115710 Mon May 03 03:08:27 -0700 2004 28 7 Chicago Area 0 631539 Any on this messageboard but me? Since I was little, my parents always took me out to experience fine dining - I've always loved great food. Now that I'm finally in college and kinda/sorta independent, when I come home for the weekends I find that all I spend my money on is food. I eat out by myself often because most of my friends aren't interested in going to the places that I like to go to. So this brings me to my question - are there young chowhounds here? I'm 19, go to the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign and am currently studying Accounting and Computer Science. I want to find others here who would like to meet up with me and eat out at some quality restaurants and have a good time. I'm tired of eating out alone. :( Heck, I think it'd be cool if I could eat out with any of you guys - I like to think I get along with the older adults pretty well. :p Mon May 03 03:08:27 -0700 2004 0 wlingjpera 1 631546 Hi, You remind me of the brilliant kid who used to live next door to me. In junior high, he had absolutely no friends. When his peers were playing with hot wheels, he was dreaming and reading about space exploration. I get NASA Tech magazine every month, which I would haul over with whatever else I found he may like. I kept reminding him, the problem is not you. It's just you haven't located like-minded people yet, which eventually you will. In high school, he joined the science club where he found his stride and his tribe! If you will go to the midwest page, there are occasional posts on Champaign-Urbana. I would read those, maybe contact those who left their e-mail address ... which you may want to do, also. I would begin posting on food finds in your area. No matter how mundane, they will add something to the body of information. When I was in Champaign in February, I noted Old Fashioned Donut is now Old Fashioned BBQ, I'd be curious to hear your take on it. In Danville, there are some BBQ grills set up on vacant lots on the weekend, that would be interesting also. Please note, chowhounds post on great food, whether it comes from a white table cloth establishment or a Ma-and-Pa enterprise. The environment does not matter as long as the food is good. Why don't you cook for your friends and raise their level of expectations? Whatever they bring, try not to be too judgemental, remember they are earlier on the learning curve than perhaps yourself. Teach them by example. You could also engage yourself in conversations with the foreign students who have to cook themselves to get the homefood they love. Maybe offer to teach them something they're interested in, in exchange to learn from them. There are many ways to cultivate the food crowd you want. Good luck! Regards, Cathy2 Mon May 03 09:14:20 -0700 2004 631539 0 Cathy2 2 631550 What a nice reply, Cathy2! I second your recommendations and wanted to also suggest signing up for the list-serv. Send an email to lth@stsb.com and you will be included in the updates about chow outings. Follow the directions they email you. There's a lot to wade through but this way you'll know about upcoming food-trips and you'll be eating alone a lot less :) Mon May 03 10:15:27 -0700 2004 631546 0 messycook 3 631553 Messycook, I agree, Cathy2's response was incredibly caring and nice. One small correction about the LTH listserv, to join one sends an email to lth-on@sptsb.com and then responds to the confirmation email. To post list members send email to lth@sptsb.com I'll include the LTH subscription info link in the Chowhound URL section. Enjoy, Gary Link: http://www.sptsb.com/LTH.htm Mon May 03 10:34:23 -0700 2004 631550 0 G Wiv 4 631556 I knew you'd come through! :) Mon May 03 11:04:35 -0700 2004 631553 0 messycook 5 631613 I agree that Cathy wrote a very nice post. I would also like to add, that while you may not like hanging out with a bunch of old fogies in my age bracket, that none of the chowhound events have ever been limited or designed to apply to any age group. Generally, the conversation is so food-focused that many other conversations that would make someone older or younger feel uncomfortable simply do not take place. Also, some younger than me have much more food adventure experience than I and some older are just begining the journey...in short age is not that relevant. I also second the idea that you should sign up for the list serve. Unfortunately, I cannot control my own envy or that of my fellow chowhounds that you would have found the perfect tribe at 20, rather than 40. pd Mon May 03 17:56:04 -0700 2004 631556 0 pdaane 6 631615 How's Po'Boys BBQ doing? Haven't