When I asked my friend Elizabeth, who has been in Chi-town for about 10 years, what her favorite restaurant was, she told me about Lula Cafe in Logan Square.
Now Elizabeth is way cooler than me, in a Wicker Park-hipster kind of way. As I looked into Lula (which is oft referred to as Cafe Lula, Lulu Cafe, etc.) I thought I really might not be beatnik enough to get served here. So with Elizabeth in tow for some street cred, we went for lunch on a weekday afternoon.
A word about timing. We walked right in and were promptly seated only because we arrived at 2pm on a Tuesday. On a weekend at the bewitching brunch hour, expect a wait of an hour plus, and a receptionist who will look at you in a way that will let you know what she thinks about you. That drawback aside, the crowd is here for a reason. The food is amazing.
Lula has a few different option for the menu. There is a brunch menu (Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame said it was the best brunch he's ever had...apparently he ordered the stuffed french toast...I knew you would wonder), a cafe menu served all day, and a separate dinner menu. There is also a special Farm Dinner on Monday nights when the chef puts together a tasting of what is the freshest at the moment. The menus change seasonally depending what's available locally. Many (most?) of the ingredients come from independent farms. Liz and I decided to share a couple of dishes so I could see what this joint was really all about.
Other than the icy hostess (experienced on a later visit) I really don't have anything bad to say about this place. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly... particularly because we sat there for about three hours chatting over mugs of coffee, which they gladly refilled about every 3 minutes. The room was interesting. The ever-changing menu piqued my curiosity. And the food. Oh, the food.
We had a beet bruschetta with goat cheese that brought a tear to my eye. We followed it up with a slow-cooked pork breakfast burrito (off the brunch menu) and risotto with a 60-minute egg (which was beautifully cooked and had the consistently of custard. Yum.) There were PERFECT pea shoots on the risotto, and when I mentioned how much I loved them to the waiter, he told me that one of the sous chefs grew them in his garden. Shut. Up. (Footnote, this was a little "commune-y" to me, but yet crazy delicious.) For dessert, we tried a shockingly fresh-tasting apple sorbet and and a stupid-good carrot cake. For all the food we ordered, the bill was very reasonable.
Walk...no RUN... to Kedzie Blvd. and check this place out. You really won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Hello Blackbird
Ok...here's another big dog. Last night I hit Blackbird, which is on just about everyone's "Top 5 of Chicago" list. Chef and James Beard Award Winner Paul Kahan, along with three partners, opened this trendy spot about 10 years ago, and people have been talking about it ever since. The place has been so successful, that sister restaurants Avec, The Publican, and Big Star have popped up in its wake and are all getting acclaim.
Joining me last night were friends Colby and Mike. Colby is never one to shy away from a challenge, so he suggested we do the tasting menu as a table. At $100/pp, this is one of the less expensive ten course tastings in the city (ouch). Here is the good and the bad...
First, the good. Service was attentive and unpretentious. Everyone who works here seemed (to the bystander) to genuinely enjoy each other and not hate their jobs. The cocktail menu was really inventive (more on that later) and we never felt rushed (dinner took 4 hours). And one big thing...the waitstaff waited until everyone at the table was done with each course before removing any plates. This should be common practice, but you wouldn't believe how many waiters have no idea that it is completely rude to take one diner's finished plate while their tablemate is still enjoying their food. Nice job Blackbird staff. Also, they get a check-plus for not raising eyebrows or noses when we ordered a really modestly priced bottle of wine. On a hilarious note, there is an orange curtain hanging in the ladies room. If you push the curtain aside, there is a larger than life black and white photo of a scantily clad man. I love places that don't take themselves too seriously.
Generally, the food was pretty good. I try not to refer back to a tasting menu when doing a write-up because I think that if I don't remember it, it must not have been that awesome. Memorable bites include the honey parfait with passion fruit (served with a coconut "sponge")...my favorite thing all night, the peking duck, served with a DELICIOUS cabbage, and the baby octopus with black garbanzo beans (which I got to taste because I couldn't eat the ahi...or any raw food right now...boo).
