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ronnie_suburban

eGullet Society staff emeritus
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Everything posted by ronnie_suburban

  1. Some additional details, as reported by Chicago Magazine's Dish: =R=
  2. Yes they are: Edwardo's Natural Pizza 1212 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60610-8341 (312) 337-4490 Click here for the closest thing I could find to a web site. =R=
  3. LOL! I thought about this long and hard and there are definitely several local places that I love. But the net differences between them all are so slim (in terms of overall pleasure derived), that I decided to list none of them instead of all of them. =R=
  4. Judy, You're clearly a seasoned expert and it seems to me that any cookbook author should be happy to receive feedback from you, since it comes with quite a bit of experience. Beyond that, I have to admit, I'm very curious. =R=
  5. Well, unfortunately, the Ryan Poli era at Butter is officially over. I just received this press release: Damn. Chicago's loss is definitely Scottsdale's gain. =R=
  6. January 10, 2007... From today's Chicago Tribune - Good Eating section: Chicago's `big apple'...in this special to the Tribune, Steven L. Katz explores Chicago's century-long love affair with the apple pancake and explains that they really are fairly easy to make at home. A recipe is provided. D is for diet--and dessert...Renee Enna reviews Perfect Light Desserts by Nick Malgieri and David Joachim. Rambutan...Robin Mather Jenkins files this useful guide. Nutrition sneak...in this special to the Tribune, JoAnn Milivojevic explains that sandwiches aren't necessarily an unhealthy accompaniment to playoff football. ===== From today's Chicago Sun Times - Food section: Chicago spots bowl 'em over...Denise I. O'Neal rounds up several spots in town which are offering soup specials during the winter months. From the January 5 edition: Classes get cooking for Winter 2007...Maureen Jenkins previews the Winter 2007 World Kitchen Cooking Classes, sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. ===== From today's Daily Herald - Food section: Hey, amateur cooks, here's a recipe contest with some meat in it...food editor Deborah Pankey previews this year's Grand Chefs Gala and Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, which are scheduled to take place on February 2 at the Fairmont Hotel. A dash of 'quirkiness' flavors his Midwest cuisine...in this week's installment of Chef du Jour, Leah A. Zeldes profiles chef Greg Darrah of Sage Grille in Highwood. Food and wine classes...a comprehensive listing of upcoming area food events, tastings and classes; broken out by day. ===== From the January 5 edition of the Chicago Reader's Restaurants section: Heather Kenny kicks off the year with a review of Coco Rouge in Wicker Park. Also provided is a list of several other recommended spots in Wicker Park. ===== In this week's installment of Chicago Magazine's Dish, Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby fill in the details on some news we reported yesterday: Chef Ryan Poli's departure from Butter. ===== =R= <><><><><> Media Digest Notes... Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be edited into each week's post as they become available. Please do not reply on this thread. For discussion of any stories which are linked here, please feel free to start a new thread or contact the forum host or digester who will be happy to do it for you. <><><><><>
  7. Sadly -- especially in light of recent reports on this forum -- I have to admit that I've never been to Moto. It was on my list for 2006 but I never got there I won't let 2007 lapse without going to Moto. I ate at Spring once in 2006 and I definitely enjoyed it. It just didn't come to mind when I thought about the highlights of my year. I agree about Shawn McClain, though. Green Zebra is also an inspired and distinctive restaurant but I didn't get there in 2006. Starters at Vie are priced low to mid teens, soups and salads are around $10 and entrees are mid $20's to mid $30's. The first time I ate there, I was suprised by how "in line" Vie's prices were with city dining. But after experiencing the level of care that goes into sourcing the food that winds up on chef Virant's menu, I realized that it was definitely money well-spent. =R=
