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Sweet Willie

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Everything posted by Sweet Willie

  1. WISE WISE advice!!!!!! Stick w/fresh local fish/seafood w/simple preparations and you will not be disappointed, too many places to list that serve these basic meals. Our upscale places: Marker 88, Cheeca Lodge Lower key spot: Mangrove Mama's (MM20 something, North side of road)(near summerland/big pine key) great lunch dinner.
  2. The best most interesting part of the various suburban papers like the Deerfield review have always been the crime reports. "oh my, so and so did THAT?!!??" "Mr. XYZ got a DUI!??" whoa!
  3. what kind of brining mixture? recipe?
  4. The chili crabs and pepper crabs at the UDMC (East Coast Seafood Centre, block 1202 East Coast Parkway) have always been delicious. Make sure man-tou (a fried bread) comes with the meal to sop up the sauce. Very messy and heavenly! It also is a pretty cool view if the moon is out. The moon shines on the water as you look out to seemingly another city, until you realize it is just the hundreds of ships moored in the straits. For lunch in Arabtown, try Zam Zams, 699 North Bridge Street. Try the Murtabak. It is fried flat bread stuffed w/ either minced mutton, shredded chicken or sardines along w/onions,eggs and spices. All three were good, sardines & lamb were tied for my fave. corner of Aljunied and Geylang Road, open air tables line the shops after they close along Geylang Road. The place gets real packed on weekend nights and the food is very reasonably priced. Newton is the most touristy, pricey of the hawker centres, you will also be hounded more at Newton. The other Hawker centre's are the ones to go to. I always get up early before my flight home and go to one of the 24 hour hawker centres. I order food to go (termed "take away") for the plane trip home. Works out great and beats the pants off of any in flight meal you may get (in any class of service).
  5. Possibly traveling to Florence this spring, seemingly great suggestions, I look forward to them. Is there more coming?
  6. Does worthwhile mail order pulled pork exist? Suggestions/websites? I've ordered Texas brisket mail order and it has been delicious.
  7. great food and great view, VERY VERY rarely do the two exist together.
  8. yes I've had it, twice. Was not good either time. Cheesecake is so good on it's own, no need for frying.
  9. for the first night we hike in w/T-Bones frozen, by the time you make camp the steaks are ready for grilling. We've also done pre-cooked frozen ribs, that you just reheat in the package in some hot water. Also like to hike in w/a chub of summer sausage and some cheese which lasts a couple days. Otherwise we catch fresh fish and grill. YUM best fish anywhere!
  10. Holy shit! pretty much what most of us said each morning as we got up! The drink of the weekend were Jager bombs. 1 shot Jager w/2 shots red bull. There must be some weird cancelling out effect from the red bull as I think we should not have been able to function w/that much alcohol. I'm also very sure on the amounts as recycling is a must in N WI and I crushed all the cans and took the cans/bottles to the recycling center before we left.
  11. I don't really have a preference, but this past weekend I did a lot of cooking to the sounds of "Mosquitos" the band not the bug. The CD made good hangover music in the morning as 7 of us went through 8 cases of beer, 3 bottles of Jagermeister, 1 bottle tequila, 4 bottles of wine and numerous other shots/alcohol. I'm very sure I drank more this Labor Day weekend than I have in 5 years put together before it.
  12. In Thailand, many hotels will have a picture of the fruit w/a red line through it and circle, not wanting it in the hotel for the smell. Ours was slightly chilled from being on ice when bought so it did not smell overly bad. The creamy texture was interesting, I thougt it was so-so. My wife was happy that there was a trash can nearby so she could spit it out.
  13. My local dive bar "Boomers" in Des Plaines has closed. Too much drugs and guns but it was great to stop in at night while walking my dog and have a brew. I've always been partial to "Weeds" in Chicago on Weed street near North Ave. I used to tend bar in Mt. Pleasant Iowa at a place called the Westside. On my first shift, a local walks in, looks at me, turns to the owner and says "What is this college f_ck doing behind the bar?!!?" Owner took me aside and said remember what he is drinking and have it ready for him when he walks in next time. Sure enough w/in two weeks this guy and I were chatty pals.
