emiliewasmyeve's Profile
Pizza delivery at 41 & Madison
Hey, NYC folks. We are 2 Chicago hounds that just spent a fantastic long weekend in NYC and ate a TON of both low and high end chow.
Since our plane leaves at 8:00 tomorrow morning, we want to relax in our fabulous hotel room tonight and order pizza in.
We are at the Library Hotel on 41st & Madison. What would be our best option for pizza delivery? The hotel is pushing Familigia, but the reviews aren't so great. I figured you guys would know best, anyway.
Thanks in advance!
Local spot for seafood near Newport/Jamestown, RI
We're heading to Providence, RI for a weekend with friends. We plan on driving out to Newport and Jamestown one day and are looking for a good locals place for clams and lobster. Any suggestions? If it's on the water, even better!
Can't miss in Key West?
My partner and I are Chicago Chowhounders visiting Key West next week. We're looking for any and all dining recommendations.
While we'd love to hear a couple places for a romantic dinner, we're mainly interested in casual local spots.
We're looking for good seafood, brunch places and a Cuban spot or two. Also, we'll be driving to Bahia Honda Park one day. Anything we should catch along the way?
Thanks in advance for all of your help!
BBQ with outdoor seating?
Myself, along with several friends, are wanting to have a casual BBQ dinner on Memorial Day (and we don't want to cook it ourselves).
Any recommendations for a great BBQ spot? We'd love a casual place (aren't all BBQ places casual?) with outdoor seating. I'm hoping to get some great ribs, too.
Though we live in Andersonville, we'd be willing to travel.
Thanks in advance!
Saugatuck/Holland/Douglas finds?
Tomorrow, we're headed to Saugatuck for a few days. If it's worth the drive, we may also head up to Holland for an evening. We need any chow recommendations.
We will definitely be hitting up Everyday People Cafe in Douglas. We ate there last year and LOVED it.
We're also thinking of trying Salt of the Earth in Fennville. Any reviews?
We've heard about CityVu Bistro in Holland, but I've read mixed reviews.
Anything we're missing?
-----
Everyday People Cafe
11 Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406
Salt of the Earth
4760 Red Bank Rd Ste 100, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Authentic macarons?
Yes--the Sarah's Candies macarons were the most disappointing ones I've had in the city.
I'm still sticking with the new TJ's frozen version. However, Whole Foods recently starting having an "International Cookies" display in their bakery and they have some delicious macarons that--I believe--they get from Delightful Pastries.
Midweek downtown breakfast?
Tomorrow, we're having a spa day at 600 W Chicago Ave. We'd like to do breakfast beforehand (at 10ish). We live on the northside and have eaten at most of the breakfast/brunch places on this side of the city. Downtown, we've only eaten breakfast at Yolk.
We're not against going to a hotel (that could even be kind of fun). However, we'd like to find a place that has good food, a nice atmosphere, but not too nice that we couldn't wear jeans. Maybe a place two gals can get a mimosa on a Wednesday morning?
Any suggestions?
Relocating to Chicago, foodie seeks real estate advice!
I'd agree that Andersonville has everything you're looking for. As I was going down your list, I was thinkingk, "check! check! check!"
Also, I'd have to disagree that Andersonville is an older crowd. I'm a 20-something that has lived there for 5 years and I find it to be a very young and hip community. Not to mention, you'll get twice as much for your money.
I also drive to work downtown and, after a 5 minute drive to LSD, I'm usually there in 20 minutes.
Hope this helps!
Authentic macarons?
I'm a macaron fanatic, too. We've done a bit of a crawl in Chicago and, truthfully, have never found any that compared to the ones in Paris. Vanille and Sarah's were the best we tried. Also, Whole Foods has a new "International Cookies" section in the bakery and they had some pretty decent macarons.
HOWEVER, and I will probably get slammed for saying this, Trader Joe's has recently started carrying them in their freezer section. They come in a box of 12: 6 vanilla and 6 chocolate. I guess macarons are the new "it" dessert--similar to the cupcake a couple years ago.