Now for the less-than-good. Some of the bites on the tasting menu were underwhelming. The king crab was really rubbery, as was the lamb. The cream cheese gelato was just plain weird (although Colby loved it. Colby's kind of weird though too). Some of the protien was underseasoned in my opinion. Many of the sauces seemed to be more motivated by creativity than by flavor. The room is really trendy (all white), cramped, and not very comfortable. At the risk of sounding 100 years old, it was really loud, although the room was nowhere near full (I think the accoustics were really poorly designed). My (amazing) citrus-y gin cocktail had fragrant lavender floating on top, which by the end of the glass looked like there were bugs in my drink. Creepy.
This is probably a good time to note that I realize my opinions (as all opinions) are completely subjective. That being said, I'm pretty sure Mike hated everything at dinner last night. The only thing he consistently thought was good were the plates on which the food was served. He thought they were really nice-looking. As a meat-and-potatoes man, I'm pretty sure he went home hungry. If you don't really dig fancy food, this is probably not the spot for you. Sorry Mike...hope you got a burrito on the way home.
At the end of the day though, I thought this place lived up to most of the hype. On a return visit, I would probably just stick with a couple of strong dishes off the regular dinner menu. Or maybe I'll just get three courses of the honey parfait, and a delicious martini, hold the bugs.
Joining me last night were friends Colby and Mike. Colby is never one to shy away from a challenge, so he suggested we do the tasting menu as a table. At $100/pp, this is one of the less expensive ten course tastings in the city (ouch). Here is the good and the bad...
First, the good. Service was attentive and unpretentious. Everyone who works here seemed (to the bystander) to genuinely enjoy each other and not hate their jobs. The cocktail menu was really inventive (more on that later) and we never felt rushed (dinner took 4 hours). And one big thing...the waitstaff waited until everyone at the table was done with each course before removing any plates. This should be common practice, but you wouldn't believe how many waiters have no idea that it is completely rude to take one diner's finished plate while their tablemate is still enjoying their food. Nice job Blackbird staff. Also, they get a check-plus for not raising eyebrows or noses when we ordered a really modestly priced bottle of wine. On a hilarious note, there is an orange curtain hanging in the ladies room. If you push the curtain aside, there is a larger than life black and white photo of a scantily clad man. I love places that don't take themselves too seriously.
Generally, the food was pretty good. I try not to refer back to a tasting menu when doing a write-up because I think that if I don't remember it, it must not have been that awesome. Memorable bites include the honey parfait with passion fruit (served with a coconut "sponge")...my favorite thing all night, the peking duck, served with a DELICIOUS cabbage, and the baby octopus with black garbanzo beans (which I got to taste because I couldn't eat the ahi...or any raw food right now...boo).
Now for the less-than-good. Some of the bites on the tasting menu were underwhelming. The king crab was really rubbery, as was the lamb. The cream cheese gelato was just plain weird (although Colby loved it. Colby's kind of weird though too). Some of the protien was underseasoned in my opinion. Many of the sauces seemed to be more motivated by creativity than by flavor. The room is really trendy (all white), cramped, and not very comfortable. At the risk of sounding 100 years old, it was really loud, although the room was nowhere near full (I think the accoustics were really poorly designed). My (amazing) citrus-y gin cocktail had fragrant lavender floating on top, which by the end of the glass looked like there were bugs in my drink. Creepy.
This is probably a good time to note that I realize my opinions (as all opinions) are completely subjective. That being said, I'm pretty sure Mike hated everything at dinner last night. The only thing he consistently thought was good were the plates on which the food was served. He thought they were really nice-looking. As a meat-and-potatoes man, I'm pretty sure he went home hungry. If you don't really dig fancy food, this is probably not the spot for you. Sorry Mike...hope you got a burrito on the way home.
