beer in hand. They offer feed for a quarter in a machine on the deck. The wings were pretty good as was the homemade beef noodle soup. The perch was as well. I think the mashed potatoes I opted for were from a box so maybe go with something else as your side if ever stopping in.

Lake Perch Lunch

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New Country Lounge

Hobart IN

Yet another old school place for locals to go on weekends for seafood and steak and on weekdays when the sun is still up for drinks. I remember stopping here on the way up to Michigan City one weekend having been tempted when I saw they offer a Perch De Jonghe. Shrimp De Jonghe is an old Chicago favorite that I learned to love thru my uncle who makes a mean one. Unfortunately theirs wasn't up to par with his. I should of just tried the regular standard of lightly fried filets. Though the lady working the bar here was great and it was a really friendly place. I'll go back sometime as I doubt they're going anywhere.

Perch and Shrimp De Jonghe

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Lincoln Carry Out

Hobart IN

For a little background history on these NW Indiana sandwich shops click HERE. There's a few and they don't have any relations with each other though if I'm not mistaken this one in Hobart is from one of the siblings of the LTHforum GNR original in Highland. I don't know if the original has a lake perch sandwich on the menu but I tried one at Lincoln in Hobart. Two pieces came beer battered on a bun with the usual suspects for toppings. I believe the fish was pre-breaded from the freezer to the fryer but still not a bad bite for $5.

Lake Perch Sandwich
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Johnson's Fish and Shrimp

I've been stopping here a couple times each summer since my first visit a while back. They have a sister location in Lombard though I'm not sure whether or not they regularly have lake perch on the menu. This is still some of the best in my book. I look forward to some this summer when passing thru Lake Station en route to Michigan City/Long Beach and beyond. Great example of the family run fisheries and shrimp shacks that used to be more abundant around these parts.

Some of the best I've ate in the state (Lake Station, IN)
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Old Style Inn

Valparaiso IN

A while back I met up with the Grub Seeker around me for some brews and before we knew it we were off to NW Indiana. As me made the rounds around town we stopped in at this cool old school bar and restaurant in the downtown part of Valpo. Inside is a nice well kept bar that had plenty of old nostalgic beer memorabilia still up and a very respectable lake perch sandwich should you feel the need. I always do.

Lake Perch Sandwich
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Islamorada Fish Company at Bass Pro Shops

Portage IN

On the same trip me and a buddy took to try a few of the spots on here we stopped thru Bass Pro Shops for something and I ended up with a card for the restaurant connected to the place upon entering. The card mentioned they had fresh lake perch on special so despite being stuffed I convinced my buddy to stop into the chain restaurant to try it and a beer.

View at the Bar - Venison Stuffed Mushrooms

They have a pretty fantastic fish tank. It's Las Vegas/NBA player lifestyle size for you to gaze at while at the bar. Ended up trying their signature mushrooms and they were good for what they were. The lake perch was the most uniquely battered of all the places on here and I enjoyed that. Even though it was a heavier batter it was the same stuff they use for their famous mahi mahi sandwich which has some coconut in it. Much better than I thought it would be, this was expected though because it was a $15.95 dinner.

Lake Perch Dinner
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Swingbelly's

Michigan City IN

I've been going to this place since my grade school days when they were in a small house like building down on Lake Shore Drive in Long Beach. They've come up and are now housed in the old Michigan City train station stop from the South Shore Line. This place is one of the only good spots in the area unless you wanna drive 15 minutes to New Buffalo. They do everything better than average and their new digs has some nice indoor and outdoor seating on the water. I really like their firecracker chicken sandwich and have also had the walleye which is rarer in these parts.

Walleye Dinner

I didnt think their walleye was up to par with the other places I've had it at here in the Midwest but their lake perch is some of the best. Available as a lunch or dinner or as a sandwich, they have really fresh tasting filets of perch which are perfectly fried. Get their homemade onions strings to go with it. I eat this at least two times every trip up there. Looking forward to some this summer.

Lake Perch Lunch
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Heston Supper Club

La Porte IN

That same trip with the Grub Seeker we wound up down a dark road in La Porte headed towards the popular Heston Supper Club. This place is a really great example of this popular style of eatery usually found in Wisconsin but extending throughout the Midwest. Big people dining and all. I always go Prime Rib at these places but Jim went with the small Lake Perch plate. I tried a taste and it was just ok, it wasn't fried as good as others. I'd stick with their excellent Prime Rib. You should see it in a report sometime soon. Until then...

