Cookanddog's Profile
uhockey reviews Day 3 Chicago Nov 2010 - Big Jones, The Purple Pig, Sweet Mandy B's, Everest Extended Tasting Menu
all sounds fun...never had sweet mandy b's but next time you are in Chicago, check out Molly's on Clark street...I'm a devotee and their Ron Bennington (chocolate cupcakes stuffed with peanut butter) is ridiculous...
Purple pig is great, and I understand not being wowed, but for being located on Michigan Ave which is a wasteland as far as decent food goes, it makes me pretty happy to have something there. Plus it sounds like you missed out on quite a few of their good things...while their mortadella is my favorite, I'm also a big fan of their antipasta, they always have some good combinations, last time it was a shaved brussel salad, also their fried brussel sprouts were awesome...but all in all, their desserts are great too, sad you missed them. They always have great soft serve, extra virgin olive oil, espresso and their fried brioche donuts filled with chocolate and banana...mmmm. I could go for one right now.
Restaurant advice for a young couple
Let me explain my previous comments. I don't get to eat "white table cloth" food very often because of my chosen profession which doesn't pay very much. About once a year I save up to go to a place, Alinea was my choice last year, Cyrus before that...if I am going to splurge and go eat at one of these restaurants, there has to be a reason to eat at a restaurant that is stodgy and a little full of itself...
It has to have food that makes it all worth it. Trotters, Everest...the food is good, but I could go to publican/avec/bristol and have just as good food and save a paycheck...
My next splurge, the next time I have the means to go to a white table cloth restaurant, I am not going to go have your standard meal...
That is what I meant, not that one is more white table cloth than the other, but rather that L2O has more interesting/different food than your average white table cloth restaurant.
As speaking to a couple in their 20's who want to go eat a fancy/splurge meal...after all this is what this thread is about...I recommend trying L20, Schwa, Alinea...some place that is pushing a few boundaries and doing things differently
I also have to add that it seems we keep coming back to the "REALLY LOUD NOISE LEVEL" which by now, I think we all get that nsxtasy does not like, but for some people that doesn't matter...All of the places that are apparently really loud, have been my favorite meals in Chicago...that could be because I am young, or that I just don't care...but that is definitely not something that matters when I am enjoying an amazing meal...and for what it's worth, I have always been able to hear my dinner companion at these restaurants without a problem
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
L2O
2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
Restaurant advice for a young couple
Agree on all of those counts...usually there is a reason for the wait...cause it's so good.
I have never minded volume, my parents do though, so when they are around I always have to think of that and would never take them to these places...if noise level is a problem, then I wouldn't go to these places.
I went to Avec, showed up kind of early in the evening and got sat pretty quickly both times I went...I wouldn't recommend showing up at 7:30 and expect to be seated right way...in fact if you are trying to dine on a fri or sat night I would go to a place that takes reservations...if the night is a tue/wed/etc I'd give it a shot, go during off peak hours, ie before 6:30 and after 8:00 and you should be fine. On that note, if you want a late dinner Purple Pig serves dinner til midnight during the week and 1 am on the weekend...
Also I forgot to mention that Schwa is also on my splurge list if you can get a reservation but the dishes can be challenging, so if you are the kind of person who has "allergies" and doesn't like certain things...probably not the place for you.
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Avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph St Ste A, Chicago, IL 60661
Restaurant advice for a young couple
I hope you guys have a great time in Chicago as our food scene is pretty exciting right now. I am a cook in Chicago, also in my 20's and my boyfriend(also a cook) and I, when we get a night off together, have explored lots of restaurants around Chicago. Given we don't have the means to be going to many of those high end restaurants often, but as an insider in the food scene hopefully I can shed some insight.
I have eaten at Alinea, and the food is amazing, but as a previous poster said, it might be out of your budget and probably to late to get a res. North Pond is good for the scenery and the food is good, but it's kind of out of the way and kind of an older crowd.
One thing that Chicago is doing really well right now, is great food in a more relaxed atmosphere, and seeing that you guys are in your 20's, and not in your 50's, I would recommend a few other places...