At the end of the day though, I thought this place lived up to most of the hype. On a return visit, I would probably just stick with a couple of strong dishes off the regular dinner menu. Or maybe I'll just get three courses of the honey parfait, and a delicious martini, hold the bugs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunda-licious
At the behest of my dear brother (hereinafter, "The Ric"), I'll fill you in on one of the best new hotspots in town. Well, maybe not so new (it opened in March 2009), but Sunda is hot for sure. With a bustling cocktail scene, you may just have an "Us Weekly" moment (Julianna & Bill and Jillian & Ed have both been spotted here). Now that I have your attention, they have good food too.
Sunda was designed by the Rockit Bar guys to be a complete Asian fusion restaurant. With dishes from Thailand, Japan, and even Cambodia, it covers the spectrum of Asian dining. The chef, known as the Food Buddah (because of his belly, not his spirituality), has recently gained acclaim. He even had a pretty painful spot on the Today Show last week demonstrating the restaurant's signature tempura rock shrimp(which I recommend, btw). His tv personality may not lead him to be the Next Iron Chef, but it'd be fine with me if he just kept that belly of his in the kitchen in Chicago.
Now on to the highlights. I tried this place with The Ric and my SIL Jenny, who happened to know a terrific member of the waitstaff. Have I mentioned I love free stuff?? Not only did we get a great table in the "sushi kitchen", but we were given tastes of some of the best things the menu has to offer, and more good recommendations than room in our tummies. Try the duck hash salad and crispy pata pork shank.
Where this place really shined for me was the sushi. Sometimes traditional, sometimes avant garde, the rolls here are worth your time. Some might look at the Lobster and Waygu roll (lobster, scallions, jalapeno, kobe sashimi, truffles and foie gras) and think "weird". I think, "get in my mouth". Is it possible that the Food Buddah managed to cram all of my favorite things into a single bite that I could eat with chopsticks? Um, yes.
I'll be back, FOod Buddah...I'll be back.
Sunda was designed by the Rockit Bar guys to be a complete Asian fusion restaurant. With dishes from Thailand, Japan, and even Cambodia, it covers the spectrum of Asian dining. The chef, known as the Food Buddah (because of his belly, not his spirituality), has recently gained acclaim. He even had a pretty painful spot on the Today Show last week demonstrating the restaurant's signature tempura rock shrimp(which I recommend, btw). His tv personality may not lead him to be the Next Iron Chef, but it'd be fine with me if he just kept that belly of his in the kitchen in Chicago.
Now on to the highlights. I tried this place with The Ric and my SIL Jenny, who happened to know a terrific member of the waitstaff. Have I mentioned I love free stuff?? Not only did we get a great table in the "sushi kitchen", but we were given tastes of some of the best things the menu has to offer, and more good recommendations than room in our tummies. Try the duck hash salad and crispy pata pork shank.
Where this place really shined for me was the sushi. Sometimes traditional, sometimes avant garde, the rolls here are worth your time. Some might look at the Lobster and Waygu roll (lobster, scallions, jalapeno, kobe sashimi, truffles and foie gras) and think "weird". I think, "get in my mouth". Is it possible that the Food Buddah managed to cram all of my favorite things into a single bite that I could eat with chopsticks? Um, yes.
I'll be back, FOod Buddah...I'll be back.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Trot Right Past (a.k.a. "That cost how much??")
Those who know me are well aware that I am willing to drop some serious dough for a memorable meal. But if I'm going to part with a piece of my shoe fund (when you have a big ass, you buy designer shoes, not designer pants), the meal needs to be very creative or very delicious. Preferably both. I'm afraid Charlie Trotter's was neither.
I should start by saying that my dinner companions were the best part of this meal. On a quiet Tuesday evening, Starmann and Jonni (who both made my extended stay in Chicago, therefore this chemo treatment, even possible) joined me in Lincoln Park at Charlie Trotter's. My expectations were high after reading that this was one of the top tables in Chicago.
