Larry33's Profile
Logistical Help with Itinerary
Just a quick review a week after the trip.
Night 1 - Publican - Not bad, but we ordered wrong. Got the charcuterie platter and thought it was mediocre and over-priced. I've had better here in Calgary for less $. Also had the sweetbreads, sardines, heirloom tomato salad and boudin blanc. Beer menu was great, but value wasnt there for the food. The sweetbreads were the standout and sardines were too boney (misorder for us).
Night 2 - Frontera Grill - Had the queso fundido and tamales to start and Carne Asada a la Oaxaquena (rib-eye) and Poc Chuc de Puerco (pork) for mains. Everything was very flavourful and the sauces were superb. Great margaritas too. My dad wanted to return for the next night's dinner.
Night 3 - Pizzeria Uno - Tasty sausage pizza with a nice sauce and buttery crust. Pretty much what I expected, would like to have it maybe once a year. Glad to have tried!
Night 4 - Purple Pig - Didn't feel like travelling too far from the hotel so we popped in around 6:15 for dinner. Tried 8 dishes over 3 hours sipping some tasty wines. Felt we got great value for the quality of food and wine that we were having. Similar concepts here in Calgary seem like a rip-off, but this was absolutely a hilight! Would definitely return. Had the chorizo stuffed olives, fried manchego, fried white bait, mortadella smear, tuna proscuitto, eggplant caponata with goat cheese, Greek sausage and charred scallions. Everything was flavourful and portion sizes were great.
Also tried Portillos for Italian beef and loved it! Great value. Garretts popcorn Chicago mix is unreal. Lunch at Xoco pork sandwich in spicy Mexican tomato sauce was soooooo good and spiced hot chocolate was interesting....good though. Cappuccinos and almonds croissants every morning at Intelligentsia were a great light start to the day. Also did the Wicker Park food tour. Georges Hot Dog, Hot Chocolate chocolate drink and marshmallow, antipasti salad from some gourmet food store, thin crust pizza and beer from Piece, falafel from Sultans Market and icecream from iCream. Everything was good and the tour was informative.
All in all a great trip! Thanks for all the great advice for eats.
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Pizzeria Uno
29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hot Chocolate
1747 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
XOCO
449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Thursday Night In Streeterville
Getting into Chicago around 9pm and may not want to venture too far from the hotel area (Sheraton). What's close, and worth going to that's still serving food after 9-10pm on a Thursday night? A 15-20 minute walk is fine. Thanks.
Best restaurant in Edmonton?
Been to both. Liked both.
Both have a quaint neighborhoodie feel and unique menus.
I would return to both given the chance. Mill Creek is a little hipper and has an international twist whereas Highlands has a Ukrainian fusion thing going on.
Logistical Help with Itinerary
Menu looks pricey for breakfast, but Im sure it is good! Probably have this at least once on the stay.
Logistical Help with Itinerary
Thanks again for your help. I'll keep these all in mind.
I just think about Chowhounds in my city and often times unless a food style is explicitly requested it isn't recommended. Often the newest places get talked about most while some of the old standbys are assumed to be on the radar. Chicago is a lot bigger too and Im sure has lots of those hole in the wall places that may get overlooked, but also puts out good food.
Logistical Help with Itinerary
Thanks so much for your review. Very helpful!
Regarding my "random/laid back" request, I just meant that I don't want to plan EVERY meal, so I am open to something nice like North Pond or something as casual as a pub or Italian beef.
From your recommendations I will try to get a Sunday brunch reso (North Pond or Deleece) and a reso at either Blackbird or Publican.
I am coming from Calgary, AB and often eat pretty good Asian food when I go out. I am looking for either a) unique to, or b) memorable Chicago meals. From Chow research and I have planned my rough itinerary. You Chicago hounds are very helpful!
That all said, is there anything great in Streeterville or River North that is left off most recommendation lists on Chow? My father may get tired of me dragging him around all over town...
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North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Logistical Help with Itinerary
Sorry for this redundant post...I see many posts on this board are similar, so disregard if you see fit.
I need some advice on planning this with regard to which night to do what and if reservations are required...we are downtown at the Sheraton in Streeterville.