  8. I established a personal goal at the end of 2005 to focus on eating more in 2006. That's not exactly what the doctor ordered but what the heck. Anyway, not only did I want to experience more of the fantastic chef-driven cuisine this town has to offer but also as many diverse and new (to me) venues as I could possibly hit. I succeeded in many ways (as my ever-expanding girth will confirm) and had a great year of eating and cooking. I was also fortunate enough to travel a bit in 2006 and experience some great meals, snacks and food shopping all over the country but those experiences are not listed here. This list is strictly Chicagoland. Chicagoland faves of 2006: Food Shopping (alphabetical): Bennison's Bakery (Evanston) - Fantastic bread, croissant, etc. Foodstuffs (Evanston and other locations) - Full-service gourmet grocery where you can get hooked up with just about anything you need. Lately, I'm feeling the Foodstuffs love like never before. Fox and Obel (401 E. Illinois) - Similar to Foodstuffs but with a deeper and more intense selection of products. Lincolnwood Produce (Lincolnwood) - Best (independent) grocery store on the north side. "Produce" barely begins to describe this place. New York Bagel and Bialy (Lincolnwood) - The standard in Chicago. Period. Produce World (Morton Grove) - A more compact version of Lincolnwood Produce, which specializes in Greek items. Fresh offal in the meat case on a regular basis . . . what could be better? Get your lamb tongue here! Spice House (Evanston and other locations) - The owner has posted a few unkind things about yours truly but their stuff is great and the entire staff is remarkably helpful and knowledgeable. Sunset Foods (Highland Park and other locations) - Pricey but 'worth it' local grocery chain where the quality and selection of goods is consistently high. Three Tarts Bakery (Northfield) - Excellent breads and pastries. This is one of the few bakeries I know of that does both categories well enough to warrant a stop. And their sandwiches are delicious too. Zier's Prime Meats (Wilmette) - This is my favorite butcher shop of all time. The owner, Dave, is a meat-handling diety. Not only is their dry-aged prime beef absolutely remarkable but they also carry high-quality pork, free-range poultry, etc. Dave turns out a vast variety of delectable, handmade charcuterie as well. Cheap Eats (alphabetical): Al's Beef (Taylor Street and other locations) - Hot subject. There are those who would curse this selection and curse me for making it. But in a town known for its eye-talian beef sandwiches, these are the very best. Don't agree? Make your own damn list! Barnaby's Family Inn (Northbrook) - The extremely delicious and distinctive thin-crust pizza pies turned out here are just about my favorite anywhere. Don't know a thing about any other Barnaby's locations. This is the only one I ever hit and it's worth it just about every time. Chuck Wagon (Wilmette) - This place hit the big time in '06 when the "mainstream" media came a'calling. But we've been enjoying their unique, gyros-derivative sandwiches like the Waitress (grilled american cheese on white bread stuffed with gyros meat) and the Nicky's Special (cheeseburger topped with gyros meat) for years. Hai Woon Dae (California Avenue) - My very favorite spot for Korean BBQ. Yes, live coals -- and my favorite assortment of panchan in the city. La Pasadita (3 locations on Ashland Avenue) - My favorite (steak) burritos in town -- as big as your head and crammed with just the basics -- steak, cheese, onion and a bit of cilantro. Nuevo Leon (18th Street) - In a town that offers unparalleled Mexican at every level of dining, Nuevo Leon remains my absolute favorite Mexican "restaurant." Opart Thai (Wilmette and other locations) - My Thai equivalent of Nuevo Leon (without the dining room). Pita Inn (Skokie and other locations) - When it's on, it's on and that's most of the time. I've tried a ton of Middle Eastern places and I like most of them quite a bit but PI stands out for me as the best of the lot. Pizza D.O.C. (Lawrence Avenue) - Fantastic pies. Great toppings and outstanding crust. Their other offerings are decent and the small wine list is very good but the pizza is what's transcendant here. Their Pizza Quattro Formaggi and Pizza Silvil e Gabriele are among the best pizzas I've had in a long time. Tweet (Sheridan Road) - Their house-made corned beef hash was one of the best things I ate in 2006 and they even corn their own brisket on premises. Finer Dining (ranked): 10) Le Francais (Wheeling) - While the luster has probably faded on this venerable spot, chef Roland Liccioni's cooking is as tight as ever. 9) Avenues (Peninsula Hotel on Superior) - Chef Graham Elliot Bowles is one of the true young masters in Chicago. His cuisine is unique, innovative and delicious. GEB's pre-ban Foie Gras Chef's Palate menu was one of the highlights of my food year. 8) Carlos' Restaurant (Highland Park) - The reigning Zagat champ in Chicago and for good reason. Sublime creations here are founded in classical technique but are far more than merely the traditional the sum of their parts. 