I could waste your time by giving you the details of this 8 course prix fixe, but even I would be bored reading that...and I'll read anything about food. I think there was some average duck. If I can't tell you what I ate 3 days later, the meal wasn't worth the larger-than-life price tag. Plus, they nickel and dime you like crazy. A gratuity is included regardless of the size of your party...what, did you think I would stiff you? Tacky. Did I mention that we were charged $8 per person for "water service"? TAP "water service".
And another thing...I feel pretty certain that one of our three waiters was drunk. Not that I have a problem with someone getting loaded, but I draw the line at doing it at work. Every time he opened a bottle of wine to pour a glass for a table he gave himself a healthy "taste" to make sure the bottle was good. He was slurring. I should note that I wasn't allowed to drink that night because of this chemo -- I think we found the source of my bitterness.
In a nutshell, the room was outdated, the service stodgy and snooty (except, of course, for the dude who was canned, who actually still managed to be snooty (snotty?)) and the product that came out of the kitchen was nothing to write home about. So I'll stop. You could eat at Chipotle for a year for this bill (and we all know how I ADORE Chipotle). Starmann and Jonni, I apologize...
I should start by saying that my dinner companions were the best part of this meal. On a quiet Tuesday evening, Starmann and Jonni (who both made my extended stay in Chicago, therefore this chemo treatment, even possible) joined me in Lincoln Park at Charlie Trotter's. My expectations were high after reading that this was one of the top tables in Chicago.
I could waste your time by giving you the details of this 8 course prix fixe, but even I would be bored reading that...and I'll read anything about food. I think there was some average duck. If I can't tell you what I ate 3 days later, the meal wasn't worth the larger-than-life price tag. Plus, they nickel and dime you like crazy. A gratuity is included regardless of the size of your party...what, did you think I would stiff you? Tacky. Did I mention that we were charged $8 per person for "water service"? TAP "water service".
And another thing...I feel pretty certain that one of our three waiters was drunk. Not that I have a problem with someone getting loaded, but I draw the line at doing it at work. Every time he opened a bottle of wine to pour a glass for a table he gave himself a healthy "taste" to make sure the bottle was good. He was slurring. I should note that I wasn't allowed to drink that night because of this chemo -- I think we found the source of my bitterness.
In a nutshell, the room was outdated, the service stodgy and snooty (except, of course, for the dude who was canned, who actually still managed to be snooty (snotty?)) and the product that came out of the kitchen was nothing to write home about. So I'll stop. You could eat at Chipotle for a year for this bill (and we all know how I ADORE Chipotle). Starmann and Jonni, I apologize...
This One's My (Current) Favorite
Tucked into a tiny hole-in-the-wall on Walton (one block south of tony Oak Street) is a little respite from the Chicago wind. I first walked through the doors of Pane Caldo a few years ago on the arm of a friend (shout out Starmann!!) who has shown me some of the finer things that this city has to offer. Pane Caldo is a bowling alley-shaped restaurant (there is only one really private table and it is on a pedestal in the front window...watch and be watched, so wear your nicest shoes) serving delicious Italian fare using the most simple, beautiful ingredients.
For me, Italian food has to be pretty special to be memorable (like the best lasagna I've ever eaten in Little Italy in Cleveland, of all places, but that's a different blog). Not only is the food great at this place, but the service is terrific too. The first time I was there, the sommelier offered us tastings of a few different wines, and brought us a taste of mostaco d'asti (a very sweet Italian sparkling wine...which as many of you know has been my favorite way to finish a meal) with dessert. Jackie loves free crap. Maybe this place bought its way into my heart with gratis liquor. Wouldn't be the first time.
I've been back many times since, most recently with my fab mom, who has an impeccable palate. Sadly, she tried something pretty inventive on the menu, and hated it. Again, to the credit of the staff, they noticed that she wasn't touching her entree (some weird pumpkin ravioli with veal or something) and brought her the lightest gnocchi in America as a replacement.
