http://www.chow.com/boards/7 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:42:07 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/400298#5164523 Hey guys! Who loves cupcakes? Get the inside scoop on Chicago cupcakes! Check out our new cupcake website @ www.krazy4kupcakes.yolasite.com! Thanks :) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:07:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/400298#5164523 http://www.chow.com/topics/117150#5164498 I don't think it's very fair to judge a restaurant based on an experience 20 years ago. That being said, I am 20-something and I agree that Chicago Diner is one of the worst vegetarian meals that I have ever had. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:28:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/117150#5164498 http://www.chow.com/topics/665131#5164315 I haven't been to Tru, but I did the 12 course menu at L20 for my birthday in September and it was outstanding in every way. Even my father, who generally avoids seafood, was blown away by the quality of the meal (though he did think it was quite a lot of food!). I will echo the sentiment that the bread service is also outstanding, I could have eaten a bucket of the little rosemary croissants. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:41:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665131#5164315 http://www.chow.com/topics/665438#5163678 Hey does anyone know what happened with Flamingo's? drove by there last night and noticed they were putting up a temporary banner with a new name. something about Nayarit. I suspect Chef Jorge Almaraz is no longer there. that guy is good. one of the best Lobster bisque's I've ever had. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:20:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665438#5163678 http://www.chow.com/topics/665394#5163403 There's nothing that excites me more than great Cuban Food, DOUBLE YUM!! I had been driving by Siboney (opened in June-09) on Western & Palmer for months until I finally made a stop on Wednesday (and Friday too) night, WOW! Siboney serves the best Cuban food in the city, period!! The restaurant space is quite nice too, elegant and modern, yet warm, with a hint of the tropics. The layout works very well, with a separate upscale sporty-ish bar area, two dining rooms, and a basement banquet facility. We dined at the bar since we under-dressed after having worked out. A little patience will be needed with Justo, the bartender (great guy), he is just figuring out how to use the touch screen computer...it's obvious that he has never worked on a computer in his life. The friendly owners and chef were born and raised in Cuba. The huge menu may have a few nontraditional items, but the core Cuban staples are abundant and seriously delicious. The food at Sibonoy is definitely more refined when compared to the handful of other Cuban restaurants nearby...and even better, food and drink prices are very reasonable! We ordered the fried Yuca, a side salad, arroz con pollo served with served with black beans & plantains, a Cuban tamal, and a vegetarian plate. The portions are generous and everything was full of flavor and perfectly spiced! The yuca was prepared like an order of fries, OMG were they delicious! The black beans were perfectly authentic with plenty of flavoring from the bay leaves, but not overpowering. The arroz con pollo (chicken and rice cooked with wine and spices, YUM!) was really fantastic, although a little soupy. Authentic, amazing Cuban food has finally arrived in Chicago!!! Siboney is at the top of my list for favorite restaurants. What great atmosphere too!! I think I put the bug in the owners ear about New Years Eve. This would be a great place to celebrate, with a traditional Cuban band of course. Great Food, great atmosphere, friendly staff, and reasonable prices! LOVE IT! Siboney Cuban Cuisine 2165 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 773-904-7210 http://www.siboneychicago.com Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:40:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665394#5163403 http://www.chow.com/topics/665386#5163356 tonight i feel like putting on a hot dress and going out to a trendy, fun place. i had hub 51 in mind but can't get reservations for 5 this late in the game. my mind is on freeze so i can't think of a place. we want it to be somewhere between south loop and lakeview and as far west as bucktown/wicker park and price can be entrees around 18-24 ish. any suggestions? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:08:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665386#5163356 http://www.chow.com/topics/665380#5163324 You should probably expand the search to both Clark St. and Broadway - almost parallel to Halsted St. on the west and east - between Belmont and Addison because both streets are an easy walk - 5-10 minutes - to Boystown. "Hip and fun" might take some thought. The Kit Kat at Waveland and Halsted St. might qualify, though I haven't eaten there friends have and they've enjoyed it and the campy nature to the place. Yoshi's Cafe, closer to Belmont St. on Halsted is a long time favorite of many people (including myself) who enjoy good food, service and reasonable prices. One last thought, just outside, to the North of Boystown on Halsted St. - Hearty Restaurant just opened in the block between Grace St. and Sheridan Rd. It's a restaurant of the "Hearty Boys" who had a restaurant at Roscoe & Halsted St for some years and owned by a couple of guys who had (or still have) a cable tv cooking show. Check out their blog: http://heartychi.blogspot.com/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:48:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665380#5163324 http://www.chow.com/topics/109945#5162716 Nope. Sorry Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:41:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/109945#5162716 http://www.chow.com/topics/565729#5162626 I remember Toscano's VERY well. I used to live on 25th & Western, across the alley from Febo's (remember that place?). One of my first jobs was waitressing at Toscano's in 1970. I loved Toscano's & am so sorry to hear that it's closed. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:29:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/565729#5162626 http://www.chow.com/topics/661811#5162578 The Brown LIne turns west just north of the Belmont stop (1000 west) and runs west at about 3400 north for about a mile before turning north again. There are stops at Southport (1400 west) and Paulina (1700 west) but not at Ashland (1600 west). If you take the Brown Line to Western and want to go to Devon, you must use the North Western (49B) bus rather than the Western bus (49). Route 49B runs north from a turnaround at the Western Brown Line stop to Howard. The regular Western bus ends at Berwyn (5300 north) and would leave you over a mile south of Devon Avenue (6400 north). Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:42:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661811#5162578 http://www.chow.com/topics/664758#5162333 i second the choice of Sola - it's always excellent also Nightwood in pilsen - by the folks who run lula cafe Boka in lincoln park i know you said no to mexican, but Chilim Bilim in lakeview is new and excellent, byob, but no reservations Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:55:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664758#5162333 http://www.chow.com/topics/665309#5162332 My husband and I are going on a culinary adventure to Chicago next weekend. Most of our meals are set - Alinea for dinner, Frontera for brunch/lunch, and Graham Elliot for dinner. I still need a quick lunch spot near our hotel for the day we arrive. We'll be taking the rail into town (blue/pink). Is there a hot dog joint nearby? I figure we'll need something light in order to be ready for Alinea that night! Then I've heard great things about the Bongo Room for breakfast but I fear that will be too much before a lunch at Frontera. Which Bongo Room location would be the closest and easiest for us to get to? And lastly, what's the best cupcake place that's closeby. I know that's relative and I also know I will get 15 different answers as to which is the best. Thanks in advance. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:54:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665309#5162332 http://www.chow.com/topics/665308#5162327 Kaze was absolutely my favorite japanese restaurant in chicago. I had heard a while ago that there was some friction between the head chef and his financial backers and that a closing was possible - i drove by today and was so saddened to see the restaurant has been shuttered! Does anyone know where the chef might be headed next? Any info you have would be greatly appreciated....it was such a lovely restaurant and the menu was so innovative, the food so fresh and lovingly prepared. A big loss to Chicago Japanese food lovers!! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:48:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665308#5162327 http://www.chow.com/topics/665199#5162273 Ate there last week, had a delightful tasting menu, which included 6 courses, and 3 amuse buches. My dining partner paired his with the wine. It was fantastic. Dessert at Spring is fantastic. We had a chocolate mousse with candied squash that was fantastic. Last time we were there we shared a chinese hot mustard ice cream paired with a banana toffee cake. Sounds weird, but it was very good. Hot Chocolate deserves its own meal. its more than just a dessert place. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:20:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665199#5162273 http://www.chow.com/topics/665133#5162257 Silversmith Hotel is near the Palmer House, which has a lot of recommendations nearby. A start: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/577778 Everything in River North and the Magnificent Mile area would easily fall in your distance parameters. Short answer is that there are a huge number of options in a wide range of prices and cuisines although good inexpensive ethnic food is mostly elsewhere in the city. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:12:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665133#5162257 http://www.chow.com/topics/664902#5161891 Thanks for the website. I love lamb-burgers, and I'll have to give them a try. I must admit I've never been attracted to Hackney's onion blob, but I've never been disappointed in their burgers either (altho the last time I was there was a cold winter night, so it must've been some months ago. I probably will wait for another cold winter night and if indeed their burgers have deteriorated to the level of fastfooddom, I'll at least be able to drown my disappointment in a couple of hot toddies.) Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:02:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664902#5161891 http://www.chow.com/topics/376709#5161435 Kirsten's in Burr Ridge hands down the best cupcakes around!!! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:42:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/376709#5161435 http://www.chow.com/topics/556742#5161403 Labriola bread is the best there is, here, there or anywhere Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:29:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556742#5161403 http://www.chow.com/topics/661834#5161219 Great food including the sides, have not been there for a holiday though.. Also may consider Ditka's. Firends have had Thanksgiving there and loved it. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:35:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661834#5161219 http://www.chow.com/topics/665201#5161065 Hello Chicago Chowhounders: I am heading to Cafe Spiaggia in a few weeks and was wondering what some of the best dishes are there (appetizers, pastas, entrees, desserts). I always seem to be a little lost at Italian restaurants since many dishes look really great. I am pretty much open to any seafood, meat, and poultry. I'll be eating at Zocalo, TRU, Spring, and David Burke's Primehouse (for Thanksgiving dinner) before Cafe Spiaggia. Thank you for your assistance. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:49:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665201#5161065 http://www.chow.com/topics/655823#5160805 Almost forgot to report back! We did the Publican on Friday night and fell in love with the place. I really wish we had something like that in Minneapolis, to die for. My favorite plate was the ham sampler, so tasty. We did Quartino's on Saturday and it was perfect, exactly what we were looking for. You were right, not inventive at all, but good for nervous marathoners. We actually thought they had very good quality pasta. The salads were boring, but hey, it's a salad. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:24:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655823#5160805 http://www.chow.com/topics/664804#5159354 I know that Cost Plus, World Market sells single beers so you can create your own six pack. Not sure if all the ones you want are sold in singles but they're worth checking out! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:41:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664804#5159354 http://www.chow.com/topics/663527#5158737 for the record, Alinea always asks about dietary restrictions and food allergies and can adjust their prix fixe menus accordingly Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:14:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663527#5158737 http://www.chow.com/topics/664838#5158709 Similar answer that I gave to someone else on this board with a similar request in the last couple of days. for the "memorable dinner" I would try one of these: Naha MK Sepia Spiaggia Cafe. In my mind the best tapas restaurant in town is just a couple blocks away from the HIlton at the Blackstone Hotel: Mercat a La Planxa. Depending on how you order, it may not be much less expensive, but the food is excellent and the wine and drinks very enjoyable. For a less expensive and more casual tapas experience, there is Cafe Iberico. It's probably not walking distance, but not a bad cab ride. I've had really good dinners there and some very forgettable ones, but it does have its fans. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:06:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664838#5158709 http://www.chow.com/topics/664652#5158429 What about Mixteco Grill on Ashland and Montrose? The food is fabulous. The chef is Mexican and trained under Bayliss. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664652#5158429 http://www.chow.com/topics/664105#5158236 Well off the beaten track is the surprising Chucks in the south suburbs, looking a bit like a truck stop and with excellent food, http://www.chuckscafe.com/Home/tabid/109/Default.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:56:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664105#5158236 http://www.chow.com/topics/664805#5157714 Both can get a bit loud, but I still think they are conversation friendly. Of course, even at the quietest restaurant, a long table will make conversing with someone at the other end difficult. I'd call and see what they can do for you. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:54:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664805#5157714 http://www.chow.com/topics/664776#5157058 I have not yet tried Wings O' Flavor at 3109 N. Halsted, but I've heard glowing reviews about the quality of the wings and the sauces. I understand they offer a handful of flavors including jerk. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:57:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664776#5157058 http://www.chow.com/topics/664835#5157036 Also, what is an average price for wine? I'm trying to figure out how much to budget. Are they pretty much high end or is it possible to get a bottle under $60? Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:45:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664835#5157036 http://www.chow.com/topics/663788#5156935 It's probably going to take me hours, since I don't have a car, but I gotta try that place. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:02:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663788#5156935 http://www.chow.com/topics/664349#5156881 Well, you're close to Bin 36 and Harry Carey's. Frontera takes some finesse to get a reservation (call at 8 a.m. on the day you want to go). The places you want to go (Blackbird) are walking distance, but a pretty long walk. One place that has some pretty good reviews is Shikago. It's easy walking distance. I haven't been there, so I am only going by reviews. http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15245790935 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:41:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664349#5156881 http://www.chow.com/topics/661773#5156836 Let us know what you thought! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:21:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661773#5156836 http://www.chow.com/topics/661959#5156788 Second Han 202. As the broke parent of a broke college student, this is where we have gone lately for her birthday, my birthday and her boyfriend's "off to grad school" dinner. http://www.han202restaurant.com/courseMenu.php Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:00:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661959#5156788 http://www.chow.com/topics/664498#5156767 There's so much within walking distance it's hard to narrow down. Mercat a la Planxa is a very high-end tapas joint not too far away, a few blocks south at Congress and Michigan. The Gage is right near you. Gastropub. But it's really easy to get around Chicago...you can walk a couple of blocks west and hop the Clark #22 bus northbound and get to Oldtown, Lakeview, Andersonville and a lot of other neighborhoods. Hopleaf, in Andersonville, is a real Chicago favorite. It features Belgian ales and really terrific food. Their mussels are incredible, but everything is good and they suggest an appropriate ale to go with your meal. It's a loud, raucous and friendly neighborhood joint. I know a lot of people think this town is about deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but that's not really true. I'd look at this board for stuff that interests you, then figure out how to get there. Or, you can hop the Brown Line a few blocks north of your hotel and one block west, get off at Western, then cross the street and go to Spoon Thai and get the translated menu of authentic Thai dishes. Dirt cheap and interesting. For the less adventurous, the Thai fried chicken and banana blossom salad are a good starting place. If what you want is the Chicago dog experience, walk north on Michigan and turn left at Jackson and walk up to the Sears Tower. Just before you get there, there is a place on the left called Luke's (open for breakfast and lunch only). Great Chicago dogs and some of the best fries I have ever had, along with Italian beef and polish sandwiches. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:51:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664498#5156767 http://www.chow.com/topics/662483#5156761 The House of Glunz, 1202 North Wells (at Division) was established by a German immigrant wine merchant in 1888 and has been in business ever since. For website google "glunz wine chicago". Very close to downtown; take Red Line subway to Clark & Division then walk west two blocks to Wells. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:47:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662483#5156761 http://www.chow.com/topics/664494#5156308 If you're interested investing in a larger quantity, Chicago Game & Gourmet (a restaurant wholesaler that also vends directly to the public) has both, including four varieties of boudin. Check the "Charcuterie" section of their website: http://www.chicagogame.us/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:55:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664494#5156308 http://www.chow.com/topics/664354#5156168 For thin crust: Piece, Crust, Spacca Napoli (my personal favorite, in Lincoln Square), and Great Lakes all get lots of play on the boards For deep dish: I love Gino's East (the whole sausage patty across the entire pie, that thick, chewy cornmeal crust and sweet/spicy tomato sauce, yum . . . ), but there are plenty of other Chowhound posts that play host to Pizza Wars 2009. Everyone has a favorite spot; they tend to shake-out between Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, the original Uno's and Due's, Pizano's, and Gino's East. Regardless of where you go, call in advance and they can start your pie cooking so that you don't have to wait a full ~45 minutes after you order. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:13:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664354#5156168 http://www.chow.com/topics/664386#5156104 I really like the style of restaurants you named, but can't handle the day to day prices either - not that they are bad, just too bad they are more than I choose to spend most nights out. Here are a few: Terragusta - two locations, Addison is BYOB, great food, you can find many reviews to support this view Raw Bar - bit of an odd menu in that it covers seafood and then for some reason goes middle eastern - we stick witht eh seafood and entrees, great food, cozy dining room - not great rest rooms (they should fix this) Sapori Trattoria - neighborhood Italian feel without being all about big heavy red sauce. Excellent food, solid service and the price is right. Mia Francesca - a bit Chicago cliche, but I still like it - you will likely have to wait for a table though Cafe 28 - it has been a while but we liked this despite the odd location right by the tracks - noise was not a problem outside of Cubs game days in the bar area (which I still find odd) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:52:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664386#5156104 http://www.chow.com/topics/664607#5154555 Can anyone suggest a site or some software for meal planning and shopping lists with budget and nutrition parameters? Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:35:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664607#5154555 http://www.chow.com/topics/652707#5153834 Elle : I too love Italian cornetti and just found an easy recipe to make them at home. You can find it here http://tinyurl.com/yjpfwf9 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:57:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652707#5153834 http://www.chow.com/topics/116862#5153437 Would LOVE to receive you Aunt's recipe for the Strawberry Whip Cream Cake. Thank you and Thank you Aunt :>) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:04:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/116862#5153437 http://www.chow.com/topics/657920#5153100 Nopal is cactus...used in Mexican cooking. Chayote or as it is called in New Orleans mirliton is as described by ms. chow. In New Orleans we like to stuff them, usually with a shrimp and bread crumb stuffing. I did not know it could be eating raw, but don't see why you couldn't. Green Tuna is the fruit from a cactus, this is also a new one on me. Yuatia is similiar to Taro root. Boniato is a sweet potato that has white flesh. I found this info using google and the search function here on the forums incase you want some more info, there was so good info. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:16:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657920#5153100 http://www.chow.com/topics/662371#5152688 I haven't made it to flo's yet, but there's no excuse for using "zabione" as a description on the menu. It's like Jennifer on Top Chef saying "suh-beesh." Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:24:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662371#5152688 http://www.chow.com/topics/662645#5152509 Very good food and interesting concept. Had a waitress out of Central Casting in Hollywood. She was of a certain age, a bit grumpy in an entertaining way and served food out of these 1930's Art Deco grills that they roll around. Should be a memorable holiday. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:28:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662645#5152509 http://www.chow.com/topics/664380#5152409 Haven't been, but I am assuming you saw it's the Groupon today- $20 for $40 worth of food and drink. And it doesn't look like it's BYOB, but it does look like it's pretty popular. http://www.groupon.com/r/uu137043 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:55:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664380#5152409 http://www.chow.com/topics/663853#5152165 Not in River North, but meets two of your parameters... Palette Bistro in south Lakeview (2834 N Southport just north of Diversey) is doing a three-course menu for $32, including a traditional turkey option. http://paletteonsouthport.com/Thanksgiving_Dinner_2009.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:50:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663853#5152165 http://www.chow.com/topics/562809#5152083 Stephanie, where did y'all end up going? Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:29:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562809#5152083 http://www.chow.com/topics/664037#5151774 Try Home Bistro on Halstead, a BYOB place with inventive, hearty food. I also love Yoshis and Wakamono. Erwin is another place just south of the theater on Halstead to try. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:48:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664037#5151774 http://www.chow.com/topics/635237#5150526 I had found a female ginko tree in my neighbour, where they are actually outlawed, but it has not produced any fruit this year. Being of asian heritage, I have found them extrmely useful in congree preparations. I wonder if you could just haul them to a herbalist, and offer to trade them for something else, like dried shitakes? I"d take 'em, but Canada border services might smell the stash.... Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:31:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635237#5150526