I love Chicago!! It has everything NYC has to offer but it's more laid back and genuine. Plus, I love this city because this where I learned to cook from my Aunt Mary (aka Mama Mary)....my introduction to my passion.
So I waited for my girls; met some people; girls finally arrived; went to another bar; then called it a night. But before we can do that.....we had to get some after bar food in our system. So get ready, because this is where the food adventure starts!!
Our first night, the dining experience is something we would like to forget. Nic and I wanted something delicious and fast (Angela's Burrito is what we were pushing). However, Cynthia had her own plan. As a result, we ended up at the Golden Nugget. This place is not known for their food or service. So what do you do?? You order the safest thing on the menu......anything fried, burgers -well done and sandwiches!! We shared onion rings for apps (they were yummy); I got the Club Sandwich w/fries (my fries were cold and the sandwich was dry); Nic got egg white omelet w/spinach, shrooms and feta; and Cynthia got the Huevos Rancheros. Let's just say the girls had stomach issues all night and the next day.....where I was bueno!! Thank goodness I asked for mayo on the side.
The second day our dining experience was so much better. We started our day with a food walking tour of Wicker Park/Bucktown area. It was 3 hours long and we went to 6 places for tastings; learned about the development and achievements of the eating establishments; walked around the area; and learned about the area - past, present and the future. It was worth $42 because we totally enjoyed ourselves. You get enough food (unless you're like me because I was still hungry). We had a Chicago Hot Dog at Georges (http://www.georgeshotdogs.com/); Iced Medium w/Homemade Marshmallow at Hot Chocolate (http://www.hotchocolatechicago.com/); Antipasto Pasta Salad at The Goddess and Grocer (http://www.goddessandgrocer.com/); New Haven Style White Pizza and Beer at Piece http://www.piecechicago.com/flash/index.html); Falafel Sandwich at Sultan's Market (http://chicagofalafel.com/); and finally Ice Cream at iCream (http://www.icreamcafe.com/).
Anytime you are in a new city and you want to learn about their culture, definitely find a food tour. It's a great way to learn about the city (i.e. historical facts, the food that's indigenous to the city, etc).
After the food tour, we did some shopping. Bucktown/Wicker Park has great shopping. Very cute boutiques. So if you're one of those people who have to be unique, then definitely go shopping Bucktown/Wicker Park because you will find one of a kind items.
All that shopping we worked up an appetite. We went to a bar and grabbed a cocktail to discuss where we want to go for dinner. Should we try one of the places we went in our food tour or go some where different?? We decided to go to Takashi (a recommendation of the bartender).
Takashi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with French influences (http://www.takashichicago.com/). We walked in and we were rejected in seating (there were several tables available for seating but if the restaurant want to do their reservations smoothly, then you will get rejected). So what did we do....we asked if there's dining at the bar. If a restaurant has dining available at the bar.....take it!! I love eating at the bar. You learn alot about the restaurant because of the interaction you will have with the bartender and other staff members. Plus, you can ask questions about the menu without feeling like you're being difficult or rushed from the server. I only recommend this if you have 2 -4ppl. Anything above 4ppl, do a table because it's easier to interact with your party.
Nic ordered the Carrot-Ginger Soup for her 1st course and the Halibut for her entree; Cynthia ordered the Beef Carpaccio for her 1st course and the Duck Breast and Confit of Leg for her entree; and I ordered the Terrine Trio for the 1st course and the Skate Wing for my entree. I could go on and on about the food because I got to taste everything due to sharing (always share when dining at a new restaurant, this helps in not over ordering....after all being wasteful is a horrible thing). But what I will say about the food is that everything came out hot when it's suppose to be hot and chilled when it's suppose to be chilled; presentation was simple and inviting; the flavors are delicate; and the textures are balanced. For me the most impressive part was the timing of the food. I felt like I was in France. We had a 2hr dinner. Nothing we did by our indecisiveness or constant yapping. We were actually in a hurry. It was because of the way Takashi manages his establishment. Doing this allows the customer to enjoy their food and capture the total experience. I savored every bite and I'm glad we had our dinner this way because it made me appreciate all the efforts of Takashi and his staff. Overall, we loved the food, the service and the experience. Totally recommend this place!!
For our 3rd and 4th day we did our late morning exercise by walking along the Lake Shore then grab a bite to eat; shopped a lil more; grabbed dinner; then enjoy the nightlife. Some of the memorable places we went to were Perennial, Molly's Cupcakes and The Spice House. I could talk about ALL the places we went to....but if I did, this sucker will be a book. Trust me, I am trying to keep it short. He he ha ha.
Perennials is a great brunch place (http://www.perennialchicago.com/). Thank goodness for the walk we did before coming here because I ordered like it was the last brunch I was going to have. I ordered the Sticky Buns and Breakfast Croquettes for starter. For the main entree, I ordered the Pork Belly and Mushroom Omelet, a side of Fruit Salad and a side of Potatoes Bravas Style. Nic ordered the Tuna Casserole while Cynthia ordered the Smoked Salmon. Yeah, I know I over ordered. But when a menu looks good, I cannot help myself....everything looks good. At least I ordered something unique and what the restaurant is known for. With all that food, of course I shared. I wasn't going to be a complete hog.
After brunch did some shopping on Old Town. I made a pit stop to The Spice House (http://www.thespicehouse.com/). I discovered this place last year. I had to go back and get some spices I ran out of. I accomplished it but also but more. I bought about $60 worth and it was not a prob. All these spices got my creative juice flowing. I was ready to get in the kitchen and start cooking. The White Truffle Sea Salt is what jump started it. The smell of the salt was sooooo bueno. I was thinking of making homemade potato chips with the truffle sea salt and make a creamy blue and chives dip for it. Sounds yummy huh?? I shared the idea with another customer that was next to me....we enjoyed each other's passion of the sea salt. Knowing that they probably did not want to make their own potato chip, I told them to purchase kettle fried potato chips unsalted; place in a 350 degrees oven for about 5 mins to release the oil; pull out and season with the salt. Of course you can do this with any seasoning mix or salt mix. For instance, you can sprinkle barbecue seasoning on the chips and serve with ranch dip. Visit The Spice House and see what kind of chef you can be!!
When we finished our excursion in Old Town we headed back to Lincoln Park. On our path back, we discovered a bakery with swings hanging from the ceiling. We had to go in. It's Molly's Cupcakes in Lincoln Park (http://www.mollyscupcakes.com/home.php) and it puts Magnolia Bakery in NYC to shame. These cupcakes are moist and flavorful. Nothing is overly done....not overly sweet or overly iced. Yeah these cupcakes can be expensive but it's worth it. Because you're paying someone else to do all mixing, baking, icing, stuffing, etc. Imagine if you did that....you would spend about the same or more. We ordered the Strawberry Shortcake; Apple Pie; Tiramisu; Boston Cream; Lemon Meringue; and the Chocolate Mousse. We got our cupcakes and started to speed walk due to the rain. I made sure the cupcakes would not be ruined by the rain. Because of that, I looked like I was in a wet t-shirt contest. It was all good though.....my reward for me efforts was sooooo bueno!!
There was more eating because Chicago has loads of cuisine to offer. But that will be another entry.