For a lingering dinner, check this place out. Just don't ask for the table in the window...I've already reserved it...
For me, Italian food has to be pretty special to be memorable (like the best lasagna I've ever eaten in Little Italy in Cleveland, of all places, but that's a different blog). Not only is the food great at this place, but the service is terrific too. The first time I was there, the sommelier offered us tastings of a few different wines, and brought us a taste of mostaco d'asti (a very sweet Italian sparkling wine...which as many of you know has been my favorite way to finish a meal) with dessert. Jackie loves free crap. Maybe this place bought its way into my heart with gratis liquor. Wouldn't be the first time.
I've been back many times since, most recently with my fab mom, who has an impeccable palate. Sadly, she tried something pretty inventive on the menu, and hated it. Again, to the credit of the staff, they noticed that she wasn't touching her entree (some weird pumpkin ravioli with veal or something) and brought her the lightest gnocchi in America as a replacement.
For a lingering dinner, check this place out. Just don't ask for the table in the window...I've already reserved it...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
This Little Piggy
Pork. I get it. Pig is hot right now. I'm not sure there is a single menu in the city that doesn's have some sort of pork belly on it today. But The Purple Pig has taken pork in a fun new direction...pig tapas. Mmmm.
After hearing about this place from a waiter at another restaurant, I checked it out for lunch the other day. At first I was wary, because it was right on Michigan Avenue at Nordstrom, so I thought they might be going for the tourist crowd. This place had character though!
The menu is small plates, and includes everything from olives to pork shoulder. The charcuterie choices are vast, including more than a dozen cheeses and meats from all over the world (have I mentioned that I could eat my weight in jamon serrano?). There's a really interesting wine selection (full of stuff you've never heard of, but our waiter was really knowledgeable about the choices) but not many beers from which to choose.
The best thing I ate? Pork pate. At $5, it was a real steal too. A delicious bowl of pate served with thick, warm grilled bread brushed with olive oil. You'll need extra bread...ask for it immediately. Honorable mentions? The crispy pig ear with egg (trust me. try it.) and the Sicilian Iris dessert (a fried brioche pastry filled with chocolate chips and ricotta cheese. Completely. Amazing.).
Honestly, there wasn't much about this place I didn't like. They have communal seating, which can be questionable at times, but also have private tables if you prefer. I prefer. The grilled octopus (usually a fav of mine) was tender, but under seasoned. The olive oil ice cream (with an olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt) was weird, but at least interesting. Biggest disappointment? The fried devilled egg is only served at night because they are so labor-intensive and sell out so quickly. You had me at devilled egg.
I think this relatively new spot is really going to take off, so get there before pig becomes passe. And invite me!
After hearing about this place from a waiter at another restaurant, I checked it out for lunch the other day. At first I was wary, because it was right on Michigan Avenue at Nordstrom, so I thought they might be going for the tourist crowd. This place had character though!
The menu is small plates, and includes everything from olives to pork shoulder. The charcuterie choices are vast, including more than a dozen cheeses and meats from all over the world (have I mentioned that I could eat my weight in jamon serrano?). There's a really interesting wine selection (full of stuff you've never heard of, but our waiter was really knowledgeable about the choices) but not many beers from which to choose.
The best thing I ate? Pork pate. At $5, it was a real steal too. A delicious bowl of pate served with thick, warm grilled bread brushed with olive oil. You'll need extra bread...ask for it immediately. Honorable mentions? The crispy pig ear with egg (trust me. try it.) and the Sicilian Iris dessert (a fried brioche pastry filled with chocolate chips and ricotta cheese. Completely. Amazing.).
Honestly, there wasn't much about this place I didn't like. They have communal seating, which can be questionable at times, but also have private tables if you prefer. I prefer. The grilled octopus (usually a fav of mine) was tender, but under seasoned. The olive oil ice cream (with an olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt) was weird, but at least interesting. Biggest disappointment? The fried devilled egg is only served at night because they are so labor-intensive and sell out so quickly. You had me at devilled egg.
