Chicago Avenue--tips, hints, advice?

[john m]

As wonderful as Chowhound has been for my palate, it has not done wonders for my waistline, so in an effort to rid myself of the gut that I've come to fondly refer to as "the Alderman", I've embarked on a program of lunchtime walks. I work at Sedgwick and Superior, and have taken to walking up Chicago to Damen or so and back. But, in the interests of killing two birds with one stone,and replacing any lost poundage in a timely fashion, I'm seeking any insights you folks might have regarding interesting places on that stretch of road. I'm familiar with Kasia's, Tecatiltlan, and a few others, but most of the others are a mystery to me.
I'm also planning on walking Grand and Milwaukee as well, so suggestions for those strips would be welcome as well (I'm a big fan of Bari, to the point that I've never really looked beyond it.)

NB. I'm well aware of the oxymoronic nature of my request, and won't hold anyone here responsible for the failure of my exercise program.

NNB. I also tried searching Chicago and Chicago Avenue with the Ctrl F function. Too many unrelated hits and not enough time.

[Erik M.]

The page linked below will be of very limited assistance, I am sure.
My apologies in advance.

Chicago Avenue is pretty "dry" on the chowfront.

Erik M.

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[john m]

Don't apologize--your list is quite helpful. I also noticed a place on the northeast corner of Chicago and Damen offering pizza by the slice. I know that you are currently embarked on a tasting of slices throughout the City--are you familar with this one? It has an Italian name (I know...big help)

[Erik M.]

That wouldn't be the northeast corner of Chicago and Damen. Unfortunately, that corner is the future home of a Subway. Perhaps you are thinking of Bacci, one door east of the Chicago/Western corner. If so, or even if not, I'll tell you that its truly a forgettable slice, IMO. The only Bacci worth my time is the Loop location, and ONLY during lunch rush. [Bias: I'm not a fan of jumbo slices, in general!]

E.M.

[john m]

I didn't get up as far as Western, so its not Baci. I'll take a look tomorrow or Friday and get the correct address.

Is there anywhere Subway won't go? I cannot believe that they have such a market for mediocre sandwiches (ok, worse than mediocre.) They just opened up one in my neighborhood (Edison Park, on Northwest Highway). The thing is, they're a block away from Tony's Deli, which has very good subs including, IMHO, the best meatball subs in the City. And, Tony's is cheaper. The only good thing is that they took over a storefront that had been vacant for quite some time.

[G Wiv]

John,

Subway or Tony's Deli for one of the top two Italian subs in Chicago, Bari on Grand is the other. Doesn't seem like much of a choice to me, but then again, I am always surprised, almost to the point of disbelief, to see Olive Garden and Red Lobster packed to the gills every night.

Even funnier, at least to me, is the new Quizno's that opened next to Salam on Kedzie.

Back to Olive Garden and Red Lobster for a sec, truly I am amazed, I occasionally drive past the side by side OG/RL located at Touhy and McCormick around dinner time and they are always very busy.

Enjoy,
Gary

[Pete]

Nope - look exactly one door East of the Subway. I can't recall the name either, but you'll see a neon sign proclaiming "Pizza By The Slice".

It does exist!

[Giuseppe]

Bella's

[Erik M.]

FYI, its NOT exactly one door east of Subway.

Yes, Bella's. The thin slices are terrible. I cannot comment on the pan pizza, but it seems to be very popular.

Erik M.

[Geoff]

I enjoy the tacos at El Taco Veloz. They are cheap and pretty good. I especially like their cecina (dry beef) tacos.

El Taco Veloz
1745 W. Chicago

[Vital Information]

Perhaps in your search, you did not spell Chicago, "Old Liv". See link to recent thread!

I'm partial to Flo, I know some people involved with their operation, and they do a great job.

Rob

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[Atomicman]

Bialy Cafe on Chicago is kind of a coffee shop with tex mex overtones, I usually frequent it for breakfast, omelettes and chicalquiles etc.