Anyway, we gave them a shot and both my partner and myself agreed that they were the best macarons we've had. EVER. Since they were frozen, I was really skeptical about the texture. After 20 minutes under a towel and they were PERFECT--crisp on the outside and buttery inside.
Unlike other ones that we've tried in the city, you could really taste the marzipan in these. Also, the buttercream and ganache fillings were amazingly smooth and flavorful.
Just try 'em. And they are only like $4/box.
Mid-week lunch?
I'm back for more of you chowhounds' sage wisdom.
Next Thursday, my partner and I are seeing Oprah (I know, I know) on Thursday morning. We're excited and figured that, since we'll be off work, we should make a day of it.
We will be done by lunchtime and are trying to figure out a good place to go for some delicious mid-day chow. I'm looking for a sunny, bright and cheerful cafe-ish setting. I'm in the mood for some New American/bistro fare. I wish The Bristol was open for lunch. We haven't tried that place, yet.
Any recs that seem to fit our bill? We'll be downtown for the show, but don't mind traveling a bit.
Thanks!
NYE w/ 2 teens?
Ha... yes! Graham Elliot!!
Thanks for these suggestions! I've never been too impressed by Red Light, but Carnivale had a good atmosphere. That is definitely an option!
We ate at Mercat a couple months ago and it was wonderful. However, we've done tapas with them quite a few times, so maybe something a little different?
I really have been wanting to try Cafe Des Architectes. I'm going to try that one out!
Thanks, all!
NYE w/ 2 teens?
We have my sister and brother-n-law coming to town for NYE. They are 15 and 17 and love to try the "big city" restaurants when they are in Chicago.
We'd like to go somewhere that will be really festive. Here are our hopes:
1. Somewhere downtown. It's just "cooler" that way.
2. No more than $100/person.
3. Somewhere that would allow business casual attire.
4. Somewhere with food for the 17-year-old with an adventurous pallette and food for the 15-year-old who is pretty picky.
We were thinking of Billy Graham or Tizi Melloul. We haven't been to Billy, but went to Tizi a few years ago and thought the atmosphere was fun.
Last year, we took them to Marche and they LOVED it.
Any other ideas?
(Teen) Girls Night Out?
We have some friend coming in from Indiana for Mother's Day weekend. She's bringing her 2 teenage daughters and--as per usual--they'll want to spend Saturday downtown.
We're (5 gals) trying to figure out a dinner place that fits the following specs:
1. Smart casual
2. Would "wow" the girls with a "downtown atmosphere"
3. Is mid-end in price ($25/entree)
4. Any kind of good cuisine. No big chains.
5. Comfortable/fun
Any ideas??
Rt. 30a Seafood Shack-ish?
Thanks for the tips! Stinky's and Red Bar have both been mentioned to us by the folks here, too. So, we're definitely going to try those out!
Any places where we can get local crab legs or peel & eat shrimp?
As beautiful as Rosemary Beach is, I'm astounded at the lack of seafood at the restaurants around here!
Rt. 30a Seafood Shack-ish?
We're leaving tomorrow for a week-long stay in Rosemary Beach, FL. Since we live in Chicago and have access to all kinds of great chow, we really like to stick to the local fare on vacations.
I know that the Rosemary Beach/Seaside area has lots of great sushi places, upscale cafes, etc. However, are there any good, local seafood shack type places in that area? We are wanting oysters, crab, etc. More than anything, we want a casual/local place.
Any ideas???
Middle Eastern/ Greek Bistro's
I have to agree with both previous posts. Visiting Vegas from Chicago and this food EASILY rivals the best Greek eating back home. And, any Chicago chows know, we have some GREAT Greek food there.
Not only is the food delish, but the place is so clean, welcoming and cozy. This is a true "ma & pa" shop. It is owned by an Armenian family and they are wonderful to talk to.
Must. Try. Lamb. Shank.
DON'T MISS THIS SPOT!
White "cheese dip" in Chicago?
I've posted before about how, for good or for ill, Chicago doesn't have the Mexican food that I grew up with in the South. A whole gang of us ex-Southerners are living in the city and constantly searching for one thing: the white "cheese dip" that is a staple at every Mexican restaurant south of Kentucky. I've tried asking for "queso blanco" and it just isn't the same.