Lake Perch Dinner (small person portion)
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Too full too continue. See y'all next time @chibbqking.
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Up for Grabs
1923 Calumet Ave
Whiting, IN 46394
(219) 659-4508

Knights of Columbus
1104 Knights of Columbus Dr
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 398-6700

Chuck and Irene's Hotel and Bar
6110 Kennedy Ave
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 844-9812

Town Club Restaurant and Lounge
2904 45th St
Highland, IN 46322
(219) 924-5227

Tradition's Restaurant and Pub
2739 Highway Ave
Highland, IN 46322
(219) 838-3100

Teibel's Family Restaurant
1775 U.S. 41
Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 865-2000

Dick's Restaurant
10808 Wicker Ave
St John, IN 46373
(219) 365-5041

Boundary Waters Lodge
514 N Halleck St
De Motte, IN 46310
(219) 987-5757

Marti's Place
17519 N 700 W
Hebron, IN 46341
(219) 996-3363

The New Country Lounge
3700 Montgomery St
Hobart, IN 46342
(219) 942-6699

Lincoln Carry-Outs
1002 Lincoln St
Hobart, IN 46342
(219) 942-2113

Johnson's Fish & Shrimp
2619 Central Ave
Lake Station, IN 46405
(219) 962-1956

Old Style Inn
5 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-5600

Bass Pro Shops
6425 Daniel Burnham Dr
Portage, IN 46368
(219) 787-6800

Swingbelly's
100 Washington St
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 874-5718

Heston Supper Club
2003 East 1000 North
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 778-2938

Casino Eats

2013-03-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago (land)
Eating While Gambling

In a month filled with many specials I thought it fitting for another. Give a hardcore gambler a sandwich made of two stale pieces of bread with a slice of Kraft cheese in between and they'll chow it down as he/she plays. But anyone who's been to Vegas knows it's not all about the gambling. Shopping, dining and the party scene play a big role in tourism too. But we're not headed there today. Sorry. We're just going to take a look at some quick and decent eating options at the two casinos closest to Chicago.
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Rivers Casino

Out west by O'Hare airport is Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. It's somewhat new and gives a little preview what it could be like if the City of Chicago gets a gaming license which is a no brainer in my book. I'm guessing if they built a new one by McCormick Place it'd be much bigger than Rivers which is pretty intimate. Not quite as congested as some Indian casinos but it gets packed up in there. There's a few dining options on site including a Hugo's Frog Bar 2nd location, a Sports Bar, burger bar and I believe a noodle shop. I thought the sports bar food was good for what it was. Fairly priced priced too. The wings were good not great but the $8 fish n' chips plate was. They use a fresh Guinness batter and each piece was cooked to a perfect creamy consistency. If I was hardcore and here often, I'd eat that as my snack between play.

Buffalo Wings and Fish n' Chips at the Sports Bar in Rivers Casino

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Horseshoe Casino

Across the border in NW Indiana about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago you'll find the area's most popular casino, the Horseshoe. Same people that run one of the Vegas' originals run this place so if you play enough in Hammond they'll fly you out to Las Vegas where you can dine on same great Asian food both on and off the strip. It's not up to par with some of Vegas' casinos great dining options but there's a little Chinese noodle bar hidden in back of the Le Cheng Asian gaming room. FYI noodles are considered to bring good luck by alot of Chinese people.

Roast Duck

If you play enough in the little room with popular Asian gambling games they'll send you to the noodle bar in back. It's just a small little space with some seats at the bar and a few tables too. If not comp'ed you pay as you enter and take a seat and they bring it over to you. I thought the BBQ duck was just ok but was pleasantly surprised by their beef noodle soup and a pork dumpling appetizer that I forget exactly what it was called, but they were good. Noodles are cooked to order and the beef was tender while the broth had deep flavor. The noodles were kind of all mashed together as one but other than that complaint I was surprised by this place. Seeing as though it's from a casino food in NW Indiana and all I wasn't expecting much to begin with.