There are many options on Grand as you continue past Bari,
Salernos Pizza is an old school, checkered tablecloth, large portions Italian American place, one of my favorites for eggplant parmesan. I also very enjoy the fine collection of "celebrity" 8x10's near the entrance, most of them fall into the "who the hell is that?" category.
The Twisted Spoke is a hipster/yuppie biker hangout. In spite of this it is a welcoming place with well above average bar food. Excellent burgers and sandwiches with a great beer and Bourbon selection. They have Jim Beam on tap.
A block or so north on Ogden is Bone Daddy, a BBQ place owned by the same people as Twisted Spoke, I do not believe they are open for lunch during the week. and further north on Ogden at Chicago is the Matchbox and the Silver Palm, Silver Palm is sited in a train car, ReneG has posted on it fairly recently, I beleive the thread was titled Cocktails.
Bella Notte is a bit further west on grand, not sure if they are open for lunch, but another large serving of pasta kind of place, I have had take out from there and it was above average.
Cafe Oggi, looks interesting, I have not been in. THe Same for the Burger Baron.
Further west is Uncle Daves Place, Again looks interesting, but I have not explored it,
Munch is in the old Wishbone space. I have been there a few times and they do a decent breakfast and lunch. I will be moving to this area soon and have started to scope it out but have not done much exploring as of yet. There are many others in the area worth exploring, On Grand: La Rocs has been mentioned here for their chili. Misto, Canellas, Cafe Fresco, both D'Amatos Bakeries, Breakfast Club (on Hubbard)J. Patricks (on Erie).

Bialy Cafe
1421 W. Chicago
312-733-7165

Bari Foods
1120 W. Grand Ave
312-666-0730

Salerno's
1201 W. Grand
312-666-3444

Twisted Spoke
501 N Ogden
312-666-1500

Bone Daddy
551 N. Ogden
312-226-6666

Bella Notte
1372 W. Grand
312-733-5136

Munch
1800 W. Grand
312-226-4914

Burger Baron
1381 W. Grand
312-733-3285

Cafe Oggi
1378 W. Grand
312-733-0442

[annieb]

I can comment on Bella Notte and Oggi's, with a caveat that I have not been to either in a while, but went regularly for several years and found them to both be consistent.

So: Bella Notte is fancier. Their escarole soup is one of the best I've had hereabouts. At night, you see lots of overweight guys in sharp suits with women with big hair. Maybe that's changed. Their pastas are HUGE, and you should explore the appetizers salads soups and consider splitting a pasta.

By the way, every time I have been I have asked if they have the homemade pasta, I can't remember if there's is three-finger, or five-finger, but it's like a cavatel dough that's rolled like playdough, thicker here, thinner there. If it hasn't been on the menu they have always been willing to make it for me, and the standard way is with escarole and sausage.

Oggi's is more casual, I have run into parish priests who like it because it's good homestyle Italian food (which Bella Notte also is). Oggi's is all windows, you can get pastas that are basically at almost the same price point as Bella Notte, but also a slice of pizza. Their pizza is ok, nothing that makes me forget (dare I say it) NY pizza, or even want to eat pizza. It can get crowded, so if you're springing for linguine w/clams, you can feel a bit abandoned, service-wise, and also hurried. It is kid friendly, but not if it's crowded.

Hope this helps.

[TB]

we live off of Grand and have eaten in all of the above places many times. What comes to mind is: try the eggplant parm at Bella Notte (off the menu), not Salernos. Bella Notte eggplant parm would be my "last meal" request. At Oggi's the linguine with red clam sauce is quite good, good sandwiches, very good bread. Down the street a bit at Wood is 2 Jack's, also worth trying. I think they filmed some of the Soprano's there :-) They have great bruschetta, good steaks, seafood. Stay away from the linguine and clams. It's much more formal than the others mentioned.

I'm not a big Munch fan or Breakfast Club for that matter. I find both of them overpriced. Munch is losing their lease, so I hear, and won't be there long.

