Chicago Foodies

Molly's Cupcakes

On a particularly lazy Sunday afternoon, my roommate and I decided to leave our couch and go on a mission to find us some cupcakes for breakfast. Hailing from the west coast, we had high expectations for ridiculously-priced cupcakes. We realize it's just a fad and a complete waste of retirement money, but the promise of a piece of heaven throws all rationale out the window.

We did some half-hearted online searching and landed on Molly's Cupcakes in Lincoln Park. The minute we walked in, the decor put a smile on my face. Brightly colored furniture and wooden swing sets captured my attention, as well as the big smiles behind the counter. I immediately zoned in on the Red Velvet cupcakes and the anything-filled-with-chocolate-on-chocolate cupcake, with hot chocolate on the side.

Breakfast of the champions.

Sushi Para II

My first warning probably should have been the "all-you-can-eat sushi" for only $16.99. However, my hole-in-the-wall-lovin' self worked up an appetite as we descended to a basement in Lincoln Park, revealing a small space adorned with wooden furniture and a sushi bar wedged in the corner.

I deliberated over the menu and like all my prior "all-you-can-eat" experiences, secretly vowed NOT to roll out of the door in discomfort by the end of the meal. Their menu had a decent variety of appetizers, nigiri sushi and their special rolls. My friends jumped on the appetizers as I carefully made my choices of the special rolls.

Lito's Empanadas

Lito's Empanadas is an extremely tiny place located on Clark St. in Lincoln Park, and it was love at first sight.  When I was on the bus on my way to getting my haircut, I thought I have to stop at this place.  Lito's sells nothing but eight styles of empanadas, including a choco-banana empanada for those with a sweet tooth.  It's a great place for street meat food at street meat prices, which range from $2.09 to $2.29.   

First Look: Sushi-X on Diversey

My wife, as an interior designer, was fortunate enough to get an invitation to get a sneak preview of Sushi-X. I admit I have not been to Sushi-X's original location, on Chicago and Milwaukee in East Ukrainian Village.  One of the first thoughts I had was that this is a bold move for them:  there are quite a few sushi places around Lincoln Park and Lakeview, anywhere from more "old school" styles with bright lighting and lots of bamboo to trendy, hip places.  Sushi-X aims for the trendy and hip segment of the sushi market, with its dark colors, dark lighting, Japanese anime, and techno.  Maybe this is good timing as there have been more of the "trendy" places opening around Lakeview, and surprisingly, a few signs around Lincoln Park as well.

Hema's Kitchen – Lincoln Park

I recently went to Hema's Kitchen in Lincoln Park and had a pretty fabulous meal.  I've been to Devon street several times and even tried some Indian restaurants closer to the city, but I'd have to say that Hema's Kitchen is a great find in Lincoln Park.  The food is very flavorful and spicy; it's reasonably priced; and for me, it's in the neighborhood!

Our party of 3 dropped in on a Friday night in December and even though there was a line, we were quickly seated.  In fact, there was a line the whole time we were there but I don't think anyone waited more than 15 minutes for a table.  The restaurant moves along at a good pace without any pressure as you dine!

Sweets and Savories

For anyone dieting before the holidays who, like me, try to preserve some sanity in the process with one, big fat “cheating” meal a week to take the edge off - I’ve got the perfect one for you. You can find it at Sweets and Savories on Fullerton and you can find it for half price on Wednesday nights (10 dollars down from 20 dollars).

RJ Grunt's: Pulled Pork Done Right.

As a man who has spent the last part of his life living in Louisiana, I was nervous about ordering a pulled pork sandwich in Chicago. I mean, no offense, but this is the North. I’m from the North originally myself, but having tasted the difference I know that sometimes Northerners mistake “pulled pork” for “pork with some BBQ sauce on it”.

Pierogies!: Pierogi Factory

According to Wikipedia, a “pierogi” is a Slavic dumpling, either boiled or fried, stuffed with various goodies, originally from Poland. The “Pierogi Factory” is a small, casual dining restaurant in Lincoln Park that dishes out these sumptuous treats. I had the chance to try out both the restaurant and their titular dish last night, and enjoyed both.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder: Beating the Crowds

Judging by the inevitable crowds lined up outside, the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder almost doesn't require a review of any sort.   The classic early-1970s dark carved wood atmosphere as been left relatively untouched and it reminds me of a Shakey's pizza parlor near home (even the website and menus evoke the vintage feel).   When I got there shortly past 5 on a Sunday there was already a 20-minute wait. 