Gilt Bar - downtown, hip, trendy, very good food and cocktails
Avec - one of my favorites, small plates, communal seating, really cute small space, amazing food, won james beard great lakes last year
Publican - Another one of my favorites, supposed to be a "pig-centric" menu, but really has everything on it, lots of seafood, communal seating once again
Purple Pig - on Michigan Ave, great wine selections, small plates, lots of pig, clearly.
If I were to splurge on a fancy restaurant, I would probably go to L20, as I've heard great things about it there, but Tru, Trotters, Everest...they are a little too white table cloth for me. Not that I mind spending money on a good meal (I did pay 240 for a meal at Alinea) but it better be something special if I'm going to be spending that much money...Have a good trip, let me know if you have any other questions!
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph St Ste A, Chicago, IL 60661
North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Michelin names 46 "good-value" Chicago restaurants
I went to gilt for a date night a few months ago and the food was awesome...definitely worth the trip...cocktails are great as well but the food is worth the trip alone. It is trendy and loud and busy...be warned...
I remember having a yellowtail sashimi that was great and the bone marrow, which was awesome, very big portion. The desserts were a little lacking...I don't think they have a pastry chef...but I'm not a big dessert fiend anyway.
Chicago Chinatown Recommendations?
I'm a cook in Chicago who is venturing down into Chinatown for the first time. I have heard the obvious recommendation of the phoenix...but am looking for specific recommendations of dishes or little hole in the walls that you have found, can anyone help?
Funky Downtown Mid Range Dinner?
Hi- I just moved to Chicago and I'm trying to get a hang of everything here. I have a lot of friends who come to visit and stay downtown and I'm looking for a dinner spot downtown (loop) that would fit a few criteria. First of all I am a cook and I am kind of picky about food, doesn't mean I like super fancy food, just good food. I would rather have a great tacos al pastor than a bad cassoulet. I'm meeting a friend tomorrow night downtown and we are looking for a place to go. Good food, reasonable prices (entree $15 - 25) perhaps a little funky (ie cool decorations, not too fancy) within walking distance of the loop. Anything pop out in your mind?
Slow Food Nation not-to-miss?
I assume you are being sarcastic but I didn't visit the wine booth and have no idea what the Golden Glass is. I went to the event to sample artisan products that were produced by small companies or restaurants and need the additional consumer support.
The event is put on to support local or artisan producers so people can understand the alternative options to their every day purchases. If you think this event was put on to make money, you are sorely mistaken.
Slow Food Nation not-to-miss?
I work at a farmers market booth and every week we have a lady who comes by, asks how much something is and then tells us she can get it cheaper at Safeway. You probably can, but its not as fresh, not organic and not from 2 miles away.
My point being that there are sacrifices to eating "slow food." Yes, it generally costs more money, if it were cheaper, it would be the way we ate all the time. There have to be sacrifices. Turn off your cable, give up your blackberry, make your own coffee, drive a smaller car, walk more, we can all sacrifice something if something is important to us.
I understand that $65 is alot for this event but if you ate out two less nights in the next month, there you have it, plus the money would be going to support a cause.
Waterville, ME grub
They used to be, but moved to over near the old wal mart off the first exit of 95. They have a much bigger place now.
Waterville, ME grub
i went to college in waterville, the miles standwhich was one of the best sandwhiches I ever had. Big G's also does amazing breakfasts. One thing that isn't on this board, but should be, is the Thai restaurant in Waterville, Pad Thai. Their pad thai, pad see ew and curries are the best I've had outside of Thailand. yum
Anyone tried Lunazul Tequila yet?
I have tried lunazul and it's a decent tequila. Especially good for mixing margaritas and stuff, that would be my recommendation, it's not too great for sipping straight.
Late Night Albuquerque
I have to disagree about the cinnamon buns, they are not so much cinnamon as they are buttery delights. They are drenched in butter, something I love very much :) but their breakfast burritos are something else too, plus they have this pot of chile you can smother your own burritos with. Yum, I want a burrito right now.
When is chile season in the southwest?
I miss the smell of roasting chiles...
I use Anaheims since that's all I can get in California and they turn out quite well. If you can't find them, I think the best frozen chile is Bueno. Always makes good chile and it take the hard work out of it.