[bjt]

Right next door to Bari is D'Amato's Bakery, and they have this amazing "pizza" that is focaccia-esque in its base, moist with lots of oive oil (consider it part of your peripatetic mediterranean diet plan) served at room temp with tomatoes, and if you like (and I certainly do) homemade Italian sausage (lots of fennel flavor). I think this is Sicilian style pizza but I'm not certain. Last time I was there it was $1.50 a slice. Very good food to eat whilst walking, exploring (and looking for other treats along Grand Ave.)

Enjoy!

bjt

[annieb]

Love the pizza, but it's NOT Sicilian, at least not how I was raised.

[bjt]

thanks for the correction, I was feeling a bit on wobbly ground making the Sicilian claim. it's definitely not your typical Italian-American interpretation . . . served at room temp and not covered/topped with cheese (although I do think there is a good amount of Parmesan mixed in with the tomatoes). oh well, regardless of its origin or inspiration, it's great Grand Ave. comfort food.

bjt

[joan]

i've been addicted to d'amatos pizza for years. it isnt neccessarily meant to be eaten room temp. in fact, they will ruin it by microwaving it if you ask. i heat it in the oven, about 325 degrees for 15 minutes with some red pepper flakes thrown on. its heaven.

[JeffB]

Ah, but it is, it is Sicilian (and Neopolitan). It's called sfincione. I have been a big fan of this version of pizza since eating it at the Sicilian/Cuban bakery and sandwich shops in Ybor City, Tampa, notably Alessi Bros. It is always pretty similar. Foccaccia-like with crushed tomatoes, little cheese, lots of oil, and often bread crumbs. The Sicilians in Ybor always called it schiacciata, which is not entirely correct, since that term is largely applied to a Florentine flatbread associated with Easter. The Italian side of my family is Napolitano, by way of Pennsylvania. The de Rosa's bakery of New Castle, PA (home also of the now-widespread Caiazza chcolate company) makes a strikingly similar version, known around town as pizza bread. (New Castle, by the way is an interesting little Deer Hunter kind of chow town with an overwhelmingly Italian/Syrian/Polish population and almost no chain restaurants.) Anyway, you will find quite a similar pan version at Pompei, here -- the one with little meatballs and breadcrumbs. Based on the name, I presume the family is from the South. In a way, this kind of pizza is more Italian, and less Italian-American, than most any other (except for the few places with a coal/wood oven and someone who knows how to use it). Below is a link to a famous Sicilian bakery (in Sicily) with a nice photo of the food in question. BTW, the sfincione, schiacciata, pan-pizza, pizza a taglio, or whatever you want to call it at D'Amato's here happens to be the best I have ever had.

Link: http://www.anticafocacceriasanfrances...

[bjt]

wow, thanks for the second, fascinating clarification. on a whim i.e. I don't feel much like working today and am in more of a chowhoundy-sleuth mode, I called D'Amato's directly to ask them what style pizza it is they're serving up there. The first guy who answered the phone was definitely back in the bakery area, lots of machine noise and he said, "Style? uh, it's Italian." The he waited a moment and I said, "yes, but what part of Italy?" and then he suggested I talked to the lady up front. She got on the phone and said in so many words, it's just the way their family has always made it, but then added, "We're from Bari, Barise."

By the way, the slices with sausage are $2, no meat $1.80.

D'Amatos Bakery
1124 W. Grand
312-733-5456

[joan]

btw, the d'amatos 3 blocks west has a small parking lot.legal parking is impossible at the bari/d'amato's block.

[Harry V.]

Jeff, thanks as always for another informative, knowledgable, accurate post.

But I must ask you, with all due respect: how many parents do you have? You seem to possess familial expertise on every cuisine there is.

[JeffB]

I don't pretend to surround myslef with RST-like mystery, so here's the geneology:

Mother: Italian
Father: Russian/Ukr.
Maternal in-laws (aunt's, cousin's relatives by marriage): Syrian
Formative childhood home: Cuban/PR/Italian neighborhood

Wife: Cuban, with roots in Spain
Wife's in-laws, as per above: Mexican, Guatemalteca, Japanese

I have fairly close relationships with at least one family member from each of the aforementioned ethnicities who has guarded their traditional culture, and cooks. I'm also a big fan of Southern food, having spent extended periods in north FL, TN, NC, and the Carbondale/Paducah/Cape Girardeau metroplex. Any other regional knowledge comes largely from a three-year stint wherein my job took me to large auto body shops on the Grand Avenues of America in mid-to-large cities in most of our 50 states. Garage guys almost always have a strong and accurate opinion on where to eat. (Case in-point: the other day I went to Bucaro Bros. on Ashland to fix a flat. They were eating subs and olives from Bari.)

