back or forth

Icosium Kafé

2010-01-20T17:27:00.009-06:00

When I walked into Icosium Kafé, I thought it was going to be Crepe & Coffee Palace. It was a bit confusing. I guess ownership had recently changed. Nevertheless, the Algerian tapestries on the wall were aesthetically pleasing and not what I had expected to find inside of a creperie. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I think that's what generally happens when you're the only lunchtime customer...

A server approached my table with a minted ice water as soon as I sat down. She was friendly and helpful, but after having the menu open for only a few moments after she left, she returned. When you only have one customer, I guess it's difficult to not be overbearing.

I went with the Icosium Crepe, the Cheka Chouka ($9.99), which was preceded by a vegetable soup with something hard and bone-like at the bottom. Perhaps it was a bone chip? Anywho, I would call the flavors indistinguishable and bland and even though it was free, I didn't see its value. Some hot sauce accompanied it as did some pesto-ed pita bread, but neither really improved its quality.

The crepe itself benefited from an interesting presentation and lots of diverse flavors. The fresh ingredients combined to create cool textures and the portion size didn't leave me too hungry. There were roasted peppers, fresh basil, goat cheese, caramelized onions, fresh roma tomatoes, pine nuts, roasted garlic, baby spinach, and Icosium dressing (balsamic). Four word summary: sweet + savory + cheesy + balsamicky.

As luck would have it, some free baklava came out after my crepe and I wish it had been tastier. The flaky dough and cashew and pistachio were nice, but something left a foul aftertaste in my mouth. Once again, a free dish didn't necessary mean a good dish.

Looking back, Icosium Kafé didn't provide a great crepe (nor a great deal), but if you've got a hankering, this is a good enough spot until you find a better option. I will be going back, but I doubt this favorable status will last. Better creperies in Chicago? Let me know.

Icosium Kafé - Lincoln Park - (773)404-1300 - 2433 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: bus 22 or the Fullerton stop of the Brown/Red/Purple Line.

Icosium crepe, Cheka Chouka - $9.99

iCream

2010-01-20T15:59:00.008-06:00

Cora Shaw got the idea for iCream while pursuing her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. At the beginning stage of a group project in her New Venture Strategy class, she proffered a unique - and improbable - concept. The idea? Combining liquid nitrogen with various base liquids to make on-the-spot ice cream, yogurt, or sorbet.

The path wasn't easy; in fact in the beginning, iCream could only open for three days before closing for the next eight months to repair and re-engineer the intricate electrical and cryogenic equipment. But, ultimately, Cora Shaw and her business partner Jason McKinney have made it work. For more of the story's details, go here.

iCream is the next step as far as frozen treats are concerned. It's entertaining, fresh, and can be tailored to satisfy any of your sweet tooth cravings. There's non-fat and low-fat frozen yogurt, low-fat and soy and regular ice cream, hot pudding for the cold months, and even made-to-order Italian sodas. Oh, one last thing: any item can be made sugar-free.

For your personalized creation, there are four steps. You pick your treat, choose a flavor (29 options), select up to three add-ins and toppings (29 options), and then color your creation (eight options). I ordered a "cinnamon something or other" regular ice cream as per Cora's suggestion. The texture was excellent - it wasn't icy at all and the oreo + graham cracker crust were well blended into the cinnamon and coffee ice cream. I could've chosen a color for this creation, but I left it chaste.

As much as I enjoyed my visit to iCream (and chatting with Cora), it isn't quite perfect. The aforementioned creation that I got was kind of expensive for a small. It cost me $5.27, but in Cora's defense, it's an 8oz small while other ice cream places only give you 6oz. I guess you're paying for the novelty, the quality of the ingredients (many of which are organic), and the fact that it's a small business. But still - pret-ty pret-ty pricey.

That said, I still think that the interior design could be improved. To start, it's cold and plain and kind of dirty. I noticed some stains on the walls and leftover dirty napkins near the entrance. The florescent lighting doesn't help either, though it may have been chosen to reflect the scientific (or futuristic) side of iCream because it does evoke a sterilized lab (or a minimalistic ice cream store in 2050)...

I will be going back and I suggest you check it out before iCreams are as common as Cold Stone Creameries. That way, you'll secure yourself some bragging rights.

iCream - Wicker Park- (773)276-2100 - 1537 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: bus 50 or 56 or the Damen stop of the Blue Line.

small ice cream w/ two flavors and two add-ins - $5.27

Birchwood Kitchen

2009-12-31T00:05:00.013-06:00

In Buenos Aires, people often talk about something called onda (vibe(s)). Mala onda means bad vibes and buena onda means good vibes. Birchwood Kitchen is a perfect example of a place that has buena onda. Right when I walked in, I felt it. The neighborhood, the space, the employees - all of it = buena onda.

The food at Birchwood Kitchen ain't bad, but it ain't great either. Mining the menu for delicious eats shouldn't prove too difficult, yet it's probably not going to be an effortless task either. I ordered a mushroom sandwich and a side of chipotle chickpeas and went one for two. Batting .500? Not spread-the-word worthy.

The mushroom sandwich with its creamy mozzarella, red bell pepper puree, basil and sourdough reminded me of a tasty margherita pizza. The shrooms saved it from blandness and the toasty bread gave it a crispy, crunchy texture.

The chipotle chickpea salad cleared my sinuses. There were too many red onions and the powerful chunks would've benefited from finer chopping. The cilantro, on the other hand, was subtle and nice and complimented the chipotle element quite well without overpowering its smokiness. In the end, the abundance of mayo killed the dish for me and reminded me of a potato salad made with chickpeas.

Birchwood Kitchen is a fine option for people in the immediate vicinity, but, for those who have the ability to travel a bit further, I just cannot give it an enthusiastic recommendation. And unfortunately, due to the format of this blog, I have to give it a forth rating.

Birchwood Kitchen - Wicker Park- (773)276-2100 - 2211 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 72 or the Damen stop of the Blue Line.

mushroom sandwich - $7.25
chipotle chickpea side - $2.50

Irazú

2009-12-30T01:08:00.007-06:00

Irazú made a good first impression. Walking in from the cold, I loved how its holiday jazz and colorful interior provided warmth and nostalgic comfort. It was kind of weird. I knew the meal would be satisfying even before I saw a menu.

The people behind Irazú are casual about the decor and, unfortunately, about the food as well. That's not to say that the Costa Rican cuisine is bad - it's just that it could be better. The dishes I sampled were strong for the most part, but would've benefited from some refinement.

The shake above clearly illustrates an exception to my "No Artistic Photo Edits" rule and there's good reason: it's truly as good as the reviews say it is. You can have it made with regular milk, soy, or water and I'm sure each way is delicious. It's like an incredible horchata smoothie with oatmeal and everything about it seems to be in perfect harmony. Its thickness won't clog your straw, but it won't rush through it. It won't give you a sugar headache, but it won't disappoint your sweet tooth. It's so well balanced; it's like no shake you've ever had.

Ah, the deceptive chifrijo. It looks like a moderately sized appetizer from the picture, but I assure you, this is a coy beast of a dish. Beneath the dark sauce and avocado slices lie tasty fried pork chunks, rice, black beans, and a variation of pico de gallo. Add the chips and you've got yourself something that is not light. The dish starts off excellently, but once you make it through the pico de gallo and crispy lardons (aka the top layer), you're left with more black beans and rice. If there were a smaller quantity of these two things instead of an abundance, the dish would be much better and less filling...

My meal ended with a single taco tico, which is a "crispy tortilla filled with skirt steak topped with cabbage, mayo, ketchup and Lizano sauce". To me, this was just a microwaved frozen taquito buried in cabbage and way too much sauce. Perhaps if the sauce had been reduced along with the cabbage, it would've been fine, but c'mon, look at the picture!

Though imperfect, Irazú is a place I can recommend without reluctance. The menu has options for everyone (including an entire vegetarian section), delightful flavors, and it's cozy and Costa Rican to boot. Look, the squeeze bottle salsas are weak and some culinary areas could use more effort, but having said that, I will still be back.

Irazú - Bucktown - (773)252-5687 - 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 56 or the Western stop of the Blue Line.

oatmeal (avena) shake - $3.00
chifrijo - $6.50
taco tico - $1.95

Delightful Pastries

2009-12-09T12:22:00.009-06:00

Delightful Pastries? Ha.

Let's do this in as few words as possible, from the beginning to end. One sentence per line.

Painfully slow service just to buy a single cookie when there weren't many customers present.
Inattentive employee working behind the counter.
"One chocolate chip cookie, please."
Was given a chocolate chip cookie with nuts.
Oh, awesome, it's pre-packaged.

Aren't the cookies supposed to be fresh at a bakery?
"Four dollars and fourteen cents."
For a single, pre-packaged cookie?
Are they crazy?
Maybe the cookie is amazing.
Don't judge too early, Dantaniel.
I take the first bite.
Oh, okay, this is sweet and chewy, but wait, what the-
The middle is raw.
Wow.
How could I, in good conscience, return when there are so many better cookies out there?
I will go forth.

Delightful Pastries,
Sure, you have a great location, but even that, paired with your attractive aesthetic, is not enough to overcome your high prices and gross product.

Delightful Pastries - Lincoln Park - 1710 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: bus 72 or the Sedgwick stop of the Brown Line.

chocolate chip cookie w/ nuts - $3.75 (w/o tax)

Cipollina

2009-12-02T12:55:00.011-06:00

Cipollina may blend easily into its neighborhood, but remember that its neighborhood is Wicker Park and the only way to truly blend in is to be different. To me, it evokes nearby Lucia's albeit with a less traditional style and a more contemporary space. It's a fresh take on the Italian deli format with more interesting sandwich choices, gelato, baked goods, artisanal Italian products, and an espresso bar.

The half café, half deli setup works aesthetically, but the food could be better. I've been twice at this point and nothing I've had has been close to flawless. A cold side of brussels sprouts was overdressed and far too bacon heavy, and both an Italian sub and a prosciutto sandwich fell on the dry side. That's not to say any of this food was bad though; it just wasn't incredible.

The prosciutto, parmesan truffle butter, arugula, calabrean pepper sandwich (pictured above) stood out on the short menu because the combination of ingredients seemed interesting to me. I loved each individual component (especially prosciutto and arugula) and wondered how they would play together when placed between bread. I cannot say the combined flavors were an absolute success - the prosciutto clashed with the truffle - and yet, the result was fresh and spicy and tasty. More moisture would've been appreciated as well as something to tone down the super salty prosciutto; I mean, serving salty Vitner's potato chips is just overkill. I wonder how far over my daily sodium allowance I went...

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Cipollina - Wicker Park - (773)227-6300 - 1543 N. Damen St, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: bus 72, 50 or the Damen stop of the Blue Line.

prosciutto - $7.25 (w/o tax)

Susie's Drive Thru

2009-11-24T11:39:00.010-06:00

Is the customer service great? No. Is Susie's über clean? No. But is the food delicious? Yes.

Susie's Drive Thru has been around for over 35 years and luck has nothing to do with it. It's situated on a noisy stretch of Montrose Ave replete with burnt rubber and fuel smells and it ain't pretty by any means. Enter the cramped, outdated interior and you'll see only three small stools and extensive menus lacking descriptions. It's hard to tell if they even want you in there, but honestly, they're going to survive with or without your business.