Beef Noodle Soup

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Rivers Casino
3000 S. River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 795-0777

Horseshoe Casino
777 Casino Center Drive
Hammond, IN 46320
(219) 473-7000

Fish Bar

2013-03-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
New to the 'Scene'

I've been a on and off again eater of Fish Bar in Lakeview at the corner of Sheffield and Wellington since they opened up shop in 2011. It's a great place to have in the area and they do good business because they bring good honest food at non outrageous prices.

Corned Beef Hash Crawl

2013-03-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Who has the Hash?

Here in Chicago, when you think of the month of March both Spring and St. Patrick's Day come to mind. We might not have a Spring season anymore but March 17th and the parades and parties that come with them will always remain. It's the official headquarters of St. Patrick's Day in the States. We have parades on both sides of town and plenty of places to drink. Instead of making people choose which one to attend, they're on back to back weekends. Last week was the Southside this week is North. In celebration we check out five places slanging homemade hash. One of my favorites to eat, these places should help you thru that hangover. If you're too lazy to move or have leftover corned beef check my recipe HERE. Ever had a corned beef hashburger? Check it out.
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Yellow Rose Cafe

Blink once and you'll miss this place on Elston just past Bryn Mawr

We used to eat at the Yellow Rose Cafe very often when I had a summer job with some lawmen. We did some work in the Portage and Jefferson Park neighborhoods and would often meet at this great nondescript place across the street from the CTA terminal garage to start the day. It's a true family owned place where most everyone is a regular. The menu features real deal home cooking and their CBH is a perfect example of that. No canned crap here where they leave it in nice size hunks so you know you're getting the goods. On top of nice sized chunks of potato in the hash mix, they make sure you don't leave hungry with a big side of hash browns to go with it along with your choice of eggs and toast too. Primo stuff.

CBH from Yellow Rose Cafe
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Cafe Selmarie

Over in Lincoln Square you'll find a real nice upscale and classy type of hash. Cafe Selmarie is a popular stop for brunch in this neighborhood that embraces it's breakfast places, especially on the weekends. I stopped in here unknowingly and ended up getting their CBH. An excellent choice it was. They pull the corned beef here and pick it apart into shreds of nice bite sized pieces. They top a decent sized portion made mostly of meat with two perfectly poached eggs. Top notch stuff.

CBH from Cafe Selmarie

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George's Family Restaurant

For our next installment we have a special guest who gave me (and everyone else) the rec of George's Family Restaurant in the historic border suburb of Oak Park. David Hammond has written for various papers about the great food in this city and goes by none other than "David Hammond" over at LTH. He sings the praises of the CBH at George's. I'd never been nor heard of this place though I'm sure I drove by. So I just had to have a try after I saw the 1st installment of his new web series "You Really Should Eat This". It features specific menu items on different Oak Park restaurants menus. I'll let him explain why he loves the hash here. I'll just add, I concur sir.

Give the man the 'Check Please' job already!
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Burgundy Restaurant

The further West you roll in the city the more likelihood you're to pass a place that there were once many of. That's the Greek and Eastern European owned lounges where they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and booze. These spots seemed to fade away with both the cigarette ban and the folks that frequented these places passing. There's still a few left and the Burgundy wont let you down if it's that atmosphere you seek out. Old lady with the accent working the cash register and all.

Home Made Cooking and Stiffy Cocktails at Irving Park and Austin

The menu here is large as in a handful of pages that have 20-30 items on each. But their CBH came up as being some of the best in the city when I did a search online and thus it went onto my list. They give a huge portion to go with the eggs and hash browns that come with it. I like to mix all of it up and then spread that over the toast when eating mine. The one thing I would ask next time I try this place is "extra crisp" please. But do beware as booze and hash make for a lethal combination.

Corned Beef Hash from the Burgundy Restaurant

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McNamara's

On Irving Park at the corner of Lowell

We cant go on a CBH crawl and not include at least one Irish influenced based drinking space. McNamara's is an authentic little corner tavern which also happens to have a room in back for it's diners. So it's both bar and restaurant. Guinness' are poured proper ($4.50 Half & Halfs all month) and they don't take short cuts in the kitchen here either. Their homemade hash is a finely ground blend mixed with onions and carrots. It comes with two eggs your choice and some perfectly crisped on the outside while still mushy inside pan fried potatoes. Let me sing the praises of theirs while I throw down a Jameson and listen to the bagpipes roll.

