113676 Wed Sep 10 20:28:41 -0700 2003 10 7 Chicago Area 0 618087 ... Wed Sep 10 20:28:41 -0700 2003 0 awbrig 1 618088 I haven't eaten at Fox and Obel Cafe, so I can't judge that. Based on my experience at fox and obel the grocery store, I was very, very underwhelmed. They have a wonderful selection of high-ticket items, like real balsamic vinegars, olive oils, and mustards, but many of those items seemed very overpriced. The produce didn't look or feel particularly unique or extra-fresh, either. It looked like they choose good produce, but they don't get nearly the turnover of, say, caputo's or the berwyn fruit market. The meats looked good, but again overpriced. Flank steak for $10/lb, even if prime, is miserable. Prime, dry-aged porterhouse or strips for $28/lb is the same you'd pay if you bought from Lobel's (in nyc), and I would wager Lobel's beef is dry-aged longer and perhaps a better grade of prime to start with. Of course, then you'd have to pay shipping to have Lobel's sent out here, but still. Perhaps if I had a LOT of money to spend (and I imagine if fox and obel was local to me -- that is, i was living in the gold coast or streeterville -- i would) it would be a great place to pick up some nice old aceto balsamico tradizionale, but I can't afford to drop $200 on 100ml of vinegar right now, and unless you can too, fox and obel's grocery section might be a bit over the top for you. Cheese prices were similar to those at the cheese stands alone (for instance, roaring 40's bleu was priced virtually identical). I didn't explore the liquor section. I was disappointed to see no water buffalo mozzarella. It may tickle your fancy, but it was too pretentious for me, unless I'm looking for some very specific ingredients. Frankly, I'd go to fox and obel to taste the oils and vinegars, and zingermans to order them. -Ed Wed Sep 10 21:02:55 -0700 2003 618087 0 Ed Fisher 2 618143 Their breakfasts in the cafe are great--at least the yogurt w/fruit, the oatmeal, and the bread basket. The omelettes and pancakes certainly looked very good. Thu Sep 11 16:59:48 -0700 2003 618088 0 shasson 2 618222 So I go there and drop about $150 to buy fixins for a picnic dinner for 4. As I am picking up plastic ware from the counter the f++ker behind the counter says that I had already taken some plastic tableware. I told him I was serving a number of courses. Perhaps they should give their help a course in not offending customers who are paying their outsized prices. Al Sun Sep 14 18:53:56 -0700 2003 618088 0 ALbert the eater 1 618097 Fox and OVERPRICE Thu Sep 11 00:48:08 -0700 2003 618087 0 The Food Dude says 1 618100 The cafeteria's food is sufficient and doesn't feel like a ripoff. It's where we eat when at Navy Pier. Note that parking in the lot across the street is free if you spend a certain amount in the store or cafeteria. Thu Sep 11 01:15:46 -0700 2003 618087 0 Mugs 1 618140 I don't shop there regularly, but I love many things about it, though first I have to say that there has been at least one exception to the produce complaint from the previous poster. In the late spring/early summer they had the largest and by far freshest artichokes for $0.99-1.10 apiece (price changed as season went on). My plugs: excellent large cheese selection, with knowledgable staff. The only other place I can think of with as large a selection would the the Whole Foods on North and maybe in River Forest. Large selection of "gourmet" items available almost nowhere else - oils, vinegars, preserves, packaged cookies, etc. Yes, they're expensive, but they're just not available many other places here, if any, and are expensive in the first place. An excellent bakery, with some of the best breads and baked goods in our area. Good cafe items for lunch, etc. as well. Yes, it's expensive, but it's also very high quality. Again, caveat - I don't shop there regularly and couldn't afford to, but for irregular purchases, it's a fav destination for me when I'm nearby. Thu Sep 11 16:00:34 -0700 2003 618087 0 michael j. 2 618157 You're kidding right? All those cheeses pre-cut and wrapped up in saran wrap. Not acceptable practice at all. I don't think so. Most of this place is hype. Thu Sep 11 23:13:31 -0700 2003 618140 0 Bic 2 618225 The cheese selection really didn't move me at all. It looked no more extensive than the cheese stands alone, and nowhere near the caputo cheese market. Don't get me started on the cheeses at whole foods... they don't do nearly enough turnover to have a consistently good, fresh selection. And $20/lb for mediocre parmigiano reggiano at the minimum age? For $20/lb I'd want it to be aged at least 2.5-3 years. -Ed Sun Sep 14 21:23:55 -0700 2003 618140 0 Ed Fisher 3 618452 You want parmigiani reggiano at a reasonable price? go to JP Graziano - corner of Randolph and a block east of Morgan (I forget the name of street)while there discover NG Produce - accross the street from Graziano... been in business for 4 generations.. how about parmigiani dana padarna.. it is not bad at all and priced right. Please don't get me started at Fox and Obel... Lentils boiled in salt water for 7.00 a pound, (lentils are .30 cent dry) salmon salad for 14.00 a pound.. you want the best Salmon Salad try Luciano on 22nd and Wabash for 9.95 boneless, skinless fresh salman salad like it is no bodys business.I want everyone to be a smart shopper. Eat to live well. Thu Sep 18 20:30:22 -0700 2003 618225 0 Chef 4 618499 Chef, Keep the tips coming! Thanks. Gonna check them out! Fri Sep 19 17:09:37 -0700 2003 618452 0 RST