tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4806766335344019142024-03-19T04:02:55.361-05:00Check, Please!So this is how the blog works. Check, Please! Bloggers either share their most memorable dining experience, explain what restaurant keeps them coming back or describe what their perfect meal would be.
Here you can read their posts and add your own thoughts.Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-17626583624286722212012-10-22T11:59:00.000-05:002012-10-22T11:59:11.992-05:00We Have Moved!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Check, Please! Blog has moved! Visit us here: </span></div>
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Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-67901499816610744032012-09-24T13:07:00.000-05:002012-09-24T13:07:55.668-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back... By: Bethany <br />
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<i style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bethany hails from Albany Park and enjoys softball, football, reading and dining out in her free time. Her favorite foods include anything Latin inspired and she loves eating out because it allows her to take a mini vacation to a different culture, so she can feed her love of experimenting with new cuisines. She thinks Check, Please! is a great resource for checking out the restaurants people are talking about before you actually go there.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite go to restaurant is called <a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a> located on Irving Park near Pulaski. It is a little off the beaten path, but it is probably one of the best restaurants you will go to in Chicago. This restaurant is one where you will never get bored. The owner Javier Perez has worked in some of the highest rated restaurants in Chicago such as Spiaggia and Cibo Matta. As a result, the cuisine offered at <a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a> is a little eclectic. It is influenced by Italian, French, and Mexican cuisines, which lends itself to the adventurous diner. The food is also served with only the freshest ingredients and creates a truly upscale dining experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This combination of influences results in some of the most tantalizingly delicious meals I have ever had in a restaurant. My personal favorite dish is the Lobster Ravioli, which is a little surprising because I would never have ordered that dish at any other restaurant. I was able to take the risk because the servers at<a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Al Dente</a> are both extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly patient with their diners. I am the type of diner who has a million questions and always asks for the servers recommendations. The way the ravioli was described left my mouth watering. A few other dishes that are musts include the gazpacho, salmon, and lamb. In reality, there is very little on the menu that you would not enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps, my favorite aspect of dining at <a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a> is the ambiance and laid back atmosphere. The restaurant is also a BYOB. From the moment you walk in you will see that most diners bring in a bottle (or two.) It is a great place for a nice intimate date for 2 but it also attracts big groups, as I have seen groups of 10+ people dining there. The servers are very attentive as they immediately come over to greet each table and chill and/or open wine once you arrive. They always try to gauge what type of experience you are looking for in the restaurant. If the meal needs to be quick, you can inform the server and they will instantly accommodate; if you want it to be long and intimate they can accomplish that as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the aspects I appreciate most about <a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a> is that it really is not an excessively expensive restaurant. Most entrees are between $20-$30 and the appetizers are all between $10-$15. In fact, the first time I went to the restaurant I was surprised at how little the bill was in comparison to my experience. <a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a> really has few equals in terms of their amazing food and experience, so it keeps me coming back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.aldentechicago.com/index.html" target="_blank">Al Dente</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3939 W. Irving Park Road </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(773) 942-7771</span><br />
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Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-87031090540522400382012-08-28T16:27:00.001-05:002012-08-28T16:28:09.045-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back... By: Karolyn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Karolyn is a High School English Teacher who works and lives in the city of Chicago. She enjoys reading, writing, running, eating, travelling, and movie-going. Karolyn says if she had to choose her favorite foods, she'd go with spicy foods and comfort foods. She believes that going out to eat should be a celebration of food and is a great way to introduce yourself to a completely different culture.</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">(Taste of Peru was featured on Check, Please! in Season 6, but we loved Karolyn's passionate review so much, we decided to re-visit them. You can check out Taste of Peru on Check, Please! <a href="http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?erube_fh=cp&cp.submit.restaurantDetail=1&cp.id=192" target="_blank">here.</a></i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The restaurant that keeps me coming back is <a href="http://www.tasteofperu.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Peru</a>. I have frequented this restaurant for the past two years. Though located in a strip mall of sorts on the far north side, there’s nothing strip-mall about this place. It’s not fancy, but one whiff of the spices and joy coming from inside and I was hooked. Having had the opportunity to visit <a href="http://www.tasteofperu.com/" target="_blank">Peru</a>, I was introduced to the authentic dishes that so many Peruvian restaurants here have forgotten: strips of ceviche (none of that chopped-up-into-tiny-martini-glasses kind), real corn tamales, beef heart shish kebab (or, for the perhaps less adventurous, chicken), Cau-Cau (tripe stew), fried plantains, and my favorite: Aji de Gallina (a shredded chicken dish topped with a walnut cream sauce and hard-boiled egg with potatoes and rice). True comfort dish! Most beef and chicken dishes are served authentically, meaning with both rice and potatoes. Carbs are not to be dodged here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The staff never rushes you, even if you are finished and there is a line out the door. If you have wine or beer left, you are welcome to stay and drink up. Since the friendly staff is of Peruvian background and seem to maintain close ties to their homeland, you may trust that they know authentic Peruvian food, and they are happy to help you choose from their vast menu of deliciousness the dish that suits your fancy or threshold for adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The last time I was here, it was Peruvian Independence Day. There was celebratory Peruvian music in the background, and everyone--whether Peruvian or not--got into the celebration. The owner was handing out Pisco Sours. I had several Pisco Sours in Peru and never really enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed his. Talking with him, I was instructed that the next time I come in, I should bring my own Pisco and he would personally mix it up for me. He assured me that I would never turn down a real Pisco Sour, musing that I must have gone to the “bad” bars. Talk about genuine hospitality. I will be going back with a bottle of red wine…and a bottle of Pisco! While I normally don’t order dessert, that night I noted that they have Mazamorra Morada, i.e., purple corn pudding. In Peru, purple corn is also made into a wonderful juice drink. I decided to give the dessert a try. The presentation wasn’t the best—it just came in a water glass—but the sweetness brought me back to Cusco where I first had purple corn juice. The texture was almost like a rice pudding and it just burst with flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This, for me, is the sign of a true restaurant: one that awakens your taste buds, celebrates and embraces different cultures, and awakens memories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.tasteofperu.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Peru</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6545 N. Clark St. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60626 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(773) 381-4540</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-37359658797352376652012-08-03T13:47:00.000-05:002012-08-03T13:47:11.919-05:00My Most Memorable Experience at a Restaurant... By: Patti<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One of my most memorable recent dining experiences took place this past </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">weekend at <a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Eddie Merlot’s</a> in Burr Ridge. Because my husband and I are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">no strangers to fine dining, we were recommended Eddie Merlot’s and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">decided to give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Immediately upon entering <a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a>, one is visually astounded by the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">upscale contemporary décor - the lighting is colorful and festive, the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">stained glass pieces that hang from the ceiling are beautiful, the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">chairs at each table are “living room” stuffed chairs, which </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">immediately makes you realize you will be comfortably seated in this </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">sophisticated arena. Spacing of tables allows for easy movement around </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">the restaurant and is conducive to privacy in conversation. Although </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">your eyes are roaming to take in all the beautiful décor, the main </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">attraction would have to be the floor-to-ceiling wine “cellar” encased </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in glass, which takes up the back wall of the restaurant. The “cellar” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">offers you a rare view of the large selection of the wines that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a> has to offer.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">You are escorted to your table by one of several hostesses and your </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">wait staff magically appears within minutes. Our waiter, Jaime, gave a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">short overview of the steaks for which <a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a> is known, and when </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">asked, comfortably offered suggestions and comment on our selections. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For appetizers, presentation of the calamari was most notable as it is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">served in an edible “bowl” made to look like an open clam/seashell. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Upon our waiter’s recommendation, we also ordered the blue cheese </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">potato chips which were flavorful and delicious, but not heavy. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a> offers several salads, one being a wedge, however, what set </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a> apart, was the offer of a maple apple cider vinaigrette, which </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">caused the taste buds to water.