CBH from McNamara's and a Happy St. Pat's Day to You

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Yellow Rose Cafe
5640 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 631-2297

Cafe Selmarie
4729 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 989-5595

George's Family Restaurant
145 S Oak Park Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 848-4949

Burgundy Restaurant
5959 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 283-4114

McNamara's
4328 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 725-1800

Tampa Cuban Sandwich Shuffle

2013-03-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Eating like a local:
Regional food specialties
-Eating the Cuban Sandwich in it's Natural Habitat

America loves it's sandwiches. Somehow Subway has locations wherever there's civilization but I'm not talking about that crap. Depending on where you're at they come in all sorts of great regional varieties. In Chicago we have the Italian Beef which is no doubt one of the best. In Philly they're known for cheesesteaks but the roast pork's and all others are great too. Then there's the deli's of New York City and all the great BBQ options down south, the Muffaletta's and Po' Boy's of NOLA and so on.

But one the best regional sandwich variations is the Cuban. Miami might tell you they have the best but it's Tampa where it was born as a lunch option for Cuban immigrants working the Cigar factories in Ybor City. What separates Tampa from Miami is the bread. It's also the reason you're not going to find an authentic one outside the Sunshine State. There's still good ones elsewhere but this is where they're king. I did my own little quest while in the Cigar City. Check it.
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West Tampa Sandwich Shop

A locals favorite for the past 32 years

The first stop was one that came onto my radar this past election season. The POTUS stopped into this popular lunch and socializing spot in an old Cuban neighborhood not far from Ybor City. As mentioned this now entertainment district was where many of the old cigar factories the Cuban immigrants of Tampa used to work at. Popular debate topics here the past three decades have been what Cubans are passionate about, baseball and politics. Though most everyone here agrees on the food. When I stopped in on a Fri. for lunch the place was popping with regulars having espresso and sandwiches. They only have two presses so when it gets busy the wait can be a little while. Call ahead if in a rush.

The ladies behind the counter were hard at work on my visit

When the President visited he ordered ropa viejo and Honey Cuban sandwiches for his crew. I wish I could of further explored the menu but I was on a mission and needed room in my appetite for the other shops. I ended up getting their specialty of the house, a Honey Cuban sandwich which is a regular Cuban pressed with drizzled honey on the bread. This was my companions 2nd and very close to 1st favorite of the places we tried. I thoroughly enjoyed it with the enhancement of the warm honey. It makes for a good breakfast.

Honey Cuban Sandwich
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La Segunda Central Bakery

Supplying fresh baked Cuban bread to Tampa since 1915

Not far from our first stop you'll find this bakery and Tampa institution. They still hand bake their original recipe Cuban bread around the clock. On top of their most popular item which is their bread they also have all sorts of baked sweets and a couple of sweeties working behind the counter if I may say so myself. You can order treats from those working the cases and then there's a separate station for sandwiches.

A peak inside

One thing to take note of in Tampa is some places include everything as far as condiments go to be mayo, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato and onion. Most places also will ask if you want your sandwich hot or cold. So be sure to tell them you only want the cheese, pickles, mustard and maybe a little mayo if you must. Don't mind the salami, that's traditional in these parts due to Tampa's heavy Italian population who along with the Cubans settled here. The salami doesn't do anything to hurt the sandwich, it only helps. Obviously the bread was the star here and the sandwich was great because of it. It could of been a little warmer inside.

Cuban Sandwich from the source for the best Cuban bread in the states
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Brocato's Sandwich Shop

Since 1948: A Tampa Tradition

I spent my first year of college down in Tampa at UT and this was me a couple of my buddies go to spot for a huge filling sandwich. Just like back when this place is still packed to the brim during lunchtime. It's a pretty large space with an outdoor area and they have quite a few folks making sandwiches while their famous Devil Crabs are made for you to see in their own public kitchen. These are another regional treat of Tampa.

What is it?

I always loved the Devil Crabs which is a great mixture of flavors. Chopped onions, red peppers, crab claw meat is lightly mixed with marinara and Worcestershire sauce and fried in huge oversize croquettes. These treats have influence from the cigar factory workers of Cuba, Spain and Italy. Brocato's always had the best. They have a special that will get you any 6" sandwich and a Devil Crab for $13 which is the way to go. As far as sandwiches they have quite a few including their popular Italian and also a meatball and cheese steak.

