foodlover23's Profile
Top Chef Masters - Ep. 1 (potential spoilers)
I agree with the OP. Keller looked like he was going to win from the start. I can't wait to see who is going to compete against!
Unique Pizza Toppings
I like banana peppers on my pizza! Yum. I'm also dying to try an Italian beef pizza in Chicago.
What's your favorite dumpling?
Have you ever had kreplach? It's a "Jewish" dumpling stuffed with meat and often put in chicken soup. Yummm! Not as good as matzo balls though, I'll admit.
How do you like your salmon?
While I love raw sushi salmon, any sight of raw in my salmon that is supposed to be cooked turns my stomach.
I like my salmon just cooked enough (but not overcooked) so that it's tender when it flakes, not rubbery.
what is a really good hamburger??
If it's medium rare, thick and juicy - I can eat it plain or with ketchup and I'll have the time of my life! :)
Something to look forward to - Top Chef Masters
I'm so excited! Go Rick Bayless and Art Smith! :)
Kosher Wedding in Chicago 2009
If you're having an Orthodox wedding, I know a lot of people get married at the Midwest Conference Center in the same building as the Concord, just off the highway. They are very familiar with kosher weddings (in short notice) and can coordinate a caterer for you.
This weekend I'm going to a wedding in Evanston catered by Shallots (a kosher restaurant).
Your latest 'addiction'?
This has been a long time addiction but I can't get enough of putting hot peppers and banana peppers on my sandwiches. They're just so good!
Cilantro - Love it or Hate it?
I love cilantro but my dad hates it. I always have to forego the cilantro dishes if we're dining out together.
Chicago Happy Hour!!!
Claim Jumper and Kona Grill both have good happy hour selections! They're both in the suburbs in Wheeling/Lincolnshire but may also have other locations.
What's the best bakery in Chicago for sweets?
I really like this little bakery in Wicker Park on Division St called Alliance Bakery and Cafe. They make awesome macarons, flourless chocolate cakes and cookies. Haven't tried their cupcakes yet but I intend to. They also make gorgeously decorated cakes just like on the show Ace of Cakes!
Where are the top tapas?
I'm going to go ahead and put one vote in for Cafe Iberico. It's definitely worth a visit. I haven't yet tried Mercat but I have tried Cafe Babareeba and Iberico is better!
Comments on Cafe Iberico
I'm a huge Cafe Iberico fan! When I think of tapas, that's what I think of first. (Maybe I'll have to branch out one day?) My favorite dishes there are the steamed mussels in tomato sauce, the baked goat cheese, and the scallops with saffron sauce.
French/Thai?
I've definitely heard amazing things about Arun's Thai. I would love to try it some day!
Quiznos vs. Subway
I really really like Subway but I think I might be at the point where I eat it too much ($5 footlong split between two days is an awesome deal...) that Quizno's is a welcome change. I tried Quizno's pesto turkey torpedo and it's pretty darn good!
Noodles and Company?
I love noodles and company. If I don't feel like making pasta sauce myself, they provide a good fix. I like their pesto cavatappi, Japanese pan noodles and Penne Rosa. Yum!
What do you eat too much of?
I've been eating a ton of pasta lately because I had my wisdom teeth removed and it's the only thing that's easy to eat and filling.
"sweet" or "sour" -- which kind of chowhound are you?
i like a balance. i'm ALL for sour foods of the nature you listed, but if i have too much, i start to crave that something sweet.
Good "I can't chew" foods
This is perfect timing! I just got my wisdom teeth out last week and have been having similar issues all week.
i've been eating a lot of soups and soft pasta dishes. Small pasta can be swallowed without much chewing...
Chili with soft enough beans might be good too.
Does one's gender affect food preferences?
I HATE these stereotypes.
I am a woman and I love "manly drinks"...I'd take a scotch or a jack and coke over a sweet drink anyday. I'm not big on salads, I LOVE steak and potatoes...
Food and Farmer's Markets
Green City Market just opened this week but unfortunately it is only open Wed and Sat.
What's the best Greek Restaurant in Greek Town?
Greek Islands for sure! I've tried Artopolis and the Parthenon and neither compare.
Swine Flu & Pork?
Nope! I wrote a post about this on my blog actually. It is still safe to eat pork products as long as they have been cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy!
Taste of Chicago 2009
I'm a huge Taste of Chicago fan and I'm from Chicago! There are many people who think there is too much fried food and that tickets are expensive but I think it's definitely worth checking out!
When can you try bits and bites of Thai, Polish, American, Indian, Irish and many more global cuisines all in the same place?
Need help with a Chicago sushi pick....
I have been to Rise and loved it! They have a lot of unique sushi combinations on special and everything I've eaten there was fresh and tasty.
I also really liked Ai Sushi. The service was mediocre but the sushi itself and the presentation was awesome!
Looking for dives..
There is a bar called High Dive that serves really great food! I highly recommend their ahi tuna club or their burgers! They are reasonably priced and have a great beer selection as well.
The bar is located in Wicker Park at the intersection of Damen and Chicago.
Hope this helps!