A moody woman asked for my order and while I wasn't ready (there are so many options!), my eyes must've been on the garlic Italian sandwich, for that is exactly what I requested after a short stalling period. I immediately regretted my decision though, thinking that I was going to get something akin to an Italian sub. But then, I was asked if I wanted it dipped and I knew things were looking up. I said "yes ma'am" and waited. Meanwhile, at the ice cream station, another employee made my caramel milkshake, another item I ordered without enough thought. I mean, when there are 65 milkshakes with names like Bermuda Triangle, Oreo River, and Summer Blast, it's hard to make up your mind.

When my order was up, I walked outside to a cheap, wobbly table. I unwrapped my damp, steaming sandwich and was thrilled to see that it was just a garlicky version of an Italian beef.

The beef was tender, thinly sliced, buttery, moist, well seasoned, messy, and heavenly. The sandwich seemed so plain, but it was truly so flavorful. I knew after the first bite that I'd be returning, even if it meant I would have to endure rude service.

The super sweet caramel shake was satisfactory. It tasted like soft serve ice cream blended with a few caramel syrup squirts. The whipped cream on top added a good creaminess, but something in the milkshake equation left a funky aftertaste in my mouth which could only be killed by more milkshake. Twas a vicious cycle. I also would like the option of whipped cream; I don't think it should be mandatory.

Back or Forth? I will be going back. But, because Susie's food list goes on and on with supplemental flyers too, I'd like to have some kind of explanation of the items made available...

Susie's Drive Thru - Irving Park - (773)395-9434 - 4126 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 - Public transportation: bus 78 or the Montrose/Irving Park stops of the Blue Line.

garlic Italian (beef) - $4.78 (w/o tax)
caramel milkshake - $3.67 (w/o tax)

Milk & Honey Café

2009-11-23T19:20:00.006-06:00

What starts with bad service does not always end with bad food. And yet, Milk & Honey Café was no exception to this general rule.

After the clean retrochic decor lured me in, I was greeted by a grumpy woman behind the counter who couldn't have cared less about my presence. I hate to break it to ya, but bad service and mediocre food do not inspire return visits... Milk & Honey breathes an indifferent air and provides little else other than a cool facade and a decent selection of baked goods (both in jars and behind glass). Don't expect to be amazed; its ambitions are not too great and its execution ain't either. It's a basic counter-based place with dull food and some insipid twists haphazardly placed throughout the menu.

I ordered the BLT on toasted Italian bread for $7.25. The menu claimed "thick-cut" bacon, yet I was served thin - and narrow - slices. The mealy, pulpy tomatoes lacked their typical moisture and the crunchy, fresh romaine wasn't enough to redeem them. I found the bread to be excellently crisp and tasty even if there was an unappealing abundance of it. The triple-decker sandwich was more of a BLT club than a BLT. In the end, it was too thick and too dry and forgettable.

The highlights of my visit, aside from the Steely Dan music that flowed out of the speakers, were the salty, kettle-cooked potato chips that accompanied my sandwich and a sizable chocolate chip cookie that I got for $1.75. It was thick with a good amount of chocolate, chewy in the middle, and brittle on the outside. Its wrinkled edges - with cool concentric circles - evoked skipping rocks on water and though it wasn't a life-altering treat, it shined in comparison to the BLT.

Back or Forth? I will be going forth; there are just too many better cafés like this in the city... But, I do think props are in order for the success of their granola.

Milk & Honey Café - Wicker Park - (773)395-9434 - 1920 W. Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: buses 50/70 or the Division/Damen stops of the Blue Line.

BLT - $7.25 (they're doing a cookbook soon and they shouldn't include this...)
chocolate chip cookie - $1.75

Don Churro

2009-11-17T14:05:00.007-06:00

If Don Churro isn't the hidden heart of Pilsen's food scene, then it's most definitely its sweet tooth. It's tucked away on a very quiet street off of 18th and its 67-year-old owner, Maria Molina de Celaya, has been churning out churros in Chicago for over 28 years with a warm smile and comforting kindness.

The modest, dimly lit interior dipped my expectations a bit, but the beautiful flavor of the churro smashed my doubts to pieces. I got a gooey caramel-filled, sugar-and-cinnamon-dusted, crispy churro for a buck and the first bite could've been the single best bite of anything I've ever had. I actually whispered a profanity to myself - the way a person eating alone does when something truly astonishes - and almost bowed down to Ms. Celaya. The woman has a gift.

The other available flavors were strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, bavarian cream, and plain and I probably should've tried them all. Damn you, self-restraint, they were only a dollar apiece! Oh, one more thing: Maria Molina de Celaya speaks very little English, so if you have a Spanish-speaking cap, wear it. She'll be sweet to you no matter what, but I just felt I should include that tidbit...

Back or Forth? I will definitely be back.

Don Churro El Moro De Letran - Pilsen - (312)733-3173 - 1626 S. Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 - Public transportation: bus X9/9, 18 or the 18th stop of the Pink Line.

caramel churro - $1 (look at pic below to see it in its entirety)

Taqueria Iguala

2009-11-12T11:05:00.008-06:00

Following the trend of my rainy taco exploration day in Pilsen, Taqueria Iguala was pretty empty when I entered. My expectations were low as were my spirits - I hadn't eaten anything mind-blowing and this place, with its tacky hanging Halloween decorations and hard fixed booths, didn't look promising.

And yet, Taqueria Iguala delivered the best taco al pastor I've had in Chicago. For $1.80, I tasted amazingly tasty, moist pork with finely chopped cilantro and onions on a good pair of soft corn tortillas. The juicy lemon wedge on the side proved to be a vast improvement over the dry limes I had gotten at the other two Pilsen joints. Come to think of it, why don't all the taquerias give lemons instead of limes? For me, the lemon works much better as a compliment than the usual lime...

The taco's pork was fattier than Los Comales's, but it made sense in that it provided more flavor and didn't throw off the texture in an offputting way. The taco as a whole needed no additional flavoring (aside from the juice of the lemon wedge) but it is worth noting that their green tomatillo was the first sauce of the day that wasn't tasteless...

Back or Forth? I will be going back. The third and final taco stop of my Pilsen adventure wowed me with a nicely seasoned, perfectly balanced taco al pastor that came out fresh and hot. I guess I unintentionally saved the best for last.

Taqueria Iguala - Pilsen - (312)226-0566 - 1131 W. 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 - Public transportation: bus X9/9, 18 or the 18th stop of the Pink Line.

taco al pastor - $1.80

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan

2009-11-05T02:00:00.009-06:00

Apparently, Rick Bayless loves Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan. I, on the other hand, do not. The fact that it specializes in birria tacos (ones derived from meat stew) intrigued me, but after visiting, I just don't get it.

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan offers interesting meat-derived taco options, but little else. From the central counter in the small shop, you can choose from birria de res (beef), chivo (goat), lengua (tongue), cabeza (head), and higado (liver), I ordered the birria de res and the birria de chivo, though in retrospect, I wish I had been more adventurous.

After the first bite I took of the birria de chivo, a molar of mine struck a piece of bone chip. That was definitely not awesome and I fear that it killed my appetite and sunk my rating of BRO (ha - another funny taqueria acronym). Once I got past that though, I found the taco to be just okay. The cilantro, onions, and lime were fine, but the meat was dry, bland, chewy, and rough. The bit of sauce on top helped add some spice and moisture, but it didn't do enough.

The birria de res was better with fattier and more succulent meat. I have no idea why this taco didn't come with any of the red sauce, but to be honest, it didn't need the sauce as much. The concept of birria - with its pepper broth base - leads me to believe that the tacos should be automatically flavorful, but the ones at BRO simply weren't.

The second taco stop of my Pilsen adventure left me unimpressed. I will go forth.

Birrieria Reyes de Ocotlan - Pilsen - (312)733-2613 - 1322 W. 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 - Public transportation: bus X9/9, 18 or the 18th stop of the Pink Line.

birria de res - $1.75
birria de chivo - $1.75

Taqueria Los Comales

2009-11-05T01:16:00.007-06:00

With a free rainy day stretching out ahead of me, I decided to explore some Pilsen taquerias. I guess you could call it part of my neverending taco al pastor quest, but that's neither here nor there...

Taqueria Los Comales has over 15 locations, so they must be doing something right. Right? Right. I tried to venture out into Pilsen with no prior knowledge of its taquerias and I guess that's how I ended up walking into a chain. Wa wa waaaa.

The setup was nothing extravagant. In fact, its simple layout of cheap bolted-into-the-ground deep-hued furniture reminded me very much of Arturo's. Each table though at TLC (ha - just realized that was the abbreviation) boasts its own personal bota, which is essentially a container of pickled and spiced veggies like cauliflowers, carrots, and jalapeños. I found that to be a nice touch even if I didn't think its contents were of the highest quality (the bota on my table had some suspicious carrots).

Once you sit at a table and indicate that you'll be dining in, a basket of chips and salsas hits the table and you'll have a little something to munch on before your order gets made. I was happy to see the free chips and salsas, but the chips were stale and the two squeeze bottled salsas were a let down. The green and red tomatillos were both bland; the red was oily and salty and the green was vaguely spicy, but ultimately tasted like nothing.

The tacos - priced @ 1.50ea - picked me up. As soon as they were put in front of me, I could smell the cilantro and the fantastically seasoned pork. I could've eaten them both without anything at all, but the lime added a nice bright flavor and illuminated the other ingredients. I have to say, the tacos were a perfect mix of sweet and savory and the fresh cilantro and onions were chopped just right. The only criticism I have is that the tacos tasted too onion heavy.

Unfortunately, I have to follow the rules of my blog and since these were not the best tacos al pastor in Pilsen, I will be going forth.

Taqueria Los Comales - Pilsen - (312)666-2251 - 1544 W. 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 - Public transportation: bus X9/9, 18 or the 18th stop of the Pink Line.

taco al pastor - $1.50

Le's Pho

2009-10-29T09:54:00.005-05:00

The only thing that shined about Le's Pho was its overhead florescent lighting. The cheap cafeteria style dining hall with its teal vinyl seats was made even less pleasant by the slow, hostile service. To be honest, this was my first stop on a bánh-mì eating mission, but the sandwich I consumed here killed my appetite.

I imagined something that would top Ba Le and I couldn't've been further off the mark. I ordered the Bánh Mì Thit Nguoi (#28) which seemed to be the most traditional bánh mì on the menu with BBQ pork and the usual suspects (cilantro, cucumbers, carrots, daikon, mayo). And while the free tea, the fresh veggies, and the potent green chile slices were cool, the pork most certainly was not. It ruined the sandwich with its funky, slightly metallic taste and grainy consistency. And, the "bbq'ed" skin was an unsettling translucent magenta color with a gummy plastic texture.

After struggling to finish my sandwich, it became clear why the majority of the people around me slurped down pho. They knew to avoid the bánh mì. I can't say that I'll return to give the pho a shot, but if you find yourself at Le's Pho, you probably should. At least promise me you'll avoid what I tried. Oh, and one last thing: the strip mall location, though not glamorous, wasn't necessarily a bad thing - at least it's off the beaten path...

Le's Pho - Uptown/Edgewater - (773)784-8723 - 4925 N. Broadway Ave, #G, Chicago, IL 60640 - Public transportation: the Argyle stop on the Red Line or buses 22, 36, 81, and 92.

bánh mì thit nguoi (#28) - $3.25
tea - free!