A peak inside Tampa's not as famous regional eat

Back then it wash either a Cuban or their roast pork straight up for me. Its the pork that makes this sandwich. One somewhat disappointing aspect of most Cubans I had all over Florida this past trip was the fact most used cheap old deli ham. It makes me further appreciate Cafecito for their use of quality ham. Although the pork at all these places is pretty great and Brocato's is the best. It's the Al's beef of Cubans in Tampa. A unique take on it.

Cuban Sandwich
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The Floridian

Located in a little strip mall, recommended thru a Tampa foodie on Twitter

Not to be confused by the historic Floridan Hotel which is also in town, the Floridian is a newer sandwich shop with the aim of going chain. As for now the original location is on Kennedy Blvd and they claim to serve the "Finest Cuban Sandwiches on the Planet". The bread as La Segunda's website points out comes from there and overall the perfectly pressed sandwich really worked but again the quality of the ham was somewhat lacking. Although I'm guessing this is how locals like it. I still very much liked it myself. I got rec'd this place by @carloseats on Twitter. Nice option to have.

Cuban Sandwich
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Wright's Gourmet

I never made it to Wright's when I was in Tampa but had I it would of been my spot. This is an old school deli where you walk in and wait in line until the sandwich makers call you up. You then order from the sandwich menu or the display case with potato salads and other such sides as well as their famous desserts and pay after its all made and placed on your tray.

Since 1963, Tampa's Premiere Deli Cafe

I tried their famous "Beef Martini" sandwich at the airport en route home but the star here is their Cuban. Both me and her declared it easily the best on this trip. It's made with La Segunda bread, and in addition to some great sliced roasted pork, ham and salami they add a slice of turkey and use Jarlsberg cheese. A perfectly balanced sandwich. I'd love to try some of their other offerings. Although I'll never get enough Cuban's in my diet. See y'all next time @chibbqking.

The 6 Time Winner of the Tampa Tribune's Best Cuban Sandwich in the city contest

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West Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 873-7104

La Segunda Central Bakery
2512 North 15th Street
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-1531

Brocato's Sandwich Shop
5021 East Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 248-9977

The Floridian
4424 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 287-6662

Wright's Gourmet Cafe
1200 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-3838

Fish Sandwich Showdown

2013-03-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
5 Sandwiches You Should Try

With Lenten season in full swing I thought now would be a good time to get a post up about some fish sandwiches to be found in Chicago. I never eat at fast food corporations like McDonald's but if forced too I'll order myself a filet o' fish. That's something that for whatever reason I like every couple of years. But today we explore five spots who deserve your business and want it by offering tasty fish sandwiches. I recommend all of them featured here today. Enjoy.
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Dock's

I believe that the Dock's in the strip mall on 87th in Chatham is the last one left. For those unfamiliar, Dock's got its start in 1973 at 87th and Dorchester and was basically to fried fish and shrimp in the city to what Harold's is for fried chicken these days. At a time there many more. Shark's it was/is not. Much better.

Though on the brink of extinction this is a healthy outlet with constant traffic

The "quick fix" of fried shrimp was $3 so I said what the heck and tried that too. It was nothing great, you can even see in separate ones that some were fried longer than others. But still you cant beat the price.

Fried Shrimp

Now their famous fishwich was what I remember it to be. Two lightly coated whiting filets go on one of their signature wheat rolls and it's topped with tarter, lettuce and tomato with the option of cheese. Bring your own bottle of hot sauce or ask if they have any, that would of made it much better and similar to the famous hot fish sandwiches of Nashville. Wednesday's they're on special for $3.89 each. Good sandwich.

Famous Fishwich Sandwich
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Feed

Located in a desolate business area on Chicago avenue just off Grand is a cute southern style diner called Feed. They've been a part of the area for a while now and I'm always pleased with what they make. But I hadnt had their southern fried catfish sandwich until recently. What was I thinking? This is one of the best fish sandwiches in the biz. They give you a huge filet which you need to break in half to make into a sandwich. Their fresh cut fries and other sides are great as well. Ask for extra hot sauce.

Catfish Sandwich from Feed

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New England Seafood Company

The Tribune's Kevin Pang does good food work over there and apparently great food minds eat alike. At the start of lent season he did a Fish Sandwich roundup of his own and me and him both agree that the one at the New England Seafood Company on Lincoln avenue deserves to be on any best of list. The place doubles as a fish monger and they do a heck of a job with their haddock sandwich. Nothing fancy here, just a really fine constructed sandwich. More on this place when the time comes. In the meantime try this.