I think this relatively new spot is really going to take off, so get there before pig becomes passe. And invite me!
Tru-ly Something
I have been a Food Network Freakshow pretty much since the channel's inception. As such, I have been a lover of all things Gale Gand for more than a decade. Tru (which is the brainchild of Rick Tramanto and Gale Gand...he cooks and she bakes) has been a mainstay on the Chicago food scene for a long time. That being said, you need to save a month's salary to eat there, so it took me a while to convince myself that the reservation was worth it (read, "it took me about 2 minutes to decide that the reservation was worth it").
I am generally a fan of tasting menus. I figure that it gives a chef his or her best shot at impressing me. However, after a memorable experience at French Laundry(I booted after the most expensive meal of my life because my tum-tum just couldn't handle 16 courses which incorporated 7 pounds of butter all at once...ahh regret), I try to reign it in a bit. At Tru, you can choose between 2 tasting menus or a three-course prix fixe. I went for the latter and added in some fun tastes in between.
As you should expect, the service was terrific. The portions were not overwhelming, and the presentation was memorable. But the best thing about this place...wait for it...the chicken. Did she just say chicken? Who goes to a five star french restaurant and orders chicken? Well let me tell you, it was the most delcious thing about this place, inlcuding the bites of heaven sent out by Ms. Gand. I asked the waiter what he recommended (in addition to the beef tartare and foie gras that I can never pass up) and he said "chicken". Well, this slow-cooked jidori chicken with black truffle, celery root and black trumpet mushrooms made me swoon. Picture the juciest chicken breast you've ever tasted COVERED in layers of sliced black truffle. I mean covered, like shingles on a roof. Um, yes please.
There were, of course, some downsides (A glass of vodka should not cost $17. A single bite of langostine does not an appetizer make). That said, the room was interesting and pretty (but a little stuffy?) and the staff took good care of each guest. Will I shell out another month's mortgage for dinner there, probably not. I already bought my dining experience and wasn't so over the moon that I want to make it my regular Tuesday place. But for a special occassion, it was pretty special. Tru-ly.
I am generally a fan of tasting menus. I figure that it gives a chef his or her best shot at impressing me. However, after a memorable experience at French Laundry(I booted after the most expensive meal of my life because my tum-tum just couldn't handle 16 courses which incorporated 7 pounds of butter all at once...ahh regret), I try to reign it in a bit. At Tru, you can choose between 2 tasting menus or a three-course prix fixe. I went for the latter and added in some fun tastes in between.
As you should expect, the service was terrific. The portions were not overwhelming, and the presentation was memorable. But the best thing about this place...wait for it...the chicken. Did she just say chicken? Who goes to a five star french restaurant and orders chicken? Well let me tell you, it was the most delcious thing about this place, inlcuding the bites of heaven sent out by Ms. Gand. I asked the waiter what he recommended (in addition to the beef tartare and foie gras that I can never pass up) and he said "chicken". Well, this slow-cooked jidori chicken with black truffle, celery root and black trumpet mushrooms made me swoon. Picture the juciest chicken breast you've ever tasted COVERED in layers of sliced black truffle. I mean covered, like shingles on a roof. Um, yes please.
There were, of course, some downsides (A glass of vodka should not cost $17. A single bite of langostine does not an appetizer make). That said, the room was interesting and pretty (but a little stuffy?) and the staff took good care of each guest. Will I shell out another month's mortgage for dinner there, probably not. I already bought my dining experience and wasn't so over the moon that I want to make it my regular Tuesday place. But for a special occassion, it was pretty special. Tru-ly.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Ahh, Rick Bayless
There is one thing that everyone in Chicago seems to agree upon...the genius of Rick Bayless. I'll write more about the first winner of "Top Chef Masters" in later posts, but know that I dig this guy more than I anticipated.