Toast (Two)

2009-10-28T22:43:00.014-05:00

Ah yes, time to write about the delectable food served up by Toast #2. I haven't tried the first Toast location, but if it's anything like the second, it's probably a safe bet...

The pesto scramble foghorned my taste buds and left me in a daze. Its components - fresh tomato, salty prosciutto, gooey gruyere, and homemade pesto - could not have played nicer together. I actually paused after the first bite, somewhat in disbelief over how well the potent flavors complimented each other. By far, twas the most satisfying brunch dish I've had in Chicago.

The other entree on the table, the veggie egg white omelete that my eating companion ordered, was very tasty and well made. Its veggies were "perfectly sauteed, not soggy" and the portion was more than enough.

The house potatoes had a nice crispiness, were sufficiently potato-ey, and had a good saltiness. The standout component though had to be the skins, which were delicious and slightly spiced with what tasted like a steak seasoning paired with rosemary.

The short stack failed to make an impression. The pancakes weren't horrible, but they were bland and too bready. The portion size was large though and the powdered sugar on top was a good touch. Not groundbreaking, but good.

The toasted challah lacked its usual sweet egginess and seemed more or less like a thick cut of plain white bread toast. And, I don't know why it was toasted so thoroughly, especially because it's supposed to be a fluffy, delicate bread... Strange choice, Toast.

Lastly, Toast Numero Dos, and Numero Uno for that matter, should reconsider its name. The toast selection is quite impressive (they have multi-grain, cinnamon raisin, brioche, challah, sour dough, and rye), yet it isn't made in house. Their toast comes from Gonnella according to our server, though I am having trouble locating a Gonnella-made challah on their website. Anywho, the fact that at least some of the bread comes from an outside source is bizarre when their name is Toast. You should not call your establishment Toast if you do not make your toast.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Toast Two - Bucktown - (773)772-5600 - 2046 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 50 or 73.

pesto scramble - $8
egg white veggie omelete - $10
house potatoes - $2
short stack - $3

The Twisted Baker

2009-10-28T18:29:00.006-05:00

The Twisted Baker sits quietly on the second floor of a charming building on Wells. Its name could not be more misleading. Once inside, you'll notice a casually elegant decor and a simple bakery layout. There are cookies and bars and tarts and eclairs and cupcakes all nicely organized within a glass display case.

I chose two of the mini cookies for 85 cents apiece - "nutless choc chip" & "chip"- and a medium-sized carrot cupcake for $2.25. I was a bit nervous ordering a cupcake though because the ones on display looked dry and dead, but thankfully, those were just for show!

I wish I could say something corny like "though the cookies were tiny in appearance, they were huge in flavor", but alas, I cannot. I would not mislead you, loyal reader. The reality is that both cookies were fine. The "chip" (on the left) had walnut and bittersweet choc chips whereas the "nutless cc" (on the right) contained only tightly-packed bittersweet choc chips. Both cookies had similar consistencies, good chewiness and a slight crunch, but the "nutless" was thinner and a bit moister.

The carrot cupcake was easily the highlight of my visit; in fact, twas phenomenal. Even now, it's hard to understand the way that it stayed simultaneously soft and fluffy with such a densely packed carrot cake. It was what other carrot cupcakes - or even carrot cakes - ought to strive for. The swirl of fantastic and smooth cream cheese frosting on top paired excellently with a tasty and complex base. Awesome notes of ginger and carrot and brown sugar lit up my tongue and the whole thing smacked of an expert baker's knowledge of balance.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

The Twisted Baker - Old Town - (312)932-1128 - 1543 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 - Public transportation: bus 11 or 72 or the Sedgwick stop of the Brown/Purple Line.

chip cookie - 85¢
nutless choc chip cookie - 85¢
carrot cake cupcake - $2.25

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery

2009-10-22T11:46:00.009-05:00

Visiting Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery is my favorite thing to do in Chicago; I've been three times in three months. I simply head downtown on the Blue Line, then walk to the METRA at Randolph and Michigan and, chugga chugga chugga, I'm on my way. The trip takes about an hour and half one way, but it's so completely worth it for great beers in a relaxing and charming and modest locale. I'd say it's best to do on a gloomy day though it's enjoyable in any weather condition...

Sometimes I start with the beer sampler (12 selections in all)...

Sometimes I go for the Brewery Platter (onion rings, ribs, and wings)...

And I always go for the giant plate of nachos topped with chili...

The beers (and the brewpub itself) have won numerous awards and it's easy to understand why. At the moment, the Pullman Nut Brown Ale, the Panana Limited Red, and the Collaborative Evil (seasonal Belgian-style) are my three favorites, though I'm sure after the next visit, I'll change my mind. The food definitely plays the supporting role in the brew-ruled world of Flossmoor, yet it cannot be ignored. I've tried many things on the menu, from the apps to the desserts, and everything was big and rich. It may not have been the healthiest food I've eaten, but it didn't matter - Flossmoor is where you should go to indulge.

FSRB is quaint, super mellow, and conveniently located right next to the Flossmoor Station METRA. Whenever I visit, I feel like I'm in some faraway magical land of special beers and tasty food and as soon as I leave, I try to plan out my next return.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Flossmoor Station - Flossmoor - (708)957-2739 - 1035 Sterling Ave, Flossmoor, IL 60422 - Public transportation: METRA University Park line from Downtown Chicago or I-80 / I-57 / Tri-State (294).

beer sampler - $10.95
Pullman Nut Brown Ale - $4.50 (pint)
Panama Limited Red Ale - $4.50 (pint)
Collaborative Evil - $6.00 (goblet)
Brewery Platter - $11.59
nachos with chili - $9.99

Cemitas Puebla

2009-10-15T09:23:00.010-05:00

The challenge: having more to say than the Mensa-certified, (food) heavyweight, MacArthur Fellow, Mr. Guy Fieri himself. You see, he beat me to the punch, having already visited Cemitas Puebla on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".

Cemitas Puebla is - surprisingly - all about cemitas, which are Mexican sandwiches not unlike tortas. I would even say that a true cemita is a type of torta except it must use sesame seed bread instead of a bolillo (crusty white roll) and it has a more fixed list of ingredients. The traditional cemita from Puebla, the place in Mexico from which it originates, always contains avocado, a type of meat, adobo-ed chipotles, and shredded queso oaxaca (oaxaca cheese). The reason that I left papalo leaves out is because when they ain't in season, they ain't used (duh).

Guy and I had slightly different experiences. To start, my visit wasn't quite as glamorous; I used a bus and my feet to transport me from home to Cemitas Puebla instead of a red '69 Chevy Camaro Super Sport. Also, my cemita didn't have the aforementioned papalo leaves, which must've lessened the complexity (and maybe the deliciousness) of the cemita. Thanks a lot, Mother Nature, you robbed me of my "summer cilantro".

Yet, even without the papalo, the sandwich slamdunked my taste buds and turned my mouth into a flavor fiesta. The tender breaded pork had a nice garlicky and peppery taste, the fresh avocado paste worked as a smooth spread, the sesame seed bun was a tasty cushion, and the adobo-ed chipotles shined as the true flavor mitochondria. The oaxaca cheese tasted a bit funky though; the soft texture was alright, but the aftertaste brought bizarre bitterness.

When you sit down to a table at Cemitas Puebla, there are three squeeze bottles of sauces. Referring to the above picture, the one on the right is a green tomatillo (mildest), the one in the middle is the adobo (medium), and the one on the left is chile del arbol (hottest). A combination of all three was ideal for the cemita that I ordered (the milanesa) and I think the strongest standalone sauce was the adobo, which is like a very smoky BBQ sauce with just a touch of sweetness.

Oh, and I can't leave out the excellent horchata - "traditional Mexican rice water" - that cost me only a dollar. To me, it tasted like a cold melted root beer float, only thinner. It was like liquid dessert with its sweet and nutty, vanilla and cinnamon notes. Wow. Talk about hitting the spot.

When people talk about Cemitas Puebla, they often use the word "authentic". And, without ever having been to Puebla, I can agree, only because I know they actually use ingredients from there. They're committed to quality and the effort really pays off. The decor may be a bit depressing what with all the faded posters and cheap furniture, but who cares, the food and the experience are not to be missed.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Cemitas Puebla - Humboldt Park - (773)772-8245 - 3619 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 72.

cemita milanesa - $6
agua de horchata - $1

George's Hot Dogs

2009-10-14T10:44:00.007-05:00

George's Hot Dogs opened in 1948 and over the past 60 or so years, they've perfected the art of quality, speedy service. The decor is clean (and dare I say classy for a diner-type place) and the vibe is super comfortable.

I paid $3 for a Chicago-style, Vienna beef hot dog that came with a side of fries. The dog could've been better with the poppyseed bun and the sport peppers, but twas still mighty tasty with its fresh, tried-and-true ingredients. The fries also hit the spot; they were good and greasy and long and salty with nice browned edges.

George's Hot Dogs also offers gyros, philly steaks, chili dogs, Italian beef, and more. And, if the rest of their stuff is as good as their dogs, then count me in.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

George's Hot Dogs - Bucktown - (773)227-4034 - 1876 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: Damen stop of the Blue Line or bus 50, 73.

hot dog (w/ fries) - $3

The Goddess and Grocer

2009-10-13T11:09:00.007-05:00

The Goddess and Grocer illustrates the clean aesthetic with a personal touch. They've got a succinct selection of high-end goods in tidy displays (wines, artisanal cheeses, handmade sweets) and a nice deli counter that offers sandwiches, salads, sliced meats, and more.

To start, I made an accidentally annoying request: I asked for a sandwich that would "blow me away". The employee, justifiably, didn't have an answer ready for me. He tried to ascertain some of my preferences and only then did he make a few suggestions. I went with the California Dreaming (subliminal homesickness?) and asked for a cup of water which I never received.

The sad side pickle spear in the basket - one that was dry and flat - foreshadowed the unimpressive sandwich. It consisted of turkey, avocado, swiss, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, and lemon mayo on multigrain bread and its flavors never really popped; they blended into obscurity. The ingredients themselves weren't necessarily the problem though. To me, California Dreaming had too much swiss and too little avocado. The multigrain bread was excellent, but the lemon mayo oozed through its spongy surface and greased up my fingers. It just wasn't anything special or especially enjoyable...

For dessert, I ordered a beautiful salted caramel cupcake for $3.50. I loved how it came in a plastic container because I despise shedding crumbs and making a mess. Unfortunately though, the presentation was the best part, proving once again that looks can be deceiving.

The cupcake itself didn't do it for me. The "salted caramel" flavor was faint at best and the chocolate frosting burned my throat with its cheap sweetness. The middle bites, the ones that combined the frosting with the "salted caramel" filling, were cavity-inducing and unpleasant. Aside from the generous portion and the tasty/moist cake, I was not happy with my purchase. If I could go back in time and alter the cupcake, I would've used a caramel buttercream frosting or even a vanilla one to compliment the "salted caramel". The chocolate washed out the caramel entirely and if it's going to play such a significant role, then the cupcake should be renamed "chocolate caramel".

The Goddess and Grocer isn't a bad place to eat or shop by any means, but for me, Southport Grocery is a better option.

Back or Forth? I will be going forth.

The Goddess and Grocer - Bucktown - (773)342-3200 - 1646 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: Damen stop of the Blue Line or bus 50, 56, 72.