Wine with Ad Hoc Fried Chicken? [moved from Bay Area board]
I have a reservation for tomorrow night at Ad Hoc for fried chicken night! I am going with about 9 other people and since I know they don't have cocktails, my usual drink of choice, I was wondering if anyone knew of a great wine pairing with fried chicken? I thought maybe champagne, but I'm sure some of the group would rather drink a still wine through the night. Does anyone have any great pairings?
Also, do you know what ad hoc's corking fee is?
Napa during weekend
All wineries will be open Sunday and it will be busy, late september is crush. They would have more fun during the week when it is not so busy then they can have more leisurely tastings and an all around, better experience.
St. Helena alternative to Taylor's Refresher
I second La Luna. It's quick, fairly good, cheap food, if you can find seating great. Their burritos are the size of your head. yum, i want one now.
"The Restaurant" at Meadowood?
Hi! I went to Meadowood in March and had a fantastic time. I went with four friends, all of us pretty into our food and we all loved it hands down. the service was fantastic, without any prodding, the waiters looked up where to find a certain cherry online and gave us the website for it, they also looked up where a wine was made in relation to a town in Switzerland. They were friendly and extremely helpful. The food was great, we all chose to get 4 courses, but since 2 people didn't want desserts, they ordered all savory dishes. Because they didn't want to serve desserts with savories, they ended up giving an extra course all the way around to help even things out. It was awhile ago so I can't remember too many specifics, but there was a pork dish, three ways that was amazing, I loved the cheese course and all the wines seemed to go well. It was pricy, but worth the money. I would go back in a heart beat if someone else was paying :)
Lemon Verbena sightings???
Hi! I am a student at the CIA and we have a booth at the St. Helena's farmer's market on Fridays. I will have Lemon Verbena tomorrow if you don't mind the drive!
Eating the backroads of the southwest
Northern New Mexico recs...
Orlando's on the north end of town or El Taoseno for a good breakfast. In taos, the best food is usually at the little carts on the side of the road. I can't remember all their names but if Mary Jane's chowcart is still there, that's always a safe bet
mint/rosemary simple syrup
gin will compete too much with rosemary (I think they are related) try something neutral like vodka. I wouldn't garnish with a rosemary stalk, you want to be able to eat the garnish. Instead, take the leaves off the rosemary leaving you with a skewer and pierce a few blueberries on it. yum. Maybe, make a rosemary simple syrup then make a "mojito like" drink and muddle the mint on the bottom of the glass with some blueberries, add vodka and syrup and a bit of soda and garnish rosemary skewers of blueberries and mint. just an idea
Aspen, CO advice?
The dinner was good, nothing spectacular, there are better options in the area. Also, check out the new restaurant Social above elevation, good small bites, interesting flavors.
Albuquerque fine dining
Zinc is great, my parents always go there and get the duck confit eggrolls which are apparently amazing. Yanni's is great, greek food in a nice atmosphere.
It's funny, I lived in albuququerque for 4 years and I go back to visit every year, but when I go there, I rarely dine at a fancy restaurant with the exception being zinc and yannis, both close to my parents house. I have heard that it's kind of expensive but the Fire Station is also good.
Aspen, CO advice?
Just a quick note on Aspen eating, after living there for 2 years and working in restaurants:
Upscale places to enjoy a good meal for money: there are a lot of these but I would highly recommend cache cache, l'hosteria, D19, and Matsuhisa. A trick for any of these places is to eat at the bar, much better prices and a lot more fun. Plus, hop over for desserts at Lulu Wilson. Their chocolate guinness mousse is the best mousse I have ever had. I second the comment about D19 and their magical fried dough balls and prociutto. This is my all time favorite dish. Deena (chef at d19) is a great chef and her menu reflects it.
Lower key: Stop by sky bar and have a burger while staring up at th emountain and bring your bathing suit! hop in the hot tub after and drink a cold beer. It's a great place to hang out apres ski. also, saturday and sunday at bentley's they have a bloody mary bar where you get a glass of ice with vodka and everything you would ever want to put into a bloody mary. Then you make your own concoction. Be careful it can be dangerous!
have fun, this has made me miss the place.
