chicgail's Profile
Why should I buy tilapia?
I am unaware that tilapia was a "thing" to dislike on Chowhound or anywhere else. I know a lot of people like it because it is mild and "not fishy" and they don't like the taste of fish. That's fine.
Tilapia just has never had much discernible taste to me. I know it is often inexpensive. I know it is sustainable. I know it is mild. I don't care for most other whitefish-like fishes either.
I'm of a mind that if you have to figure out what scarf or belt or jewelry will make a dress wearable, you're better off not buying the dress. Similarly, if you have to figure out what to cook with a fish to make it taste like something, you're better off not buying the fish.
Why should I buy tilapia?
Maybe because it's inexpensive.
Maybe because it's sustainable and farm raised.
Maybe because you don't like fish and it's not "fishy."
Not because it tastes good.
Food Network Star
No. She's apparently in the Food Network stable. She was on Chopped and - with her partner - on that show where people create a restaurant in 24 hours and compete to see whose was best (24 Hour Restaurant?).
John Hancock building for a drink with a view.
Everest. Top-notich food. Great view. Mixed reviews on service.
Absolutely the BEST pretzels I've ever had!
I've seen them - and not bought them - just because I know I would eat them all in the car before I got home.
what to do with leftover boiled chicken thighs that i find too gamey?
You don't need a dog. You need me. But boiled?
How do you dress up your Kraft mac & cheese?
There is such a thing as "organic spam?" Was that a joke?
How do you dress up your Kraft mac & cheese?
I have my own variation:
twice the amount of milk (for more calcium and protein)
half the amount of butter (for less fat)
And eaten straight from the pot.
But after reading some of the other posts above, I just might throw caution to the wind.
John Hancock building for a drink with a view.
Just don't waste your time or money eating there.
1st time in Chicago-Picky Eaters-Dinner Suggestions Please
For sure chefcoo is thinking about La Madia. Mado is not only closed, it's in Bucktown.
Uses for Whey - the Real Deal, Not Powder
This surprises me. I though whey was the biproduct that got left over when I made ricotta from whole milk.
Need non-fussy fish or Italian recs near James Hotel for 2-hour window on Saturday night
Just had lunch at Bar Toma. I had heard some negative reviews and didn't expect to find the food so good. The service was a little rushed, but we were at an off-time. I was transported alternately to a little slow food joint in Lake Como and lunchtime cicchetti in a little bar in Venice. A glass of Prosecco, a salad, some marinated lamb on a skewer, seared toma cheese and Baccala (smoked cod spread) in a jar. Highly recommended.
Food Network Star
Susie and Bob (I love referring to them that way - like kids in my 5th grade class) are only interested in cooking insofar as it generates viewers and ad dollars to the network. Cooking is incidental to that.
1st time in Chicago-Picky Eaters-Dinner Suggestions Please
Quartino's is fine. It's not great. It's fine. Never been to RPM, but if you like the Celebrity Apprentice thing, it might be interesting. Much better Italian at Spiaggia Cafe or Coco Pazzo Cafe.
1st time in Chicago-Picky Eaters-Dinner Suggestions Please
I wouldn't do both Purple Pig and The Publican. Two gastropubs may be too much.
Food Network Star
What about it? I think Aarti is incredibly annoying as a host. I can't watch her for more than a few minutes without reaching for insulin - and I'm not even diabetic.
Traveling to Chicago, need suggestions!
Xoco is causal Mexican street food for breakfast or lunch. Topolobampo is Bayless's most upscale restaurant. If you will be here this weekend and don't already have a reservation,, it is unlikely that you would get one at Topo.
Chicago's laws for food trucks do not allow any food prep on the trucks and so there are relatively few of them. Not a place to focus.
Also your dinner price (if it includes alcohol) is not a problem, but a bit limiting, which is probably why causeman named the places he did. For other options, if you haven't you may want to go to opentable.com to find restaurants in the areas you will be in. You can also filter those by price.
You also want to be aware (and you probably already are) that the NATO summit is taking place here and you can expect protests and traffic snarls to interfere with some of your plans.
Food Network Star
It was my understanding that the Hearty Boys gave FN the boot, not the other way around.
Itinerary opinions please.
If hubby is a meat and potatoes guy and just tried sushi for the first time, Japonais may be plenty for him. Sunda may be pushing it.
What about Le Sardine, a charming French bistro in the West Loop? www.lesardine.com
Italian in Downtown Chicago
Cafe Spiaggia is a much better value. It's one of my favorite spots. Slow food.
You almost might like The Florentine or Coco Pazzo.
Food Network Star
There's a difference between You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars? LOL! Really? You must see something I don't see. Which is why I don't see either of them.
I think the difference between TCM and NFNS has diminished significantly. They're all gimmicky now. The only difference is that the stunts are occur as more insulting to an accomplished chef than they do to a younger-on-the-way-up chef.
Itinerary opinions please.
Sunda and Japonais are very similar. If you're going to Japonais, I would skip Sunda.
Lunch around MIchigan & Huron - why don't you stop into Portillos for an Italian Beef or Chicago-style hot dog? Italian beef should be ordered "wet" with sweet and hot peppers. A combo (that includes an Italian sausage is also a good option.
Food Network Star
I always find myself wondering why she bothers to cook when she looks like she never eats. Don't the two go hand-in-hand?
Hot Doug's and Franks 'n' Dogs
The duck fat fries at Hot Dougs, while good, are not all THAT great and IMO, not worth the longer lines on Fridays and Saturdays. Monday-Thursday is my preference and I like to get there between 11 and 11:30 am. Is it worth the cab ride (and, no I can't tell you what it will cost)? It will be a great lunch. You'll talk to lots of people wouldn't have met otherwise. And what a tale to tell when you get home. So you get to say.
Franks n Dogs is much more conveniently located, and while it is good, it doesn't hold a candle to the food or the gestalt at Hot Doug's. If you don't want to take the time to get to or wait at HD, it's a reasonable facsimile.
Food Network Star
Ah, but Melissa D'Arabian and Guy Fieri did -- and look how beloved they are. LOL.
NFNS or FNS or whatever they're call it today is its own franchise with its own audience and revenue stream. That it's a pathway to putting people on the air is only incidental.
And who is "Aunt Sandy?"
Food Network Star
Michelle is a bit of a media whore. She was on Chopped and the 24-hour restaurant gig with her partner. It appears the Food Network is drawing from its own stable.