California Dreaming - $7.95
salted caramel cupcake - $3.50

Annette's Homemade Italian Ice

2009-10-12T12:03:00.011-05:00

To preface, this may seem like a bizarre review because I'm only reviewing the ice cream eating experience at Annette's. In retrospect, it would've made more sense to review their Italian ice, but I am an ice cream fiend and was in an ice cream mood. My apologies. (Annette's is part of Metropolis Rotisseria in Lincoln Park).

The teal/white/salmon decor depressed me a bit upon entering, but the employee behind the counter quickly made up for it. When I asked for a sample of the peppermint candy crunch, he came back with a generous cantaloupe-scooper sized ball in a paper cup. It was refreshing to not see that tiny spoon portion that most ice cream places give you...

I ordered a medium, which magically consisted of three scoops at only $3.75. "Three scoops?" I asked. "Yes," he replied, "you can choose three flavors." Booya. I went with peppermint candy crunch, mint chip, and oreo. He then asked me how I would like the order of my scoops, which demonstrated solid, thoughtful service.

I had peppermint candy crunch on top, then mint chip in the middle, then oreo on the bottom. The p.c.c. had gooey peppermint candy pieces, beautiful red + green + pink colors, nice cream and sweetness, and a refreshing mint finish.

The mint chip was almost exactly like the mint chip at Baskin-Robbins. There were lots of tiny chocolate chips and a light smooth mint ice cream that was never icy or bland.

The oreo was the perfect gray/beige color with real oreo chunks and a great vanilla base. All three cup flavors were impressive and straightforward. They may not have stood out with unique components, but they were still yumderful and well-made.

The experience, though seemingly excellent based on the previous paragraphs, was marred by one strange occurrence. This occurrence was so strange that I think I'll only be ordering things to go from now on...

Shortly after I sat down with my styrofoam cup of ice cream, someone behind the counter barked a question in my general direction. My back was to him so I turned around. He was reading some newspaper with a disgusted look on his face and he wasn't in an employee uniform. I assumed he was either an owner or just an employee hanging out off the clock. Anywho, the question he rudely posed to me was, "Who'd you vote for?"

Though I should've been smart and declined to answer, I replied with "Barack Obama" and then received an unsolicited rant about how people wrongly acted like he was the messiah, how he made this mistake and that mistake, etc. It was all very uncomfortable and I couldn't wait to finish my ice cream and leave. I have no idea who he was in relation to Annette's (or Metropolis), so I can only offer this: don't let intrusive people bother your customers.

Look, at the end of the day, Annette's is a good place to go for ice cream. I was disappointed to find out that theirs isn't homemade, but the product, supplied by Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream of Michigan, is still awesome and well-priced.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Annette's Homemade Italian Ice - Lincoln Park - (773)869-9000 - 2009 N. Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: Armitage stop of the Brown Line or Purple Express or bus 73.

medium ice cream - $3.75

Chicago Bagel Authority

2009-10-09T14:47:00.010-05:00

Chicago Bagel Authority's menu will induce hesitation. It's about as lengthy as a novella and even though it's categorized, you'll need serious time to make a decision. That's the good dilemma you're faced with; so many intriguing bagel sandwich combos (over 75), yet so little time.

After wrestling debilitating indecisiveness, I chose Mikey's Munch (roast beef, pepperjack cheese, tomato, lettuce, avocado, and peppercorn dressing on an everything bagel)*. I communicated my order to the nearest assembler on the line and literally continued to peruse the menu. It lures you in with its myriad options, you'll see...

When I unwrapped the tinfoil that hugged my bagel sandwich, a plume of steam rose into my face. I was impressed with its appearance and the meaty, peppery aroma made my mouth water. It was hot, but not so hot that I couldn't take a bite.

The sandwich's individual elements were hard to distinguish as the mushy, gooey, delicious mess swam around my mouth. I will say though, that from the start, it was clear that the roast beef was super tender and flavorful and that the everything bagel didn't quite compliment the ingredients. Its many components, namely the caraway seeds, drowned the taste of Mikey's Munch. I probably should've requested an onion bagel.

The melted pepperjack cheese managed to stand out by delivering a distinct, peppery kick. I think it was the highlight of the sandwich and it paired quite well with the peppercorn dressing and the roast beef. The veggies, on the other hand, merely supplied light textural contrast; their essences were far outshined by the dominant fixings.

You know, I've read a lot of complaints about the bagels being too soggy when they come off the line, but I didn't find that to be the case. Sure the steaming caused my bagel to be soft, but I felt that the bottom half still provided a good crunch. Maybe the complainers are waiting too long after their sandwiches are made because I doubt these creations to-go would travel well...

CBA flows with good people, sapid aromas, and an energetic bagel sandwich assembly line. There's probably more Ohio love in its decorating scheme than you'd care to express, but that's all part of its insouciant charm.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Chicago Bagel Authority - Lincoln Park - (773)248-9606 - 953 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: Armitage stop of the Brown Line or Purple Express or bus 73.

Mikey's Munch (on bagel) - $6.25
*(all sandwiches are available as wraps - +$1.25 - or as subs - +2.50)

Alliance Bakery

2009-10-08T11:50:00.000-05:00

Alliance Bakery is equal parts bakery, study hall, and a coffee house. And somehow it manages to stand out in an eclectic neighborhood like Wicker Park. It's certainly an impressive place - or collection of places (there's the bakery/coffee room, a front patio, and a lounge next door) - and one that feels homey, clean, and slightly modern all at once.

The numerous attractive displays distracted me and it took me a while to settle on two macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) and a chocolate chip cookie. I think it's safe to say that a truly great bakery will do both of the aforementioned items well...

The cookie, which I felt to be fairly priced at $1.10, was okay. That's it. It was nothing special, it wasn't especially tasty, it wasn't especially sweet, it wasn't especially chewy, and it wasn't especially crunchy. It was mealy and bland and its golden brown look was the best thing about it. In fact, the appearance of the cookie is what misled me. It built my hopes up and led me to crushing disappointment. Okay, well, maybe I wasn't let down that much, but I still expected something better than homemade at a high-end bakery.

The macarons were small, refrigerated, and $1.50 each. Yes, that's right, $1.50 each for a two-bite, cold macaron. I actually did some research on macarons because I had never been served them refrigerated before and I wondered if I had been having them improperly all my life. Rest assured, I haven't been. I just got off the phone with Pierre Hermé and he told me they're supposed to be served at room temp.

The one on the left is the chocolate with salted caramel, which makes the one on the right the pistachio with brandied cherry. Neither macaron was as delicate as I would've liked, but it seems like the obvious answer to that is the low temperature at which they were served. I cannot though, hate on the unique taste of each macaron.

The chocolate with salted caramel had a chocolate powder dusted top shell and a silky buttercream filling that delivered just the right amount of sweetness. It lacked the salt that its title led me to anticipate, but I didn't mind. Now, if it weren't hard and cold, it would've been nearly perfect.

The pistachio with brandied cherry was a more complex and more successful creation in my eyes. It's delicate, crackly pistachio shell oozed with a jam and buttercream combo with such vibrant flavor harmonies that danced on my tongue like the paint on a Pollock canvas.

Knowing that I can get 5 room temperature macarons at Whole Foods for less than $1.50 makes it hard to give a glowing recommendation to the macarons at Alliance Bakery. I mean, $1.50 for a big macaron wouldn't be outrageous, but $1.50 for the size that they're selling? Yeah, it's a bit crazy. That said, Alliance Bakery didn't go 0 for 2 and it has a lot more to offer than chocolate chip cookies and macarons.

Back or Forth? I will be back.

Alliance Bakery - Wicker Park - (773)278-0366 - 1736 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: Division stop of the Blue Line or bus 70.

chocolate chip cookie - $1.10
chocolate with salted caramel macaron - $1.50
pistachio with brandied cherry macaron - $1.50

Hachi's Kitchen

2009-10-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

Since moving to Chicago about two months ago, I had not had sushi until Hachi's Kitchen. I'd heard mixed things about sushi in the midwest - even in its biggest metropolitan city - and I wasn't that anxious to eat it. But, the craving overtook me and I'm mighty glad that it did.

Hachi's Kitchen sits on a charming stretch of California between Altgeld and Logan Blvd that also houses restaurants like Buona Terra, Anong, and Rustico. It has a cool contemporary vibe and a sleek, swanky interior anchored by a large, oval-shaped bar in the front. To be honest, I was surprised to see a place that looked like Hachi's in a modest neighborhood like Logan Square.

As my friend and I perused our menus and enjoyed the XM station's contemporary jazz, we were each given an oshibori (hot towel), which is a Japanese custom for those of you that were curious. I will say that I do appreciate this formality as cleanliness is crucial when it comes to eating sushi.

I ordered the spicy white tuna crunch ($7) and vegetable yaki soba ($9). The spicy white tuna crunch rolls were delicious - the tuna and its avocado partner were fresh and flavorful and the tempura offered a nicely contrasting crunchy texture. It's also important to mention that the accompanying clump of gari (pickled ginger used for sushi) was wonderfully crisp and potent with a vibrant deep orange/pink color.

The yaki soba needed more yaki soba sauce (a Japense worcestershire) and could've been pan-fried for a bit longer. At times, it reminded me too much of a limp, American-style chow mein take out dish. That said, it wasn't wholly unsuccessful - the vegetables added much needed texture and character, there was some nice pepper and sesame flavor, and the portion itself was respectable.

For sushi and drinks and an awesome ambience, I think Hachi's Kitchen is a safe bet. I do have some qualms though. Why do they put that cheap fake grass on the sushi plates? I mean, c'mon, it really spoils their classy style and delicious cuisine. That's the sort of thing I expect when I get sushi at a supermarket and it comes in a plastic container... Also, the XM station that they roll with does set up a nice contemp jazz playlist, but the voice of the host in between sets is a real vibe-buster. BUT, I do love how they keep a bowl of wint-o-green lifesavers for you on the way out. Kudos to that.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Hachi's Kitchen - Logan Square - (773)276-8080 - 2521 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: California stop of the Blue Line or bus 52.

spicy white tuna crunch - $7
vegetable yaki soba - $9

Lucia's Deli

2009-10-06T10:00:00.010-05:00

A few days ago, a friend and I were discussing legit sandwiches in Chicago. He mentioned the Yale Special at Lucia and practically started salivating. He pretty much swore by it, quoting it as his go-to sandwich. And, being the ever-curious claim evaluator that I am, I decided to check it out for myself. The fact that it was just a short bike ride away certainly didn't hurt either...

The deli counter carried your basic mom and pop feel with a touch of liberalism in the 8-dollar Obama bill in the bottom left-hand corner of the hand-drawn chalkboard menu. I ordered the 9-inch Yale Special for $7.25 and sat at one of the wooden tables in the relaxed rectangular dining hall. Two cool murals and a handful of Italian-themed photoboards framed the bright space and strange musical selections like europop and John Mayer alternated.

The sandwich itself was very clean, tasty and filling and the free bag of Jays potato chips didn't hurt either. The french bread was soft, fluffy, and chewy. It wasn't flaky at all and I think its robust volume provided a too heavy bread-to-ingredients ratio. The components, though, were strong to quite strong. The tomatoes and basil were fresh, the delicate and thin prosciutto slices were salty, and the bocconcini - a cheese made from the milk of water buffaloes - was soft, mild and refreshing; it played the perfect supporting role in the sandwich. If the mayo was indeed a "pesto mayo", then it had the most subtle pesto taste of all time. I certainly couldn't detect the pesto...

