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/633640#4828877 Oh, and there's Meli's, on Halsted in Greektown, a bit west of the Loop. Another really nice breakfast place. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:07:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633640#4828877 http://www.chow.com/topics/632005#4828428 Thanks - the girl on the phone had told me they were closed on the 3rd, but she was just wrong - I was indeed able to book on OpenTable and had a decent (if overpriced) meal there - Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:22:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632005#4828428 http://www.chow.com/topics/632475#4828097 I'm sorry I just can't get past that male childhood fantasy of the librarian with her hair up in a bun who takes off her glasses shakes out her hair and ends up being a Maxim model. On the other hand just take a walk in any direction and you will find plenty of places. If your a fast walker you can make it to the John Hancock building,pricey cocktails but a view at night that is worth the upcharge!!! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:44:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632475#4828097 http://www.chow.com/topics/633715#4827441 Hi! There will be 6 kids (ages 6, 6, almost 4, 17 months, and 16 month old twins) and 5 adults. My kids are pretty adventurous eaters - they definitely like chinese and mexican food with mexican being a favorite - but I'm not sure about the others. Everyone likes italian and pizza too. As far as price goes, I don't want to break the bank bc eating out with 6 kids is not a relaxing affair and not worth spending tons of money on! That being said, entrees up to $25 should be fine. The Lego Discovery Center is new to Chicago and actually in Schaumburg near the Woodfield Mall (never been but that's what the website says!). Thank you again for your help - one of my favorite things about vacation is good food! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:14:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633715#4827441 http://www.chow.com/topics/633674#4827433 The Vienna Beef Factory Store, where you can even buy 6-1, 5-1, or 4-1 natural casing hot dogs in addition to the normal 8-1s. And natural casing polish sausages, etc, etc. Shouldn't have any trouble getting what you need, and I suspect they'll be happy to package them up nicely for you. 2501 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 235-6652 Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:12:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633674#4827433 http://www.chow.com/topics/110365#4827363 Its now a fabulous place called the Plymouth, it has a down bar, main floor and rooftop bar its really cool. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:42:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/110365#4827363 http://www.chow.com/topics/313093#4826828 Kaisers Pizza Pub in Gurnee has a really good thin crust pizza. Also, on Wednesday and Thurday they have all you can eat pizza. The only stipulations are that you purchase a drink and you cannot take a doggie bag home. If you're closer to Mundelein, there is one located there. There is also one located in Kenosha, WI. http://www.ylunch.com/mundelein/kaisers-pizza/kaisers-pizza.html Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:06:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/313093#4826828 http://www.chow.com/topics/632700#4826236 Glenn's Diner, 1820 Montrose, is not a diner, just a tiny restaurant that specializes in wonderful fish and seafood. Its owner used to manage a fish market so he knows what he's doing and has good sources. Somebody already mentioned Thai Pastry (full lunch, not just pastry) in the Argyle Street area that spills over onto Broadway. Or, hop on the Clark 22 bus and go ten minutes up the road to Andersonville (Clark between Foster (5200 North) and Bryn Mawr (about 5600 North) to Reza's (Persian, superior for good veg selections) or any of twenty other fine places---a very active strip. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:32:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632700#4826236 http://www.chow.com/topics/632530#4826210 Google "chicago restaurant menus" and you will go to a website that shows the current menus of over 3000 restaurants sorted by neighborhood and ethnicity. so you can get an idea of offerings and price. If you want a French bistro near downtown check out Bistro Zinc in the Rush Street neighborhood of restaurants. If your hotel is south of the Chicago River your neighborhood is "Loop". North of the river, it's either "Magnificent Mile" (the Michigan Avenue corridor) or "Near North Side "(from river to North Avenue) or "River West" (west of Michigan to about Orleans). "Gold Coast" is the Rush Street area. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:23:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632530#4826210 http://www.chow.com/topics/633585#4825957 Wanting to get a gift certificate for a gift. Here are the requirements: Italian/Greek (second choice) Menu to include: Fresh fish, grilled, simply seasoned, but great quality They like Naked Food (simple, great quality of ingredients, simply prepared with no sauces, etc) Casual (trattoria or such, they don't like to get overly dressed up) Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:58:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633585#4825957 http://www.chow.com/topics/633215#4825905 get a pull cart of some sort if you can - like the shopping cart you see older (wiser) ladies with. fill a collapsable 6 pack sized cooler up with a six pack, some ice, throw it into a paper grocery bag, throw the bag in the cart. Top the cooler with a blanket, and top the blanket with the styrofoam containers of foods that you get, and cart it all off to a spot you've picked out to watch the fireworks. The mustard catfish is usually a "must" for me. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:38:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633215#4825905 http://www.chow.com/topics/633278#4825321 For future reference: http://www.spoonthai.com/ Be sure to request the translated Thai menu. