570587 Sat Nov 08 09:35:58 -0800 2008 33 7 Chicago Area 0 4158087 It's a cold and crappy day ... short ribs are on our minds for dinner tonight. Besides Alinea and Graham Elliot (its not that kind of evening out tonight) ... any reco's? Thanks! Sat Nov 08 09:35:58 -0800 2008 217981 jsgrunstad 1 4158210 What a great question! I LOVE short ribs, and I often order them when I see them on a menu. They seem to have greatly increased in popularity over the past year or two. Ideally, I think they should be extremely (amazingly) tender and not overly fatty, and very tasty. They are usually braised, a slow-cooking method that (hopefully) renders the fat and tenderizes the meat. Sometimes they are served bone-in (on the bone), other times without the bone. Here is where I can recall having short ribs around Chicago and elsewhere... I had them on the tasting menu at Avenues when Chef Bowles was in charge, so I assume the ones at Graham Elliot are the same or similar. They were excellent. I had them recently at Custom House. They were served bone-in (in a little pot, with a mini horseradish cream puff!) and theirs were excellent also. They're on the regular menu and this is my top recommendation for you to try next. If you like sweetbreads, they have those as an appetizer and they were also excellent. I had them as a special (over polenta) at Vivere and theirs were excellent, too. I had them earlier this year at Sweets and Savories and they were very good, although not quite up there with the previous choices, as they were not quite as tender as the very best. But still very good. I had them not too long ago at Avec. They were overly fatty and bland in taste. I was disappointed. I had them last year (bone-in) at Cafe Matou and they were very chewy, not that good. One of the very best I've had was this past summer at Margaux, a wonderful restaurant in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I was discussing them with Rob Hurrie, the owner there who came by my table, and he remarked that it's one of the easiest dishes for them to prepare. I'd love to hear about other places that serve short ribs! Sat Nov 08 10:34:26 -0800 2008 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 2 4158708 Oops - I forgot to post my most recent short ribs experience! Earlier this week I had the bone-in "7 Spices & Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Carrots Batônnets & Garlic Mashed Potatoes" at Jacky's Bistro in Evanston, available on both their lunch and dinner menus. They were very good. Sat Nov 08 15:13:59 -0800 2008 4158210 55363 nsxtasy 2 4160542 Since this topic got me craving short ribs, I had dinner tonight at Jilly's Cafe in Evanston, where I had their "Barbecue Glazed Braised Beef Short Ribs". I would rate them very good - a bit chewier than some (which is not so good), but without any fat (which is very good). They were very tasty and the barbecue sauce glaze on top added to the excellent flavor (and the horseradish whipped potatoes underneath were excellent too). The portion size was also quite generous. This is one of their menu specials but they said that they usually have them, especially this time of year. Those who are fans of foie gras should also know that Jilly's version is outstanding, and also a generous portion size. In looking around for where to eat, I've noticed a couple more places showing them on their website menus, but where I haven't tried them yet. These include Le Lan's "'sizzling' short ribs" and Deleece's "Braised short ribs glazed with sweet chipotle barbeque sauce". Sun Nov 09 17:24:52 -0800 2008 4158210 55363 nsxtasy 2 4167411 Osteria Via Stato has short ribs seasonally as one of their entrees. I think its on a parsnip or celery root puree. Wed Nov 12 09:12:27 -0800 2008 4158210 132309 chicagowinediva 3 4198370 Osteria's are the best I have had in a long time. That was a little over a month ago. Mon Nov 24 11:37:49 -0800 2008 4167411 50030 theuninvitedguest 2 4227834 I also forgot to mention Michael, in Winnetka, which has some of the very best short ribs around! I ate there for lunch in late August, and at that time they had a "trio entree" that included wonderful short ribs. I see that their current website menus don't show this on the lunch menu (BTW they are open ONLY on Fridays for lunch), but they do on the dinner menu, as "Trio of Slowly Braised Beef Short Rib, Filet Mignon and Wild Mushroom Ravioli sauce Chasseur". Also, if you're a fan of foie gras, don't miss their sauteed