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">For the steak lover, the bourbon marinated rib eye is a flavor </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">explosion, while the bone-in rib eye with gorgonzola literally melted </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in the mouth. Sides are perfect for sharing, and the Eddie’s potatoes </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">(diced potato with jalapeno in au gratin sauce) are a great enhancement </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to any entrée and something apart from the everyday baked potato. The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Brussels sprouts with cippollini onions and diced bacon would make a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">veggie eater out of anyone. They were a taste bonanza. Each course is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">brought to the table and served by wait staff and managers so that the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">entire table is served at one time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Eddie Merlot’s</a> is a fine dining experience geared for the diner who </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">wants to savor and enjoy each course with the perfect down time in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">between. General manager Jeff Stoltman and his staff are devoted to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">making you feel pampered. <a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/" target="_blank">Merlot’s</a> is the perfect place for that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">special occasion, even if that special occasion is simply because it’s </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">a Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.eddiemerlots.com/Home-230.html" target="_blank">Eddie Merlot's </a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">201 Bridewell Drive</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">(630) 468-2098</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-48609146503649404412012-07-09T12:00:00.003-05:002012-08-03T13:26:28.878-05:00The Full Monti By: Steve<div class="im">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI_AhGxEy7GwyljrZDXk1YeVU7a7e3HBt4aCx3bA596GbA5dbOKjHzaUm6pKk4ThE5c33F0P06dtZFuQBYsmCNcV1DYAEf7A9Gz96dy8kwpc4z2CdUt1MNLuQecUiiO4avGjM7PsAKh8/s1600/SDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI_AhGxEy7GwyljrZDXk1YeVU7a7e3HBt4aCx3bA596GbA5dbOKjHzaUm6pKk4ThE5c33F0P06dtZFuQBYsmCNcV1DYAEf7A9Gz96dy8kwpc4z2CdUt1MNLuQecUiiO4avGjM7PsAKh8/s320/SDR.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17px;">Steve lives in Highland Park and enjoys cooking, photography, skiing, and travel. He says that because his years of cooking, he truly appreciates going out to restaurants that do a great job with good ingredients, excellent preparation and attentive service. “From great Chicago dogs to haut cuisine, we are lucky to live in a city that provides so much diversity and quality.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son and I have had a recent ongoing discussion about the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I had a cheesesteak at one of the most highly rated stands in Philadelphia, and was very unimpressed. I posted what I thought was wrong about the sandwich construction in my blog, and made the statement that I did not think there was a good example of the "true" Philly cheesesteak sandwich to be found. About the Philly cheesesteak sandwich itself, I was definitely wrong. There is a commercially available Philly cheesesteak sandwich that belongs in the realm of iconic sandwiches. It is found here in Chicago, at </span><a href="http://www.ilovemontis.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Monti’s</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. It deals with every problem that I had with the sandwich that I had in Philly, and the result is spectacular.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talked with Jennifer Monti, who with her husband Jim, own <a href="http://www.ilovemontis.com/" target="_blank">Monti’s</a>. I explained the tastelessness of the sandwich I had in Philadelphia. Jennifer thought that I might have had bread right out of the package, and it would have been too soft. They tried to duplicate the Amoroso hoagie roll here with local bakeries, but were not able to reproduce the exact taste profile that they wanted. They import the Amoroso rolls par-baked, and finish them in their pizza oven. The result is greatly improved over the squishy roll I had in Philadelphia, as there is a nice crust bite to the outside, with a soft crumb inside</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 6px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meat is Black Angus Ribeye, seasoned with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. It has a wonderful taste on its own, not too dry, but mixes well with the choice of either a domestic provolone (with a nice bite to it), or the house cheddar sauce (made with Wisconsin cheddar cheese and water). Mushrooms are sautéed from fresh, as are the onions. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The result is a truly excellent sandwich, one that would please a resident of the City of Brotherly Love as well as the residents of the City of Big Shoulders (or anywhere else for that matter). Jennifer was so sure of her product that she stated if I didn’t like it, the sandwich was on her. It was a very safe bet on her part!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will have to return to </span><a href="http://www.ilovemontis.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Monti’s</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to try their other offerings: grinders, pizzas, Italian water ices. But, try the Cheesesteak, it made a believer out of me.</span></div>
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4757 N. Talman Ave.<br />
Chicago, IL 60625<br />
<a href="tel:773-942-6012" target="_blank" value="+17739426012">773-942-6012</a><br />
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<br /></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-86484550257585027402012-06-20T13:10:00.003-05:002012-06-20T13:11:17.041-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Samuel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Samuel is </i></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>certified watercolor instructor, a prizewinng photographer, a published poet and an author. He describes himself as 78 years young. He is also a laughter yoga leader and a facilatator of a creative writers group at Mather's More Than a Cafe'.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I left home for <a href="http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/" target="_blank">Mather’s More Than a Café</a> about 8:30 Friday morning. <span style="background-color: white;">I arrived around 8:45. It was the day that Miss Chicago would be </span><span style="background-color: white;">featured for, “The Friday Night Dinner Show.” I had been waiting to </span><span style="background-color: white;">see and hear Marisa Buchheit, Miss Chicago.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/" target="_blank">Mather’s</a> three Cafes are open for breakfast and lunch, (except the location located between<span style="background-color: white;"> Higgins Ave. and Neva Ave. which is open till 7:00PM on Fridays.) The Higgins location's cafe</span><span style="background-color: white;"> walls display patron’s art work. There are cherry wood shadow </span><span style="background-color: white;">box glass covered dining tables which are filled with old time pictures, </span><span style="background-color: white;">magazines, coins and stuff. There is a computer room, an exercise area, </span><span style="background-color: white;">a recreation area, three washrooms, a couple of offices, and a kitchen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For breakfast I had a healthy meal of oatmeal with raisins, cinnamon, <span style="background-color: white;">and brown sugar. The price was $1.65 with my M.A.D. 20% discount. </span><span style="background-color: white;">All patrons that are 55 years old and older are eligible to purchase a </span><span style="background-color: white;">Mather Advantage Discount plan. The cost is $55 a year. Being a senior, </span><span style="background-color: white;">I watch my food intake and my money output; I want food that is of good </span><span style="background-color: white;">quality, that is healthy for me, and that is reasonably priced. With the </span><span style="background-color: white;">oatmeal I had a cup of coffee that cost $0.75 all day (a bottomless </span><span style="background-color: white;">cup). I like a place where the coffee flows like water. Also at <a href="http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/" target="_blank">Mather’s</a>, food </span><span style="background-color: white;">is cooked in trans-fat free oils.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For lunch I had a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. I would have liked a <span style="background-color: white;">little bigger meat ball, but the taste was still divine. Then it was off to the </span><span style="background-color: white;">computer to get my email. Later, I worked on a Sudoku puzzle.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dinner show menu had Tilapia, which is my favorite sea food. I had <span style="background-color: white;">the blackened Tilapia. It had a lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, garlic, </span><span style="background-color: white;">and lemon juice. It was yum, yum, yummy going down to the tummy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fish was severed with mixed vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, and <span style="background-color: white;">a side choice. I chose a carrot salad, because I wanted to make sure my </span><span style="background-color: white;">eyesight was at its best. For dessert, I had a small slice of wonderful </span><span style="background-color: white;">tasting chocolate cake. The meal and show were well worth the money. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Dinner and show cost me $20.00.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marisa sang popular songs and operatic favorites. She sang songs <span style="background-color: white;">from Carmen and from West Side Story. What a lovely young lady! </span><span style="background-color: white;">Her voice enchanted me. I was lost in loveliness. Miss Buchhiet asked if </span><span style="background-color: white;">the audience had any questions. I learned she studied singing in Italy. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I asked a question, “Can the men in the audience have your phone </span><span style="background-color: white;">number?" Laughter filled the air. She gets high marks from me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a day I had. Marisa is a treat for my eyes. My big ears enjoyed <span style="background-color: white;">every sound that came from her lips, while my palette was well satisfied. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Ah, what a day that this 78 year old senior enjoyed. Marisa, I’m Yours- </span><span style="background-color: white;">Body and Soul.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/" target="_blank">Mather's More Than a Cafe</a>, is a not-for-profit organization that caters mainly to seniors, but all patrons are welcome. They have computer classes, exercise classes, trips, classes about health issues, line dancing- the list goes on. It is a great place at a great price. The Cafes are open at 8:00 am till 3:30/4:00 pm. The Higgins Cafe is open on Fridays till 7:00pm. The kitchens close a half hour before closing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1846838126"><br /></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://matherlifewaysinyourneighborhood.com/" target="_blank">Mather's More Than a Cafe</a> (Norwood Park)</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">7134 W. Higgins Avenue</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">Chicago, IL 60656</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;">(773) 774-4804</span></span></span><br />
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<i style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Martha is a copywriter and freelance writer who enjoys reading, bicycling, and playing ping-pong. Her favorite kind of food is Mexican and she loves eating out as a way to embrace different cultures. She'll visit any restaurant with exceptional food- even if it's a hole in the wall. </i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><a href="http://aucheval.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Au Cheval</a></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">800 W Randolph St.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">(312) 929-4580</span></span></div>
</div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-61568261646612037832012-06-06T12:11:00.000-05:002012-06-15T13:01:56.132-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Fern<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbmpNuwxPfAxJN0pb2beeZQqsHUXUjyCzfiOTDt56Js30uE0NcK7EqKVGMHq1QaJQDx5eXnR38V1ouzmDclwyLMUKhqm0KiU677B3Um6ol4XIqhrs_RhovDCa1rPl5VIZ0OpSmFl30bk/s1600/Fern+Ronay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbmpNuwxPfAxJN0pb2beeZQqsHUXUjyCzfiOTDt56Js30uE0NcK7EqKVGMHq1QaJQDx5eXnR38V1ouzmDclwyLMUKhqm0KiU677B3Um6ol4XIqhrs_RhovDCa1rPl5VIZ0OpSmFl30bk/s320/Fern+Ronay.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fern is a lawyer and CPA turned writer/reporter/blogger. A Manhattanite, originally from the great state of New Jersey, now living in beautiful Chicago with her husband, Fern believes Chicago has the best restaurants. Her hobbies include reading, eating and running.</span></i></div>