[Vital Information]

JeffB,

Cool post (in general your posts have been clicking on all 8 cylanders of late--keep this in the garage!).

I think we should all disclose our histories and special knowledges to make it easier to identify certain experts and such (I mean who knew you'd have that bit of Syrian knowledge nearby!)

So, here's my background:

Jewish on all sides, but neither my parents or my family keeps kosher.

Parents, for several years, owned a housewares and gourmet food store in Niles. Was forced to work there even though I could goof off more at local Walgreen's. Knife knowledge gained there later source of controversy.

Mom's uncle and his brothers owned a W.Roger's Park deli for a number of years. Entering Friedman's through the back alley and kitchen was about the coolest thing a 5 year old could do--think the Copa scene in Goodfellas.

Great Aunt (who played the equivilant of maternal grandmother) worked at two notable north side hot dog stands: Lippy's Red Hot Ranch and Wolfy's (as kid's we were well stocked in hot dog gum).

Fraternal grandmother one of history's greatest bad cooks. My father's description of his mother's brisket kept me a way from that meat for years.

Fraternal grandfather could survive for years on poached eggs on toast and canned peas. Could not eat brocolli because it aggrivated his diverticulitis.

Wife spent 10 or so years living in New York, making me vicariously know more about eating there than my actual time.

In-laws are from S. Florida. So, I have spent extensive time down there.

3 years in Washington DC, 3 in New Orleans and 1 in Cardiff have given me some experience in these locales.

Rob

[JeffB]

Good stuff.

[JeffB]

Rob, BTW, I recently made the mistake of thinking that I had stumbled onto a new chow-block, hidden under our collective nose in the South Loop, viz, Clark south of Van Buren. (I ended up there during a lunchtime walking tour of the Loop under the L tracks; anyplace worth eating in the Loop is generally within a 1/2 block of the tracks.) Of course, you already had documented this interesting former flop-house row that once featured the forgotten Pago Pago. Now the area is revivified with students and backpackers from the big hostel up the street. Cutting to the chase, I had pozole at La Cocina, which is in the old Pago space. What caught my eye was the fellow in the middle of the room hand-forming sopes and gorditas from masa and butchering pretty good looking pieces of fresh meat. The pozole, rojo, was pretty good. The hominy was not painstakingly notched into rosettes as per the Guerrero places documented by you and RST. Importantly, however, the owner tells me that she has pozole every day, and in all three colors! I hope to try the green soon. I had a sope that was excellent. For the price of fast food, you can sit down and eat off of real plates with flatware. (Free chips and salsa, too.)

I also tried some shrimp from Shark's a few doors south. Very popular, even at an off hour. I thought it was good, a few steps up from a Dock's, e.g. The catfish looked really good. Another, much grungier fried fish/wings place is also on the block. Finally, for those looking for Tex-Mex, there is a decent looking place called Chile on the block featuring grilled meats on flour tortillas. Now if I could only build up the gumption to walk into the nearby Skyride Tap for a ham sandwich, as suggested by Rene.

[Harry V.]

A rich stew indeed. Thanks for answering.

And I thought it was exotic to have a mother from the city and a father from the country.

[Aaron D]

A few weeks ago, I saw an outpost, I believe #1, of Taqueria Traspasada, the #2 of which is at Elston/Belmont/California and was most recently written up by G Wiv, on (I think) Ashland between Grand and Chicago. I say "I think" because I can't really recall why I would have been walking along Ashland between Grand and Chicago. But I'm pretty sure I was. Regardless, I didn't have time to stop in to see if they serve goat consomme on the weekend or at any other time, but it would certainly be worth checking out. And I would appreciate confirmation of my foggy memory.

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...