7) NaHa (Clark Street) I've never had less than a stellar meal (lunch or dinner) at NaHa. The sensibility with which the entire menu is generated is not only distinctive but the food itself is compelling, comforting and delicious. 6) Schwa (Ashland Avenue) No other dining experience quite equals the one to be had at Schwa. The food is amazing and it's served in a tiny, 26-seat dining room by the chefs who created it. Chef Michael Carlson isn't shy about asking you how you liked it, either. That along with the rustic, boldly-flavored food makes Scwha a one-of-a-kind experience. 5) Prairie Grass Cafe (Northbrook) I ate here at least 43 times in 2006 and that's no exaggeration. It's near my house and I'm truly grateful that it is. Chefs Stegner and Bumbaris put loving care and decades of top-tier cooking experience into every plate. It's home cooking with a conscience and a world-class pedigree. GM/owner Rohit Nambiar has put together a great, affordable wine list and he also runs the front of house, along with manager Dan Sviland, with aplomb. 4) Custom House (Blake Hotel on Dearborn) - The food, wine list and service distinguish Custom House. Their quail appetizer, short rib, sweetbreads and other creations are so memorable, you'll find yourself talking about them weeks after you've had them. For me, several of their dishes have become benchmarks. It's easy to see why Chef/Owner Shawn McClain won the Best Chef Midwest Beard award this year. 3) Butter (Green Street, Greektown) - Chef Ryan Poli may be the most underrated culinary star in Chicago. This kitchen, heavily influenced by Poli's well-spent time in Spain, is turning out food like no other in Chicago. Some of the very best things I ate in 2006 were at Butter, including Slow-Poached Egg, with Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto, Short Rib Ravioli, Milk and Cereal and several immaculate pasta dishes. If you haven't been to Butter, you're missing out on something special. RP and his crew are a force to be reckoned with. 2) Alinea (Halsted) - What need be said? Chef Achatz is amazing and Alinea carries a "wow" factor like no other place in the city. The Tour De Force (the tasting menu to end all tasting menus) is not only the most sought after meal in Chicago, but possibly the entire U.S. It changes and evolves regularly which adds additional excitement to each dining experience. Chef combines seasonality and regionality with an unequalled ability to reach out and grab items from all over the globe, at their peak. Wine service here is also the most enjoyable in the city, for me. Thanks to wine director Joe Catterson and head sommelier Craig Sindelar, I probably tasted more fantastic wines at Alinea in 2006 than at every other restaurant I'd been to last year -- combined. Is it avant garde? Is it hyper-modern? Don't know, don't care. I've eaten hundreds of dishes at Alinea and every single one of them let the amazing, memorable flavors do the talking. 1) Vie (Western Springs) - I suppose this could be considered somewhat of surprise selection but only by those who've never been to Vie. Simply put, Chef Paul Virant's food speaks to me. I love the seasonality and regionality of the menu, the focus on classical french technique and its derivations and the fact that virtually every main ingredient on the menu is identified by its origin. I completely dig how resourceful chef Virant is in every regard. His pantry of hand-canned and preserved foods is not only amazing but one glance at it reveals chef's unending passion for what he does. It almost brought a tear to my eye. There is an aesthetic at Vie which distinguishes it for me like no other place. I had 3 meals at Vie in 2006 and each one delighted me completely. Service also happens to be amazing at Vie and the wine list is especially thoughtful and food-friendly. Honorable Mention: (all categories, no particular order) Joe's (The Sausage King) Fless Market (Western Avenue) - Loved this man's sausages and veal bologna but he closed his shop in 2006. We'll miss you, Joe. Del Toro (Damen Avenue) - great stuff and their Patatas Bravas are near-perfection in a bite. Osteria di Tramonto (Westin Hotel, Wheeling) - Love it so far but I'm just getting my feet wet here -- still have not tried any of their salume. Quince (Evanston) - Mark Hannon's lamb spare ribs and braised short rib were some of the best things I ate in 2006. Tramonto's Steak and Seafood - (Westin Hotel, Wheeling) Their "Tomahawk" was best restaurant steak I ate 2006. Francesca's Forno - (Milwaukee Avenue) Memorable dishes here included the delicious Spaghetti ala Gricia and Pollo Arrosto all Diavola. Margie's Candies (Western at Armitage, Montrose Avenue) - best 'old skool' desserts in town. Ice cream creations are majestic