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The restaurant that keeps me coming back is... <a href="http://badhappypoutineshop.com/index.html" target="_blank">BadHappy</a>. </div>
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Three words: Gourmet Disco Fries. Three more words: I’ve been converted.</div>
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Once upon a time, at a diner in northern New Jersey, at 2AM, after a night of drinking, my friends ordered disco fries. (Note: “Disco fries” are defined on Urban Dictionary, the authority on these types of things, as “Cheese fries with gravy, generally served at diners in Northeast New Jersey.”) Anyway, I turned down the disco fries. I said “I don’t like gravy.” That’s when the place fell silent. The lights flickered. And, everyone turned to stare at me.</div>
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Ok, not really. But, I did say “I don’t like gravy.” That was back then, during my foolish youth.</div>
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Now, fast forward a few years (okay, a decade) and I’m a married lady living in Chicago. My husband and I are invited to a new restaurant. It’s called <a href="http://badhappypoutineshop.com/index.html" target="_blank">BadHappy</a>. We like the name. We like the logo. We go. Not usually how we pick restaurants but, of course, we also heard good things.</div>
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<a href="http://badhappypoutineshop.com/index.html" target="_blank">BadHappy</a>, located at 939 N. Orleans St., is Chicago’s first and only poutine shop. Poutine? That sounds like a dirty word. Well, according to Urban Dictionary, “poutine” is defined as “A Quebec (or French-Canadian) staple, a dish of homemade french fries topped with white cheddar cheese curds and beef gravy.”</div>
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Not only did I try it, as I’m a little more open-minded in my old age, and not only did I like it – Ferny likes it? – I loved it. </div>
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<a href="http://badhappypoutineshop.com/index.html" target="_blank">BadHappy</a> is run by chef Tom Kern, whose impressive culinary pedigree makes it no wonder all of the ingredients are fresh and fine. The freshest. The finest. These, my friends, are not your <s>father’s</s> Jersey diner’s disco fries.</div>
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Yes, these are gourmet disco fries.</div>
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Yes, I’ve been converted. I like gravy. And, I love poutine!</div>
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<b><a href="http://badhappypoutineshop.com/index.html" target="_blank">BadHappy</a></b></div>
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939 N Orleans St.</div>
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Chicago, IL 60610</div>
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(312) 890-2165</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-52775309211339510782012-05-22T14:12:00.002-05:002012-06-20T12:36:24.462-05:00My Most Memorable Experience At A Restaurant... By: Kate<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Kate is a writer who lives in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. She loves cooking, hosting dinner parties, wine tasting, yoga, and reading. She is a self-proclaimed "dinie" as opposed to a "foodie," as her favorite eating experiences let you "slow down and savor the meal" but also appreciate the time you're sharing with the people around you. Kate enjoys Check, Please! because the show always inspires her to walk out her door and go exploring for new places and awesome food.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I might have been a little
bit snobby when I moved home to Chicago after six years in New York City. New York makes you prove that
you’re cool enough, hot enough, smart enough, experienced enough, rich enough – before you can say
you belong, before you can call that place home. And the food scene is a playground where New Yorkers
show off just how enough they are – just how accomplished and just how at home they have all become
in a city that can chew you up and spit you out, pretentiously.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ironically, in the process of
trying to make that city my home, I forgot what home really feels like for me. I love New York City, but Chicago
is my home. I only needed two friends and one meal at <a href="http://homebistrochicago.com/" target="_blank">Home Bistro</a> to remember completely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband and I walked up to the
storefront BYOB on Halsted just a few minutes early and three weeks after the big move. Of
course we let our friends choose this spot; admittedly I didn't have a clue about the new Chicago scene. And
there they were - already comfortably seated in the front window table, their waves through the
glass clearly broadcasting a “Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!” We were greeted by a
beaming host who truly seemed to be happy to have us and seat us and welcome us to his bistro. There
is a fixed price menu offered on Wednesday he explained; three courses to choose. No hurry, no worries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We pulled the first bottle of
wine out and the host was back to open it. I began to glance over the menu, an already hungry stomach
defenselessly seduced by the aromas from the kitchen a mere 50 yards away. Sweetbreads, escargot,
sardines, pheasant, rabbit, lamb. I kept looking. Bison, catfish, clams, pate. Suddenly I was less eager.
These were not my staples, not even my delicacies. I needed a little help and some more wine to start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a confident humor and lots
of passionate opinions, Tom, our waiter, took one glance at my scrunched up face and pulled up a
chair to chat. So we poured him a glass of wine and he took us through the menu. I rarely let
anyone order for me, not even my husband, but for some reason Tom seemed to know best. I happily
agreed to his suggestions; each of us choosing different dishes to sample. “All smart and all
delicious,” Tom promised with a wink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he was right. Every course,
every dish, each bite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed for more than two hours
- sharing stories, making plans, laughing and laughing. We polished off our plates, savored the
remaining sips of our last bottle of wine and promised we would do this again soon - very soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sat back in my chair, took a
big comfortable breath and felt like I was home. I wanted to hug the cook a big thank you. It was so good to
be home.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home Bistro</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3404 N. Halsted St.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60657</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 661-0299</span></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-65466581424984013312012-05-11T15:39:00.002-05:002012-06-15T13:00:11.227-05:00Snackin' on Damen By: Miguel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZZwbSOeDynYki0MFhPYhmRcpcPWHPei-TuPiY3kl2pFcoV_M2yA50txIFlaoTgG6QLvEYcNFU9r_lwCFIBPNeKiodnOTOAXPUwy9kbY-hYG8vGBPJupj4b3K_pJu7emmxDHt7T3Qgq0/s1600/Snapshot+2012-05-11+15-33-32.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZZwbSOeDynYki0MFhPYhmRcpcPWHPei-TuPiY3kl2pFcoV_M2yA50txIFlaoTgG6QLvEYcNFU9r_lwCFIBPNeKiodnOTOAXPUwy9kbY-hYG8vGBPJupj4b3K_pJu7emmxDHt7T3Qgq0/s320/Snapshot+2012-05-11+15-33-32.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Miguel is a professor and former Check, Please! alumni, serving as a guest on Season 11. He enjoys art, traveling, and staying healthy at the gym. Miguel loves dining out because he appreciates the diversity of Chicago restaurants, where you can find excellent food at any price point. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last summer, one of my close friends moved from Ukrainian Village to Ravenswood. As I was helping her move, I couldn’t help but notice all the amazing finger foods on offer stretching along Damen between Chicago and Montrose. Here’re a few of my highlights:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bagelondamen.com/" target="_blank">Bagel on Damen</a></b> (1252 N. Damen) is a fairly new operation with another location in Ravenswood. I love the Sea Hog sandwich, stacked with nearly all of my favorite foods: lox, bacon, avocado, sliced onions, and generous chunks of cream cheese on an ‘everything’ bagel. Be prepared to wait in line if it’s a weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://bluelineloungeandgrill.com/" target="_blank">Blue Line Lounge & Grill</a></b> (1548 N. Damen) is one of my favorite haunts in Chicago. I think their sliders are second-to-none! They make their own ground beef patties and serve them with American cheese on a sweet-salty-chewy bun with a big pickle slice plopped on top. This is one of the coziest diners in Chicago during the winter months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blackrockbar.com/" target="_blank">Black Rock Pub & Kitchen</a> (3614 N. Damen) is your typical local bar in the North Center neighborhood. Besides having great pub food, <a href="http://www.blackrockbar.com/" target="_blank">Black Rock</a> is known for the doughnut holes they sell at Chicago’s ubiquitous summer street festivals. The little dessert is buttery and sweet on the inside with a crunchy, salty exterior, liberally doused in powdered sugar (don’t inhale anywhere near them). If you can’t find them at the bar you’ll definitely find them at the <a href="http://www.blackrockbar.com/" target="_blank">Black Rock</a> tent at Ribfest, which is North Center’s mainstay summer block party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://fountainheadchicago.com/" target="_blank">Fountainhead</a></b> (1970 W. Montrose, corner of Damen) is a recent installment in Ravenswood admired by craft beer enthusiasts and artisanal foods admirers. Snacking is so popular there that it warrants its own section of the menu. My pick is the house-made caramel cashew popcorn – salty, sweet and aromatic. The restaurant is well known for the simply addictive monkey bread, prepared with gorgonzola and bacon with a generous side of milk gravy, which is the perfect accompaniment to any of the <a href="http://fountainheadchicago.com/" target="_blank">Fountainhead</a>’s many exotic and delicious beers from around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Bagel on Damen</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1252 N. Damen Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60622</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(773) 772-2243</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.bagelondamen.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Blue Line Lounge & Grill</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1548 N. Damen Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60622</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(773) 395-3700</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://bluelineloungeandgrill.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Black Rock Pub & Kitchen </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3614 N. Damen Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60618</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(773) 348-4044</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.blackrockbar.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fountainhead</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1970 W. Montrose Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60640</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(773) 697-8204</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://fountainheadchicago.com/</span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-19418737350334675042012-04-24T13:30:00.000-05:002012-05-04T13:58:39.780-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Noel<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Noel is a
professional dancer and dance studio owner from Lincoln Square. She loves Yoga,
cooking, wine tasting and photography. She loves trying new foods and being in
different atmospheres and she treats dining out as an escape from her typical every