  14. An associate from Madison recommends: Takara Japanese Restaurant at 315 State St. is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the world. The sushi is delicious and beautiful, and the hibachi chefs are highly talented. My order almost always includes the rainbow roll, and if I’m at the hibachi table I go for whatever seafood strikes my fancy since it’s always all good! I usually spend about $50 for a huge meal of hibachi and sushi. Reservations recommended for dinner, 608 268 0188. Ginza of Tokyo 6734 Odana Rd. is my second choice for Japanese food, since they serve a few items that Takara doesn’t have. My favorite of these is the kogani lobster. kogani is a buttery sauce similar to hollandaise, and the lobster tails are cooked in the shell on the hibachi, covered in the kogani mixture. It is one of the richest foods you will find in a Japanese restaurant, so be prepared. They also have a spicy mustard sauce for dipping, but you have to ask for it since it’s not on the menu. Prices are similar to Takara, costing about $50 for a fabulous dinner. Reservations recommended 608 833 8282. I have not visited Ginza’s new location at 4802 E. Washington Avenue, but I have heard that it’s pretty much the same, 608 661 8890. Maharaja restaurant at 6713 Odana Rd. is a fabulously delicious Indian restaurant. I love Indian food and I seek it out everywhere I go. Maharaja is one of the finest anywhere. Better than anything I’ve had in any of the big U.S. cities. Their lunch buffet (11-3 weekdays) is my favorite lunch anywhere. Their fish vindaloo is spicy and robust, the chicken tikka masala is perfectly balanced, and the tandoori mixed grill is wonderful. Maharaja has a second location at 1707 Thierer rd. and one in milwaukee which are equal in every way. Ella's Deli at 2902 E. Washington Av. is a must see Madison institution. Their kosher style deli foods are legendary, and almost as interesting as their collection of mechanical toys and music machines. They also have world famous ice cream. Bring the kids for a ride on the carousel! (In season) Wah Kee Noodle Co. at 600 Williamson St. is Madison’s finest Chinese restaurant. Famous for their tong mein and lo mein, they serve Cantonese as well as Hunan and Szechwan specialties. I frequently order the Kung pao tofu, shrimp in lobster sauce, or the yeung chow fried rice. Wah kee is an excellent value with most entrees under $10. Michaels Frozen Custard is a Madison tradition. The custard itself is richer and creamier than any ice cream. They also serve great burgers and sandwiches in the tradition of the old American roadside drive-ins. There are three Madison locations including 2531 Monroe St, 3826 Atwood Ave., and 5602 Schroeder Rd. Lazy Jane's Cafe at 1358 Williamson St. is my favorite breakfast place in the Mad City (since Bev’s diner and the original Cleveland’s Lunch closed ). Egg specials, juices, teas and homemade scones anchor the menu. My standard order is ‘the works’ which consists of eggs any style, potatoes, toast and their thick smoky bacon. The service is wait your own and bus your own, with the cook yelling out your name when your order is done. Deelishus! American Table is located at 1201N. Sherman Ave. in the Madison East shopping center. This is a fine American family style restaurant, with all the usual amenities thereof. Kid’s menu, senior citizen specials, grilled sandwiches, daily dinner specials and pasta specialties all come together for the perfect Midwestern family restaurant experience. Jamerica is a small Jamaican restaurant at 1236 Williamson St. More like a mom & pop grocery store with a kitchen and a few tables, Jamerica is small on choice, but BIG on flavor. The home style Jerk chicken is almost always my choice, with rice, beans, vegetables and gravy, I rarely finish it all. Mediterranean Café at 625 State St. is my favorite place for falafel or hummus, and their chicken kofta is perfectly spiced. ‘The Med’ is small and inexpensive, but rich in flavor and value. The Avenue Bar at 1128 E. Washington Ave. is a favorite hangout of local politicians and celebrities (I have had dinner next to senators, U.S. rep’s, the governor, TV news anchors, etc.) More a restaurant than a bar, they serve great steaks and prime rib, daily dinner and lunch specials, and the best fish boil (a Wisconsin tradition) outside of Door County. On weekends they serve a great brunch with egg specials, and the finest waffles in town. Note: the brunch service is slow, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry, or better yet, bring grandma and the kids and spend some quality time with the family. Reservations recommended for dinner, 608 257 6877 Essen Haus is Madison’s favorite German beer hall. Complete with polka bands, dirndls and boots of beer. All the standard German fare is present, including spaetzle, sauerbraten, Wiener schnitzel, and fresh pretzels & mustard, and it’s all fabulous. Essen Haus