foie gras over foie gras strudel. I have been to Michael numerous times now, and I consider it the very best mid-priced restaurant in the entire Chicago area. www.restaurantmichael.com Sun Dec 07 16:36:00 -0800 2008 4158210 55363 nsxtasy 2 5287055 >> They seem to have greatly increased in popularity over the past year or two. I wrote the above because they've been popping up on restaurant menus in the past couple of years, especially during the colder months. There's now evidence that a lot of people are making them at home, too. We ordered some for tonight's big NYE bash from Zier's, our go-to place for the finest quality meats. They mentioned that a lot of people have ordered short ribs for NYE this year. Thu Dec 31 12:52:05 -0800 2009 4158210 55363 nsxtasy 1 4158340 I had some excellent braised short ribs at Franconello at University Village, they were juicy, tender and served over Polenta much like the other poster mentioned at Vivere. Speaking of ribs, I always enjoy the beef ribs at Fogo De Chao, not so fatty (although I prefer fatty ribs) and served sliced thin. My MK Sat Nov 08 11:41:03 -0800 2008 4158087 238344 MYMK 1 4159764 I love short ribs, too and I'm so glad we're in braising season again (as distinct from grilling season)! Of course there's my own (small, gracious bow), but that's not what you asked. I just had wonderful short ribs at Mercat a la Planxca last night. They appeared to have been braised and then browned so that they were tender, but at the same time had a crust. It's a small plate and was served with scallops so it was really just a taste, but sooo good. Let us know if you found short ribs, and where and how they were. Sun Nov 09 09:34:25 -0800 2008 4158087 24468 chicgail 1 4164963 The short ribs I had at Keefer's was to die for. Don't remember if short ribs was a special or on the permanent menu, but worth checking out. Tue Nov 11 11:32:28 -0800 2008 4158087 216146 sis2catbat 2 4165301 They're not shown on the menu on their website at www.keefersrestaurant.com I think a lot of places have them as a seasonal special during the colder weather months (as I was told explicitly at Jilly's). Tue Nov 11 13:28:30 -0800 2008 4164963 55363 nsxtasy 1 4167265 I remember having some wonderful short ribs at Red Light, but again, I'm sure it was a seasonal specialty. Wed Nov 12 08:28:28 -0800 2008 4158087 52499 ChefJune 1 4176167 I recognize you were asking for a dinner option but should you have that short ribs craving for lunch I highly recommend Manny's Deli. Especially on Thursdays when you can pair them up with kascha as your (heaping) side. Manny's is open for dinner now, as well, but I'm not certain what the dinner menu options are. Manny's Deli 1141 S. Jefferson Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 939-2855 I have fond memories of the short ribs at Scylla before Stephanie Izzard closed it but all good things come to an end, I suppose. Sat Nov 15 12:31:04 -0800 2008 4158087 57196 Original Kman 2 4191573 I agree with the Manny's suggestion. I love their short ribs. You should know that this is a cafeteria, unpretentious, busy at lunch, and you get a lot of food for the prices, which are a lot less than at most of the fancier restaurants suggested. Fri Nov 21 08:16:24 -0800 2008 4176167 18968 mr_jerry 1 4181123 If you ever have a hankering for short ribs at home, please run to trotters to go. I absolutely love their short ribs..asian preparation with hoisin, etc...grab some of the mashed potatoes, and some haricots verts with cranberrries/figs and you're set! Mon Nov 17 14:47:10 -0800 2008 4158087 28235 ljero 1 4197922 Sola has some great short ribs that seem to always be on their menu, too! Mon Nov 24 08:54:01 -0800 2008 4158087 16878 Chargenda 1 4201643 I don't live in Chicago, though I have spent pleanty of time there.....I had the Short Ribs at Southwater Kitchen at the Hotel Monico, AWESOME.....Tender, Flavorful! Also, try the Waleye app..... Tue Nov 25 14:03:55 -0800 2008 4158087 241480 themeatguy 1 4209173 I would have to agree nsxtasy- Custom House's short ribs were the best I had. Granted, the last time I was there was about 3 months ago- but everything I ate was excellent! Definitely recommend! Sat Nov 29 21:04:26 -0800 2008 4158087 179401 kluskert 1 4217521 I love short ribs, especially now that it's gotten cold. They are on the menu at Bonsoiree for their five-course fall tasting menu. Bonsoiree is one of our favs and we were looking forward to their Tuesday night