day routine because it gives her something to look forward to!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my most memorable restaurant experiences are going to the places that I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">frequent often. The owners or waiters recognize us, and we are greeted warmly, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hence the reason I keep coming back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Greek restaurant in my neighborhood is the perfect example of this warm hospitality. <a href="http://www.barba-yianni.com/home.html" target="_blank">Barba Yianni</a> always serves up authentic and delicious Greek food. The owner has become so familiar with my husband and I that he remembers special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, and on such occasions, is always sure to have a tray of sangria or baklava sent over to our table. My favorite dish to order from <a href="http://www.barba-yianni.com/home.html" target="_blank">Barba Yianni</a> is the Filetto Kotas, which is chicken broiled in lemon juice and Greek seasoning. The chicken is so moist and flavorful. The side dish completes the meal. Consisting of a baked potato, peas and rice, while it sounds pretty standard, the red sauce that tops the vegetables is to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">die for. It’s rich and gives the vegetables a hearty flavor. I have gone so far as to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">just order a side of peas, just so I could have the red sauce. One of the best parts </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">about ordering an entrée is the homemade soup that comes with your order. The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">egg lemon is amazing, but I don’t think anyone makes a better chicken noodle. It </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tastes like home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing beats walking up to this place on a summer night, sitting outside and drinking a glass of Sangria before a perfect meal of Filetto Kotas, chicken noodle soup, and then topping it off with baklava. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delicious.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barba Yianni</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4761 N. Lincoln Ave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL 60625</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 878-6400</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.barba-yianni.com/home.html">http://www.barba-yianni.com/home.html</a></span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-65863161983849144972012-04-20T13:43:00.000-05:002012-04-20T15:29:32.190-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Aaron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Aaron is an elementary school teacher who loves going to see bands play, reading, and watching sports. He enjoys dining out because it is time spent with friends and family without worry, and a reason to celebrate or try new things. Aaron's favorite kind of food is Chicago-style pizza from Burt's Pizza.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My aspirations of one day becoming a champion pitmaster came to an abrupt end with the first bite of the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pulled pork sandwich from <a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">South Moon BBQ</a> (Hinckley, Il.). There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">titillating this sandwich is. Subtly smoked and sauced with a deft hand, this behemoth might be the most </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">memorable BBQ experience I’ve encountered in my 34 years*. A perfect ratio of fresh baked bun to pork </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to sauce, complimented perfectly by any of four sides makes for one hearty meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I honestly think the reason why new "country" restaurants are so good is because they know they have to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be, and that there's no margin for error in what they do. Traditional/cultural/ethnic small town restaurants </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have to properly articulate and refine their craft to gain and maintain business, to make the diner’s drive </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and experience completely worthwhile and so those diners share their emprise with others. Decent city </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Chicago and suburban) restaurants are a dime a dozen, and any given person will choose “this Thai to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that Thai” because of personal preference, but it’s all fairly similar. Country ones don’t have that luxury; </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">South Moon BBQ</a> is no exception and the fare delivered takes nothing for granted. I suppose being </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">directly between my home and work doesn't hurt their chances of my appreciation, but the food they are </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">putting out is exceptional. The staff is polite and helpful, treating each customer like lifelong friends. The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">menu at <a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">South Moon</a> is concise and to the point as well as being fairly priced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drawback at <a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">South Moon</a> is more or less a backhanded compliment: I wish there was a real seating </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">area instead of a few small tables. I’d definitely enjoy spending more time with “Pork Chop” and his </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">family eating a delicious meal and shooting the breeze while admiring the kitschy wall décor (originally </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">packaged action figures including: KISS, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">South Moon</a> has a charm unlike many restaurants and transcendent BBQ, and that is why <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1931863276">South Moon </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/" target="_blank">BBQ</a> is a restaurant that keeps me coming back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(*Save for Carson’s Ribs, because going there always marked a special event or Russell’s which is a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nostalgic, familial past time.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>South Moon BBQ</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">146 E Lincoln Hwy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hinckley, IL 60520</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(815) 286-9227</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.southmoonbbq.com/">http://www.southmoonbbq.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-83337666713788163502012-04-11T11:43:00.000-05:002012-04-11T12:03:18.260-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Patti<div class="ajy" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepJnQZEPc2gXrj_oJJoAOyZ_XP1fUxDvapbQ1xRQi9knKQjjjF5TAFbHkyfzI3GbTQ0pYuwRIVTzmkkkl0vuzX6loTjbwgJkf4jM5RvR9DQbHTT7rD7N5Ly-kdoTm_qY97TpmzpB4ISE/s1600/Patti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepJnQZEPc2gXrj_oJJoAOyZ_XP1fUxDvapbQ1xRQi9knKQjjjF5TAFbHkyfzI3GbTQ0pYuwRIVTzmkkkl0vuzX6loTjbwgJkf4jM5RvR9DQbHTT7rD7N5Ly-kdoTm_qY97TpmzpB4ISE/s320/Patti.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #999999;">Patti is an administrative assistant that lives in Frankfort. She loves going out to Italian restaurants and says her favorite dish is the Baked Spinach Ravioli from Rocco's Little Italy. Patti says she knows her food as her friends are always asking her for restaurant recommendations on her train ride to work.</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">There
are some foods at any given restaurant you frequent that are just
addicting. Such are the chicken tenders appetizer at <a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Rover</a> in
Frankfort.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
originally visited <a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Rover</a> some months ago because it was the new
sports bar in Frankfort and minutes from our home. We were dubious of
the "sports bar theme" but decided to give it a shot. On our first
visit when asked if we wanted to try the "stuffed green pepper" soup, we
were tempted to decline, but interest got the better of us. We were
'bowled' over (no pun intended) at how delicious this little bowl of
homemade soup was from the kitchen of a sports bar. We moved on then to
their burgers, all served on pretzel rolls - and again, we were
pleasantly surprised. Enough so, that we went back to Wild Rover
several more times during which we happened upon
half-price-appetizer-night (Sunday). I decided to try the chicken
tenders rather than a full meal and to say that we could not get enough
of them is an understatement! These are not your typically pre-packaged
chicken tenders, but in fact, the chef at <a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Rover</a> cuts the tenders
from chicken breast per order, makes his own beer-battered coating
which is light, crispy and delicious. We chose their homemade BBQ
sauce and ranch dressing for dipping and have since ordered this
delectable treat on each visit. The 'veggie burger' offered consists of
a portobello mushroom, grilled with roasted red peppers, spring greens
and a garlic/mayo aioli served on a pretzel roll and would most
assuredly satisfy any palate. It's juicy, messy and absolutely wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Rover</a> is definitely a sports bar theme, but there are low tables, high
tables or the bar for ease of dining as well as tables outside on the
patio in nicer weather. They offer an array of beer choices among other
bar drinks, and although the place is somewhat small by restaurant
standards, it is open and airy. They offer nightly drink and food
specials along with enticing tidbits such as the garlic parmesan
burger, homemade soups, and the amazing appetizers on the menu. The
food that they serve here is good old fashioned pub grub that is
affordable and unbelievable.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Rover</a> is the perfect example of why NOT to skip a place called a sports
bar. There is nothing fancy about the joint and that is why it is
perfect for any weeknight simple meal or late night gorpy. It truly
keeps us coming back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">The Wild Rover</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444;">20535 S La Grange Rd<br />Frankfort, IL 60423</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444;">(815) 277-5800 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://wildroverbarandgrill.com/">http://wildroverbarandgrill.com</a></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwildroverbarandgrill.com&src_bizid=PfkFdjdgSjj9kJa6MLjoSA&cachebuster=1333030958&s=f8a48a60ce350e17796b3d6817fe0ee2d00ac3332487d95e0ec167117888334a" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b65a7; text-decoration: none;"></span></a></span>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-35076852900288408872012-04-04T13:18:00.001-05:002012-06-06T12:50:18.170-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Jen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sQh6AofWE4g40DWkqzSme7_tlkGfcO9sDhESH_9a7fym2FuLp7eWQ2CnyMpMtJKY35u6uKRXpWJr2miWYcfUE82uwpZQOFSu49X1Q-D7YNYok6tdkL-yYVRzQ7RIbfNF9EQ0NGSAHzE/s1600/Jen_panattoni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sQh6AofWE4g40DWkqzSme7_tlkGfcO9sDhESH_9a7fym2FuLp7eWQ2CnyMpMtJKY35u6uKRXpWJr2miWYcfUE82uwpZQOFSu49X1Q-D7YNYok6tdkL-yYVRzQ7RIbfNF9EQ0NGSAHzE/s320/Jen_panattoni.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Jen Panattoni is a business woman and marketing student from Oak Park. She enjoys dining out so she can get something she doesn't know how to cook and gets inspired to recreate dishes she's had. Also, she finds it relaxing to sit down for a meal she didn't have to prepare. She watches Check, Please! because she secretly wants Alpana Singh's job, not that it's so much of a secret anymore!</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’ve read my other post, you already know that this girl is a big fan of pork products and finely crafted cocktails. One place that delivers on both of those promises is <a href="http://thebristolchicago.com/" target="_blank">The Bristol</a> in Bucktown. Owner/Chef Chris Pandel likes to know where his food comes from, and I appreciate that’s he’s done all the legwork in finding the freshest local farms to which he decides his daily menu. Additionally, Chef Pandel uses the “nose-to-tail” sustainable practice of butchering, meaning the entire animal is used. You can feel good about where you food comes from, all while enjoying an unforgettable meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you get down to business of course, make sure to order yourself a handcrafted cocktail. I suggest a Manhattan, this comes with a real maraschino cherry, and not the neon red, candy colored ones of your youth either, that stuff’s for soda jerks and babies. Have fun clinking your perfectly squared ice while you peruse the chalkboard for what’s in season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s nice to bring friends to </span><a href="http://thebristolchicago.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Bristol</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, as the menu is suitable for sharing. There are small, medium and large plate options so you can customize your experience. I love the duck fat French fries and house catsup to start, but scotch olives with pork sausage are also delicious… you know, in case you’re on a diet…. Additionally, we like to order up a charcuterie board, because one can never get enough salted meats and Pâté; this also comes with a variety of house made pickles, which you can also add to the list of things I like. Moving onto medium plates, </span><a href="http://thebristolchicago.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Bristol</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is where I braved my first bone marrow experience. Since losing my marrow card, I actually seek it out as much as possible, but none finer than here, which comes with shallot jam-quite decadent. For the main entrée, my husband and I typically split the roasted half chicken which sits on a bed of spatzle, its simple chicken done to the best of its ability with perfectly seasoned, crunchy skin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have room for dessert, there is something special on the menu that is sure to make your inner child delight, house made Nutter butter cookies that come with a side of melted dipping chocolate. Prepare for complete silence at the table as you negotiate who gets the last one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bristol</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2152 N. Damen Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL. 60647</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 862-5555</span><br />
