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/463572#5209747 Flamingo's has indeed closed. The restaurant that has opened in that location has nothing to do with Flamingo's other than location. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:50:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/463572#5209747 http://www.chow.com/topics/665438#5209699 FYI - I was in Chicago for a day, and after all the praise of Flamingo's, decided to stop by for dinner. I missed this thread, but had read of much praise on other threads. The food was terrible (giant portion sizes of below average fried food) - I would not go back. FYI - I was in Chicago for a day, and after all the praise of Flamingo's, decided to stop by for dinner. It seems it has recently changed ownership, and is now part of a chain of mexican food restaurants. The food was terrible (giant portion sizes of below average fried food with hot sauce to make it mexican) - probably not worth trying anymore. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:22:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665438#5209699 http://www.chow.com/topics/113337#5209663 The formula is long gone. I worked as a Soda Jerk for Sally's for 5 years (as a yoot). The owner (Sally Wrightman) mixed the secret spice mixture in her office, and handed it to her brother who ran the kitchen. Even HE did not know what was in it. When she dies, she took that to the grave with her. (Unless someone can dig up an antique bottle of Sally's sauce that they used to bottle in the 30's and 40's.) And YES that sauce was freaking awesome. Spicy, with kick and vinegar. THe sraff snacks used to be a bowl of fries or french bread and a bowl of that sauce. Total blissful YUM BTW I am trying to locate any photos of the Sally's from Western Ave, expecially of the sign. Any help would be DEEPLY apreciated. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:58:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/113337#5209663 http://www.chow.com/topics/667291#5209500 What I like about Turquoise Cafe is that you don't *have* to be in the mood for Turkish food. If you are, of course they have lots of Turkish specialties. But otherwise, many of their dishes are the sort of global/American items you find anywhere - steaks, salads, etc. So if you're not in the mood, or if your dining companions are not that adventurous, there's enough variety on the menu to satisfy everyone. And of course their warm bread is delightful... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:52:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667291#5209500 http://www.chow.com/topics/669880#5209174 I am a North Sider, recently relocated to the southwest suburbs, Burr Ridge/Willowbrook area. I have never ventured south in all my years raised here. I AM CLUELESS to what is out here. I couldn't even tell you where I live without my GPS! :-) So I am in need of my fellow chowhounders to help me out finding the following: -A good, reasonably priced sushi place -Indian food that is superb - Good tacqueria or Mexican restaurant -Italian and/or PIzza joint (preferably thin-crust, not typical Chicago style) -Chinese that will not make me heave please -A REALLY GOOD MARKET for fresh ingredients like olives, produce that is reasonably priced, cheeses, etc. -Hamburger joint or a good hot dog would be nice too. -(Ooh, and a good falafal wouldn't be bad either!) Thanks! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:34:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669880#5209174 http://www.chow.com/topics/663089#5208843 Tempo at State and Chestnut. You''ll have no prob waving down a cab to or from. It's in the Water Tower area. Cheap, hearty - luckily, not so greasy. It's very popular and very dependable. Has everything. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:15:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663089#5208843 http://www.chow.com/topics/669559#5208435 Ive been to all the places listed; avec is alright, a little too intimate- prepare to rub elbows w/everybody and have a higher wine mark-up on obscure but mediocre wines. Bin 36 is excellent, great wine list w/reasonable pricing. good food there. The sister restaurant, A Mano, has an excellent wine list and great bar food deals, especially the $5 wood oven pizza on thursday night. I love Cafe Iberico, huge, always packed, great prices on wine and food (valencia tapas). Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:24:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669559#5208435 http://www.chow.com/topics/669143#5208321 Nice suggestions from hoppy. I would add the following: Publican and The Gage are awesome choices. Whether Gage is the city's best gastropub may depend on you visiting Publican. My reaction to Publican was a little like going to the dentist -- when we got up to leave I said, "we can't go until we've made another reservation for the next time." Also, to our Toronto friends: At one time many years ago when the stockyards were functioning, Chicago earned a reputation as a steak town. Chicago hasn't been a destination city for steak for more than 40 years. Steaks in Chicago are fine. You can get them dry aged and delicious. They're expensive and very much like steaks in any other big city. Unless steak is a must-have for you, I wouldn't bother. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:40:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669143#5208321 http://www.chow.com/topics/662483#5208111 Good to hear you liked it! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:06:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662483#5208111 http://www.chow.com/topics/669483#5207942 nsxtasy know's his/ her stuff. I would add. Schwa- You can BYO but I assure you this is Foodie Food (Tasting Only). Les Nomades Carlos" (Best French in Chicago but a little north) More casual Instead of Blackbird I would recomend AVEC (hasn't lost a beat since Obama took the chef to the whitehouse) Custom House Graham Elliott Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:08:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669483#5207942 http://www.chow.com/topics/112187#5207446 I am standing in the former Panda Panda space in Highland Park and I am very pleased to say that Rose and papa Peter are all happy, healthy and in fine spirits. We all miss Peter's food and I can tell you that Rose still cater events with his food more than in mind. We have used them for events and you can reach her at 847-471-7330. The food will take you back to the old days and frankly there still is nothing better outside of China! Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:18:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/112187#5207446 http://www.chow.com/topics/669652#5206619 Most standalone restaurants will be closed, of course. The most likely exceptions are restaurants in hotels, so that's where I would suggest trying - but call ahead. From south to north, starting with the Loop: Atwood Cafe (Hotel Burnham) - www.atwoodcafe.com Sixteen (Trump) - www.trumpchicagohotel.com David Burke's Primehouse (James Hotel) - www.jameshotels.com/chicago/dine.php Lobby (Peninsula) - www.peninsula.com/chicago/en/default.aspx#/chicago/en/Dining/The_Lobby NoMI (Park Hyatt) - www.nomirestaurant.com Cafe in the Ritz-Carlton - www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc/dining.html Seasons (Four Seasons) - www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/dining.html The only one of these that states flat out on their website that they will be serving breakfast on Thanksgiving is NoMI, which will serve a la carte 6:30-10:30, but it's quite possible that any or all of these may also be open. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:53:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669652#5206619 http://www.chow.com/topics/669052#5204948 Pretty good but not a Garrett's clone - http://www.garypoppins.com/. Can be found in niche food retailers and binny's(?) If you're rolling through the airport, both have popcorn stops. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:17:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669052#5204948 http://www.chow.com/topics/669503#5204895 I'm planning a banquet in Chicago in June to celebrate my two children's graduation from high school and college. We would have no more than 30 guests, perhaps closer to 20. I would like to hold it in a restaurant, preferably Chinese but perhaps Italian. The guests include several vegetarians plus a few older, conservative eaters (hence, the possibility of Italian instead of Chinese). Don't want to break the bank, but want something good. All suggestions welcome. Thanks. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:51:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669503#5204895 http://www.chow.com/topics/666912#5203563 Mint Julep Bistro was recently reviewed (w/in the last month or so) on Check, Please. MJB was on my list of new places to try until I saw that review. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:49:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666912#5203563 http://www.chow.com/topics/667709#5203514 litos makes empanadas. i believe he is from columbia. it is great take away food. he has 6 or so different empanadas on the menu. he also has 2 dessert empanadas. the golden crust ed empanadas are very delicious and reasonably priced. we live in nashville but have an appartment near by. we always stop by lito's when we are in chicago Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:30:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667709#5203514 http://www.chow.com/topics/667885#5203029 Farm Fresh market on touhy in Niles Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:54:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667885#5203029 http://www.chow.com/topics/669242#5202458 I was wondering if anyone has tried Niche in Geneva? The seasonal menu looks divine. Also, I was wondering also the price range as well. Looking for places to celebrate a birthday (just me and hubby) in that area and like the fact that the menu is comprised of local food. Thanks! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669242#5202458 http://www.chow.com/topics/668986#5202434 There's no "in-between" in the city that I know of. Your other option is to contact some of the private chefs in town who do catering, demos and instruction and see if they can match your needs: http://www.chefdaniel.com/instruct.html Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:55:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668986#5202434 http://www.chow.com/topics/669111#5201064 Due to a lot of crappy circumstances, we are going to a restaurant for Thanksgiving. I chose Ditka's. Does anyone have any experience with Thanksgiving there? Thanks! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:39:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669111#5201064 http://www.chow.com/topics/668983#5199923 We had a great dinner at May Street Market last Saturday. There were 4 of us, and each ordered the prix fixe menu. All courses were quite good. The beef wellington ravioli appetizer was not as outstanding as the Maytag Blue Cheesecake appetizer. I was very happy with my scallop jambalaya, as were the other who ordered it as an entree. I was less happy with my pumpkin cheesecake dessert (but I still enjoyed it!)--I should have gone with the cupcake sampler. BUT, the meal was very, very, very, very, very good and you cannot beat the price/value ratio. One note--the menu posted on the website was not offered--our server explained that due to the chef's desire to use very fresh ingredients, he was not able to offer all of the same dishes. Wine list was interesting and fairly priced. If you are visiting Chicago, this is a great chance to get out of the tourist district and have a terrific meal. If you are local, make a beeline to May Street Market. You won't be disappointed!! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:28:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668983#5199923 http://www.chow.com/topics/118262#5199491 I MOVED TO KY 13YRS AGO. I THINKING ABOUT OPENNING A BBQ JOINT .WHERE CAN GET A PIT GRILL LIKE AT LEON'S AND ALL THE OTHER BBQ JOINTS IN CHI TOWN. I KNOW SOMEBODY MAKES THEM Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:47:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/118262#5199491 http://www.chow.com/topics/463775#5198615 Stillwater is "underwater". Closed this fall. Amazing, lasted less than 2 years! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:03:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/463775#5198615 http://www.chow.com/topics/668172#5197621 I have not eaten there, but Pelago, an Italian restaurant in the Rafaello hotel by the John Hancock building, just opened and has gotten pretty good reviews. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:41:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668172#5197621 http://www.chow.com/topics/668383#5197260 Try Laurel and let us know what you think. We need to support restaurants that do a good job. I think Macarena Tapas in Naperville (corner of Route 59 and Aurora Ave), Allgauer's in the Lisle Hilton, Catch 35 in downtown, Katy's Dumpling House, and several others all deserve that kind of support. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:24:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668383#5197260 http://www.chow.com/topics/666133#5197244 Not that I think Amoncada needs backup, but I think they might have used a not great choice of a word for a description. Since MSM is definitely not a standardized restaurant, but an outdoor marketplace with its own definite "atmosphere," I can kinda understand how someone could describe it as divey. I'd also say that Amoncada and I frequent a few places that a good amt of folks would turn their nose up at, so I know that Amoncada is nowhere even close to a "snob." I'd venture to say that they actually really like MSM, but were trying to let the OP know that it's not a fancy sit down-ish restaurant place, that's all. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:16:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666133#5197244 http://www.chow.com/topics/668596#5196294 Who has the best in town? Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:24:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668596#5196294 http://www.chow.com/topics/487041#5195690 greek village taverna is in schaumburg, it is really good too! It is on golf road by the car dealerships Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:40:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/487041#5195690 http://www.chow.com/topics/119546#5195680 this is soo true, I just found that out the last time I was there! The owner bought us a dessert because he recognized me from coming in a few times. You have to give it to them. A family owned business that can compete with the big dogs. I LOVE IT! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:33:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/119546#5195680 http://www.chow.com/topics/667502#5195171 I think some people like Quartino for the lively atmosphere, and others like it for the low prices associated with the small plates concept. Just guessing. I don't think it's bad, although it's not the best Italian in town (which I'd consider Cafe Spiaggia, Coco Pazza, and Vivere, all of which are a bit more expensive than Quartino). Coco Pazzo is, not surprisingly, the sister restaurant to Coco Pazzo Cafe, which I mentioned above. The Cafe is a bit less expensive, whereas its "big sister" may strain your stated price target; also, the Cafe is near your hotel and Coco Pazzo proper is a bit further away, about a half mile west. I like Atwood Cafe too - good recommendation. On Sundays for lunch they serve from their brunch menu, which you can see on their website at www.atwoodcafe.com Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:12:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667502#5195171 http://www.chow.com/topics/668328#5193911 I will be partying it up in Boystown next weekend but will be a good boy and only go home with a full stomach (of food) at the end of the night. Can anyone recommend any good late night eats in the area? Many thanks. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:27:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668328#5193911 http://www.chow.com/topics/667908#5193528 I enjoy the place. Server was extremely helpful and nice but then again I went this week before Christmas craziness. The tree is up and decorated. You do not have to wait in line with all the people waiting for a table. They serve decent snacks. Enjoy. Worth it., Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:24:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667908#5193528 http://www.chow.com/topics/660797#5193321 Just wanted to add that I had dinner here tonight and there was no bread service. Can't say I missed it too much, seeing as there was plenty of food otherwise, but just thought I'd mention it. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:30:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660797#5193321 http://www.chow.com/topics/111250#5192745 http://www.frenchfeast.com/ carries a pretty good brand - sometimes has it on sale. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:37:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/111250#5192745 http://www.chow.com/topics/668174#5192471 >> Checked Metromix but can't find anything. Huh? Metromix has 201 different restaurant deals listed for this coming Tuesday: http://chicago.metromix.com/calendar/restaurants/November-24-2009/deals?offset=1&page_size=50 Two of my favorite restaurants in the city have deals on Tuesday nights. Cafe des Architectes ( www.cafedesarchitectes.com ), in the Sofitel off Michigan Avenue, is my favorite casual fine dining restaurant in the city. They feature spectacularly delicious contemporary American cuisine (with a slight French accent) from Chef Martial Noguier. On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, they offer their "neighborhood friends" special menu, 3 courses for $29, along with their regular a la carte and prix fixe menus. The restaurant is beautiful, too, with one wall forming part of the curved glass facade on the front of the Sofitel. La Sardine ( www.lasardine.com ) is a French bistro in the West Loop, and on Tuesdays they feature any three items (starter, entree, dessert) for $25. Their sister restaurant in Wicker Park, Le Bouchon ( www.lebouchonofchicago.com ) has the same deal on Tuesdays. Very good food. Reservations are highly recommended at any of these places. I'm not sure about the others on Tuesdays but I've seen La Sardine VERY busy that night of the week. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:34:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668174#5192471 http://www.chow.com/topics/667989#5192202 Mon Ami Gabi has a reliable one. Also you might like the location - right across from Lincoln Park. I also think their profiteroles are the best in the city. Yum. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:57:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667989#5192202 http://www.chow.com/topics/667986#5192192 My favorite burger is at Rosebud on Walton. The burger at the Ritz Cafe is also very good, but probably more expensive than at Rosebud. For a Kobe burger Yoshi's in Lakeview is quite good. I like the steaks at Keefer's and Rosebud/Walton the best. Tweet for brunch (kid-friendly), but not sure I'd seek it out if you weren't in the Uptown/Andersonville area. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:55:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667986#5192192 http://www.chow.com/topics/666120#5192069 My choice would be Boka on Halstad. The food is superb new American and the service is top notch. I took my wife there for our anniversary and they came through and then some! Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:11:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666120#5192069 http://www.chow.com/topics/668143#5192058 I am coming from the 27th - 30th and have planned the following stops. Please let me know if I've chosen wisely or where I should make a change. Thanks. Friday: Lunch: Hot dougs Dinner: Publican or schwa Saturday: Brunch: Tweet or Lulas Lunch: Uno/Due Dinner (must be in boystown): Home Bistro Sunday: Brunch:Bongo Room Dinner: Avec Thanks! Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:06:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668143#5192058 http://www.chow.com/topics/667618#5191015 Shoot. I have to work! Garfield Park Conservatory is great. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:51:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667618#5191015 http://www.chow.com/topics/667836#5190408 There's a great little Thai place in Batavia called Tusk... BYOB, no corkage fee, great food & service. We've only been there twice, but have enjoyed each visit & plan to return again! http://tuskthai.com/Menu.html Also there's a Vietnamese restaurant on Main Street in Wheaton that we were at tonight... Lu Luong (could be off on the spelling)..... have been there countless times over the last 15-20 years. They've gone through a few management changes over the years and the current management is probably the best. The fresh spring rolls & vietnamese pancakes on their appetizer menu are both excellent & enough for a dinner for 2. No corkage fee.... Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:32:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667836#5190408 http://www.chow.com/topics/667959#5190039 Anyone know about that place on Lincoln Ave north of Fullerton. I noticed that the windows have been blacked out. What's going in there? Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:06:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667959#5190039 http://www.chow.com/topics/592130#5189960 Have Kaufman's out on the Chicago Metro map. Can't link here but our good hearted moderators have let me put the Website on my profile - from whence you can get to the various Chicago maps. Thanks everyone. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:39:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/592130#5189960 http://www.chow.com/topics/667107#5189230 I was in Zier's earlier today. Most of their game is frozen. In addition to the American Wagyu beef, they had buffalo, bison, rabbit, venison, elk, and quail. The only game sausage they had were buffalo hot dogs. If you're interested in more unusual sausage offerings from non-game meats, they also have their "merguez" sausage, which is made from lamb and is seasoned with Tunisian spices. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:22:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667107#5189230 http://www.chow.com/topics/666845#5189085 Russian Tea Time, across from the Art Institute on Adams, serves a great tea. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:38:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666845#5189085 http://www.chow.com/topics/664804#5188706 Marion st Cheese market (oak park) has a fantastic bunch of microbrews all available by the bottle at $1.50, $2 or $3. My hubby loved the selection! they are also VERY friendly, if you give them a call they might be able to tell if they have what you want. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:59:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664804#5188706 http://www.chow.com/topics/110073#5187412 VISIT THE SCALA BEEF WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.scalasbeef.com/ :P Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:50:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/110073#5187412 http://www.chow.com/topics/109651#5187399 VISIT THE SCALA BEEF WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.scalasbeef.com/ :P Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:42:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/109651#5187399 http://www.chow.com/topics/110254#5187388 VISIT THE SCALA BEEF WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.scalasbeef.com/ :P Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:40:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/110254#5187388