discounted special. The short ribs were beautifully tender, but they were also IMHO disappointing. Served with "blackberry capsules," the opportunity was there to give them some oomph with a pungent and savory blackberry glaze. Anyway I am now inspired to try a new recipe for short ribs: braised 'til they fall apart and then glazed either with a blackberry preserve/vinegar/cayenne mix or a mustard/brown sugar/bourbon topping.. Wed Dec 03 10:15:11 -0800 2008 4158087 24468 chicgail 1 4243114 I suggest looking into Chaise Lounge on North Avenue. The chef worked for Elliott Bowles and for Paul Kahan at Blackbird. Short ribs are mighty tasty. Fri Dec 12 17:59:48 -0800 2008 4158087 248104 Chitowneater 2 4243283 I agree and I often forget about it. The Chase Lounge is a sleeper. I also love the patio in the summer. Fri Dec 12 19:33:23 -0800 2008 4243114 24468 chicgail 1 4244150 joe stone crab and prime house on grand and rush has terrific short ribs Sat Dec 13 11:02:39 -0800 2008 4158087 240809 bertie 1 4495478 I just posted about my dinner Sunday night at L2O in the topic at http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/546690 The short ribs were interesting because they were braised and then formed and grilled. They were rather tender but a bit on the salty side. Wed Mar 11 14:23:38 -0700 2009 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 1 4497586 Would anyone care to refine the topic a bit and recommend the best place to get Korean or Asian style short ribs? Thu Mar 12 08:43:13 -0700 2009 4158087 35052 beanbreath 2 4498247 San Soo Gab San 5247 N Western Ave Totally fun. Really good. Great value. Thu Mar 12 11:23:21 -0700 2009 4497586 57415 rubinow 1 4500729 This is totally out of left field. I had lunch at Lula's in Logan Square yesterday and ordered a short rib sandwich from their brunch menu. It was a brioche with short rib meat, cheese and two sunny side up eggs. Heart Attack on a plate, I know. It came with browned new potatoes and an incredibly light, refreshing salad. So good I thought about it all day and I heartily recommend it. Fri Mar 13 06:05:37 -0700 2009 4158087 24468 chicgail 1 4508120 I'm still thinking about a short rib flatbread dish I had at Mercat a la Planxa in January... Sun Mar 15 19:56:14 -0700 2009 4158087 89507 allieinbklyn 1 4670007 Tonight I had dinner at Mexique, the French-influenced Mexican restaurant in West Town. I had the "Costillas" entree, consisting of braised short ribs with a hibiscus flower glaze, served over a celery root slaw, with truffle oil pomme frites (French fries). It was EXCELLENT, one of the best short ribs I've had in Chicago. The way Chef Carlos Gaytan prepares them is, it's a boneless piece of short rib, which he braises, and then puts it on the grill to sear in the hibiscus flower glaze. This adds a super-thin, crispy layer to the outside of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, and it was wonderful. The meat was slightly fatty but amazingly tender, and full of delicious flavor. The hibiscus flower glaze was interesting - a very mild flavored glaze, although it was very dark (as dark as mole poblano) and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The celery root slaw was nice, slightly sweet (perhaps from the cranberries in it and I think there was also a bit of crushed pineapple in there), and the pomme frites were very good. If you're looking for a great short rib, I highly recommend it! www.mexiquechicago.com The rest of the dinner was also wonderful. I've posted a detailed report in the Mexican discussion at http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/463572 Sat May 09 21:08:59 -0700 2009 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 1 5213461 I had another excellent serving of short ribs tonight. This was at the Wheeling location of Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant, where they serve "Red Wine and Mustard Short Ribs" served on a bed of mashed potatos. They were excellent, very tasty, not overly fatty (as short ribs can sometimes be), and a nice portion size with three hunks of short ribs. There were lots of other highlights to the meal as well. Their wines are excellent, and reasonably priced; you can try (and buy) them in the tasting room at the entrance, as well as along with your meal. Our favorites included their Malbec (red), Blanc de Blanc (sparkling), and Ice Wine (dessert). All of the food was excellent, but if I had to single out one dish in addition to the short ribs, it