<a href="http://thebristolchicago.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.thebristolchicago.com </span></a>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-80489137147131145982012-03-27T17:00:00.000-05:002012-06-06T12:49:44.215-05:00My Most Memorable Experience At a Restaurant Was… Impossible to Pick By: Don<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOll3eYsASmIQRThyIFwvf4xub2-mXovKoaiZ6y9JBuyaNmS5ksce5nKQBPYfDWNo7UvoNgOMYbOV4SdYdlNnAtoNsXxs-OSZIVnv8S37EAPQ0f27yRlI-XxGws007tx6xRRcPx1hx5f0/s1600/dla_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOll3eYsASmIQRThyIFwvf4xub2-mXovKoaiZ6y9JBuyaNmS5ksce5nKQBPYfDWNo7UvoNgOMYbOV4SdYdlNnAtoNsXxs-OSZIVnv8S37EAPQ0f27yRlI-XxGws007tx6xRRcPx1hx5f0/s320/dla_headshot.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don Anderson is a design engineer whom will do whatever it takes to eat a good meal. He likes watching auto races, cruising in his convertible, cooking, and eating out. He likes to call himself a 'Food Geek' and enjoys discovering new places so he can eat dishes he does not have the skill to make or ethnic foods he has never heard of. The food experience is what's important to him and it is even better when it's excellent food for the price. He watches Check, Please! because everyone in Chicago has 'A Guy' and the show brings people together to talk about their 'Guy' in the food business! </span></i><br />
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My most memorable experience at a restaurant was… impossible to pick. So here is a top 4, in no particular order.<br />
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My wife and I ate at <a href="http://www.vierestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Vie</a> in Western Springs and one of the options for the salad was a bleu cheese dressing. I love bleu cheese (although, truth be told, not much of a fan of what shows up as bleu cheese dressing at restaurants), so I decided to see how they do theirs. When my salad arrived, it appeared to be dressed with vinaigrette. I mentioned it to the server, and they said that, in fact, this was the bleu cheese dressing.<br />
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I was dubious, but rolled with it. What followed next was the most spectacular bleu cheese dressing I have ever had. In fact, all other bleu cheese dressings pale in comparison. It was as if each individual leaf of lettuce was covered in invisible bleu cheese frosting! Such strong flavor, without being seen was, to me, amazing.<br />
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Pat Bruno (at the time the food critic of the Sun Times) mentioned that the best pizza you could find outside of Naples, Italy was in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. That sounds just like the kind of crazy thing I am up for. So on a trip to Green Bay, my wife and I stopped at <a href="http://www.ilritrovopizza.com/" target="_blank">Il Ritrovo</a> to check this out. Pat was not kidding.<br />
I ordered a special that was tomato, prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms, and basil. The pizza was constructed so that every single time I took a bite, I would get a different combination of the ingredients. It was so memorable because each bite was delicious and different.<br />
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The first time I picked up rib tips from <a href="http://honey1bbq.net/" target="_blank">Honey One</a>, they were still on the West Side and had no seating. So I took them home, ate them at my kitchen table and growled while I ate them. Literally growled.<br />
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For the past few years on Christmas Day morning, I have spent the time with two of the most wonderful things in my life: my wife and an <a href="http://www.annsather.com/" target="_blank">Ann Sather</a> cinnamon roll.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vie Restaurant</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4471 Lawn Avenue </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Western Springs, IL. 60558</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(798) 246-2082</span><br />
<a href="http://www.vierestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.vierestaurant.com/</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Il Ritrovo</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">515 South 8th Street </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sheboygan, WI. 53081</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(920) 803-7516</span><br />
<a href="http://www.ilritrovopizza.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.ilritrovopizza.com/ </span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honey 1 BBQ</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2241 North Western Avenue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL. 60643</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 227-5130</span><br />
<a href="http://honey1bbq.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://honey1bbq.net/</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ann Sather Restaurant</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">909 West Belmont </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL. 60657</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 348-2378</span><br />
<a href="http://www.annsather.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.annsather.com/ </span></a>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-54067145983540653502012-03-20T11:52:00.000-05:002012-03-21T13:28:47.137-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Michael<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6B7fZa41fRvgoZQv1GDnswupvOnOn19VMR1IDNztk6i-889fojUQaiL8-i-vyblfLn-BC7KXh2KQ4_xdaMvY6DEt9l5mc8IT1XWmcCMe95QvEIhDAvhr8q_yQK-Xi8yMZfYjDPh6gmQ/s1600/March+10+2012+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6B7fZa41fRvgoZQv1GDnswupvOnOn19VMR1IDNztk6i-889fojUQaiL8-i-vyblfLn-BC7KXh2KQ4_xdaMvY6DEt9l5mc8IT1XWmcCMe95QvEIhDAvhr8q_yQK-Xi8yMZfYjDPh6gmQ/s320/March+10+2012+057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Michael Wieland is a Property Manager from Oak Park. He enjoys a great burger and loves craft beers. When restaurants include beers in their menus that compliment their entrees, its a slam dunk for him! He loves trying new things and when it comes to strange dishes, he has learned from his sister to trust the chef. He likes watching Check, Please! to learn about new restaurants and appreciates Alpana's wine knowledge; especially when she pairs it with particular food he may not have considered. </i></span></div>
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There are few things in life that make me happier than a good burger and a beer. <a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank"> The Bad Apple</a> in Lincoln Square has both of these in abundance. Their menu is fantastic, and they have something for everybody. I have gone there with the guys, both late night and at lunchtime. I have gone there with my wife and kids. I’ve gotten carryout for my co-workers, who now request it every time we have a meeting after 5:00. It’s high-quality food at reasonable prices in an atmosphere that is far from stuffy.<br />
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I try to choose a different burger each time I go (they have approximately 15 on their ever-evolving menu), but on my last two visits I found myself ordering the same burger; “El Chupacabra”. The burger is topped with braised goat chili, avocado, goat’s milk cheddar and a garlic puree. It is a massive amount of flavor with just the right amount of spiciness. <br />
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The burgers come with great fries that can be kicked up with seasonings like curry, minced garlic, and chipotle. My personal favorite is the Old Bay seasoning; great on seafood, even better on fries. <br />
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Their draft beer list is impressive without being imposing. For the uninitiated beer drinker, they have great descriptions under each beer so you know exactly what you’re getting. The wonderful bar staff will even allow you a little taste or two if you can’t decide.<br />
They represent most, if not all of the local breweries, including Half Acre located across the street, but they also have rare, small batch beers that can be found in only a small number of bars/restaurants.<br />
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During my last visit, I was fortunate to try two beers by the Danish brewery Evil Twin. I enjoyed them so much that I have been searching for them all over town.<br />
I guess I’ll just have to go back for more…<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Bad Apple</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4300 North Lincoln Avenue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago, IL.60618</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(773) 360- 8406</span><br />
<a href="http://www.badapplebar.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.badapplebar.com/ </span></a>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-82772945323543097232012-03-15T12:05:00.001-05:002012-06-06T12:51:11.665-05:00Camela's Taqueria Keeps Me Coming Back and Back and Back... By: Brian<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1moddHBrHwRJtwWJBRc_CXPN1DUHNG_oYMCgnFFCIXEtd1zKgiMF9iiujRNCW5A_PY9FwgqJ1YOxykTmycCU3LuuTA-gQUH4Hp4Hlr2hx3bC1NHMQkSOOvoFT0og1GmYXMevrRo2XRI/s1600/Brian+Gersten+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1moddHBrHwRJtwWJBRc_CXPN1DUHNG_oYMCgnFFCIXEtd1zKgiMF9iiujRNCW5A_PY9FwgqJ1YOxykTmycCU3LuuTA-gQUH4Hp4Hlr2hx3bC1NHMQkSOOvoFT0og1GmYXMevrRo2XRI/s320/Brian+Gersten+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Brian Gersten is an Advertising Copywriter from Uptown. He enjoys dining out because everyone wants to experience something new and different and eating at restaurants is one of the simplest ways of doing so. He loves trying new cuisines or dishes and is willing to travel two hours to go out to eat. He likes focusing on the food and people in front of him and escape everyday stresses. He believes when dining with others, everyone should provide their undivided attention since it is a communal activity, although he's guilty using his phone.</i> </span><br />
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Some restaurants are so utterly addicting that they make me
reconsider the notion of ever cooking again. These places simply put my cooking to shame. Why go through the trouble of cooking
an unsatisfying meal and then cleaning all the subsequently soiled pots, pans,
and plates 3 times a day for 7 days a week? There’s no joy in that. Why not just pay others to do a much better job? This is the inevitable thought process that
I have whenever I eat at <a href="http://www.carmelastaqueria.com/" target="_blank">Carmela’s Taqueria</a>.</div>
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Truthfully, one of the main reasons I frequently eat at
Carmela’s Taqueria is that I live about 2.5 blocks away from the place. However distance is not the deciding
factor for me when it comes to Carmela’s.
