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ronnie_suburban

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Posts posted by ronnie_suburban

    Iron Chef- Episode 2

    in Food Media & Arts

    Posted

    Back to the apparent spitting.  I checked my Tivo and it absolutely happened.  If it wasn't spitting, and was instead some obscure culinary technique, I'd really like someone in the know to explain it to me.  I was truly shocked when I went back to view the segment again.  Yuck!

    he leans forward to smell the food, not spit in the pot. i watched it in sloooow motion and you can see him lean forward and smell the steam, and nothing comes out of his mouth. he does make a weird, spitting-like face, but i think it's just his smelling face.

    That must explain it. I wish I hadn't deleted it or I'd go back and watch with your theory in mind. Thanks for your take on it.

    =R=

    Dressing "on the side"

    in Food Traditions & Culture

    Posted

    My choice of how much dressing, whether or not I like the dressing at all, is as good as the person's who's plating.

    But, to split this point a bit further, it's not even about good vs. bad, better vs. worse or any qualitative measure. It's about one's preference and IMO, in matters of preference, there is no right or wrong. It's completely subjective.

    That said, I agree with several posters about the difference between a standard salad and a composed salad. If I'm asked what kind of dressing I want on my salad, it's perfectly acceptable to ask for that dressing on the side. If the salad has an 'author', I go with the flow or I order something else.

    This isn't like sauce-on-the-side IMO, it's a much grayer area.

    =R=

    100% Restaurant Cancellation Policy

    in The Heartland: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    When they came to the table with the 'pay for the cocktails in advance' thing I probably would have lost it. You're a better man than I...for sure. Did they think you were going to 'drink and dash'? Puh-leeze.

    And I appreciate you posting this here very much. You may or may not receive a satisfactory response from Hyatt but by posting here, you have effectively informed a larger group about a very unfriendly policy arbitrarily implemented by Hyatt. We're all better off for knowing about it.

    The whole episode leads me to one question though...do other places do this too? If not, I honestly don't know how Hyatt gets away with it without completely alienating potential customers.

    =R=

    100% Restaurant Cancellation Policy

    in The Heartland: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    Even though policies like these infuriate me, I do understand that it's entirely the restaurant's prerogative to institute them. It's also the customer's call to decide whether to put up with them or patronize another place that doesn't implement such unfriendly policies. In short, I agree with docsconz 100%.

    There was an interesting discussion of a similar issue not too long ago on the UK Forum--although it wasn't the exact same situation.

    =R=

    Farmer's Markets - 2004

    in The Heartland: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    I sense bit :wink: of enthusiasm on your part Iguana and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. One of my friends has been keeping a countdown--and reminding me about it daily--until the Evanston market opens. :smile:

    mudbug, thanks for the link. I know I'm probably being dense, but is their a market locator at that site? I couldn't find a link for one. :sad:

    =R=

    Farmer's Markets - 2004

    in The Heartland: Cooking & Baking

    Posted

    The Evanston Farmers Market, generally regarded as one of the best in Chicagoland, is scheduled to open on Saturday May 15, 2004 and Farmers Markets in many other communities will also be starting their seasons in the very near future.

    The market nearest me--Deerfield, IL--is just okay but still I look forward to it. Most of the produce offered there comes in from Michigan and downstate Illinois. I'm especially looking forward to once again scoring some fantastic broccoli, asparagus, apples, peaches, and greens--to name just a few items. I try to appreciate the market for its good points and not dwell on the negatives. Deerfield is a relatively small market but there's always enough good stuff there to make it worth the trip even if there is a disproportionate quantity of dog treats being sold there :wacko:

    Anyone else excited about Farmers Market season? I'd love to hear about your favorite markets and the items that you look forward to. Since my spring and summer Saturdays are normally tied up with Little League, it's not always easy to venture out to other markets, but I'd still love some recommendations for those days when I do have the time.

    FYI, click here for a (complete?) listing of Farmers Markets in Illinois.

    =R=

    Magnum's Prime Steak House

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    I've had some up and down experiences at Gibson's but I find their primary location to be very good and even outstanding at times. Believe me when I say that I don't love crowds, but the "bustle" at Gibson's makes me feel linked, in some way, to the rest of the city. Dining there is a 'Chicago' experience. Conversely, last night at Magnum's, I felt like I was on a sinking ship, and I could have been anywhere.

    I've never been to Sullivan's but it sounds promising :smile:

    =R=

    Magnum's Prime Steak House

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    First of all, please note the hour...proof, that I came home directly after dinner like a good boy should. Of course, my wife is still out carousing with the bachelorette, et al. :shock::biggrin:

    I wish I had something exciting or surprising to report about my trip to Magnum's but alas...

    There was almost nothing wrong with the place, although the cavernous space was almost completely empty. The service was very good and friendly. The food was very good. My USDA Prime, bone-in rib eye was cooked precisely to medium rare and it tasted great. The (steamed?) asparagus was beautiful and tender and the hollandaise sauce served with it was terrific--lemony, bright and rich with a hint of (cayenne?) pepper. Ok, the caesar salad was below average. Mine had more than a few browning edges, but the "wedge" salads ordered by the guys next to me were fantastic.