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:58:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633278#4825321 http://www.chow.com/topics/633039#4825319 I had dinner at Sol de Mexico (3018 N Cicero) last week. Nice atmosphere, delicious Margarita and Malbec by the glass. Appetizers of squid and cold avocado soup were unique, expertly prepared, and well-presented. They are justifiably proud of their mole sauces--the rack of lamb is especially tasty. Almost too stuffed for dessert, but the flan was great. Good coffee, served nice and hot. Service is attentive but relaxed. There should be no problem lingering for drinks, conversation, or whatever. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:57:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633039#4825319 http://www.chow.com/topics/632933#4825069 sorry i i misunderstood the word. gosh i feel stupid now XD okay naniwa doesn't have it. and yea mitsuwa has it. murasaki sake lounge has a small, crispy version without nori. i think i'v seen it on the menu at kurumaya in schaumburg, but i'm not 100% sure. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:31:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632933#4825069 http://www.chow.com/topics/632652#4824838 It is a cab ride from Shaws but I would suggest Buddy Guy's Legends - had the start of my bachelor party pub crawl start there and it was great - http://www.buddyguys.com/ and nothing beats the Blues! Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632652#4824838 http://www.chow.com/topics/633428#4824557 There is a large group of us going out on a Saturday night and we are looking for a great restaurant in Lake County somewhere. Any where near, Long Grove, Kildeer, Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, or Lake Zurich. We don't care the type of cuisine. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:56:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633428#4824557 http://www.chow.com/topics/633420#4824516 The magical moderators will probably move your thread to the Chicago board so that you get more replies. In the meantime, here's an earlier discussion of good food near the Sheraton towers: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/499579 Anne Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:46:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633420#4824516 http://www.chow.com/topics/633301#4824045 Thanks, chicgail and ms. chow, for your feedback. Sorry about the typo on North Pond, that is what I meant :-) And thanks for the tip on opentable.com -- actually, my friend and I were perusing open table when we came up with the list above! I will pass on the recs for North Pond, and your other comments and suggestions. I think they will likely end up going with North Pond, as that was where she was leaning in the first place. Thanks again! Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:23:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633301#4824045 http://www.chow.com/topics/632034#4824013 Great suggestion! Uncommon Ground is also committed to organic, seasonal ingredients really skillfully prepared -- not haute cuisine, but definitely first rate. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:08:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632034#4824013 http://www.chow.com/topics/633071#4823887 Bear in mind that the Viagra Triangle didn't get it's name from cougars. They're a more recent iteration. It's the old guys on the make that give it its true character. For drinks and apps I (yes, over 35), lean to the wine bars: Webster, Vola, Bin and Bin 36, Randolph Wine Cellar, Pops, etc. http://chicago.citysearch.com/listings/chicago/wine_bars/58044_1704 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:27:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633071#4823887 http://www.chow.com/topics/633246#4823643 Bistro Campange in Lincoln Square. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:51:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633246#4823643 http://www.chow.com/topics/633286#4823021 Hi Chicago Hounds, I'm going to be in Chicago monday night staying at the Hard Rock (hello corporate discount) Hotel. What should I have for supper that's in walking distance (a mile or so). No more than $50 for an app, main course and 2 drinks (per person) and casual dress, preferably kitschy local favorites, unique regional experience or other hidden gems. Thanks! Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:51:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633286#4823021 http://www.chow.com/topics/629164#4822650 I like smaller, more intimate stores with helpful staff and not the giant warehouses. Try Just Grapes or The Wine Consortium. If you call ahead, they can give you an idea of what they stock and some suggestions as well. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:30:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629164#4822650 http://www.chow.com/topics/631541#4822484 A third vote for Mercat. By far the best tapas in Chicago although priced at a premium. They also do the whole-roasted suckling pig (look at the website) which has to be pre-ordered. Loved it. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:26:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631541#4822484 http://www.chow.com/topics/632909#4822291 downtown? probably... oh~ just came to mind... J Bar at the James Hotel downtown is doing Wii night on Wednesdays offering free app before 8pm, very cheap price afterwards plus certain drinks for $5 all night... i was there two weeks ago. totally empty before 8... we had the whole bar and food to us for like an hour! lol~ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:17:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632909#4822291 http://www.chow.com/topics/632789#4822225 If you want old-school hippie vegetarian, try Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park-- it's right off the Morse stop of the Red line. But, you might get enough of that on the West Coast. A short walk from either the Addison or Belmont Red line is the Pick Me Up Cafe-- They've got alot of vegan choices and they're especially good for breakfast and late night. I wouldn't waste my time with the Chicago Diner-- it's overpriced and unhealthy vegetarian, which defeats the purpose of eating meat free, in my opinion. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:02:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632789#4822225 http://www.chow.com/topics/633212#4822184 Groupon today is offering a $20 gift certicate for just $10 to Nonna's Italian Pizzeria‏. I rode my bike by Nonna's on Segwick just south of North Ave. However, they were not yet open and couldn't get a good idea if the place is worth trying. Anyone been there and willing to give some feedback? Thanks! Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:53:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633212#4822184 http://www.chow.com/topics/402011#4821185 My husband and i were there last night. Was terrible! Totally expensive and dissapointing. Food sucked and was soooo expensive. Steak not rare as requested...hollendaise sauce tasted like margerine...just yuk. The waitress was a hard seller. Sorry lady...I can't eat soup, salad, an appy ...streak... I don't need all that food. Totally wasted a dinner in a city of fabulous restaurants. Should have followed my instincts and left after a drink. Going to be pissed off again when we get the Visa bill. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:11:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/402011#4821185 http://www.chow.com/topics/377794#4821123 Just came back from a wonderful trip. 99% of the restaurants I went to I found thur this site. Stayed at the Sofitel (very nice). I totally recommend Tempo Cafe for breaky, Pizano"s for pizza (the host there was super - told us where to go...sat down with us) pizza blow your mind good. Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House - yummy - but don't order too much...many people, like us had no room for dessert and Bandera for lunch/dinner is really great too. We did have one BAD experience. I don't recommend Chicago Chop House. The waitress was working us over - just felt like she needed to hit her quota of selling. The best thing i can say was the asparagus was cooked perfectly - but the hollindase tasted like it was made with margerine...if i am going to eat rich food fatting food it better be good. My steak - which i asked for rare was medium - i didn't send it back for fear of spit in my food. It was toatally expensive and dissapointing. The gin and tonic was good. Totally expensive and not worth the money. We should have followed our instincts to run after a drink. The meal was the same price as our hotel for a night....and it sucked! So thanx chow hounds for a great trip. I learned my lesson not to go anywhere unless you have researched it yourself. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:52:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/377794#4821123 http://www.chow.com/topics/633070#4820785 We will be in town for a convention at the end of July and will be staying at the Sheraton. Is there anything interesting near the hotel? We like to try local favorites as well as ethnic restaurants. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:27:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633070#4820785 http://www.chow.com/topics/632515#4820647 Have you thought about Sayat Nova? Some Old World charm here, with a bit of a neighborhood feel (or as close as you're going to get in that area) and the price would be about right: http://www.sayatnovachicago.com/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:32:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632515#4820647 http://www.chow.com/topics/632944#4820599 For a diner feel, and the best dutch baby pancakes no one else can rival, Pancake House is right across the street from you. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:15:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632944#4820599 http://www.chow.com/topics/119220#4819987 I recently discovered Today's Temptations breads at Woodman's in North Aurora. They have their own table. I tried their low carb, multigrain Italian, and now the Lithuanian rye. All fantastic! Delicious and healthy! By looking at the label, I was concerned that they wouldn't be around long. Now reading the others posts, it seems like the breads are turning up in a variety of grocery stores, and they have many fans like me! Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:57:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/119220#4819987 http://www.chow.com/topics/631222#4819647 Have you been to Honey 1? I am a bbq aficionado, although by no means an expert, and I find their ribs and pulled pork delicious and authentic (so far as I can tell). They do have tips and links as well, but I find it hard to resist the pulled pork and my SO loves ribs... Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:37:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631222#4819647 http://www.chow.com/topics/628753#4819097 We once got boar and kangaroo meat at Chicago Game & Gourmet if "wild" is the direction you are heading to... :P It's worth the adventure. LOL Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:21:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628753#4819097 http://www.chow.com/topics/632848#4818975 Some more good values: Kasia's pierogis (tasting portion 2 for 4t) Vegetarian Soul (Booth#2): Sweet potato pie (a solid slab for 4t) Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:45:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632848#4818975 http://www.chow.com/topics/632819#4818052 Does anyone know where I might be able to find these in the Chicago area? Thanks! Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:31:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632819#4818052 http://www.chow.com/topics/408695#4817904 I agree The Gage is good, not great. I am partial to snacking on the curry fries (french fries served with a curry dipping sauce). Definitely drink the Goose Island Matilda (Belgian pale ale style). Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:48:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/408695#4817904 http://www.chow.com/topics/470621#4817367 For all beef hot dogs nothing beat Romanian Kosher Suasage - the best anywhere in the city - Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:51:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/470621#4817367 http://www.chow.com/topics/630044#4816222 Klas Chicago Restaurant (in Cicero?) is the only Czech restaurant I know. However, I'm not sure what is on their menu! Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:02:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630044#4816222 http://www.chow.com/topics/630668#4816134 It's not an official "cart" but the cheese menu at avec (615 W. Randolph) is always great. You can mix and match and they have thoughtful and interesting cheese condiments. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:29:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630668#4816134 http://www.chow.com/topics/613015#4816125 Yes indeed, that was in the works for some time. Although the people at Morton's told me they were actually attempting to move into the main mall area. Not sure if that's true or not, but lord I hope so... Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:25:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/613015#4816125 http://www.chow.com/topics/632278#4816083 Just West of Downtown on Madison Avenue there are 4 or 5 "fixture" stores which sell commercial kitchen equipment. You don't need a special card (like at Restaurant Depot) and they sell new and used stuff. My first stop in the fixture district is always Gold Brothers: 1140 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60607-2023 (312) 666-1520 They have a huge used equipment selection and are very friendly. If you don't find what you're looking for there, just walk up and down Madison a bit, where there are plenty of similar stores. You can also get a sandwich at Jerry's Sandwiches (across from Gold Bros.)...a bit pricey but always a great lunch stop! Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:10:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632278#4816083 http://www.chow.com/topics/632480#4815427 If you enjoy Indian food, please consider a few hours on Devon avenue. I'd bet a search for "devon" would net some results. For mapping purposes, Devon avenue and Western avenue would be a decent starting point. A few places among the many I'd recommend you seek: Tahoora (snacks / sweets) King Sweets (snacks / sweets) Uru Swati (vegetarian restaurant) Patel Bros. Grocery Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:50:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632480#4815427 http://www.chow.com/topics/629818#4814806 If you are going on a weekend, I would call the day ahead. Last time I was there, a Sunday, I called it in on Saturday afternoon. Make sure to tell them how many people you are coming in with, as there are a limited number of tables. If you are eating during a weeknight, you can call it in at lunch. But the point is, call ahead -- I saw a couple sit at a table for two hours because they hadn't called in a pizza ahead of time. The trip is entirely worth it, I promise you! Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:46:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629818#4814806 http://www.chow.com/topics/119385#4813675 We are big fans of Sakura in Naperville (Iroquois Mall on north side of Ogden Ave). They offer all-you-can-eat sushi and you select what you want from a menu sheet so everything is prepared as you wait. Not just sushi, but also bulgogi, edamame, spring rolls, soups, etc. on the AYCE menu. $14.95 at lunch, $19.95 at dinner. Their house special sushi rolls usually creative and tasty. Great bargain, quite good food. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:59:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/119385#4813675 http://www.chow.com/topics/463775#4813646 I had the rare "honor" of eating at Stillwater's on their very first night open. I was walking by, and I had an hour to kill in downtown Downers Grove, so I figured I would try it. Now, I am forgiving to restaurants that are "working the kinks out," but to be honest, this place had no business being open. Here's what I experienced: - The waitress didn't know what beers they had available - She also didn't know what salad dressings they had available, and disappeared for ten full minutes to find out - I ordered a filet with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Inexplicably, the kitchen sends out my mashed potatoes with my salad. So the waitress brings me a salad...and a bowl of mashed potatoes, which I don't eat - When the steak and vegetables come, the waitress realizes the mistake, and has the kitchen make me another order of potatoes - The steak is rare (I ordered it medium) and the vegetables are overseasoned to the point where I cannot eat them - The chef comes out and greets every diner in the bar area -- except me Save your money and go somewhere else... Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:44:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/463775#4813646 http://www.chow.com/topics/632136#4813199 The vicinity of North & Clybourn has been developed as a shopping mecca in the last 15 years (before that it used to be light industry). The Sam's there is huge and has a big selection. There's also a nice WholeFoods, a Container Store, and a ton of chain stores like J Crew and Borders. There's a big Home Depot on North just west of the intersection. There's a Trader Joe facing on Clybourn but with a ramp up to its 2nd story parking lot on Marcy (same street Sam's parking lot fronts on. While you're in the neighborhood you might want to nip just west to North & Elston to Stanley's Produce, which usually has some very good buys (see Yelp Chicago for discussion). Welcome to Chicago. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:31:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632136#4813199 http://www.chow.com/topics/407399#4813045 i wont eat any other bbq sauce!!! they sold it at a store in iowa where my husband worked and then we moved to florida one year ago...and i cant find it anywhere down here! i know we can order it through kehe foods, and my husbands former boss is suppose to ship some to us. i have gone without bbq sauce for one whole year...uuuugggghhhhhh! Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:06:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/407399#4813045