was the Sweet Chili Calamari ("tender rings of calamari, fried tempura style, and tossed in mango chili-ponzu sauce with a touch of spicy mayo"). Just amazing. Portions were quite large, so don't over-order! In addition to Wheeling, Cooper's Hawk has other locations in South Barrington, Orland Park, and Burr Ridge. Here's the info on the Wheeling location: Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant 583 N Milwaukee Ave Wheeling, IL 60090 847-215-1200 www.coopershawkwinery.com Sat Nov 28 18:40:19 -0800 2009 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 1 5253203 Here's another report of short ribs. Last night I had an excellent dinner at Roy's, serving their "Hawaiian fusion cuisine" in River North. They have two entrée preparations with the same braised beef short ribs but slightly different sauces and platings. The prix fixe menu ($35 for 3 courses) has them with a red wine reduction and accompanied by mashed potatoes and garlicked broccolini; the a la carte menu has honey mustard short ribs with lomi lomi tomatoes and a natural reduction. I was unsure of which to get, because the sweetness and tanginess of a honey mustard preparation sounded good to me, but all worked out well; I had the prix fixe version and its sauce, too, was sweet and tangy. Delicious! It was a boneless formed piece of meat and, like some of the other places mentioned in this topic, they finished it by throwing it on the grill for a very slight char on the outside. Very tender, not at all "stringy", and very little fat, too (which can be the downfall of short ribs). This is one of the best versions of short ribs around town. Other items during dinner were also excellent, notably the Maine lobster dim sum appetizer (steamed dumplings full of lobster meat) and their signature hot chocolate melting souffle. The service (by Avery) was unusually polished and friendly as well. Highly recommended. www.roysrestaurant.com Tue Dec 15 09:35:49 -0800 2009 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 2 5254467 Today I received an e-mail from Roy's which contains the following blurb about short ribs: History of the Dish Roy's Braised Beef Short Ribs In the late 1980s, Chef Roy Yamaguchi was inspired to offer an upscale interpretation of a classic comfort food dish popular in many of the Asian communities in Hawaii. He began by taking beef short ribs—at the time a relatively obscure cut of meat, especially in high-end restaurants—and braising them until they were "spoon tender." He then paired the ribs with mashed potatoes and garlicked broccolini, creating a dish that has since become an enduring favorite at Roy's. P.S. Beef short rib dishes are now featured on the menus of many highly regarded restaurants from around the world. We consider this a shining example of Chef Roy's influence in today's culinary world. Tue Dec 15 16:46:28 -0800 2009 5253203 55363 nsxtasy 1 5264206 Here's another report on short ribs. (It's not that I'm seeking them out, but rather, I often select them when I see them on the menu, since I like them.) Tonight I had dinner at Sam and Harry's in Schaumburg. This is a small group of restaurants whose other locations are in the DC area. The restaurant is in the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, and both the hotel and the restaurant are stunningly beautiful, an excellent design by architect John Portman. The short ribs were their "Akaushi” slow braised boneless beef short ribs, served with veal jus over a bed of mashed potatoes. The portion size was generous, and the short ribs were tender and tasty. However, they were fattier (fatter?) than average, and the gravy/sauce didn't really do anything for them. If you like short ribs, order them, as you'll probably like them (as I did). But if you're looking for the best short ribs in town, these are a bit too fatty to qualify. www.samandharrys.com Sat Dec 19 20:36:53 -0800 2009 4158087 55363 nsxtasy 1 5365248 Today I had brunch at Perennial, in Lincoln Park. On their brunch menu they have short ribs hash, and it was wonderful! The hash was almost all short ribs meat, only a few little pieces of potato and onion. It was served over a large brioche crouton (the shape and size of a burger). It was surrounded by a truly excellent reduction, which the crouton was soaking up. It was a delicious dish, especially for short rib lovers! (The rest of the brunch was good too!) www.perennialchicago.com Sun Jan 31 12:57:18 -0800 2010 4158087 55363 nsxtasy