When I was home a few weeks ago, I snapped a photo of what I'm looking for. Any ideas where I can get this in the city?
French bistro near Theatre District?
We're looking for a good French bistro near the Goodman Theatre. We're willing to take a cab if we need to. We'd like somewhere we could eat early... like 5:30ish. Also, I'd prefer to be able to wear nice jeans. Is there somewhere that is more trendy than fancy but still has good eats?
Edited: I have reservations at Farmerie 58 but haven't heard good things.
Where to buy fresh lobster tails on Northside?
You're a lifesaver, as always! Thanks.
Where to buy fresh lobster tails on Northside?
We live in Andersonville and are running some errands in Evanston today. Are there any places up here to buy good, fresh lobster tails?
If not, what would be the best/closest?
Thanks!!!
Cozy Christmas Eve Dinner?
Just called The Drake and The Drake Bros. is serving a Christmas Eve buffet for $80/person. It seems festive enough--carolers, santa, jazz music, etc. However, I'm not sure about the buffet idea. Has anyone done this?
Cozy Christmas Eve Dinner?
Wow---thanks for such thorough feedback! You know, I had assumed that we were looking too late, never assumed it may be too early.
Looking into the hotel restaurants makes the most sense as we certainly do want something festive.
I'm going to call around. Thanks, again!
Cozy Christmas Eve Dinner?
We are looking to make reservations for 4 on Christmas Eve. We'd really like to eat at a mid/high-end contemp. American restaurant. We're also looking for a cozy atmosphere--somewhere where it actually FEELS like Christmas. North Pond would've been perfect, but their going to be closed.
Any suggestions?
Contemp. American, Sat. Night, Mid-End
There are 4 of us that are transplants from Memphis and we've lived in Chicago for 4 years. We like to try new places for dinner when we get together, but it can be overwhelming. I'm usually in charge of making reservations and, when I start looking around on these boards, I get lost for hours.
So, can we have some suggestions? We want to make reservations for 4 for Saturday night. We'd like to have unique, Contemporary American cuisine at a mid-end place. We're 20-somethings and would like a place that is cool, semi-casual and where we'd be able to hang around for a few drinks. Also, we'd like to be able to wear nice jeans. Location isn't a huge deal, but something in the Loop would be easiest.
Any ideas??
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
Okay, okay... I'll add a bit more here. You are right, nsxtasy, they are as nice as can be. Natalina and Nick are always up for conversation and have never been snooty. I haven't been back to the place in a while and, maybe, I should give it another chance.
I went quite a few times when they first opened and I think they were still trying to figure themselves out. They started with some savories, too. They had orancini (which were DELICIOUS) and savory pastries, but decided to stick to the sweets.
Like I said before, they also have the best cannoli I've ever eat. However, I've been three times when they were "out" of the shells or the filling and, for one reason or another, left me hungry and disappointed.
Mid-week Dinner Near Chicago Theatre
Great! Thanks for the help! I've made reservations at Atwood Cafe for 5:30 this evening.
What is the usual attire for Atwood? Will we be comfortable in nice jeans and blouses? The comedy show doesn't require much more than that and, if possible, we'd like to stay evening casual.
Andersonville Dessert Crawl
That's no fun. I live in Andersonville and would also like to love Paticceria. Their cannoli are the best I've ever had. Beyond that, I've never been too impressed. I've found that many of their pastries are very dry and lack flavor. Also, you never know if they're going to have a full case or an empty case.
Mid-week Dinner Near Chicago Theatre
We're going to see a comedy show at the Chicago Theatre on Wednesday night. We're wanting to have a nice dinner before the show. So, around 5:30ish.
We'd like to be able to have a delicious, memorable meal at a place that doesn't require formal wear.
No steakhouses. Any kind of food or price. Suggestions??
Live Music (Piano, Jazz) AND Good Food?
My partner has been begging me to take her to a piano bar for years. For her birthday next month, I'd like to actually do it. Are there any good places in Chicago to see live music and eat good food? A romantic atmosphere would be nice, too. Location doesn't matter--anywhere in Chicagoland.
Thanks!