and their Terrapin candies -- always fresh -- are to die for. Hot Chocolate - (Damen Avenue) Best high-end desserts in town. They're beautiful and delicious. And the house-made ice creams are absolutely sublime. Quartino - (State Street) Loved the house-made salume, especially the Duck Prosciutto. La Casa del Gordo - (Highland Park) Mid-priced, delicious Mexican, focused on fresh seafood, in Highland Park. Tag's Bakery - (Evanston) Great butter cookies, danish and hotdog/hamburger buns. Paulina Market - (Lincoln Avenue) A fantastic spot for fresh meat and charcuterie made on premises. Bombon Bakery - (18th Street) Everything I've eaten from here has been stellar and their Tres Leches cake is my favorite rendition of all-time but I haven't been here enough times to move it out of the HM category. What were your standout food experiences in 2006? =R=
  9. This is true. The Spice House is owned by Tom Erd and Patty Penzey Erd, although from what I understand, the businesses are not technically affiliated. Here's the primary difference between the 2 shops, in my experience. Everything at Penzey's is pre-packaged, whereas the stock at Spice House is kept in large jars and weighed and bagged to order. Does this mean that the Penzey's product is fresher? I'm not sure. But I do know that you can buy the precise amount of what you need at Spice House. At Penzey's you are forced to buy in the pre-packaged increments. =R=
  10. I was just coming back to post this as well, after talking with my wife about the topic, although she couldn't remember the town. =R=
  11. LOL, you're so right! I always try to pickup a pound or two when I go visit my MIL. And becaue I love it so much, I've even made my own on a couple of occasions. =R=
  12. I'm not from Indiana, but my wife is. Corn on the cob is definitely up there. Hoosiers consider their corn to be the absolute best. I enjoyed this ear, which was dunked in a vat of melted butter before being served . . . . . . this past summer at the County fair in my wife's hometown. And pork tenderloin sandwiches, like this one . . . . . . are very popular throughout the state, although they very well may have originated in Iowa. There have to be more, right? =R=
  13. Interesting. Can you cite some specifics? I'm intrigued. =R= edit for spelling
  14. If you're talking about pink salt for curing, I get mine at The Spice House. Their Chicago location should be fairly convenient for you. As for a stuffer, even in a town this size, I found that it was easier and cheaper to buy one on-line, which is something you may want to consider. Here's a link to a fairly informative thread about them: Sausage stuffers - what to look for?, Recommendations, please =R=
  15. In my experience, the longer the meat is on the smoker, the smokier it will taste -- right up to that 140 F parameter, which seems about right to me. I've occasionally finished product (or kept it warm) in the oven for an hour or so but have almost never used the oven for more than about 20% of the total cooking time. And yes, I too love the way that doing that makes the house smell. I think the additional smoke time makes a big difference and I prefer product cooked that way but we're talking about opinions here, so if you like what you're doing, keep on right doing it. OTOH, experimentation is hardly ever a waste of time. The more experience you gain, the more variables you'll be able to handle and the more (unanticipated) problems you'll likely be able to solve. I suggest that you give longer smoking shot next time around and see how you like the finished product. But yeah, butt smoked for 8-10 hours tastes a lot smokier than butt smoked for 1-2. =R=
  16. Kerry, I recommend taking a look at these threads and maybe doing a search of the forum, or asking here, for anything specific you can think of: Where are your favorite places to shop in Chicago?, Restaurant-supply stores? Specialty shops in Chicago, Anything I shouldn't miss? I hope that helps. =R=
  17. I've never been but I've heard many good things about Spiaggia. Also, I really loved Tony Mantuano's cooking at Tuttaposto and Mantuano's Table. Based on multiple meals I ate at those 2 establishments, the Beard Award seems well-deserved, to say the least. It's disappointing to read a bad account but I don't think it will dissuade me from checking out Spiaggia in the very near future. It's actually been near the top of my "must try" list for a few months. I hope my experience is better than the one shared here by babern. Also, it's just not fair to compare anything to Margie's. Let's face it, the place is in a league of its own. =R=