At the end of my meal, after tripping on my shoelace, I spoke briefly with the kind owner who offered me an interesting tidbit about the unique source of Lucia's bread. Apparently, Lucia uses a private purveyor who was trained in the traditional style of Italian breadmaking. He is a veteran dough puncher who travels back to Italy on a regular basis to keep up with the authentic practices and best techniques.

Lucia's Deli is an excellent Italian deli sandwich destination and apparently Lucia's Ristorante is a great place to catch a dinner with some friends. It's BYOB and moderately priced.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Lucia's Deli - Wicker Park - (773)292-9700 - 1825 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: Damen stop of the Blue Line or bus 72.

Yale sandwich (9 inch) - $7.25

Artemio's Bakery

2009-10-05T12:10:00.000-05:00

I think I can write this review in less than 200 words. So, start counting NOW. Artemio's Bakery provided a strong contrast to the establishment I had just visited (Lucia) with an unfriendly atmosphere and an employee-less counter. I waited a bit for someone to appear, asked a question (my favorite pastime) about a pastry I had on my tray, got a curt response, returned that pastry to its behind-the-glass shelf space, chose another pastry, paid the even buck for it, and left. I wanted to ask another question, but based on the way in which my other question was received, I didn't.

Honestly, 'twas not a tasty pastry. I'm not really even sure what it was. If I had to guess, I'd say it was some kind of pan dulce with a gross cheese filling. The texture was a bit off, but at least it wasn't stale. The dried white sugar frosting on top and the walnuts attracted me to it initially, but I regret my decision. I couldn't even finish it. I mean, mouthfuls of bitter cheese filling and walnuts and frosting and a vague cinnamon flavor? What the farquad.

Giant selection, but poor quality and poor service. If bang for your buck is all you care about, then go here instead.

Back or Forth? I will be going forth.

Lucia's Deli - Wicker Park - (773)342-0757 - 1443 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: Damen stop of the Blue Line or bus 56.

Pastry - $1

Hella's Pastry Shop

2009-10-01T11:20:00.018-05:00

Ambling around the neighborhood on my way back from Hema's Kitchen, I found Hella's Pastry Shop, an authentic Greek Bakery. Some people on the interweb like to refer to it as Hellas because of the text on the center front part of the awning, but the sides of the awning have Hella's Pastry Shop printed on them...

Anywho, the place itself was modest through and through. It sat on an unassuming corner of Ravenswood / Lincoln Square and the interior was bare save for a few sentimental photos of Greece behind the counter. Clearly, the pastries were the focus.

The owner was very welcoming when I entered and you could see how his passion influenced his work and his shop philosophy. I marveled at how well he dealt with the customer ahead of me (explaining the history of the place, going in depth about some of the baked goods) and then ordered myself a single baklava. Many of the pastries looked delicious, but I had to leave some things uneaten for a future visit.

On top, the moist and crunchy baklava filling flowed well with the flaky phyllo though I do have to say that on the bottom it was a bit soggy due to some oversyruping. The flavor was exactly what I wanted - sweet, nutty, rich - but the texture fell a bit short. I think that a baklava should be somewhat syrupy, but when syrup is dripping, but not dripping wet or leaking.

Oh, and if you have a nice smile, you may be walking out of there with a free cookie or two!

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Hella's Pastry Shop - Lincoln Square / Ravenswood - (773)271-7500 - 2627 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 - Public transportation: Rockwell stop of the Brown Line.

Baklava - $2.75

Hema's Kitchen

2009-09-30T13:44:00.009-05:00

I had heard much about the ethnic mecca of Devon. A trip was in order. I should've researched exactly where on Devon all the Indian restaurants were though because I ended up walking a long way from the nearest Red Line stop (Granville). But, that is neither here nor there.

I chose Hema's at random simply because it seemed authentic and on a gut level, it reminded me of other Indian restaurants I had enjoyed. That was it. The fact that it was empty at 1:30pm didn't keep me away nor did the bird who pooped on my ear before entering.

The menu listed typical Indian dishes with an interesting Light Fare category and I settled on two things: vegetable samosas ($3) and haryali chicken ($12).

The steaming hot samosas - flaky homemade pastries stuffed with potatoes, green peas, and coriander - were perfectly flaky and crisp and nicely browned. Their insides were well spiced and they matched up in very interesting ways with the two accompanying sauces. The green chili sauce had a medium spiciness and a bitter aftertaste while the melted-cherry-slurpee colored sweet sauce had an awesome tamarind-based flavor. I wouldn't recommend combining the sauces on a single bite of samosa and I found that switching back and forth between them struck the ideal balance.

When the giant portion of glistening naan got dropped off at my table with the haryali chicken, I couldn't've been happier. I had the choice of naan or rice when I ordered the chicken dish and I was so glad I went with the naan. It was delicate, a bit crisp, and warm and buttery - it practically melted in your mouth. And the chicken, which was cooked in ground cilantro, green pepper, yogurt, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, and coconut, showcased rich and complex flavors with small tender chunks of chicken. I appreciated the cilantro on top and how it brought out some of the more subtle spice notes. The gentle heat also proved complimentary; it heightened the flavor without overpowering it.

Hema's Kitchen is a touch expensive and a touch slow, yet still a great place to enjoy Indian food in a big and simple dining room with a very friendly atmosphere.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Hema's Kitchen - West Rogers Park - (773)338-1627 - 2439 W. Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 - Public transportation: bus 49B or 84.

Vegetable samosas - $3 for 2
Haryali chicken - $12 (comes with free side of naan or rice)

Nick's Pit Stop

2009-09-25T16:45:00.010-05:00

A busy interior was all it took to lure me into Nick's Pit Stop. I was walking north on Damen from Armitage toward Luscious Layers when I realized I should probably eat something more substantial than just cupcakes for lunch.

The back wall contained the menu, which seemed simple and clearly organized. I went with the chicken pita sandwich for $5 and a regular side of corn for $1.83, though in retrospect, I should've chosen something else. In my defense, corn was among the more healthy side options.

I watched the food line behind the counter as I waited for my order to come up and it was pretty impressive that there was only one guy prepping and assembling the food. When the sandwich and side were ready, I asked about my sauce options. There was BBQ sauce, red hot sauce, and green hot sauce. I opted for the BBQ sauce, which proved an excellent choice.

Food came on a flimsy combination plate with a mediocre side of corn. It did kind of taste like corn, which is a plus, but it was so plain and boring and bland. I would not recommend ordering it as a side. The chicken pita, on the other hand, was very tasty.

The BBQ sauce, Open Pit, which is the exact same one my pops uses at home, added a nice sweet and tangy flavor to the sandwich. It wasn't needed, but it greatly benefitted the chicken pita quasi-wrap. The diced white chicken was legit, the tomatoes were juicy and fresh, and the mayo played the perfect supporting role. There wasn't too much of it and due to its presence, the sandwich was never too dry. It did get sloppy at times, but that was only because Nick's was generous with its ingredients, leading to an overloaded pita sandwich.

I find it easy to recommend Nick's Pit Stop simply because it's a solid deal and a great place for grilled chicken in Bucktown. You would be a fool not to choose a sauce to accompany your chicken though - in whatever form it comes in - and you would also be a fool to choose the corn side. It was terrible (my hand-written notes include an expletive related to its blandness).

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Nick's Pit Stop - Bucktown - (773) 342-9736 - 2011 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 73 or the Western stop of the Blue Line.

Chicken pita sandwich - $4.94
Regular side (of corn) - $1.83

Luscious Layers

2009-09-25T12:29:00.013-05:00

Luscious Layers lives just north of the 90/95 on Damen Ave. It's a lonely stretch of Bucktown that you would probably have no cause to visit except that it's the only place in Chicago where you'll find moist, unique cupcakes for $1.

It's a minimalistic place with decadent creations that looks like it were designed by a graphic pop artist. Currently, they're only selling cupcakes on site, which is why only about 1/3 of their display case is full, but they will expand in the coming months.

I couldn't make a decision. All the flavors - the red velvet, malted milk ball, hibiscus raspberry, chai, and white with mojito mousse - looked cool. I mean, this place was really switching it up if red velvet was its most basic offering.

Luckily, there was a platter of minis (see above photo) of each cupcake on display to try free of charge! What a great idea. In the genial employee's words, "it was just like going out for ice cream where you can get that sample spoon of any flavor". So true, so true! Why had no cupcake shop done this before?!

I sampled the white with mojito mousse and it was exactly like a delicious non-alcoholic cupcake mojito: a refreshing mint aftertaste, but creamy and super moist. It was kind of amazing - they really found the distinct flavors in a mojito and translated them into the cupcake language.

In the end, I decided to choose one that I could compare to others - the red velvet - and one that I had never heard of - the malted milk ball. That was my thought process. And when I heard the total for these two cupcakes, I was shocked. I wanted to make sure that he rang in both cupcakes. He told me that there was no mistake, the total really was just over $2. Incredible.

The red velvet was among the best I've had - a moist red/mahogany cake base with a thick and sweet buttercream frosting. A hint of cocoa lingered on my tongue after the first bite, yet the luscious cream washed over it by the finish.

The malted milk ball wasn't as successful of a creation, simply because it did not taste at all like a malted milk ball cupcake. It tasted exactly like a good chocolate/chocolate cupcake. It was just as moist as I would've wanted it and had a good creaminess. For me though, it was too one dimensional - the chocolate flavor completely overpowered the smattering of malted milk ball pieces on top. Even with an exquisitely calibrated palate, you'd be hardpressed to find the malted milk ball taste.

But, for a buck a piece, these cupcakes are a steal. Get them while you can and look forward to their expanding on-site offerings. If the cupcakes are any indication, the baked goods on the way will be yumderful.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Luscious Layers - Bucktown - (773)663-1335 - 2315 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 74.

Red velvet cupcake - $1
Malted milk ball cupcake - $1
White with mojito mousse - FREE!

Lito's Empanadas

2009-09-23T11:52:00.012-05:00

Craving empanadas and nothing else? Lito's is your answer. Right now, it's the only just-empanadas spot in Chicago.

Their empanada style is popular Colombian*, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your personal preference. The fried, Colombian method of creation leaves you with a less dry - and crisper - filled bread pocket, but the baked, Argentine method* is healthier and fluffier and softer.

*Colombian emps can be baked just as Argentine emps can be fried, but generally, Colombian emps are fried and Argentine emps are baked.

I ordered four empanadas to start (I'm a hungry boy): Beef, BBQ Chicken, Champiñon Chicken, and Vegetarian. I grabbed one of the few stools in the place and waited. I guess Lito's relies more heavily upon its takeout business, but still, it would be nice if the inside seating were made a bit more plentiful. Lito's does possess a very bare - and slightly homey - aesthetic; there are some colorful Diego Rivera-esque paintings on the walls and a number of Colombian artifcats on shelves behind the front counter.

The woman at the front informed me that my emps were ready and I eagerly took the basket from her. They were golden-tan-beige and I had no idea which one was which. In Argentina, the empanadas are often differentiated by their shells (distinct folds or ridges or shapes), but at Lito's, it's impossible to tell. This could prove a problem for a carnivore and a vegetarian ordering takeout...