I only live 2 blocks away from Subway, yet paradoxically; I have never
set food inside of it. Carmela's, on the other hand, serves up
some of the best Mexican food in Uptown.
It has come to a point where I have to stop by this inconspicuous
taqueria at least once a week just to get my fix. </div>
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Now, I must warn any fine dining purists that may be
interested Carmela’s. This place
is probably not for you. Carmela’s
is quite literally a hole in the wall.
The restaurant only seats about 20 people at the most, the kitchen is
the size of my bedroom closet, the building is a bit rundown, and the interior
of Carmela’s is comparable to a gritty diner. Nevertheless, the food that they
serve here is authentic, affordable, unpretentious, and unbelievable.</div>
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Essentially, this modest taqueria is just good old-fashioned
street food, pure and simple. I
don't think there's anything on the menu that's over $5. Patrons at Carmela’s basically have
their choice of tacos, tortas, or burritos. There are 6 different choices of
meat for each of the previous categories (marinated roast pork, skirt steak,
chicken, Mexican sausage, ground beef, and tongue). That’s everything.
That right there is the entire menu other than a few drinks and a couple
of appetizers.</div>
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At Carmela’s they cook the Al Pastor meat on a traditional
spit. The Al Pastor (marinated
roast pork) meat is so tender, succulent, and flavorful that it seems like it
was brought here from another pork-loving planet. They simply serve the Tacos Al Pastor on a warm corn
tortilla, with fresh cilantro, chopped white onion, and a lime wedge. Of course, they also provide a mild
green salsa and a hotter red salsa, which are both excellent. </div>
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Carmela’s is a prime example of ‘don’t judge a book by its
cover’. There’s nothing fancy
about Carmela’s, and that’s why it’s so wonderful. It’s simple and authentic Mexican food that leaves you
wanting more, I certainly sleep well at
night knowing that Carmela’s Taqueria is open everyday. It is truly a savory savior.</div>
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<b>Carmela's Taqueria</b> </div>
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1206 West Lawrence Ave.</div>
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Chicago, IL. 60640<br />
(773) 275-5321 </div>
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<a href="http://www.carmelastaqueria.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.carmelastaqueria.com/ </a></div>
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<br /></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-77712616184635756132012-03-13T13:15:00.000-05:002012-06-06T12:52:51.343-05:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Jennifer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gS_n3SjUqNlRfMHxcwr2flFqL66hBgqKLOw-P6LxVJp8O_mG_SCQTRVgelraT51EcY3Gy6UmW79P3MUWo_jwRuvcHNWdxbUEuDsQUcKfcFhrEn3WFNTmCyE2d1XvcNMfZqlHqDQUf40/s1600/jenniferblackwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gS_n3SjUqNlRfMHxcwr2flFqL66hBgqKLOw-P6LxVJp8O_mG_SCQTRVgelraT51EcY3Gy6UmW79P3MUWo_jwRuvcHNWdxbUEuDsQUcKfcFhrEn3WFNTmCyE2d1XvcNMfZqlHqDQUf40/s320/jenniferblackwell.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jennifer works in Luxury Retail Sales and enjoys traveling, painting, cooking, and fine dining. She likes ordering the tasting menu to be able to try all the offerings without missing anything. Jennifer would go as far as a six hour plane ride to go out to eat, but no more than that! Dining out is one of her favorite things because it can be one of the most intimate ways to get to know someone. However, bad food can ruin a date, business meeting, or any other occasion. Check, Please! helps her experience new places in her new River North neighborhood! </span></i><br />
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The restaurant that keeps me coming back is <a href="http://eatatunion.com/" target="_blank">Union Sushi</a> in River North. The artfully crafted small bites, lunch Bento, and Japanese Barbeque prepared by Chef Chao and his team are unmatched when it comes to refined “Sushi + Barbeque”.<br />
One of the hippest spots for food, drinks, decor, and even music Union Sushi truly make you feel like one of the ‘cool kids’. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi Samurai or a California roll connoisseur, there is something for everyone to fall in love with. Hands down, my favorite dish would be the Hokkaido roll (with a black rice option) or the most luxurious Oysters on a half shell (Presentation is almost everything). <br />
Sometimes when I go and I’m not feeling like a huge sushi meal, I opt for a few shareable meat treats from the barbeque bar. With options like alligator, beef tongue, or succulent skewered pork shoulder; you could fill up on the barbeque aroma alone.<br />
“What about the drinks" you say? Yes, of course! Union Sushi plays host to the most up-and-coming Happy Hour this side of the El tracks. With an extensive sake and spirit list, the creativity and imagination of the bartender at “Up Bar” on the mezzanine level or the sake pairings on the main level are what keeps me bringing my friends back.<br />
This neighborhood Sushi +Barbeque spot harmoniously mixes all 5 senses with too many experiences to be had in just one visit! <br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>Union Sushi </b></div>
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230 W Erie St </div>
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Chicago IL 60654<br />
(312) 662-4888</div>
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<a href="http://eatatunion.com/" target="_blank">http://eatatunion.com/ </a></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-59808509014500785552012-03-08T13:12:00.002-06:002012-06-06T12:51:48.323-05:00My Perfect Meal By: Pete<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjrLWAEZLjl9QI1_AVjzjb5U6qVjNV1iefeX_jf7b9CwiqcS44MuVK4Q8wgjS5HGHiWBVWfYahFXQAiD4TI8uNpGLq8BGBtSUAtKJO16EurFrWUit1nWvWPDrEmf_B9pFYnA9WVaE5xM/s1600/PeteDurbin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjrLWAEZLjl9QI1_AVjzjb5U6qVjNV1iefeX_jf7b9CwiqcS44MuVK4Q8wgjS5HGHiWBVWfYahFXQAiD4TI8uNpGLq8BGBtSUAtKJO16EurFrWUit1nWvWPDrEmf_B9pFYnA9WVaE5xM/s320/PeteDurbin.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pete is a Marketing Supervisor who enjoys music, TV, drums, and cocktail mixology! He loves trying almost any type of food and will travel anywhere within the greater Chicagoland area to eat out. When a restaurant cooks with love, care, and ingenuity it is worth going too. When dining out, he finds that he can deal with bad company as long as the food is great! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">For
me, any perfect meal needs to start with a great cocktail. I’m a whiskey lover, and I tend to
judge a restaurant by how well they make a “classic” cocktail like the
Manhattan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">Lots of restaurants
know how to make them well, but <a href="http://www.sablechicago.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sable</b></a> in River North takes the cake. All I asked for was a Jim Beam Rye
Manhattan, and what I got in return was the smoothest, most enjoyable whiskey
cocktail I’ve ever had. (The meal
that followed was pretty killer, too).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">My
ultimate appetizer is something that’s not even on the menu. Dine at Art Smith’s<b> <a href="http://www.tablefifty-two.com/" target="_blank">Table 52</a></b>, and
before anything you ordered arrives; you’re served warm goat cheese biscuits
that are truly out of this world. These truly put the standard ‘bread and butter’ to shame, and I would
pay a sizable portion of the bill just to dine on these all night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">Jumping
to the entrée, the Japanese Ribs at <a href="http://www.japonaischicago.com/index2.html" target="_blank"><b>Japonais</b></a> feature the perfect combination of
rib-sticking goodness and delicious Asian barbeque flavor. For anyone who’s never had barbeque
outside of the traditional American style, I can’t think of a better place to
start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">While
many main dishes feature great sides, those sides alone can sometimes be the
star of the meal. Take <a href="http://www.bientrucha.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bien Trucha</b></a>
in Geneva for example. While the tacos were a marvel in their own right, the
suggested combination of Esquites (grilled corn with butter, lemon, and chiles)
and Arroz Poblano (rice with poblanos, Chihuahua cheese, and sour cream) was
pure culinary magic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 14pt;">Finally dessert,
we’re back to<a href="http://www.tablefifty-two.com/" target="_blank"><b> Table 52</b></a> and Art’s Hummingbird Cake. While “banana” and “pineapple” aren’t the first words to
typically get me excited about a dessert, I was told this cake had to be tried
to be believed. I’m really not a
dessert person and tend to fill up on savory foods, but I will always, always,
make room for this cake. Fresh
banana, pineapple, cream cheese frosting, and moist cake come together to make