Cyrus Alternatives
If you are willing to go to the Napa side of things, I will say once again Meadowood is great. It just got 2 Michelin Stars and they have a great tasting menu in a very nice atmosphere with some of the best service I've ever had. They have a new chef and he seems to be doing great things with that place.
Dinner at Piperade, SF
I had no problem with the food or price but I remain by the bad service problem. I'm glad you have had good experiences but it seems you are out numbered here. I'm not one to complain and I don't require much but it would have been nice if while we were ordering he hadn't left in the middle of the order.
Dinner at Piperade, SF
Just another eager Chowhound trying to help out.
I ate at Piperade on Saturday night and while the food was good, the service was absolutely dismal. I walked in and there was a couple waiting right in front of the hostess stand. So I stood next to them for about 6 minutes and no one helped us. Then another couple came in and made the area a tight squeeze so I moved over. Finally the "hostess" came over and offered the other people their table and ignored me again. Another couple came in and she did the same. I finally jumped and waved at her and she noticed me, I'm not that short, but apparently she thought so. I don't blame her for this but isntead of apologizing, she blamed me and said it was my fault for standing where I did, in line behind the other couple. I don't care what kind of restaurant you are, never blame a customer when they walk in the door. Then I was told to sit at the bar and they would seat me when my table was ready. When 20 minutes later she came over and asked me if I was waiting for a table. They finally sat me 25 minutes late, not something to really bother me, my friend was late as well so I paid no attention.
The entire meal, nearly 2 hours, the waiter never once actually greeted us. We would have to shout our orders at him as he ran by. We had 3 courses with drinks and we didn't get any friendliness from him. I am not saying it was his fault, he probably had too much to do, but the fact that he had too much to do speaks for the restaurant. It's not the worst service I've ever had (I believe that was when my waitress got drunk and couldn't find my check), but it certainly isn't anything I would go back for.
The food was good but I feel pretty sad about the entire experience and paying so much for it.
The food, we started out with Pequilla Peppers stuffed with goat cheese, pine nuts, and golden raisins. Fabulous. We also had seranno ham, which I love. For the meal I had a lamb chop and my friend had halibut, the halibut was good, not too exciting but the lamb chop was pretty amazing. Then we hollered our dessert order at the waiter and got a chocolate cake with creme fraiche that was pretty fantastical.
I definitely wouldn't go back here though and I am not going to recommend it to anyone. It goes to show you how much service impacts a dining experience. You could be eating at the French Laundry or Cyrus, but if your waiter treats you poorly, the food tastes much worse. I hope they can fix their problems for their own sake.
Cyrus Alternatives
I loved Cyrus but it is unfortunate that they are not willing to accomodate you. I agree with Carrie, but I have a feeling that you know your family better than she does. So if it is this kind of menu, look at Meadowood. It is over the hills in St. Helena but it is almost as good and has a tasting menu. The service I had there was impeccable. I highly recommend it. If you are willing to step down a notch more, try Syrah in Santa Rosa. Very good food with a very laid back atmosphere. I think it's the perfect kind of place for a reunion event.
Santa Fe and Taos ... Your Recommendations
Lots of good undiscovered restaurants but if you are in taos, one breakfast you have to check out is El Taoseno. I grew up in Taos and there is no place that better exemplifies what Taos is. I second Orlandos as well. The old burrito wagon was amazing but one of my friends took it over and ruined it, don't go there.
Margarita Recipes
My family has a recipe they make year round down in Mexico and always goes over pretty well. We do equal parts lime juice, orange juice, cointreau or the like, and tequila. Taste and add a bit of sugar to taste.
A new tequila drink I found in Food and Wine this year that I just love though is called the "Punta Pomelo" and is just as refreshing as a margariat. First make a simple syrup with 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and steep 1/3 a cinnamon stick, 3 cloves and 1/4 tsp nutmeg in it for about 20 minutes. Cool the simple syrup down. To make the drink mix 2 TB lime juice, 2 TB grapefruit juice, 2 TB of the spiced simple syrup and a 1/2 a cup of tequila. Shake with ice and pour over ice. Amazing