is at 514 E. Wilson St. 608 255 4674. Reservations suggested. El Pastor Mexican restaurant, located at 2010 S. Park St. is my favorite Madison Taqueria. With excellent tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and wonderful fajitas, it can be hard to choose. Also available are mexican beers and sodas, plus their recently opened full bar. Lao Laan Xang, at 1146 Williamson St. serves Asian food with a Laotian flavor. Madison’s most interesting curry dish IMHO is their Gang Galli, with elements of Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking coming together in one dish. White Horse Inn at 202 N. Henry St. serves some of Madison’s best steaks, chops, and game meats, and they are perpetually in Idine. I prefer their prime rib over any other in Mad Town. Reservations recommended, 608 255 9933 Monty's Blue Plate Diner at 2089 Atwood Ave. serves traditional diner favorites with a twist. My favorite was always the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich with waffle fries and a cup of soup. The desert case here is possibly the best in Madison, with cakes, pies, tarts, cheesecakes, brownies, and a ‘Death by Chocolate’ that nearly lives up to it’s name! Fyfe's Corner Bistro at 1344 E Washington Ave. is an upscale, eclectic restaurant and bar, serving Wisconsin favorites, with a style bordering on ‘California cuisine’. I love the broiled sea scallops, and the lobster with pasta and cream sauce. The steaks and chops are excellent too. Reservations recommended, 608 251 8700 Mother Fools Coffee House at 1101 Williamson St. is a funky coffeehouse in the tradition of beat poets and bohemian artists. Also an art gallery with changing monthly exhibits, including a graffiti mural on an outside wall, and a music venue attracting local to international artists, but the coffee’s the thing here. Their Mother Fools House Blend was once judged the ‘best brewed coffee in the known world’. Try the cold brewed iced coffee, and the vegan pastries! Jenifer Street Market at 2038 Jenifer St. is a neighborhood grocery store, with great produce (much of it organic and locally grown), excellent butcher counter and deli, and a small hot lunch counter with soups salads and homestyle entrees made from ingredients in the store. I often go there for things like roast pork with mashed potatoes or rice, gravy, green beans, and a roll with butter, or sliced beef with scalloped potatoes, peas and pearl onions, and Italian bread with butter. Their bin of imported cheeses is also fantastic. Wisconsin Farmer's Market happens every Saturday morning at the state capitol. You can find everything from small farm meats and cheeses to homegrown honey, from baked goods to edible plants, and it’s all made and grown in Wisconsin. Fantastic home made pies, sausages, jerky, and jams are just a few of the one of a kind, hand crafted food items I have found here. La Paella, a great Spanish restaurant on Fish Hatchery Rd heading south of Madison. They have a very nice wine bar with a ton of hot and cold tapss to choose from. Very good atmosphere and the paella is served with a nice portion of seafood. If you order one of their trademark dishes (such as the paella), then it's personally dished to your plate by the owner--great touch! Prices are reasonable $15 to $30 for what's considered upscale dining. You could easily make a meal just at the wine bar with the tapas, something I'm going to do on my next visit. a potential place in Madison I read about: quote: ...self-described Indonesian restaurant is in Madison, Wisconsin, the Bandung Restaurant. I've never been, but I have read a lot of reviews of the place in Wisconsin papers, and it sounds pretty good. They seem to offer a rijsttafel about once a month, and appear to be an average $10-a-plate Indonesian restaurant otherwise. Check their website for details: http://www.bandungrestaurant.com
  15. Wife and I ate at the Weber Grill Restaurant, 920 N. Milwaukee (just north of Lake-Cook rd.), Wheeling phone: 847.215.0996 Yes it is THE weber grill maker who has opened this restaurant, they also have a location in Lombard at 2331 Fountain Square Drive, phone: 630.953.8880 Real charcoal on a real grill? I'm thinking great eats. Disappointment. I tried the BBQ Sampler which has ribs (baby back), sausage link, pulled pork and 1/4 chicken. The ribs were so-so, most people do better at home easily. The sausage link was something you'd buy in the grocery store (fine if I'm cooking, but not when I'm paying some decent $$). Pulled pork had ZERO flavor. The 1/4 chicken was good and very moist, cooked perfect, but then again most can cook chicken on the grill at home. Wife had the BBQ shrimp/chicken platter. Shrimp were done right (not always easy to do) and again so was the chicken. We each had one draft beer apiece, the meals and an ok fried calamari appetizer. Bill was $58!! Which was WAY TOO MUCH for food that I can cook much better at home.