sweet goodness like I’ve never tried before.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sable</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">505 North State St.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Chicago, IL. 60654</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(312) 755-9704</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1194930370"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">www.sablechicago.com </span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.sablechicago.com/index.php" target="_blank"> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Table Fifty-Two</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">52 West Elm St.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Chicago, IL. 60610</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(312) 573-4000 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.tablefifty-two.com/index.html#" target="_blank">www.tablefifty-two.com </a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Japonais</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">600 West Chicago Ave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Chicago, IL. 60610</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(312) 822-9600 </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.japonaischicago.com/index2.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">www.japonaischicago.com</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bien Trucha </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">410 West State St. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Geneva, IL. 60134</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bientrucha.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">www.bientrucha.com</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-64784266265816315022012-03-06T12:06:00.004-06:002012-03-06T14:58:58.041-06:00Check, Please! Crave<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Check, Please! Craves </b></span></div>
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A warm, gooey, delicious Cinnamon Roll from <a href="http://www.trekronorrestaurant.com/#/home" target="_blank">Tre Kronor</a>. What have you tried from there?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Have A Behind The Scenes Look With Executive Producer David Manilow!<br />
Experience a bit of Scandinavia, right here in humble Chicago. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tre Kronor</b></u></span></div>
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3258 West Foster Avenue<br />
Chicago, IL. 60625</div>
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<a href="http://www.trekronorrestaurant.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.trekronorrestaurant.com</a></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-21055535132153050662012-03-01T12:08:00.001-06:002012-03-01T12:22:07.975-06:00Revolution Brewing By: Daniel<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wGLyB69JOK_i6BZlZIUl1eeAarbaA_Q5qouKqBKvzl7MIoHX5JabPxIfq3ieRk8wtluHOg_Dq3S7RaGkoRKni0jPfzNC1i0sKxu5OKvkMvnEZgi5PljTB1LSpRmnGb36rXwlIzusO8A/s1600/DanielGoodwin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wGLyB69JOK_i6BZlZIUl1eeAarbaA_Q5qouKqBKvzl7MIoHX5JabPxIfq3ieRk8wtluHOg_Dq3S7RaGkoRKni0jPfzNC1i0sKxu5OKvkMvnEZgi5PljTB1LSpRmnGb36rXwlIzusO8A/s320/DanielGoodwin.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Daniel Goodwin is the Associate Director of Operations at CICS Wrightwood and likes to read, write, and cook! He likes to try new places around the West Town area and always looks to push his own limits. He loves Check, Please! because of the diverse guests and their different views and experiences they have at each restaurants. It also allows him to discover some of the interesting restaurants Chicago has to offer!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The restaurant that keeps me coming
back is the unassuming <a href="http://revbrew.com/" target="_blank">Revolution Brewing</a>. No frills or thrills, I would consider this an upscale
version of the workingman’s pub.
It is a great place to relax and catch a game, while enjoying the
company of a few friends and some fantastic hand crafted brews.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The menu boasts appetizers such as the Bacon Fat Popcorn and the Cheddar Ale Soup, but my favorite is definitely the
Applewood-Smoked Wings. The wings
have a great smoky taste that provides the right amount of kick to get your
taste buds salivating for more. Did I mention that the wings come with a side of the
bleu cheese potato salad? Pair
this with one of their best IPAs, the Anti-Hero, and you have heaven on earth
my friends! The slight bitterness
of the IPA with the richness of the blue cheese plays melodically on your
tongue.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the main course, my number one choice is the Workingman Burger. Aged cheddar, beer onion, and bacon is
all this guy needs to make this one phenomenal burger. Cooked medium rare, this burger comes
with several options for a side, but take it from me you are a fool if you do
not choose the garlic cream cheese mashes potatoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Again, another example of how Revolution gets all of the
small things right to make this dining experience one of the best in the City
of Chicago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Revolution Brewing</b><br />2323 North Milwaukee Avenue<br />Chicago, IL. 60647 </span></span><span style="font-family: "MetaPlusBold Bold"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://revbrew.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://revbrew.com/</a></span><b><br /></b></span></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-9464354491619359412012-02-28T11:44:00.001-06:002012-02-28T11:46:44.627-06:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By: Jen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jen Panattoni is a business woman and marketing student from Oak Park. She enjoys dining out so she can get something she doesn't know how to cook and gets inspired to recreate dishes she's had. Also, she finds it relaxing to sit down for a meal she didn't have to prepare. She watches Check, Please! because she secretly wants Alpana Singh's job, not that it's so much of a secret anymore! </span></i></div>
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One Logan Square spot which keeps me coming back for more is <a href="http://www.dunlaysonthesquare.com/" target="_blank">Dunlays on the Square</a>. I’m talking about one of the best brunch spots in Chicago people, and if you like brunch like I do, then you also know that a little hair of the dog is just what the doctor ordered on those days where you just haven’t quite recovered from the night before.<br />
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Nestled right in the middle of hipster paradise, Dunlays is like an oasis that beckons with its big comfy booths and its promises of bottomless mimosas. If you’re not really into Mimosas, they also have one of the best Bloody Marys in the city as well, complete with a sidecar of the cutest little beer ever. You could easily skip the entree and just feast on all the garnishes that come with your bloody such as, soprasatta and fresh mozzarella, but you would do yourself a disservice if you didn’t order up a plate of the Johnny Cakes.<br />
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Their Johnny Cakes are thin, cornmeal griddle cakes that are stuffed with savory cider braised pork. On the side, you have an assortment of accoutrements; two poached eggs, crunchy fried potato strings, and a mysterious pickled concoction referred to as “chow chow”. I like to dress my Johnny Cakes like I would a taco with all these fantastic sides to get never ending combinations of savory, sweet, crunchy, and the most important flavor of them all, porky. Yes, pork should have its own flavor, I think it’s well deserving of that. You’ll agree with me if you ever get the chance to pony up to a comfy bar stool at Dunlays.<br />
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So go there, the staff is so nice, they’ll even charge your cell phone for you behind the bar if it’s about to die! They won’t even make fun of you for returning a week later because you left your charger there, which is just a really great excuse to order up some more Johnny Cakes.<br />
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<b>Dunlays On The Square</b><br />3137 West Logan Blvd.<br />Chicago, IL. 60647</div>
<a href="http://www.dunlaysonthesquare.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.dunlaysonthesquare.com/ </a>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-90493255329470399232012-02-23T11:30:00.000-06:002012-02-23T12:21:27.940-06:00Senor Pan By: Jerry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Jerry Weber is a Senior Contract Buyer from New Lenox. He is an ultimate </i><i>Check, Please! fan as Jerry says he's watched every single episode over our 11 season history. While it can be an expensive hobby, Jerry loves checking out as many of the </i><i>Check, Please! reviewed restaurant as he can. He even created his own </i><i>Check, Please! database to help him find the perfect dining spot for any occasion. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Finally it was time for my birthday family meal, it is only
over a week late! Well I will say things have been quite busy around the old
family home lately. This is the first free day when we could all get together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I decided on Senor Pan, since we are a Cuban household. This
restaurant came highly rated on several of the different Internet websites. The
ratings have been very high for this restaurant. So we head up north to pick up
our oldest daughter and then head over to Fullerton. There is a parking lot
right in front of the restaurant. There is a pretty good crowd for a late
Saturday lunch, early Saturday dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We start out ordering two orders of the Croquetas De Jamon
(Ham Croquettes). They were very good. All the Cubans at our table agreed these
tasted like a true Cuban made them and reminded everyone of the home made
version. We also ordered the Mariquitas Con Mojo (Homemade Plantain Chips with
Garlic Sauce). These were also good. It was strange that the Plantains were cut
with ridges (just like Ruffles have ridges). So they were not as thin as they
could have been. Also they could have used more salt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For our main orders I started with the Senor Pan Trio (3
mini sandwiches of my choice). I got the Sandwich Cubano (sandwich with Ham,
Roast Pork, Cheese and Pickles, this was very good and I am not a big fan of
ham or pickles), Sandwich De Boliche (Roasted Beef, Lettuce and Tomato, this
one was even better), and finally the Sandwich De Ropa Vieja (Shredded Flank
Steak in Tomato Sauce, this one was truly the BEST). I will say two of my
favorite Cuban dishes have to be Ropa Vieja and Boliche and in that order too.