After my lackluster experience tonight at Unos, I stopped by the new Bayless joint Xoco for a cup of joe and bite of something sweet on my way home. Located right next door to the other Bayleyss mainstays, Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, this new spot is going to get really popular really quickly. Or maybe it is already. I'm new.
At Xoco, you wait in line, order off a chalkboard, and then can get your order to go or wait for a table. Sounds like typical fast-ish food. It is anything but.
Looking at the menu, it seems like you can get some pretty authentic Bayless food at a really decent price. THe open kitchen showed me just how good the fare looked, and I will surely be back for something savory. If so, I'll let you know how it goes.
Tonight, I got an order of takeout churros and a cafe con leche. My total was $7, but after tasting the still-warm churros, I would have paid twice that much.
If you're waiting in the inevitably long line at Frontera, I suggest heading next door instead for some fab food at a fab price.
P.S. I know I'm not supposed to eat sugar and fat when I have cancer...get off my back...I'm working on it.
After my lackluster experience tonight at Unos, I stopped by the new Bayless joint Xoco for a cup of joe and bite of something sweet on my way home. Located right next door to the other Bayleyss mainstays, Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, this new spot is going to get really popular really quickly. Or maybe it is already. I'm new.
At Xoco, you wait in line, order off a chalkboard, and then can get your order to go or wait for a table. Sounds like typical fast-ish food. It is anything but.
Looking at the menu, it seems like you can get some pretty authentic Bayless food at a really decent price. THe open kitchen showed me just how good the fare looked, and I will surely be back for something savory. If so, I'll let you know how it goes.
Tonight, I got an order of takeout churros and a cafe con leche. My total was $7, but after tasting the still-warm churros, I would have paid twice that much.
If you're waiting in the inevitably long line at Frontera, I suggest heading next door instead for some fab food at a fab price.
P.S. I know I'm not supposed to eat sugar and fat when I have cancer...get off my back...I'm working on it.
Chicago "I'm Gonna Be in it Deep" Dish
Over the next few weeks, I'll try and summarize the spots I've hit so far, one by one. I've got some catching up to do. But while I'm still thinking about it, I have to comment about a super lack luster dinner this evening.
I hate to start a blog about Chicago food by dogging on Chicago-style deep dish, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do.
Tonight I had my first slice of stuffed pie. And I have to say...ehhh? Totally not impressed. I'm a Jersey girl (for those of you who didn't know), so maybe my east coast thin-crust roots are showing. I did not understand this gigantic pizza though.
First, the experience was poor. I checked in at Pizzeria Uno tonight (apparently the original deep dish in the city, per the Food Network). The wait was 30 minutes (which is nothing at this place), but you have to order your pie in advance of being seated because it takes an hour to bake. Well, the 30 minute wait turned out to be 75 minutes, and then I still waited another 30 minutes at my table for the pizza to come. In the meantime, I had some salad, which was essentially lettuce with red wine vinegar on it...exactly what I expected. By the time the 'za arrived (after asking about my elusive dinner maybe 7 times?), I could have put some parm on my shoe and it would have done the trick. Check minus on experience.
As my friend Charlie told me to expect, this pizza is closer to lasagna than anything else. The crust was plentiful, but strangely crumbly. Huh? The sauce was chunky, and needed seasoning. When I have to put salt on pizza, something has gone terribly wrong. In fairness, today was a Friday in Lent (and I'm a good Catholic girl) so there was no traditional sausage or pepperoni to add much-needed flavor. Probably not my best call. I ordered it stuffed with mushrooms, spinach and broccoli (a special on the menu), and the toppings were all pretty good. The mozz was delish and fresh.
At the end of the day, I didn't even want to take the leftovers home. And I NEVER leave food. Clearly, Chicago pizza is a matter of personal preference. I don't think it will matter which joint I choose or the toppings du jour... I just don't think this pie is for me...
I hate to start a blog about Chicago food by dogging on Chicago-style deep dish, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do.