  16. fully agree, points be damned in those two situations, they are not worth missing out or spending the much extra $ to get (unless your company is paying the bill).
  17. I have three favorites: 1. Cut up leg into 3X4" (or about) size pcs. marinate in following for 24 hours, then grill. Moroccan Glaze Makes 2 cups Zest from 2 lemons, finely minced 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 2 to 3 teaspoons cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves 2. Cut up leg into 3X4" (or about) size pcs. marinate in following for 24 hours, then grill. 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 cup red wine 6 minced cloves of garlic 3 tablespoons basil 3. Lamb w/Date sauce, the sauce w/the lamb (& almost anything else, is too die for) Taken from Mario of FoodTV. 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 leg of lamb, bone-in, about 5 pounds Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 2 teaspoons anchovy paste 1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 carrot, cut in 1-inch length pieces 1 stalk celery, cut in 1-inch length pieces Date Sauce, recipe follows Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a heavy-bottomed roasting pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. In a small bowl, combine the thyme with the anchovy paste. Season lamb with the salt and pepper, and smear lamb entirely with the thyme and anchovy paste mixture. Brown the lamb on all sides in the roasting pan. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and place lamb in oven. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until meat is fork tender. Serve with the date sauce. Date Sauce: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried 5 dried dates, pitted and roughly chopped 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 1/4 cup dry red wine 1/4 balsamic reduction, see note below 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper Using a mortar and pestle (or food processor) combine thyme, dates, and anchovy paste, and pulverize into a paste. Add the red wine, balsamic reduction, and olive oil and continue to pulverize until completely combined. Season with salt and pepper. Note: To make balsamic reduction, pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a sauce pan and simmer over low heat. Reduce down to 1/4 cup to make a syrup, or reduction, of balsamic vinegar.
  18. Sweet Willie

    Potato Salad

    question 1: sorry for the obvious, but taste/texture question 2: mixing the "sauce/dressing" w/the potatoes while they are still warm so they take in the flavor question 3: mostly red, never white question 4: Mom
  19. just tonight for dinner I made chorizo (soft) w/scrambled eggs, side of black beans, side of sweet plantains and served w/some fresh Mexican crema. WHOA incredible combination of flavors! I had dined on this at a restuarant and they called it a Salvadoran breakfast.
  20. no recipe unfortunately, just a suggestion, Taro root burgers. Being a confirmed carnivore, I usually pass on vegetarian only items, but for the past few years (ever since I ordered at the veggie 9 course dinner at a restaurant and it blew me away) I have been trying more & more. Most still don't live up to my self imposed hype, but the taro burgers we had on Kauai were incredible. If anyone has a recipe, make them!
  21. or situations where heavy sweaters wipe the sweat off of their foreheads w/peppered hands! A side question: are not habaneros and scotch bonnets the same thing?
  22. as w/most in this thread, the Fall for me as well and again for most of the reasons stated already. but I like to cook/eat all year long
  23. Free $25 gift certificate for Marché, Red Light, Gioco or Opera just for filling out application. http://www.marche-chicago.com/frequentdiners.html
  24. I agree w/your opinions on Salt Lick. Any other BBQ order websites? Also looking for Carolina pulled pork.
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