Oh I almost forgot I also ordered a Mango Batidos (milkshake, very, very
delicious).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well my wife and my youngest son both ordered the Bistec
Encebollado (Grill Onions Steak). Of course I tasted their steak and it was
very good. They both thought the steak was very good but the rice, black beans,
and plantains were just average. My oldest son and youngest daughter both
ordered the Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef, my favorite Cuban dish). Dad had to try
some (remember it is my birthday meal and my favorite dish) and I thought it
was truly outstanding. They both agreed on the beef but again just thought the
rice, black beans, and plantains were just average. Finally, my oldest daughter
order the Boliche (Roast Eye of Round Cuban Style, my second favorite Cuban
dish). I also was allowed to sample this one and again thought it was one of
the best I have ever tried. My daughter agreed on the meat, but also thought her
sides were just average.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For dessert, my wife and two daughters all ordered the flan. They really liked it a lot. Usually they order flan and say afterward
that it was too jello like, however this flan was firmer and tasted very good. So this
time at Senor Pan they all LOVED their flan and thought it was just like a true
Cuban would have made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh I almost forgot, (remember I am older now) I also ordered another Senor Pan Trio to go. My sandwiches were
just sooo good that I had to place another order to go. I figured I had another
yummy meal for the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So all this food and with drinks, our total bill came to
roughly $85 dollars. Actually it was a bit higher with a tip that our waitress
did not want to accept (I left her a tip anyway). Since it is a family run
place I think they don't want to accept tips. But the service was just sooo
friendly and helpful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I would
highly recommend Senor Pan to everyone and we do plan on heading back to
Fullerton for another yummy Cuban meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Senor Pan</b></span></div>
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Placement on map is approximate</div>
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<span dir="ltr" style="font-size: small;">4612 West Fullerton Avenue</span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=SENOR+PAN&fb=1&gl=us&hq=SENOR+PAN&hnear=Aurora,+IL&cid=0,0,85241434648365742&source=embed&vpsrc=0&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed#" style="display: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_parent"></a></div>
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<span dir="ltr" style="font-size: small;">Chicago, IL 60639</span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=SENOR+PAN&fb=1&gl=us&hq=SENOR+PAN&hnear=Aurora,+IL&cid=0,0,85241434648365742&source=embed&vpsrc=0&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed#" style="display: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_parent"></a></div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=SENOR+PAN&fb=1&gl=us&hq=SENOR+PAN&hnear=Aurora,+IL&cid=0,0,85241434648365742&source=embed&vpsrc=0&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed#" target="_parent">Get directions</a></div>
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<span dir="ltr" style="font-size: small;">(773) 227-1020</span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-19745388623515612022012-02-21T10:22:00.002-06:002012-02-21T10:36:12.172-06:00The Restaurant That Keeps Me Coming Back By Lori<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lori has traveled the world as a flight attendant and has experienced the food and cultures of many countries. Now, a hotel concierge, Lori gets to enjoy dining at restaurants in the River North area as apart of her job. One of the reasons she loves dining out is because you can never have the same experience twice. Every restaurant and meal is a new experience and makes life interesting because you are able to live in the moment. </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"> </span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.merlochicago.com/index.html">Merlo on Maple</a> is my idea of the perfect restaurant dining experience. The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored, four story, 19<sup>th</sup> century town home in the heart of the Gold Coast, just steps from the exciting Rush Street area of Chicago. During the Winter months, the cozy rooms invite you into the warmth of the restaurant with it’s understated elegance. Flicking candles in silver candlesticks are on every white linen table. You enter the gracious town home and immediately see the intimate bar. Perhaps a drink before dinner. </div>
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During the summer months, the second floor bar extends outside to form a charming balcony. There is outside patio seating in front of the restaurant. The lovely wooden staircase greets you as you walk into one of the dining rooms. Many of the rooms are used for small, intimate gatherings. Fresh flowers are on the tables, it feels like you are entering a beautiful home. This restaurant is Class!</div>
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Chef/Owner Luisa Silvia Marini spent many years in her native Bologna, Italy where she was able to refine the flavors of Bolognese cuisine. She uses the finest and freshest ingredients, many imported from Italy. The menu is also a favorite. Dishes are perfect for sharing. The handmade pastas, fishes, meats, and desserts were created from the most sophisticated recipes of Bolognese cuisine. Portions are on the small side for the American plate. This is a fine dining experience geared for the “slow food” devotee. The wine list focused around the flavor of the Bolognese cuisine. The professional wait staff will guide you with your selections. Service is friendly, knowledgeable, and well paced.</div>
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The upscale, sophisticated atmosphere is perfect for a quiet, romantic, fine dining experience. It is equally suited for a private business dinner or special occasion. The spacing of the tables allows for privacy and conversation. The charming horse drawn carriages are nearby and add to the atmosphere of the area. The Rush Street area is perfect for strolling after dinner or having after dinner drinks at one of the many nearby bars or clubs.</div>
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My favorite reason for going to Merlo on Maple is the feeling you have when dining here. It is a wonderful trip to Italy without having to pack and use your passport. If a trip to Italy is not in your near future and you love Italian cuisine, this is the place to splurge and go!! If you have been to Italy, it will bring back wonderful memories. You may be inspired to go to the bookstore and pickup a 2012 Guide to Italy. After dining at Merlo on Maple you will have the urge to pack…… Start dreaming, a trip could be on the way! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Merlo on Maple</b><br />16 West Maple St.<br />Chicago, Il. 60610<br /><a href="http://www.merlochicago.com/">www.merlochicago.com </a></span></div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480676633534401914.post-8365635026841318702012-02-16T11:45:00.000-06:002012-02-21T10:36:01.206-06:00My Most Memorable Dining Experience By: Nicole<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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Nicole loves food, but hates to cook so enjoys trying different restaurants on a regular basis. She travels to many different cities as an Operations Analyst and enjoys researching restaurants or food trucks to check out while she's there. Nicole enjoys watching Check, Please! to discover new restaurants in other neighborhoods and feels like she's met a new acquaintance whom is telling her about their dining experiences. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My most memorable dining experience took place not at just one establishment, but four over the course of a few hours, thanks to local tour company Fork and the Road. Two summers ago I joined Fork’s intrepid owners, Dimitria and Sharon, for a bicycle tour of some of Chicago’s great Eastern European cuisine. During our 15-mile bike ride through the city’s northwest neighborhoods on a lovely day, we most assuredly took in more calories eating than we burned biking, but it was still a fun and delicious way to explore the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After first hearing all the necessary bike safety rules for our group of 10, we pedaled up from Edgewater to <b>Argo Georgian Bakery</b> on Devon. Here we were each treated to our own Hachapuri, a flaky, cheese-filled puff pastry cooked in the depths of a large Georgian oven built right into the bakery’s floor, complete with cooking demonstration by the owner. It made me wish I had a Georgian oven in the middle of my kitchen so I could eat that bread every morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After stopping by a nearby Russian delicatessen, </span><b>Three Sisters</b>, for a quick sausage tasting, we took the scenic route to Elston and Peterson for our biggest meal of the tour at Polish favorite <b><a href="http://www.smaktak.com/">Smak-Tak</a></b>. Here we were treated to a giant spread of pierogis and Hungarian-style pancakes- potato pancakes covered in goulash, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and peppers. Would I normally have had such a homey Polish feast on a hot summer day, with a few miles of biking left to complete? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t still clean my plate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;">Finally, we rolled down Lincoln (at a far slower pace than when we started) toward </span><b style="font-size: 100%;">Jibek Jolu</b><span style="font-size: 100%;">, Chicago’s only Kyrgyzstani restaurant. This central Asian country’s location on the silk road has produced food with an influence from both its Eastern European, Persian, and Asian neighbors. It made for really interesting flavors, hearty with some surprising spices. The noodles in the signature lagman dish are even hand-pulled in-house. I used to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for something a little “off the beaten path”, though with its recent appearance on Check Please, that’s probably no longer necessary!</span><span style="font-size: medium;">Fork and the Road did a great job of introducing us to some great hidden gems in my own backyard, easily accessible by two wheels. Trying such wonderful local and authentic eateries only made me want to continue on to sample all the great ethnic food Chicago has to offer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Argo Georgian Bakery</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">2812 W Devon Ave</span><span class="locality" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chicago</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="region" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IL</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="postal-code" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">60659</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">(773) 764-6322</span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three Sisters</span></span><span class="street-address" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2854 W Devon Ave</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="locality" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chicago</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="region" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IL</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="postal-code" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">60659</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">(773) 465-6695</span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Smak-Tak</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">5961 N Elston Ave</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Chicago, IL 60646</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">(773) 763-1123</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jibek Jolu</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">5047 N Lincoln Ave</span><span class="locality" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chicago</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="region" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IL</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="postal-code" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">60625</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">(773) 878-8494</span></span></h1>
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</div>Check, Please!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14338270667298033013noreply@blogger.com0