The empanadas got to me straight out of the oven, so remember to be careful when you get yours. My four were delicious, steaming, savory pockets. The Veggie emp had good veggie stew flavor with subtle heat (due to the chipotle pepper), but was too potato heavy. The BBQ Chicken emp had very tender shredded chicken and sweet bbq sauce. I should've finished with it though, it could've been dessert!

The Beef emp had many ingredients listed, but it mostly consisted of beef and potatoes. Because of this, it was a bit dry and would've been better with more olive, tomato, and raisin. The Champiñon Chicken was by far my favorite, but the emp was only half full. What the farquad? It could've been the oven's fault and the filling was so balanced and tasty, that I can easy overlook that flaw. I will say though that all of the emps, except for the bbq chicken, benefitted from the in-house salsa (25¢), which was described to me as a chimichurri with a lime vinegar base. It was more or less aji, a cilantro-heavy green salsa condiment commonly used with emps in Colombia.

After the four emps, I still had some space. They were somewhat filling, but they won't fill you up, if that makes any sense. Anywho, I decided to order a Choco-Banana emp for dessert and I'm glad that I did.

The banana slices tasted fresh, the Nutella was plentiful and it had the ideal gooeyness. Somehow, it wasn't too sweet, perhaps due to having the same shell that envelops the salty emps, and it wasn't too mushy either. Maybe some powdered sugar on the shell would be a nice touch to set it apart aesthetically from the non-dessert emps? Who knows, I'm just an annoying food blogger.

After my visit, these are the thoughts that I had: the emps could be less airy, the interior could be livened up a bit, and they could subtract some potatoes from their fillings. But, other than that, I really enjoyed Lito's Empanadas. They make a solid product that won't snake your wallet's contents.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Lito's Empanadas - Lincoln Park - (773)857-1337 - 2556 N. Clark Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: the Diversey stop of the Brown and Purple Lines or bus 22.

Beef empanada - $2.29
BBQ Chicken empanada - $2.29
Champiñon Chicken empanada - $2.49
Vegetarian empanada - $2.09
Choco-Banana empanada - $2.29
Aji - 25¢

Southport Grocery's Bakery

2009-09-22T12:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, I too buy into the cupcake craze. So, after I finished my meal at Southport Grocery, I decided to purchase a vanilla/vanilla from the bakery for $2.25. There were chocolate ones too (and a gluten free option if I recall correctly), but I'm a vanilla/vanilla guy first and foremost.

I took it outside, found a place to sit on the curb, and tried to eat it in as many bites as possible to make it last longer. Unfortunately, I finished the cupcake rather quickly, but there's no doubt that it will make a reappearance in my life. It was that good.

The ratio of cake to buttercream was perfect and each element was excellent. The cake was moist and the buttercream frosting was well balanced, if not a touch too sweet. Aesthetically, it's cool to have the frosting spread all the way to the end of the wrapper, but when you peel the wrapper away, it steals some of your precious frosting! What the farquad.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Southport Grocery - Lakeview - (773)665-0100 - 3552 N. Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 - Public transportation: the Southport stop of the Brown Line or bus 152.

Vanilla cupcake - $2.25

90 Miles

2009-09-21T12:40:00.012-05:00

In terms of first impressions, 90 Miles couldn't be better. The atmosphere emanates good vibes as soulful sounds and savory smells fill the air. The back patio is charming and casual with lamps and heat lamps that make it perfect for a summer evening or relaxed lunch. Large colorful murals circle the building, both inside and out, and the place just simply feels cool.

I had some trouble deciding what to order off the menu. The Guajirito - a modification of the jibarito - seemed most interesting, so I went with that. I also tried ordering a platano shake, but they didn't have it. Then I tried ordering the mamey shake, but they didn't have that either. I settled on the mango shake, which had a light mango flavor, lots of dairy, and was surprisingly refreshing. It wasn't thick; on the contrary, it was quite light and almost whipped. I would assume that it was made with much more milk than ice cream.

If you comb through the reviews of 90 Miles, you'll find that more than a few people find the Guajirito greasy. I cannot say I disagree. I will only take it a bit further and say that mine was swimming in grease. Literally, look at the picture below, that is the grease pool that was left in my basket after eating just one half of the sandwich. The pool doubled by the time the second half was done.

The Guajirito fell short. It was bland, super greasy, dripping oil throughout, and could've used more chimichurri. The steak was well done without being chewy, the sauteed onions were excellent, the green plantains made a nice bread replacement, and the minced garlic on top was wonderful. I didn't mind that the sandwich was a bit messy, but I did mind the lack of flavor. More garlic, more chimichurri, and less oil would've significantly improved the sandwich. I appreciate their attempt to avoid a dry sandwich, but this was just taking the moisture angle way too far. Oh, and one more thing, the side of plantain chips that accompanied the sandwich was a bit redundant. A different side would've been favored.

To be honest, 90 Miles has lots to offer outside of their Guajirito. I've had their empanadas, their Cubano, their Media Noche, and their Ropa Vieja - all were delicious. The Guajirito just needs work; it's no reason to avoid their alluring establishment.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

90 Miles - Logan Square - (773)227-2822 - 2540 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: the Western stop of the Blue Line or bus 73. (the original location is @ 3101 N. Clybourn Ave, 60618)

Mango shake - $3.50
Guajirito - $6.50

Southport Grocery's Café

2009-09-18T12:01:00.011-05:00

Southport Grocery's simple storefront sits on a quaint stretch of Southport Ave. When you enter and walk past the "please seat yourself" sign, you'll notice that the interior is divided in three parts. There's seating throughout, but the bakery counter is on the left, the middle contains some shelved artisanal groceries, and tucked away against the right wall are a row of tables and seats that make up the bulk of the café seating. Quick recap that is more or less accurate: left - bakery, center - groceries, and right - café.

I sat on the right side ready to eat and the first thing I read on the menu, "We support sustainable farming practices & use local ingredients wherever we can." All right, all right. Starting things off right.

Moments later, I noticed something else on the menu that grabbed my attention: there were wine and beer pairings for all of the salads and sandwiches! Very interesting idea, unfortunately, it was midday and I wasn't in the mood to imbibe anything...

As I sat trying to decide what to order, I heard Queen's "Killer Queen" on the SG speakers. Awesome song, but it set up an atmosphere that clashed a bit with the relative peacefulness of the inside space.

I started with a "tasting" (small portion) of the apple manchego salad for $5 and I was not impressed. The juxtaposition of ingredients was creative yet lacking in substantial flavor. The cider vinaigrette was too light - almost undetectable. I really had to concentrate to taste it.

The components were fresh, but there were too many field greens. I would've liked more crispy prosciutto (and spread out instead of one single big piece in the center) and I would've liked more tartness. Perhaps the dried cranberries could've been replaced with tart cherries? Or maybe the julienned pink ladies could've been julienned granny smiths?

I found that adding the table side Black Lava Salt (Hawaiian sea salt + purified volcanic charcoal) helped the salad just a touch. The whole thing was meant to be sweet and refreshing and the salt overpowered those things, but added a new dimension of its own.

My main course was the $9 BLT, which was an inspired take on the classic sandwich. It was a delicious combination of applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pureéd avocado, apricot compote, mayo, and it wasn't stacked too high. It was the perfect height, if one exists. Oh, and the challah bread - yumderful. The perfect cushion compliment for the flavors - a great toasted texture and a gentle touch of sweetness.

I do have one major gripe though. The broccoli-peanut-sunflower seed salad was, quite frankly, pretty gross. There was so much mayo and it made the side salad way too heavy! The broccoli, peanuts, and sunflower seeds were probably fine on their own, but the mayo glued them together in the most unappealing of ways. For instance, the broccoli heads soaked up so much mayo so that when you put one of them into your mouth, you barely tasted the broccoli. Please SG, use less mayo or axe the side salad altogether.

SG's Café provides interesting salads and sandwiches, and though each item will not blow you away, the quality of food is easily above average.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Southport Grocery - Lakeview - (773)665-0100 - 3552 N. Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 - Public transportation: the Southport stop of the Brown Line or bus 152.

apple manchego "tasting" - $5
our blt - $9

Bari

2009-09-17T12:27:00.010-05:00

This is a tricky review to write. I had read lots of great things about Bari and my expectations were about as high as they could be. I hadn't had a solid Italian sub in Chicago yet and I was looking forward to finally eating one.

I walked into this small convenience store and found the deli at the back with a line about five people deep. I liked the setup. There were deli meats hanging from the ceiling and it looked very authentic, very simple. Definitely no-frills.

Here's where I have an issue. When it was my turn to order, I asked for the 12-inch Italian sub with everything on it. The guy who I ordered from asked "mild or hot peppers?" I said mild. That was it. Now, if you look at the picture above, you'd assume that "everything" would include "lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mustard, mayo, oil, and seasonings" PLUS the "provolone and Bari hot or mild giardiniera" under the Italian description. But alas, you would be mistaken.

Mine came without mustard, without mayo, without pickle, and without onion. Some people think that the mustard and mayo shouldn't come standard on an Italian anyway and I may agree depending on my mood, but that's not really the point. I asked for everything and got some. A bit strange - an Italian without pickles and onions isn't really an Italian to me and the fact that no Italian subs in Chicago come with vinegar is a separate gripe altogether.

The sandwich, sans pickle/onion/mayo/mustard, was bland for an Italian, but the meats were high-quality and the giardiniera were excellent. I treated them as both a pickle and vinegar substitute. The flaky bread was a bit on the cut-up-the-roof-of-your-mouth side, but nice nonetheless. As a whole, for $5.75, the Italian was uninteresting, but a good value. Personally, I don't think it was good enough to merit the low level of kindness and poor customer treatment.

Back or Forth? I will be going back, but only to order the sub properly and then judge it. Consider this "back" conditional until further notice.

Bari Foods - West Loop - (312)666-0730 - 1120 W. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: the Chicago stop of the Blue Line or bus 65 or 66.

12-inch Italian - $5.75

D'amato's Bakery

2009-09-16T17:50:00.011-05:00

Holy cannoli - D'amato's makes one awesome cannolo. Apparently, cannoli is the plural term and cannolo (Italian for "little tube") is the singular term. You learn something new every day, right? But, I bet it's one of those things where if you corrected someone, he or she wouldn't believe you and it would just lead to an unnecessary argument...

Anywho, I walked into the bakery without even knowing what I wanted. I'm not the biggest fan of Italian pastries, but I think that just comes from my lack of Italian pastry knowledge and experience. I questioned the cheery girl behind the counter and she did not hesitate in recommending the cannoli. I could either go for one of the chocolate dipped or the traditional, she said. I opted for the traditional, figuring it would make more sense to start with the basics.

After paying $1.50 for my refrigerated cannolo, I left the store and found a nearby spot to enjoy my treat. Once outside of the paper bag, I noticed its beautiful appearance.

After the first bite, all I could do was say "wow" aloud, even though I was by myself. The flaky fried shell with the powdered sugar on top + the smooth cream with chocolate chips + the chopped pistachios ='ed a sweet epiphany. The cream was rich without being too heavy, the shell was crispy without being greasy, and the cool temperature added to the freshness. It was, in a strange way, refreshing. Imagine that.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

D'amato's Bakery - West Loop - (312)733-5456 - 1124 W. Grand AVe, Chicago, IL 60622 - Public transportation: the Chicago stop of the Blue Line or bus 65 or 66.