Alinea

It was a surprise. I'm not even sure how we got short notice seats at Gourmet Magazine's #1 restaurant in the country. All I knew was that a jacket and a pair of pants were in the back seat (no tie required) and I was getting a ride somewhere for a belated B-Day dinner. Boy was I surprised.

I have been looking forward to Alinea since they've opened. Considering all the posts here you'll know that I have yet to go to the heavy hitters in Chicago: Trotter's, Tru, Moto, Everest, etc. I've just been to Arun's but have yet to write that up. Recent outings to other schmancy spots include Morimoto's and Babbo in a random last minute "Food Network" tour of NYC. I was excited about Alinea.

New Years Eve 2007 @ Alinea

Morris and I were fortunate enough to watch the ball drop this year while being treated to a multi-course food and wine symphony conducted by Chef Grant. We even got a few special treats not on the menu.

Of course the service was impeccable and the attention to detail exceeded all expectations.

However – for me – the highlight of the evening was a new / experimental dish being “test fired”… on us.

Toast

I usually dislike the idea of going to out for brunch.  The thought of waking up on a Saturday or Sunday morning and standing in line for an hour, starving, while waiting to stuff myself because I’m over hungry doesn’t appeal to me.  I like to start the day out light, then go in for a big meal at late lunch or dinner.  I don’t like to blow all of my calories first thing in the morning.  But really, it’s the crowded room and long lines that turn me off first and foremost. 

Sai Cafe

Some time ago a friend from Japan was in town to visit.  He was here for several days and one evening my husband suggested the one thing I was dreading - taking him out for sushi.  To me it seemed like the equivalent of visiting Tokyo and going out for burgers.  You know it just isn't going to be as good as it is at home so why not stick to the things you can't get at home.  Anyway, my Japanese friend was really into the idea so we took him to a place we enjoyed... Sai Cafe.

Unfortunately, as I suspected, it didn't go well.  He insisted that it was a Chinese restaurant.  The sushi chefs where Chinese, the owner was Chinese, the name was Chinese, certain things were spelled wrong on the menu and the Saki was from California.  No matter what the food tasted like my friend was not going to like it - he had made up his mind. Subsequently, we decided to attempt a sushi dinner two more times, once at Torajiro in Lakeview and once at Sushi Samba.  Both visits were very much enjoyed.  I had heard from several people that many of the sushi restaurants in Chicago are owned by Chinese chefs that were trained in Japan, like Torajiro, which was news to me.

Trotter's To Go: Again

On the heels of a great duck confit I was drawn back for more. I figured I loved it I needed it. Mmmm.

They were out of it. So I got to try something new.

More duck. Without the confit available I went with plain old duck breast instead of the peking duck, tenderloin meatloaf, aussie beef tenderloin...

I splurged and snagged two crabcakes, two bite-sized pieces of seared sesame tuna, asparagus in a marinade and a parsnip and shallot vanilla infused somethin-somethin... plus chocolate chip cookie dough... this time they didn't toss in a baguette... bummer.

Trotter's To Go

I have never been to Trotter's. I just haven't... no good reason I guess. But I thought it was odd that I had never even walked into Trotter's to Go. I saw the website. I love Pastoral, go to Whole Foods and buy miscellaneous crap from Sam's cheese and accoutraments section and I was on Fullerton.

Torajiro Sushi

432 W. Diversey, Chicago
Tel: (773) 477-5000

People don't just like sushi, they have sushi habits. I have my likes and dislikes. Fresh fish is what is polite to say about any sushi place that can stay in business. I prefer good wakame, and rice that isn't gummy. While there is a trend in this city for places that are non-traditional, like the recent and terrific Sushi Samba (GREAT Sake selection), I want stability. Light, mildly citric yellowtail, buttery salmon, non-stringy tuna, maki that will fit in my mouth - more or less, and most importantly, consistency. The small restaurant between Sheridan and Broadway on Diversey has become my "Cheers."