  18. I hope (and guess) that enthusiasm for this legislation has dropped to the point where re-visiting how it is written or practically enforced won't be happening anytime soon. Also, while it's probably not entirely fair to say that violent crimes (against people) are still taking place in Aldmerman Moore's ward, it's certainly true that they are. =R= edit to clarify
  19. Well, it looks like foie fans in Chicago can breathe a collective sigh of relief regarding potential enforcement of the ban . . . if this story from WMAQ is any indication: Free Foie Gras Presents Legal Conundrum =R=
  20. January 3, 2007... From today's Chicago Tribune - Good Eating section: The next big thing(s)...Bill Daley queries the Good Eating staff to get their take on the likely food trends of 2007. Some good news, and some bad news...Bill Daley reports that 2007 will bring some good news and some bad news as it relates to wine and other libations in Illinois. Prickly pear...food editor Carol Mighton Haddix files this useful review. Gold rush in Long Grove...Elizabeth Owens-Schiele profiles The Olive Tap in Long Grove, where 15-20 varieties of extra virgin olive oil are sold, on tap. Over easy, over and over!...in this week's Prep School installment, James P. DeWan teaches readers how to turn out the "perfect" over-easy egg. ===== From today's Chicago Sun Times - Food section: New dining destinations...Maureen Jenkins previews what's on the horizon in 2007 for some area chefs including Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, Tony Mantuano and Paul Kahan. Tastings around town...Celeste Busk previews the week's upcoming events at Fox & Obel, Sage Grille (Highwood), one sixtyblue and Vinci. VTK Vong's Thai Kitchen makes time for tea...Denise I. O'Neal reports that January is National Tea Month and that ". . . VTK will celebrate with a host of activities centered around the preferred Asian beverage." ===== From today's Daily Herald - Food section: Chefs step out of the kitchens for a good cause...food editor Deborah Pankey touts the "Chefs out of the Kitchen" cookbook which, in 2005, provided nearly 20,000 meals to seniors in DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake, Will, Kendall and Kankakee counties. Tapas top his list as a dining experience...in this week's installment of Chef du Jour, Melissa Allen profiles and interviews executive chef and co-owner of Naperville's Meson Sabika, Filemon Ochoa. ===== From the December 29, 2006 edition of the Chicago Reader's Restaurants section: Martha Bayne visits Cru Cafe & Wine Bar on the Gold Coast, Mike Sula wonders aloud whether Osteria di Tramonto in Wheeling is worth the trip up from the city (although, he never really answers his own question) and David Hammond files a brief review of Kansaku in Evanston. ===== In this week's edition of Chicago Magazine's Dish, Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby report on Geno Bahena's imminent return to the Chicago dining scene, with Tepatulco in Lincoln Park, scheduled to open this Friday, January 5. ===== =R= <><><><><> Media Digest Notes... Updates from some Chicago media outlets, which do not 'go to press' on Wednesday mornings, will be edited into each week's post as they become available. Please do not reply on this thread. For discussion of any stories which are linked here, please feel free to start a new thread or contact the forum host or digester who will be happy to do it for you. <><><><><>
  21. BaconFat, I've had similar issues with casings from Butcher-Packer and the way they are packed. Eventually, the casings do untangle from each other but as I've struggled with them along the way, I've often wondered "isn't there a better way?" That's a beautiful coil of sausage on that grill. Do you have a recipe you can share? =R=
  22. I was at Carlos' about 2 weeks ago, had virtually the same menu as gaf did, and thought it was a fantastic meal. The barramundi and the risotto were outstanding, as was a delicious venison preparation which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't have quite the same reaction to the desserts, however. While they didn't blow me away, they were fresh-tasting even if they were somewhat lackluster. Unfortunately, the fruit sauces on the plate upon which the trio of desserts was served, stood out as the highlight for me on the sweets side. I agree with Sneakeater -- especially in this respect -- even as the reigning Chicagoland Zagat champ, Carlos' barely gets mentioned. It's a shame but at least that silence adds a bit to their mystique. =R=
  23. Definitely. They'll even ship it for you. I'm not exactly sure about the cost, but you can give them a call to discuss it (847 251-4000). Unfortunately, I think they're closed for vacation until January 5 or 6. =R=
  24. From the piece linked above by Lenski: =R=
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