Cannolo - $1.50

Arturo's Tacos

2009-09-16T00:47:00.012-05:00

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have Arturo's just a few blocks away from my apartment. It's a great value, it's quick, it's tasty, and it's open 24/7.

Enter Arturo's (on the corner of Western and Armitage) and you'll notice that everything is cooked to order in the open kitchen that sizzles directly behind the counter. They have nothing to hide. Their ingredients are fresh and they provide an excellent eating experience, sans the kitschy atmosphere.

I ordered a torta al pastor (Mexican sandwich with marinated spit-roasted pork) from the giddy clerk and then seated myself at a booth by a window. You can order takeout as well, though by doing that you'd be forfeiting the free - and dangerously addictive - chips and salsa.

The chips themselves are passable - a bit stale, a bit tasteless, but not too greasy and sufficiently crunchy. You still get a nice, good snap with each bite. Plus, the pico de gallo that comes on the side is solid, if not too spicy; trading a few jalapeños for tomatoes would most definitely improve the mix. As for the green tomatillo salsa, I found it kind of bland. There was a vague heat, but that was all that hit my palate.

When my torta came, I was excited by its colorful fillings and its big size. The greasy orange pork pieces really popped too. They were tender and juicy and smoky and tangy and could've only benefitted from being chopped more finely (the pork strips would've been better as pork cubes).

The chewy bread beautifully soaked up the pork's red al pastor oil and the guacamole that was closer to avocado paste worked well as a nice acid-neutralizer along with the sour cream. The chopped onions and beans kind of got lost in the torta hodgepodge and to be honest, I didn't even know that they were part of the sandwich until talking to one of the workers afterward.

For $5, my meal was a steal. The torta portion is substantial and if you snack on the chips and salsa, you will leave with a full stomach. Arturo's makes greasy, mouthwatering Mexican food in a very clean and straightforward, albeit tawdry, environment. Go during the late-night hours of the weekend if you want to see it transformed into a hectic haven for drunk Yupsters and Hispanics alike.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Arturo's Tacos - Logan Square / Bucktown - (773)772-4944 - 2001 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 73 or the Western stop of the Blue Line.

Torta al pastor - $4.95

Hot Doug's

2009-09-10T11:22:00.020-05:00

Hot damn Hot Doug's; you provided me with a transcendent eating experience.

Tucked away on an unassuming corner in Avondale sat Hot Doug's, the self-proclaimed "encased meats emporium and sausage superstore". I walked in at 3pm, smiled at the lack of a big line, and salivated in anticipation of what I'd be eating momentarily.

Doug himself helped the people ahead of me, offering thorough answers to their many questions, seeming totally in his element. He is a man that cares deeply about his product. To get some kind of idea about Doug's dedication and mentality, I suggest you read this interview he had with Zagat surrounding his "controversial" use of foie gras.

After I made my way to the front of the line, I did what some LTH'ers suggested: I asked Doug what I needed to get. He asked whether I wanted a special or something off the regular menu because the prices of the specials were significantly higher. I said I wanted the absolute best thing that he had. He emphatically answered, "the foie gras dog".

At $9, it has to be considered a pricey hot dog, but still, look at its ingredients. To me, the cost was understandable even before taking a bite. I had no idea what to expect in terms of presentation or flavor, I just knew that it sounded wild. And, looking back, in light of all the foie gras issues that have plagued Doug, I'm surprised that it was even on the menu. I guess that's a testament to his resilience...

There are no words to describe the super-rich flavor explosion that happened within my mouth. In fact, during the first bite, I realized just how much of an amateur I am. I didn't know where to begin - my thoughts were all over the place. The dog wasn't big in size, but it was huge in flavor. It quickly made me realize how tough it would be to become a vegetarian.

The foie gras on top was smooth and clean, its taste sharpened by the sel gris (gray sea salt) sprinkled on top. And then, paired with the actual sweet, pink-in-the-middle duck sausage and the buttery bun with the tuffle aioli - wow. It all worked - it had so much going on and yet it was completely balanced.

Though trying to cherish each and every last morsel, I took down the foie gras and sauternes duck sausage quite quickly and walked back up to the counter (no line, yes!). This time, Doug told me that I should try the Marty Allen, the Thuringer. And once again, I listened, letting him dress it however he would have it dressed if he were eating it.

The Marty Allen is hello der beef, pork, and garlic. Mine was topped with a pickle, sport peppers, caramelized onions, and brown mustard. I hurriedly took a picture so that I could take a bite. I still had a major appetite - the calories from the first dog hadn't hit me yet.

The first bite left so many smoky, zesty, and tasty flavors swimming around on my tongue, it was hard at first to distinguish the various components. The toppings were not overpowering, though they may have looked overwhelming, the meat was delish, its garlic smokiness aided by the considerable heat from the sport peppers, and the bun was not as buttery as the first one, but soft, browned, and sound.

Hot Doug's should be visited for its specialty dogs because Doug Sohn knows what he's doing. The regular dogs are great, but the specialty dogs are beautiful. They are culinary works of art. You can tell he's been in this game for a long time. Your arteries might be mad at you, but please, for the sake of your happiness, eat his food. He is a creative master. And even though the location is a bit obscure, it's a perfect place to enjoy hot dogs, just ask any of the gazillion people that frequent his spot on a daily basis.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Hot Doug's - Avondale - (773)279-9550 - 3324 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 - Public transportation: bus 52 or the Belmont stop of the Blue Line, though that leaves you with a 20-min walk.

Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage - $9
The Marty Allen (Thuringer) - $3.25

The Meatloaf Bakery

2009-09-09T23:51:00.014-05:00

Meatloaves served up like cupcakes? Crazy cool concept, The Meatloaf Bakery. I'll bite.

I walked into the shop and was immediately drawn to the aesthetic. A rainbow sherbet color scheme controlled the space and it could not have felt more appropriate, a bright concept paired with a bright palette. The display case worked well too, prominently displaying the variegated meatloaf creations exactly as if they were items in a traditional bakery.

I ordered El Loafo del Fuego, the spicy meatloaf, in "cupcake" size for $8.95. I would've tried various "loafies", the smallest size loaves, to test out the flavor range, but there was only one type in stock and they were expensive @ 2 bucks a pop. Apparently, they had a busy Labor Day weekend. Anywho, the employee behind the counter gave me two options for heating the meatloaf cupcake. I could either have him microwave it or put it in the oven. The oven, he told me, was the recommended option if I had the time to wait. I did.

About twenty minutes or so later, El Loafo del Fuego was placed in front of me with its side of "sherry-mushroom sauce". The jalapeño on top of the garlic-mashed potatoes looked limp and sad, but the presentation was still excellent. Undoubtedly, appearance is The Meatloaf Bakery's strong suit.

Due to my sky-high expectations, thanks to the crazy concept and savory setting, my first bite left me underwhelmed. I expected a dazzling flavor explosion, but what I got instead was something rather bland. The meatloaf was a tad dry and its spiciness killed the other flavors. The potatoes on top weren’t much different from instant potatoes and if it weren’t for the rich (though watery) side of gravy, this meatloaf cupcake would have been even more forgettable.

Without ever having seen meatloaf cupcakes before, I can still say that for ~$9 each, they were too pricey, especially considering their compact size. A single meatloaf cupcake was not filling enough to merit the ~$9 charge. Even one of their big cookies, dubbed "The Best Cookie Ever", was $4! That's crazy talk. Four bucks for a cookie? I don't care how big it was, unless it came with a side of cookie or some gold flakes, it just could not have been worth it.

I will say though, that the two staff members I interacted with were excellent. The gentleman behind the counter was kind and attentive and the owner was very accommodating, approachable, and super passionate about The Meatloaf Bakery in an endearing way. She took the time to explain the concepts and processes and even delivered a Netflix envelope for me! No joke, I had one on top of my table next to my bike helmet and she offered to take it on her way out.

At the end of the day, The Meatloaf Bakery provides original food - albeit a bit gimmicky - and excellent service with prices that are too high for the amount that you get. I am anxious to try the other flavors, but there are too many other things out there that are a better value and better tasting.

Back or Forth? I will be going forth.

The Meatloaf Bakery - Lincoln Park - (773)698-6667 - 2464 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 - Public transportation: bus 22 or the Fullerton stop on the Brown and Red Lines.

El Loafo del Fuego - $8.95

Panadería La Central

2009-09-09T12:41:00.015-05:00

Its name may just be La Central, but the way the words are laid out on the sign, it's hard to tell. Anywho, I had passed this place many times on the way to and from the California stop of the Blue Line and I had to try it. Plus, panaderías remind me of being abroad...

I was in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie, but there were many things in the cases that looked appealing. Plus, everything is so cheap - nothing's over 50 cents except for the individually packaged cakes in the fridge near the register. I almost bought a handful of baked goods, but then realized I probably shouldn't be more of a glutton.

La Central is a no frills bakery. It sells loads of cheap products (cookies, croissants, bolillos, etc.) in a very minimalistic setting. The sole employee that was present when I was was very nice and willing to explain to me the three different types of chocolate chip cookies. According to her, there are differences in spices, cooking time, and the amount of chocolate, but they all have milk chocolate chips.

I bought two choc chip cookies for a buck, the most chocolatey and the least chocolatey. The one on the right was probably my favorite of the two, but the difference in flavor was certainly not major. The choc-chips-on-the-inside cookie was a very straightforward, very light choc chip cookie with mediocre milk choc chips. It wasn't too greasy at all; if anything, it was too dry. The choc-chips-on-the-outside cookie used more interesting spices and the outer ring was a bit burnt, which I liked because it reminded me of something home-baked. Also, the c-c-o-t-o cookie was a semi-soft, while the c-c-o-t-i cookie was super crispy and crumb-prone.

La Central is quick and easy with a cheap, impressive selection. The cookies I sampled weren't especially tasty or good, but they weren't exactly bad either, especially for 50 cents a pop. If you need a fast, low-cost choc chip cookie fix and you live nearby, then this would be a solid option. But, be careful if you get the cookie on the right, because I took one chomp and a million crumbs spattered my kitchen counter.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Panadería La Central - Logan Square - (773)235-8677 - 2218 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 52 or the California stop on the Blue Line.

Choc-chip-on-the-inside cookie - 50¢
Choc-chip-on-the-outside cookie - 50¢

Bon Bon Vietnamese Sandwiches

2009-09-07T14:18:00.011-05:00

...Thank God for a nearby bánh mì location. I live in Logan Square and it's nice to not have to travel all the way to Argyle Street for my Vietnamese sandwich fix...

Walk into Bon Bon Vietnamese Sandwiches (I call it this because there is a well-known chocolate shop in Chicago called Bon Bon) and you will feel a cool, alternative café vibe. There's local art hanging on the walls, colorful furniture, a great selection of exotic snacks, and an ever-eclectic music playlist emanating from a tiny corner stereo.

A very patient, nice gentleman named Jean-Luc helped me at the register while I paid in change for my sandwich. I probably would've been annoyed waiting for a customer to count out $4.35 in coins, but Jean-Luc was as cool as a cucumber throughout. I went with the Minced Pork bánh mì, probably due to the words "simmered with onions" in the description. The vague second part of it, "salty sweet seasonings", didn't hurt either, but still, I love me some onions.