    It's hard for me to completely separate the quality of the food from the quality of the experience. Being in an empty restaurant feels ominous and even though the food was good, eating it in a private room in back of a large and almost completely empty restaurant, took away--significantly--from the overall experience. I'm not particularly fond of "the scene" but this was just too far in the other direction.

    But, the weirdest thing happened at the end when our waitress brought to our table the keys to all the vehicles that were valet parked. She informed us that the valet had "gone home." :blink: Of course, how did she know that all those keys belonged to us? That's right...we were the only ones left in the place. 10:15 and the night is just getting started (well...for everyone but me :biggrin:), as we close Magnum's. :sad:

    =R=

    Magnum's Prime Steak House

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    LMAO!

    I will be going directly home while the youngin's venture forth...it's a school night after all :biggrin:

    But, if what you say is true, I don't think I'll fit in at Magnum's very well...I'm not good looking and I hate mediocre food--especially when it's over-priced. :wink:

    =R=

    Edited for clarity

    Magnum's Prime Steak House

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    It's been a long time since I ate there, but I always found it just adequate by Chicago steak house standards. If you want steak in that area why not go to the Chicago Chop house. It's just a few blocks away and much better IMO.

    Does Magnums still have that cheesy disco in the back?

    Well, it's not my call...I'm just an invited guest. But I guess there was some trouble getting a private room at a few other places in town because the best man waited a bit too long. Hard to say this was a bad choice (since I've never been) but there are several other places I would have chosen before Magnum's--Chicago Chop House being one of them.

    And yes, from what I have read, the cheezy disco--complete with disco ball--still exists...but a separate cover charge applies :blink:

    =R=

    Digest: Chicago Food Media Round-Up

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    May 5, 2004...

    From today's Chicago Tribune - Good Eating section:

    Here's an interesting story about teens and their burgeoning interest in cooking.

    In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Margaritas and Tequila are in the spotlight once again.

    Here's a link to a somewhat interesting story about nutritional awareness and eating strategies.

    A review of Marcus Samuelsson's Aquavit and the New Scandinavian Cuisine.

    A review of Barbara Ann's BBQ.

    Here's a link to a story about Chicago Public Schools' Education to Careers program in which MK's pastry chef, Mindy Segal, gets a mention.

    Yet another story about teen involvement in the culinary world--specifically 2 sisters who've written a cookbook geared toward other teens.

    A story about Hawaii's Culinary Ambassador, Roy Yamaguchi.

    And lastly from tdoay's Tribune, a round-up within a round-up about various goings on in town, including an upcoming Slow Food Chicago event.

    From today's Chicago Sun Times - Food section:

    A story about the continual search for the next great cut of beef.

    Here's a link to a story about several new, low-carb products which were presented at the recently-ended FMI Show here in Chicago.

    A story about some upcoming changes planned for the vending machines at the Chicago Public Schools.

    And lastly from today's Sun Times, a round-up within a round-up, which includes a review of Chief O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant.

    Here's one more from today's Daily Herald

    Downsizing Dave...a very funny piece inspired by the indie film Super Size Me.

    Thanks to Chad for bringing this link to my attention

    =R=

    Digest: Chicago Food Media Round-Up

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    Hey Everyone,

    I'm setting up this thread as a consolidation point for various, food-related stories of interest that appear in the local Chicago Media. Since the Tribune and the Sun Times publish their Food sections on Wednesdays, I will update (at least) on a weekly basis and hope to also update when relevant stories come through other conduits as well (Chicago Magazine, Reader, WTTW, etc).

    As the thread continues, please let me know if there are any local media sources that I have neglected to include.

    Thanks! :smile:

    =R=

    Magnum's Prime Steak House

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    Anyone been there? That's where I'm going on Thursday night and I wonder if I should be expecting anything beyond the standard Prime steak house experience. Is there anything noteworthy or distinctive about the menu or the place? I've checked out their menu on line but I'd love to hear from anyone who's been there.

    So many steak places in Chicago, and I've been to several of them, but never to Magnum's.

    Thanks :smile:

    =R=

    Marisa's Pizza - Northbrook, IL

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    Another great pizza at Marisa's last night!  (Thin crust sausage, again.)

    This time, I printed out ronnie_suburban's review from the beginning of this thread to show to Mike (and his wife Marcy, whom we met last night).  They'd seen my original post on the Best Pizza thread, but didn't realize there is now a special thread devoted just to Marisa's!

    LOL! Mike asked me to print it out too, since he said he could never find our site. But I, of course, forgot to do so. :wacko:

    I will email him links to this forum and eGullet.com too.

    =R=

    Marisa's Pizza - Northbrook, IL

    in The Heartland: Dining

    Posted

    Had a couple of slices for lunch on Sunday.

    nice crisp thin crust, good tart sauce, cheese looked heavy but was not.

    Only downside is the sausage did not have much flavor at all.

    For sure a VERY good thin crust! I think it would be better with extra sauce.

    I did my best not to compare it to Bianco in Phoenix  :wink:

    LOL! I think Pizzeria Bianco is in a class by itself...well, from what I hear and read anyway :sad:

    I didn't find Marisa's sausage flavorless, but I will admit that I don't think it's as good as what can be had at Malnati's or Pizzeria Due. Ratios...fine, no, nearly optimal in my book.

    Thanks, again, for the post Willie :smile:

    =R=

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