Did anyone attend last year and what did you think of the event?
thanks!

Can I please get a recommendation for breakfast near the Palmer House? It will be a Saturday morning and we would prefer to walk if possible. Thanks in advance!

I would go to St. Charles or Geneva - my personal favorite is Zaza's Trattoria (if Italian works). I did think of Buckingham's at the Grand Victoria Casino - never ate there myself, but the menu looks good. Elgin is definitely lacking higher end places...

well since Gordon Ramsey is both a producer and judge, it's covered either way.

Christine will win. I am not taking anything away from her obvious cooking chops and impeccable palate, but at the end of the day, the drama of the "blind cook" winning is too much for producers to resist no matter what Josh brings. He doesn't have a chance IMO.

Right there with you..love the content, but the host can get annoying if you pay close attention'. My husband CAN'T stand him, says he is a "close talker" and hates his expressions and mannerisms. I always thought he got the shaft on NFNS, but he is a little over the top on this show.

Yes, he is overexposed. But I met him last week at a wine dinner and I still love him. He is a real charmer.

Even though I find myself watching, these "characters" are very similar to last year's group. It seems the show follows a formula, much like HK.

Tali reminded me of the arrogant Christian from last year (who was also spouting delusional bravado); he was always gunning for last year's winner Jennifer (who also seemed like an actress). Monti is the new Jennifer, everyone underestimates her but somehow she prevails. Josh is the new Adrien, quiet, moments of "brilliance" mixed in with epic failures. I knew they were going to have Christine have a bad week, even though it seemed totally inconsistent with her other dishes and her "miracle" apple pie......

I DVR The Chew everyday. There is some fluff and humor, but there are also some great, quick recipes presented - mostly in real time. I usually FF through Carla Hall cooking segments. I think she is a fun personality and host, but honestly, I don't need her teaching me how to do a "taco bar" or how to make an ice cream sandwich.

Wow, I guess I do okay. Our family of four (2 boys) spends about $400 per month on groceries (food only). I shop at numerous stores every week to get the best deals. Produce and Deli come from a local Italian market, groceries come from a variety of stores (including Trader Joes and Aldi) I check the flyers for sales. The majority of my meat is sale items purchased at local discount supermarket and a monthly trip to Costco. I don't buy a lot of prepared foods other than frozen pizza because they don't like it. They eat a lot of cereal (on sale) and this includes alot of snack foods, cookies, chips, etc. Adults pack a lunch 3-4 times per week. We eat out as a family 1-2 x per week. My oldest does buys fast food meals for himself a couple of times per week as he works and goes to school and has his own schedule.

+1

While I love the idea of this show, it just has the gimmicky HK feel to it. The over the top drama is too much and the stories are not believable. GR's statement that "you are going to kill someone" with an undercooked pork chop is ridiculous since Trinchinosis is virtually non existent in domestic meat animals. Also, I don't believe that Christine cooked a 'perfect' apple pie in 18 minutes. Sorry.

good ball park food? we were very disappointed at the food at Dodgers stadium last year...

Thank you all for the awesome suggestions, My boys count on me to do the research before any trip we take - CH has helped me set the bar REALLY high !

Oooh. I wanted to fit in Slyman's and breakfast will be the perfect solution..thanks!

Can I also request some other breakfast spots around the hotel or R&R Hall of Fame??

thank you... good stuff !

Yes downtown - Doubletree Lakeside, but we will have a car, so tell me about these other areas...

I would like to get to the West Side Market, but I am not sure what time we will arrive on Monday and Tuesday they are closed, correct?

We will be there on Monday and Tuesday. As far as specific food, my kids pretty much stick to the basics - burgers, steak, ribs, chicken, - they also like Italian. There is chance that my husband and I may eat on our own one of these meals also and we are pretty much wide open, so send me your top picks.

We will have one dinner and one lunch in Downtown Cleveland and looking for recommendations. I would like a CH worthy place that also some mainstream items for my teenage boys. Price is flexible and we will have a car. We are also attending an Indians game. Is the food passable, or should we try for a late night spot after?

Thanks in advance!

I don't know how this will work for you logistically, but this is our favorite. Freshly made, lean and under $5 per pound. The garlic version is our favorite!

Nottoli Italian Foods
5025 North Harlem Avenue Chicago, IL 60656
(773) 631-0662

Watched last night and cannot understand how Ippy was in the bottom 2 over Linkie? Her food definitely looked worse than his and her presentation was lacking. Well, in the end Eric suffered. Too bad, he seemed like an accomplished chef.

I live in Chicago, but have family in LA. I would agree with the Spago suggestion (ultimate LA) and based on our must-have unique spots when we are out there - I would have to add Apple Pan, In and Out and Roscoe's Fried Chicken. Chicago has most of the ethnic bases covered (including Chinatown, large Indian and Korean communities) and have some hometown faves like the Chicago style hot dog and Italian Beef. Chicago's fine dining is top notch and I think you will have many choices that rival the best in LA in that category.

We have had family football pools for years, and at the end of the season, the winner gets the dinner of their choice. About 5 years ago, my younger son was about that age when he won. His selection: BURGER KING???!! Which is probably our LEAST favorite fast food choice on the planet! However, a promise is a promise and the family endured. We laugh about it all the time now, and while his palette is NOT adventurous at all, he has grown to enjoy the finer things in life (think prime aged beef and baked potato). Not sure which I prefer, LOL :)

I have had always had a "10" experience myself - I frequent the Arlington Heights location. Portillo's on the other hand, while the gravy is very tasty, they can get real stingy with the beef portions and the cost is substantially higher. The ultra-efficient lines at Johnnies also makes for a stress free lunch hour.

Ditto. Johnnies Beef would be my pick, with a nice Italian Ice afterward to cool off the peppers.

A big romaine salad with artichoke hearts, plum tomatoes and a small can of Genova Tuna packed in olive oil. A little balsamic vinegar and ground pepper. Gala Apple.

Tried it Saturday. As other posters have noted, she seems nice enough, but I didn't see anything in cooking skills or personality that would make me watch again. The deviled eggs she prepared, were the same ones I was making at age 8. Fans of her music might like her enough to watch, but I really don't get it.

Quartino has a lot of room upstairs, The shower I went to had 8 tables of ladies and there are multiple rooms available. They can accommodate that size party easily.

Glenn's Diner 1820 W. Montrose is a BYOB with daily fresh fish specials (the blackboard) and also traditional diner food. Not high end by any means, but I have had some good meals there. There is a liquor store next door that has a nice selection of craft beers.