been there in years, but I remember many times enjoying a BBQ pork with hot sauce with a Creme Soda after a night at the bars. The hot suace was really really hot! Mon May 03 18:13:36 -0700 2004 631613 0 Omnivore 7 631621 see link Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/122439#665888 Mon May 03 18:55:24 -0700 2004 631615 0 Cathy2 2 631628 Thank you so much for your kind words. You sure know how to make a new guy feel welcome! Regarding Old Fashioned Donut - This is always a topic that comes up everytime my friends and I pass by this corner shack. I've been too scared to try it.. I don't really trust a BBQ & Donut specialty shop. (on the sign it says still serving donuts?!) Oh, I know that great food doesn't have to come from white-tablecloth places. Example: Sarki's in Skokie right where gross pt. road, central, & crawford intersect. Visually apalling, but they have a great breakfast. Nothing beats a bacon lorretta with everything + egg, and hash browns. Once again thanks for the encouragement. I look forward to many delicious reccomendations from you all! Mon May 03 21:09:26 -0700 2004 631546 0 wlingjpera 3 631637 "Regarding Old Fashioned Donut - This is always a topic that comes up everytime my friends and I pass by this corner shack. I've been too scared to try it.. I don't really trust a BBQ & Donut specialty shop. (on the sign it says still serving donuts?!" What scares you sounds darn intriguing to me! There is a BBQ in Chicago named Barbara Anns which is not only a BBQ but a motel as well! However, their links are well respected. So wonderful things can come from strange packages! When my sister lived in Champaign, you had to be fast to get your donuts at this shop. Apparently, once they sold out they closed. So it may be it is a donut shop in the morning and BBQ for the balance of the day. At least it is a more productive use of the property ... and a great story! "Sarki's in Skokie right where gross pt. road, central, & crawford intersect" At this intersection is the Little Island, which serves hot dogs and hamburgers. Where is Sarki's? Do they do carry out? I eat lunch in this vicinity once a week. I'm glad my words were encouraging. When I was in college with Teddy Roosevelt (LOL), I actually did as I suggested. I became acquainted with the foreign students to learn some dishes. I would occasionally cook for my peer group ... so I know this approach works. Best regards, Cathy2 Mon May 03 23:30:40 -0700 2004 631628 0 Cathy2 4 631639 Sarki's is here: http://www.evanstonillinois.net/sarkis.html right by the gas station by the little hot dog island. Tue May 04 00:07:58 -0700 2004 631637 0 wlingjpera 5 631641 I forgot to mention: The omlettes aren't THAT special here. What is is the bacon or sausage lorretta. Ask for everything on it - this includes mayo, diced onions green peppers & tomatoes, and a slice of melted provalone on french bread. That's 3$, and the hash browns are 1$. I get an egg on my loretta instead of mayo - I think it tastes better, although it costs a bit more. Tue May 04 00:11:35 -0700 2004 631639 0 wlingjpera 3 631640 ...as seen in "Risky Business," if memory serves..long long LONG time NU/New Trier hangout. For Cathy: takeout would defeat the whole purpose of going. Check it out - it's just north of Nasty Little Island, just to the west of the Osco on Central. Tue May 04 00:08:20 -0700 2004 631628 0 peg 4 631664 Peg, I believe you are refering to the scene in Risky Business where all the friends declare their future ambitions: Doctor, Lawyer, Scientist, whatever. Joel counters he wants to save the world and has fries thrown in his face. This is a Ravinia (Highland Park) institution named Sheldon's. It's on Roger Williams just east of the railroad tracks. I will certainly visit Sarki's this week. Thanks! Regards, Cathy2 Tue May 04 10:56:04 -0700 2004 631640 0 Cathy2 3 631918 I guess donuts and barbecue just naturally go together (nothing like a few donuts after some tips‘n’links; they just seem to float!). Dat Donut shares a building--and perhaps ownership, I’m not sure--with Leon’s Barbecue at Cottage Grove and 83rd. Dat makes arguably the second best donuts in the city. Leon’s barbecue is edible but there are several far better places within about a mile. It’s been a while since Dat has been mentioned here so maybe it’s time for a link to an old post. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/110278#594999 Fri May 07 01:34:33 -0700 2004 631628 0 Rene G 1 631551 Wow, at 27 I'm already too old to be a young chowhound! I hate to break the bad news, but it seems to remain true across age groups that most people aren't that interested in good food ... and of those that are, most are more "foodie" than chowhound. As your peers age and get a bit more money, you'll probably be able to convince them to the hot new restaurants ... but you'll have a hell of a time dragging them to a Pakistani cab stand or getting them to wolf down catfish custard at Spoon Thai. -rien Mon May 03 10:20:28 -0700 2004 631539 0 rien 1 631558 Sweet! I am no longer the youngest chow-pup (I'm 22). Welcome aboard, and I would bet there's at least one organization on campus for good chow. -ed Mon May 03 11:07:03 -0700 2004 631539 0 Ed Fisher 1 631565 I'm 24 and blessed to have friends of all ages who are very interested in food and wine! Would anyone be interested in setting up a "young chowhounds" (under 30) outing? Not sure how familiar you are with good eats in C-U off campus, but as an alum I can definitely give you a few chow - worthy destinations that you should be able to convince pretty much anyone to go to. -- Li'l Porgy's ("Tastes so good 'cause we cook on wood") at the corner of University & Broadway in Urbana. I know this is a bold statement to make, but I think that this is the BEST barbeque I've had in my life. People (especially from Texas) give me funny looks or laugh out loud when I tell them that the best BBQ in the country is to be found in Central Illinois... until I bring them samples of the fabled sauce! -- The Seaboat on the corner of Bradley & Market in Champaign. Great seafood po'boys & probably the best southern/soul food you'll find in town -- Dos Reales on Prospect, just south of I-74. Hands down the best Mexican in town. A HUGE fajita quesadilla (the best item on the menu IMHO) will set you back $6. -- Bacaro on Neal, just north of University. C-U's most innovative upscale restaurant. Modeled on Chicago's Blackbird, they have the same commitment to serving fresh seasonal foods. The menu changes seasonally. A certain friend of mine once declared their mascarpone cheesecake with maple topping to be "better than sex" . Hmmm. Other places to check out: Cafe Kopi (next to Bacaro), Papa Del's pizza (Green & 2nd), Jarlings Custard (State & Kirby), Silvercreek Sunday brunch (Race & University), Farmer's Market on Saturdays in the Lincoln Square parking lot... Mon May 03 12:14:44 -0700 2004 631539 0 Ms. Paris 2 631575 Ms. Paris, I hope you will post this same list on the midwest board with Champaign, IL in the heading. Not many people will look to the Chicago board for Champaign rec's. I love Little Porgy's. At the beginning of April was their 25th anniversary. We bought two of their anniversary specials which included a pint of their sauce. I always ask for sauce on the side, then squirrel it in the refrigerator for another day's use. It's great to have a source of lemon shake-ups, which does not include a trip to a local Fair. I also like Grandy's with their fried gizzards. Their biscuits and gravy are a classic breakfast choice when we are in that direction. In the Summer, I drive over to White Heath to the u-pick farm on the edge of town. Where else can you pick raspberries for $1.50 per pound. Blueberries are $1. per pound. Rhubarb! Oh, what specialness is just west of town. I live in the Chicago area but find myself in Champaign for various meetings several times a year. My sister used to live there with two babies ... suddenly 168 miles seemed like a small sacrifice to see those smiling little faces. Regards, Cathy2 Mon May 03 13:13:28 -0700 2004 631565 0 Cathy2 3 631577 Cathy2's post got me excited about picking some blueberries and raspberries but White Heath may be a bit too far for us. What are some folks' favorite u-pick farms in the Chicagoland area? Mon May 03 13:23:20 -0700 2004 631575 0 Deflator_Mouse 4 631586 Hi, In June, Thompsons Strawberry U-Pick will be open, it is located just over the Wisconsin border on Highway 50 just a few miles west of I-94. I will advise when the season opens. On Highway 120 in McHenry County, just eat of La Vichysoisse, is a tomato, green beans ect. U-Pick farm, I will advise when it opens in late July. Blueberry and peach u-pick places are in Indiana and Michigan along Lake Michigan, which will not be until August. As time marches on this summer, I will post alerts as I know them. Regards, Cathy2 Mon May 03 14:41:48 -0700 2004 631577 0 Cathy2 2 631591 Wow, the only places I've tried are Dos Reales and Papa Del's Pizza (VERY pricy, but darn worth the $. Great when I'm craving a chicago pizza). So... A Blackbird clone eh? I definately will have to try that out. I was so dismayed upon my arrival here because I looked at the "fancy" (fancy to the students here at least :( ) places like biaggis and