When the sandwich was delivered to my table, it was a perfect warm temperature and beautiful. The baguette was fresh and soft and maintained a good flaky crust. I loved the heavy amount of carrots, but was disappointed by the few cilantro leaves.

As for the linchpin, señor pork, it was succulent and flavorful; there really was a nice mix of "salty sweet seasonings". It was fatty and greasy, but I have to admit, it wasn't really a big flaw in this sandwich that was hampered by dryness. There should've either been more oil/grease added to the minced pork or simply more mayo. I tried squirting some Sriracha onto a few bites to add moisture, but found that it killed the flavors with an overwhelming garlic-based heat blast.

In the overall bánh mì equation, the fresh pickled veggies were key. They saved the sandwich from dangerous dryness and cut through some of the mayo and pork fat to provide a blissful balance. Also, I appreciated the gentle heat. Other sandwiches on the menu should probably be a bit spicier, but since the Minced Pork is on the sweeter side of the báhn mì spectrum, it fared well without the addition of more jalapeños or Sriracha. Take note, other hot-sauce-happy banh mi spots...

BBVS is a quality, friendly bánh mì café. It's quiet enough to study in, there's WiFi, ample space, comfy seats, and a nice selection of satisfying sandwiches to choose from (all $3.95) with some cool vegetarian options like the Portobello, the Lemongrass Tofu, and the Vegan Classic. They also have bubble tea, fruit smoothies, Vietnamese coffee, and are super dog friendly (see pic below for proof).

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Bon Bon Vietnamese Sandwiches - Wicker Park - (773)278-5800 - 2333 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 72 or the Western or Damen stops on the Blue Line.

Minced Pork (3.) - $3.95

The Brown Sack

2009-09-04T12:11:00.010-05:00

The Brown Sack offers more than just superb sandwiches and shakes; it offers up a friendly, laid-back environment with good vibes and an air of humility. While I sat enjoying my meal and the mellow music, I think I heard Adam, one of the good-natured people running the joint, converse with just about every customer.

It's no wonder there are so many regulars (the picture aboveshows him taking an order from one of these return customers). After much deliberation of my own within my dome, I ordered the Cajun Poboy with a side of slaw and an Oreo milkshake.

The shake showed up first at my indoor picnic table and it was super thick, straw-clogging sweetness. It was oh-so amazing: made with three scoops of real ice cream and a generous serving of oreos. And because it wasn't overblended, there were glorious oreo chunks still intact that magically squeezed up the straw. I was in heaven.

The poboy showed up shortly after the revelatory milkshake and it too was exceptional. The well-seasoned, cajun-spiced turkey and ham, paired with the tangy slaw, tomato, melted provolone, and toasted, buttered sub roll was moist, savory goodness. I could've done without some of the especially chewy fat chunks in the meats, but hey, they were minor flaws when compared to all the other harmonious ingredients.

The coleslaw deserves mention as well, for I found it flavorful and refreshing. The tiny apple chunks lent it a perfect amount of lightness and it wasn't at all too heavy on mayo.

The shake, sandwich, slaw, and side deli pickle spear was a good amout of food. I say this because taking it down was no easy task and also because it's a lot of good stuff for only ~$10.

There are some subtle things about this neighborhood spot that further contribute to the inimitable experience. For one, the word "shack" stands out in red ink on the front window of the facade which really emphasizes the lack of pretension. Also, even though you order at the register, you don't pay until after the meal. When you finish, no one comes by and pressures you to pay by placing a check on your table - it's up to you to go to back to the front counter. That kind of customer trust is really endearing and not something that I've run into a lot in Chicago.

Back or Forth? I will be going back.

The Brown Sack - Logan Square - (773)661-0675 - 3706 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Public transportation: bus 73.

Oreo milkshake - $3.50
Cajun Poboy - $6.25

Hong Xuong Bakery

2009-09-04T01:29:00.016-05:00

The mealy coconut tart that I sampled from Hong Xuong Bakery was just as forgettable as the nondescript facade.

As I walked back to the El after bánh mì, I was in the mood for something sweet. I passed Hong Xuong and decided to give it a shot. I liked its hole-in-the-wall appearance because somewhere in my head, I associated it with authenticity.

The place was empty save for a group of older Asian women chatting behind the register. They didn't acknowledge me until I opened my mouth to say "excuse me" to get their attention. I ordered a one-dollar coconut tart. A buck - incredible! It was such a great deal, it had to be worth it. Right? No-sir-ee.

The presentation was cute - I mean it had a tiny, shiny aluminum pie-dish - but, as we learn time and time again, you cannot judge a book by its cover. That hoary adage could honestly not have been truer in this instance. I took a bite and was blown away by how the strange flavor drowned my taste buds and left a funky aftertaste.

The coconut was definitely present, albeit artificial, but the entire tart was dry and stale, including the bland crust. I'm not really sure what went right with this tart, yet I am certain that it would've benefited from additional moisture and being served within hours rather than days (or weeks) of its creation.

Hong Xuong is certainly super affordable, but there's a reason for that. The disappointing tart does not motivate me to return. Looking back, I wish I had chosen a different bakery to sample in the famed Argyle area. Back or Forth? I will be going forth.

Hong Xuong Bakery - Uptown/Edgewater - (773)878-2888 - 1139 W. Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640 - Public transportation: the Argyle stop on the Red Line or buses 22, 36, 81, and 92.

Coconut tart - $1

Ba Le

2009-09-03T14:43:00.016-05:00

Ba Le's sign (pictured above) may seem a bit odd with the Eiffel Tower in the center, but it was the French influence on Vietnamese cuisine (France ruled Vietnam from 1853 to 1945), that brought about the classic bánh mì, a term referring to the special French-Vietnamese baguette OR, in the case of this interview, a flavorful Vietnamese sandwich which uses this type of bread.

Ba Le may not be the cleanest dining establishment, nor the one with the coolest ambiance, but it may be one of the tastiest. They throw down a delectable bánh mì on a super crunchy baguette and I savored every bite of mine.

Sandy, the girl working the register, was very nice and welcoming. She told me to "feel free to take as many pictures as I wanted" and took my order. I asked for the #1 Ba Le Special (ham, headcheese, pork roll, pâté, pickled carrots, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, daikon, fish sauce, and mayo) and was quite happy with my decision, though I did have to reposition my cilantro, which was all clumped in the middle. Not a big deal though; I'm just a nitpicker and someone who cares too much about cilantro.

After repositioning the magical - non-hallucinatory - herb, the sandwich was nearly flawless. The different meats struck the ideal balance between sweet and savory and the various accoutrements truly did enhance the flavor. Actually, there is one exception: the jalapeños. At first, they added a light amount of heat, but by the end, I realized that my mouth burned and my eyes were tearing. I will say though, that I preferred their jalapeño-based spiciness over the Sriracha-assisted heat that many American bánh mì spots use.

For ~$3 per bánh mì, Ba Le is an excellent deal. There were baguette crumbs everywhere and a strange dark sticky substance on the floor near the entrance, but I don't think that these two flaws should deter anyone from trying the scrumptious food. Oh, and make sure to ask for napkins in advance because there aren't any easily accessible ones... Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Ba Le - Uptown/Edgewater - (773)561-4424 - 5018 N. Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 - Public transportation: the Argyle stop on the Red Line or buses 22, 36, 81, and 92.

#1 Ba Le Special - $2.95

Jamba Juice

2009-09-03T10:26:00.016-05:00

Wandering around Magnificent Mile, I needed a refreshing drink. I saw a cool below-street-level plaza with some jazz musicians and a Jamba Juice. Good ol' Jamba - the perfect place for a fresh, refreshing smoothie.

I walked inside, looked over the menu briefly, and ordered a Razzmatazz. I had my camera out and was asked by an employee behind the counter not to take a picture due to corporate policy. It was cool, but it's strange how these companies have pictures of their locations so easily accessible on the internet, but they won't allow customers to take their own shots... Anywho, a few minutes later, my smoothie was ready. I took a sip, paused, and seated myself outside to enjoy some summer jazz.

I asked for a small Razzmatazz, but at $3.75 and only 16oz, I felt a bit ripped off. I remember when the "original" size, 24oz, cost $3.25. I know times have changed and yada yada yada, but I feel that $3.75 for a small is pushing it. Furthermore, the Razzmatazz was not as good as I had remembered it. Usually it is a "tart twist" of flavors, but mine was very sweet and it seemed as though the ingredients had blended to make something that tasted kind of like an artificial purple sherbet smoothie. It was still refreshing, but not quite what it once was...

Kind of pricey, refreshing smoothies served up in a clean spot with weird 80's techno remix music. Decent value @ $4.55 per original-sized classic smoothie. High carb count due to high amount of sugar, but lots of good vitamins and natural flavors. Definitely a solid fruit smoothie chain, though I think once they added all the new food items to their menu in June, the smoothie quality dipped. Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Jamba Juice - Magnificent Mile - (312)440-9824 - 875 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 - Public transportation: the Chicago stop on the Red Line or buses 10, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151, 157.

16oz Razzmatazz - $3.75

Wow Bao

2009-09-02T20:54:00.014-05:00

About a week ago, I found myself discussing Wow Bao with two friends. It had caught my eye about a week ago while walking to the Clark/Lake El stop and I wanted to hear some opinions. Josh said that it was terrible, Natalie said that it was great. Hmm, not much of a verdict. I decided to check it out - I mean, a bao chain? I had to try it, if not just to evaluate the glorious concept itself.

At its core, Wow Bao provides an excellent service - fast food bao (steamed, filled buns - also known as baozi) in a handful of savory - and sweet - flavors. They also have other classic Asian items like potstickers, rice bowls, and noodle salads, but those all come secondary to the delicious bao.

Seconds after placing my order with an amiable Lauren, it was ready. The service wasn't just fast, it was lightning quick. I took my to-go bag (the Michigan Ave location was just a take away counter), found a place to eat outside, and paused for a second after peeling away the bottom bao paper label. The label denotes which flavor bao you are eating, but it also leaves behind an unsettling red ink on the white steamed bun. I doubt it's harmful, but still, sans red ink would be the way to go.

Quickly moving past this, I took my first bite of the thai curry chicken bao. Bao-ya! Ambrosial. The tender filling possessed a nice balance of exotic flavors and if you didn't mind its sludge-like consistency, you'd have been in heaven. Perhaps I would've liked a little more chicken, but I was still impressed.

I gobbled this down quickly and grabbed my other bao, teriyaki chicken, hoping that it would be equally tasty. This one was not as much of a heaven bun. It was more... a bun of contentment. The sauce was a bit too sweet and there was too much of it. The bao itself still contained interesting flavors, but they were most likely drowning in the corn-syrupy sauce.

Since the location that I visited was just a take away counter, I find it hard to comment on the ambience. But, I will say that I did get a sense of the friendly and clean modern vibe that other reviewers have mentioned. Actually, the first picture of this review would've been a picture of the actual Wow Bao location that I visited, but company policy does not allow Wow Bao storefront photography, wa wa waaa.

Cheap, high-quality, kind-of-healthy bao served up in a clean, friendly environment. Great value @ $1.39 per bao. The sodium content is a bit high, but the fat and cholesterol content isn't. Back or Forth? I will be going back.

Wow Bao - Magnificent Mile - (312)642-5888 - 835 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 - Public transportation: the Chicago stop on the Red Line or buses 10, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151, 157.

Thai curry chicken bao - $1.39
Teriyaki chicken bao - $1.39