In town Thursday August 19th and leaving afternoon of Tuesday August 24th. 5 nights. Cubs game at 1:20 on Sunday the 22nd. Anything worth going to before/after?
Supper wishes:
1) Frontera
2) Pizza (still haven't decided) leaning towards Gino's or Lou's
3) BBQ (Smoque or Smoke Daddy)
4) Blackbird/Publican (this can be changed if lunch makes more logical sense)
5) Something random/laid back or if it fits (North Pond, Trotter, Table 52, etc.)
Pubs/Drinks:
L&L, Hopleaf, Gingerman, Publican (reso's or anytime/day that would be easier?), Map Room
Breakfast:
1) Bongo Room
2) M. Henry
3) Sunday brunch (Bristol, Publican or North Pond) prior to cubs game so maybe somewhere like M. Henry makes sense?
4) Frontera/Xoco
5) Fox and Obel
Other:
1) Lunch/dinner at Portillos or Al's #1
2) Garrets Popcorn
3) Coffees at Intelligentsia
Thanks for any reply. Reservation requirements and planning around the Cubbies game are requested.
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Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Smoke Daddy Restaurant
1804 W Division St Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60622
The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Table fifty-two Restaurant
52 West Elm Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Hopleaf Bar
5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Record Prices for Bacon/Pork Bellies
Will this actually deter anyone? The economists see bacon as a commodity with inelastic demand...much the same as alcohol and cigarettes.
Seems summer demand for BLTs with ripe tomatoes and the trendiness of the product are helping cause this price spike. Interesting article.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-04/bacon-surge-may-last-through-august-as-u-s-hog-herd-cuts-tighten-supplies.html
Deep Dish Sauce
Thanks for the replys guys! Always appreciate your responses and time. I'll report back on my experiences.
Deep Dish Sauce
First off, thanks to all the Chicago posters out there! I will be in your fine city for 5 days in late August and have some great ideas based on all that I have read! Sounds like 5 days isn't nearly enough to try all that I would like.
From what I can gather, most of the deep dish places sound like winners, but what about the sauce? I personally am a fan of a zestier, more savoury sauce and tend to dislike the sweeter variety. Does the deep dish style of pizza have a characteristic sauce or do they differ?
I am staying at the Sheraton in Streeterville and have eyed up Lou Malnati's, Gino's East on Wells, Uno, Giordanos and Pizanos. Who has the best sauce (keeping in mind my preference)?!
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Gino's East
8725 W Higgins Rd Ste 100, Chicago, IL 60631
Banff - americanos, breakfasts and dinners
I like Beamers for coffee/espresso in Canmore on Bow Valley Trail.
Calgary Espresso
Just wanted to share a recent observation with the Chowhounders.
I almost always order traditional cappuccinos when I go to Kawa and at my most recent visit last week I did not receive the usual latte art to top it. There was less textured microfoam milk and more light foam. You can still order the mini latte version of the cappuccino but it no longer appears to go by the "traditional" name.
On Tuesday this week I ordered a traditional cappuccino at the Artigiano in Centrium and it came with the "monk's head" foam as well. If you want latte art, you have to order the "Artigiano cappuccino". There are explanations of their drinks taped onto the counter now too.
Chowhounders, why this new trend of moving away from the all latte art all the time trend to the more old school caps? The cap that I got Tuesday was one of the best tasting shots that I have ever had, but due to inconsistency I think that I would prefer the "mini latte" to the "monks head" most times.
Whole foods in london! And need help finding europe foods!
Was that Whole Foods in SoHo by chance??
The other night a group of friends and I tried out the Schnitzel Haus on Bowness Road and 46th Street NW. Very good schnitzel and a great Austrian salad. Friendly owners and an inviting casual atmosphere. Try it out! Only complaint...no Ottakringer, Gosser or Stiegl. Becks and DAB were the 2 beer choices.
Coffee newb question - Gibraltar in Vancouver?
Kawa in Calgary serves Gibraltars. It really is like a macchiato with training wheels. Really enjoyable and served in the tiny tumbler glass.
Beer with pizza
Old thread but wanted to add my 2cents.