Tonight I had my first slice of stuffed pie. And I have to say...ehhh? Totally not impressed. I'm a Jersey girl (for those of you who didn't know), so maybe my east coast thin-crust roots are showing. I did not understand this gigantic pizza though.
First, the experience was poor. I checked in at Pizzeria Uno tonight (apparently the original deep dish in the city, per the Food Network). The wait was 30 minutes (which is nothing at this place), but you have to order your pie in advance of being seated because it takes an hour to bake. Well, the 30 minute wait turned out to be 75 minutes, and then I still waited another 30 minutes at my table for the pizza to come. In the meantime, I had some salad, which was essentially lettuce with red wine vinegar on it...exactly what I expected. By the time the 'za arrived (after asking about my elusive dinner maybe 7 times?), I could have put some parm on my shoe and it would have done the trick. Check minus on experience.
As my friend Charlie told me to expect, this pizza is closer to lasagna than anything else. The crust was plentiful, but strangely crumbly. Huh? The sauce was chunky, and needed seasoning. When I have to put salt on pizza, something has gone terribly wrong. In fairness, today was a Friday in Lent (and I'm a good Catholic girl) so there was no traditional sausage or pepperoni to add much-needed flavor. Probably not my best call. I ordered it stuffed with mushrooms, spinach and broccoli (a special on the menu), and the toppings were all pretty good. The mozz was delish and fresh.
At the end of the day, I didn't even want to take the leftovers home. And I NEVER leave food. Clearly, Chicago pizza is a matter of personal preference. I don't think it will matter which joint I choose or the toppings du jour... I just don't think this pie is for me...
First of all, welcome...
Ok kids, here goes nothing...
My name is Jackie, and I have a big ass. Not to mention, I have cancer. How do those to things interact, you ask? Well, I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at age 31 last year. I went through 9 rounds of chemo in Detroit. In December, I was diagnosed with a recurrence. Needing a more "creative" treatment, at the suggestion of many oncologists, I signed up for a clinical trial combining chemo and a new drug being conducted at the University of Chicago. That's the cancer part.
So when I moved to Chicago a few weeks ago, I needed to find something to fill my time when I felt well enough to get out of bed. What does Jackie love to do? Eat. Just about anything. That's the big ass part.
While I'm living in Chicago for the next handful of months, I've decided to hit as many of the fab restaurants that the city has to offer as I can. I have a long list of places I'm dying to try and I'll try to cross them all off before I leave. At the suggestion of friends, I've decided to blog about my restaurant tour of Chicago.
That being said, I think blogs are amazingly egotistical. I entertain no delusion that anyone will give a shit about my opinions on these spots. My mom is probably the only person who will read this. In any event, I will memorialize my time here in hopes that someone (anyone?) will benefit from the time, dollars, and calories I expend in search of the perfect bite. Did you just hear that? It was the sound of my ass expanding...
My name is Jackie, and I have a big ass. Not to mention, I have cancer. How do those to things interact, you ask? Well, I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at age 31 last year. I went through 9 rounds of chemo in Detroit. In December, I was diagnosed with a recurrence. Needing a more "creative" treatment, at the suggestion of many oncologists, I signed up for a clinical trial combining chemo and a new drug being conducted at the University of Chicago. That's the cancer part.
So when I moved to Chicago a few weeks ago, I needed to find something to fill my time when I felt well enough to get out of bed. What does Jackie love to do? Eat. Just about anything. That's the big ass part.
While I'm living in Chicago for the next handful of months, I've decided to hit as many of the fab restaurants that the city has to offer as I can. I have a long list of places I'm dying to try and I'll try to cross them all off before I leave. At the suggestion of friends, I've decided to blog about my restaurant tour of Chicago.
That being said, I think blogs are amazingly egotistical. I entertain no delusion that anyone will give a shit about my opinions on these spots. My mom is probably the only person who will read this. In any event, I will memorialize my time here in hopes that someone (anyone?) will benefit from the time, dollars, and calories I expend in search of the perfect bite. Did you just hear that? It was the sound of my ass expanding...
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