Haddock Sandwich from NESC

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Ba Le

When Lent started I decided I was going to try and post a worthy place to eat a fish sandwich each Friday on LTHforum. So when I started sharing them someone there mentioned that they really like the cod Bahn Mi over at Ba Le. The guy who rec'd this one was right on. Nice find sir. They take a nice piece of Corona battered cod and place it in one of their Bahn Mi buns and it becomes a somewhat unique fish sandwich. More on this Vietnamese sandwich shop HERE.

Bale's Corona Battered Cod Bahn Mi Sandwich

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Superdawg

The last place on our list needs no introduction. The only reason it hasn't had it's own post is because I'm saving it for "Classic Chicago" month later on. Superdawg is the cities only drive in left and one of the best places to get a hot dog in the best city to eat them. But that's not all they do well.

Chicago's Only Drive In

Some folks swear by their cut in house crinkle cut fries which are fried in beef tallow. So when Kevin Pang found out that the cod filets used in their SuperFish sandwich were fried in it as well he had to try. So did I. Served on a classy onion bun with the option of cheese they place two creamy fried cod filets between the bread and include some of their first class fries and tarter sauce too. Nevermind best fish sandwich at a Drive In, this is one of the best in the city overall. I'll be back for one sooner than later.

The SuperFish Sandwich

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Bonus Recipe!

I was up on Lake Superior last summer and one of the several family owned fisheries near us had freshly caught walleye at $8/lb. I cooked with it or whitefish everyday we were up there and have a report coming soon. Pan fried walleye is still one of my favorite fishes to eat and it also makes for a great fish sandwich. While up there I saw a truck for Boston Fish Company in Des Plaines outside one of these family fisheries. They were loading up for a haul back to the suburbs. I would recommend checking them out.

Loading up outside Halvorson Fisheries (Cornucopia, WI)

Walleye is the official state fish of Minnesota and cooking it coated with Ritz cracker mixture is the unofficial state dish. I pan fried the fillets with a crushed ritz cracker coating (used like any other). I also added some slivered almonds into the mix and the sandwiches turned out great. I cooked the fish in a mix of bacon grease and added olive oil in when needed. As we all know by now bacon makes everything better. You'll have to leave it out for lent though if you do that kind of thing. Still fantastic. See y'all next time @chibbqking.

Coating on and ready for cooking

Ritz Cracker Crusted Walleye Sandwich

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Dock's
112 W 87th Street
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 723-0055

Feed
2803 W. Chicago ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-4600

New England Seafood Company
3341 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 871-3474

Ba Le
5014 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-4424

Superdawg
6363 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660

Tonkotsu Ramen Rundown

2013-03-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where's the ramen at?

Since my initial introduction to ramen I've been to Santouka as many times as I've been anywhere else to eat. This is the spot that turned me onto ramen and as more and more shops popup of late I've tried them to see how they compare with one of my favorite bowls of anything in the vicinity. For those unfamiliar Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and fatty almost milky pork bone based broth with ramen noodles and slices of pork amongst other things included in your bowl, those can vary. It's usually very rich and perfect for hangovers. This is a rundown of five different places in the city that offer it.

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Slurping Turtle

When they were set to open shop the hype for here was high. With that came some big expectations. Since I'm not an expert I didn't know what to expect but was hoping for something as good or better than Santouka. Nope. The biggest plus from here was the sheer size of the portion which at $15 should get you full. I thought the noodles were pretty good and plenty but the broth tasted more like Pho than Tonkotsu to me. The biggest downer of this bowl was the pork. It was resistant which I like when it comes to ribs but not so much in my soup having to fight with it to break it down into bite size pieces. Good not great.

Tonkotsu Ramen from Slurping Turtle
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Wasabi

It's hard to compare and contrast exact notes when the tasting is being done on different days in different months but this was the "as close to bowl" as there was for my partner in slurp. I liked it just fine as well. The broth, meat and noodles were all comparable to Santouka but not quite there. Easily the 2nd best of the broths in this round up. It cost more than Santouka ($13 to $11 w/ cheek meat) but on my visit they had the option to switch the regular option pork to cheek meat free of charge. This place is much closer to me than Arlington Heights so when you figure gas costs etc its close in price. There's been reviews all over the board on them. Maybe consistency is an issue. I featured them in a full post HERE.