Just had a traditional margherita pizza with a Lowenbrau Original. I thought they went very nicely. Peroni or Moretti is classic with traditional Italian pizza I understand that. That is a likely pairing when in Italy and the memory will make you look fondly on it. I prefer the Lowenbrau because of it's crisp, clean lightly hopped taste. Worked wonderfully!
YYC - Dinner around the Chinook Centre Area
Praga Cafe is near by on Macleod and 60th. I haven't heard any reviews, but would love to hear about any experiences.
Beware of wine prices at Koutouki Edmonton South
Hate to be the one that says this but...you know what they say about "assuming
" dont you?
New places in Cgy
There is a new Lebanese shawarma place that just opened in the building that houses Fleur de Sel and Chien Chaud. My Lebanese barber claims they have incredible garlicy halibut cakes and good shawarma. Anyone try out this place yet?
Famoso Pizza coming to Calgary
...well I just checked out the UNA site and it appears they will open on January 22. Similar style of pie to Famoso, but it looks like it will be a bit more swanky. Regardless, they both look great!
Famoso Pizza coming to Calgary
This is great news! Thin crust pizza done in a wood fired oven. Ingredients are imported from Italy and they have some really tasty salads as well. Check out their menu http://www.famoso.ca/
A very welcome addition to the neighborhood! They manage to be a bit more economic than say a Pulcinella because you order at the til and have limited reliance on servers. Cant wait for them to open!
I havent heard much more about UNA...
Best Restaurant for Rack of Lamb in Edmonton
The rack at Red Ox Inn is pretty damn tasty. Comes with truffled polenta and a duck confit cassoulet. It sounds pretty rich, but was apporpriately portioned. I left feeling just right.
I have had some pretty tasty lamb at Koutouki as well....
Sabor Divino Edmonton
Does anyone have any praise for this place. Menu looks good and the space looks quite inviting...
Edmonton near Coast Plaza
Blue Plate Diner is only a block east of you. It isn't necessarily a "diner", but has some retro comfort foods. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Cafe Select is a block south and a block west of you at 10018 106St. I have never had dinner there, but their omelettes are pretty tasty. It isn't a "cafe" but more of a French bistro. Enjoy the city!
Edmonton coffee/pupusas/dosas
1. Coffee at Transcend is truly great. Knowledge and passion. Good skills on the espresso machine and a high end Clover brewer for your non-espresso based coffee. Da Capo and Three Bananas also does a pretty decent cup of coffee if you are in their areas (109th St and 88th Ave, and Churchill Square respectively).
2. Langano Skies on Whyte Ave and 99 St. is quite good for Ethiopean.
Nice Resto in Ahwatukee or Chandler?
Something in the $25-$30 range and under for entrees would be nice...
Nice Resto in Ahwatukee or Chandler?
Hello Southwestern Chowhounders, my gf and I are here for a few days from Edmonton, Canada and looking for a decent restraunt in the area with a good wine list. Food ethnicity not really important, just decent atmosphere and great food is a must. Thanks! Your weather is great!
M grill Med Hat
I've mentioned it before and I'll say it again...Devine. Good food, atmosphere and wine list. If you are a Chowhounder (obvious) I think this would be your best bet in the Hat. Thai Orchid Room is also a good choice.
Sorry, I can't comment on the M Grill...
Good late night/after bar food in Edmonton
Steel Wheels is great for the atmosphere and the greasy ranch dressing that people seem to like. When it comes to great late night pizza in the area, Checkers is where it's at. Loud music and a long rowdy line. Good times and good late night eats.
Prairie Mill Bread Co. - Edmonton
Fresh Start Bakery makes a pretty decent loaf. I also enjoyed a nice Caraway Sauerkraut Rye loaf I got recently at the Farmers Market.
Grab and Go Lunch - DT Calgary
When I don't pack my own lunch I like to grab a quick bite and head back to the office to eat. I usually opt for a sandwich from Marcellos or Submission. Good value and choice of toppings and cheeses at Marcellos for $5.25 with a side of pickles, and great bread and friendly service at Submission for $8.
What is your go to 'Grab n Go' lunch spot?
