Chicago Foodies

Schaller's Pump

We arrived at Schaller's Pump about a half hour before the first pitch of game 1 of the World Series. They had just finished painting the North-facing wall of the entire building with World Series White Sox lingo and a bit of linseed oil hung in the air. Luckily we weren't being rained or hailed on. It followed this season's Sox fortune.

Schaller's Pump is a venerable family-owned pub on 37th and Halsted. With the world-fricken series in Chicago the last thing I would want would be to stick to the Northside and deal with Cubs-fans' attitude. Rather than staying home we went out with some friends, looking for an appropriate place to really get into the series. Schaller's Pump was the right pick.

Thai Spice

Thai Spice is an unassuming restaurant on the north side of Devon just east of Clark. It was empty when we walked in. The owner and an employee were sitting down for dinner. A couple of police walked in. Someone came in for take-out. Otherwise it stayed empty. They have been in business for quite some time and it was a Wednesday evening.

Gulliver's

The first restaurant I remember ever going to was Gulliver's and while people are bound to disagree – I  find it to be the best pizza in Chicago. When I lived further south I had fixes of Lou Malnati's which is a very similar pie. It's cheesy, the crust is thick and the sauce is more tomatoes than sauce. Gulliver's differs by seasoning. It is heavier on the oregano/basil than other similar pies.

I will also have to say that Chicago pizza is the best pizza in the world – so far. This makes Gulliver's the best pizza in the world. Wouldn't you drive north to Howard for the best pizza in the world?

Sabri Nehari

A sure way to empathize with people is to share their food. It brings a uniqueness to a culture that is palpable, a sensory connection that helps with an understanding of what a place may be like.

I have been waiting to review Sabri Nehari for several months and ended up eating there a week before the earthquake in Pakistan. I ate there this past weekend again. The food is terrific.