Tonkotsu Ramen from Wasabi
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Oiistar

I tried this spot last week but wasn't as impressed as others especially given the price ($15). So they have a machine that makes their own noodles but I didn't notice any difference that separated them from the rest except they were a little softer than all others. The up-charge to pork belly ($1.50) made a meal for two with a drink each just over $50 with tip. But the inside of the place has that trendy vibe going so welcome to Bucktown where hipsters drink cheap canned beer but eat $20 bowls of noodles. It fits right in. The broth was weaker than the rest. Though I do wonder if quality at ramen shops can vary like BBQ. But would also wonder why. People seem to be all over the place on who has the good stuff.

Tonkotsu Ramen from Oiistar
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Izakaya Sankyu

Thanks to those on LTHforum that mentioned this cool little Izakaya in Mt Prospect this place was put on my radar. Some folks over there still share tips rather than just whine about it. Not far from Santouka I normally wouldn't try this place when my standard is so close. However Santouka is done for the day by 7:30p and this place is a bar with food open later. This was the cheapest bowl at $8.50. It was was good and hit the spot on a cold winter night but I wouldn't say it was great. Nothing really stood out except the steaming sweet smelling plate of yaki soba someone next to us ordered. I liked the little bottle of hot sesame oil at the table to boost up the spice in your bowl. All places should have those as an option at your side.

Tonkotsu Ramen from Sankyu
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Santouka

Still the standard as far as Chicagoland goes. I've never actually had ramen outside of the cityscape but will seek out legendary places when the chance comes. So really I'm just a sharp shooting 6 foot tall white dude from Indiana aka an amateur. I'm no Lebron but as of now Santouka is tops and it's not really close. Well worth the ride in my eyes. Best broth, best pork, best noodles and I love getting a cup of white rice topped with green onions and dumping it in the soup when the noodles are done. The rice soaks up all the milky pork broth, food court dining at it's finest. More on them HERE.

Torinuku Meat Tonkotsu Shia Ramen from Santouka

All mixed together

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Slurping Turtle
116 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 464-0466

Wasabi
2539 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-8180

Oiistar
1385 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 360-8791

Izakaya Sankyu
1176 S Elmhurst Rd
Mt Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 228-5539

Santouka (Inside the Mitsuwa Market)
100 E Algonquin Rd
Arlington Hts, IL 60005
(847) 956-6699

Au Cheval

2013-03-01T10:30:00.000-06:00

-Grubbing in Chicago
New to the 'Scene'

I went to Au Cheval for a Vday lunch. It was on my to try list forever so I was happy to finally get over there and even happier not to be paying. Wink, wink. Now that they have lunch hours I'm more likely to stop in as I cant ever remember it as an option after drinks but that's when I think this place would be at it's best.

Hot Spot at Halsted and Randolph

She had the house bratwurst over garlic mashed potatoes with gravy. Normally my mind might not allow me to think paying $13 for a sausage link is acceptable but these days it's close to $9 for one at Brat Stop with the works. I got to have a bite and liked what I tried. Both the brat and potatoes were very well done.

Bratwurst with Garlic Mashed and Gravy

I had to go with the cheeseburger which is a double done diner style. If you choose to add another patty it becomes a triple. It reminded me of a glorified version of the double cheeseburger I used to order often at Salt & Pepper Diner on Lincoln avenue in the 90's. It might of been my favorite burger back in the day and Au Cheval's was like theirs as if it had become wealthy. At just under $10 the burger is fairly priced but fries do not come on the side without paying extra ($6). In this case I would definitely do that.

Excellent Fries

Made with top ingredients everything molded well together with the burger although two drawbacks were the bun not being as fresh as the top notch spots I'm used to and it was a tad salty even for my tastes. The best burger in the country? I don't think so. Although I couldn't tell you what is based on all the great options of many varieties in different categories. It's not even my best in city but I liked the taste flash back down to having a cup of mayo on the side which I used to dip their excellent fries in. Same as I did at S&P back when. I'd stop here again, but next time after a few brews. This is high class fancified drunk food. I can dig.

Diner Style Cheeseburger

Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580

Website