kennedys.. which looked very standard. The only problem is I have no car, so I have to rely on the MTD for transportation. Thanks for the recs! I will definately try Lil' Porgys and Bacaro. It's nice to see that there are other young people who enjoy good eatin too. :) By the way... For Boba tea down here Evo is really good, it's kind of like Joy Yees in Chinatown / Evanston. Dessert goes to Ragamuffin hands down - Awesome strawberry pat bing soo. Mon May 03 15:29:44 -0700 2004 631565 0 wlingjpera 2 631599 custard cup - OMG, i long for one (that's jarlings nickname). the "blizzard" concoction is to die for, especially with a dallop of cold fudge on top. i used to get the coffee + brownie & cold fudge. you can pick any number of ingredients; great for a finals repreive or on any lovely spring day. also, the owners of Silvercreek have a casual restaurant down the block called Courier Cafe - best salad bar in town! actually, best salad bar i've EVER seen; to this day i search high & low for a replacement. 111 n race, i believe. open late night for the studiers & always quick to refill a cup of coffee. everything is homemade - from the soups, to the hand-dipped shakes. ok, i used to work for allen (at courier) along with all my friends. do NOT miss out; i didn't find courier until the end of my freshman year & quickly moved to urbana to be closer to the chow-friendly downtown urbana ;) the seaboat is swell, and dos reales. urbana bread co (is this still around) had good sandwiches on really great bread. loved the egg salad. does the Y still have the weekday thai lunch? i discovered thai at that place & still think they had some of the best veggie pad thai. cheers! Mon May 03 16:06:15 -0700 2004 631565 0 miss ellen 2 631619 Is Po Boys (bbq shack) still around? I have not been there for 4-5 years, but it was my favorite place during my time in Champaign. Awesome brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, polish's...the place is incredible. Please confirm that it is still there...if it is, I'm thinking it is time for a roadtrip. Mon May 03 18:35:42 -0700 2004 631565 0 Doug 3 631620 Hi, Deep in the midwest board the answer on Po'Boys awaits. Happily, I knew where to find it, please find it linked below. Regards, Cathy2 Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/122439#665888 Mon May 03 18:54:08 -0700 2004 631619 0 Cathy2 4 631636 Thanks Cathy2! Even with gas at $2.19/gallon it is worth the drive....I'm thinking Po' Boys into Custard Cup. Mon May 03 23:28:14 -0700 2004 631620 0 Doug 3 632578 po boys is still there. tell arnie i say hello. as a regular (twice a week) from 1988-1992 i still stop in whenever i can. only open friday and sat nights at 5:30. bring a six pack or a bottle of crown royal and you may be invited into the kitchen for a snort. i have eaten everything on the menu and the quality is the same as it was 15 years ago. the best time to go is a fri or sat on a football weekend. arnie is a big supporter of illini football. also, bring an empty jug and arnie will fill it up with sauce. anything other than hot is a crime. sandwiches are the standard (incl. polish) and they will mix hot and mild sauce for the faint of heart. also, if you were lucky enough to have your picture on the bulletin board it is still there, now on computer and run on a monitor like a slideshow. viva la po!! Fri May 14 15:05:44 -0700 2004 631619 0 ian alexander 1 631649 Woo hoo, at 25 I still qualify as a young chowhound! I have to say, you may be surprised at the number of younger people who are interested in food. At my law school, an epicurean society has sprung up, and the last event was at Les Nomades. This is an excellent way of getting people together (perhaps there is a sufficient number of UIUC students that hang out in Chicago to start such a club), and you tend to get fairly good deals at restaurants if you explain you are a student organization and are interested in learning about food. All of this nostalgic talk about college grub has me longing for a bulgogi sandwich from Cafe Espresso, a vegetarian slice from Fat Slice, and the big stoner carne asada super burrito from Mario's La Fiesta in Berkeley. Tue May 04 01:27:49 -0700 2004 631539 0 David Chu 2 631794 Hi David, I think we're at the same law school (except I'm staff, not student, but still a young chowhound at 23!). I almost went to the Les Nomades event, but ended up not going at the last minute. How was it? I know they were trying to organize another outing before the end of the year, but guess they never got around to it pre-finals. I'd suggested Zealous as a place, though. Wed May 05 15:43:30 -0700 2004 631649 0 Janet C.