mrsgus's Profile
Worcestershire Sauce - I never knew
Lord, I refrigerate EVERYTHING. It just seems that with most condiments, every time you open the jar to scoop some out, you're exposing the contents to bacteria, spores, etc. in the air. Yes, the sugar/vinegar is not the most hospitable medium for growth, but why tempt fate? Then again, the fridge is full of mustards, salsas, Worcestershire sauce, and so on, which is why we have to keep the beer in a 2nd refrigerator downstairs!
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille....
I just heard about a new restaurant opening called "Sweetwater Tavern and Grille"...is this a "reincarnation" of the Sweetwater restaurant from the 1970s-80s in the Chicago - Rush Street area? I used to love that place.
ISO of the best potato salad
Everybody here seems to be suggesting the mayo-variety potato salad, but I prefer a vinaigrette-based one. This is very simple:
DILL POTATO SALAD
8 Yukon Gold potatoes, uniform in size
Approximately 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
2 Tbs. Olive Oil (optional)
Sliced scallions
Fresh dill, chopped, to taste
Feta cheese crumbled (optional) to taste
Steam potatoes until tender, in vegetable/rice steamer (approximately 20 minutes). As soon as they are cool enough to handle, but still warm, peel and slice them about 1/4 thick, and place them in a glass dish (pyrex). Sprinkle them evenly with the vinegar, and toss gently. Cover the dish loosely, and let the potatoes marinate until completely cool. Then, toss them with olive oil, scallions and dill to taste. Add crumbled feta last, if using.
This is deliciously tangy, and a great accompaniment to almost anything! Serves about 4 to 6.
Do you eat goat?
I ate goat once, in a Caribbean curry dish, and was amazed at how delicious it was. Actually, my co-worker brought the curry in, but wouldn't tell me what was in it till I tried it. After I polished off a plateful, she told me it was goat! I was surprised...no gamey taste, not tough, just delicious savory meat. I wish I'd gotten her recipe....
Corned beef... oven or stove?
I have been cooking the corned beef in the slow cooker for years (in beer), and it is truly delectable. Never thought of broiling afterward, but will try that this year. BTW, I put the potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker with the meat (they pick up flavor from the meat and the beer), but steam the cabbage separately so it stays together and gets tender, not mushy.
If you were moving to Chicago and didn't have a car...
Sunshine Cafe has just reopened. I went past there on the bus the other day.
BTW, I have lived in Chicago my entire life (close to 5 decades) and have never had a car. We had one when I was a kid (ancient Chevy), and when it conked, that was it. Still, that's never kept me from enjoying the city and the diversity of its cuisines. The way the city is laid out (e.g. Andersonville, etc.) you can visit a lot of places by starting from a main intersection & just walking. When all else fails, you can cab it, but I find that taking public transit allows you to see so much more of the city. P.S. I don't think Chicago is insular, or maybe that's because I grew up in Rogers Park, the most diverse neighborhood in the city.
Oatmeal
Definitely try McCann's Irish Oatmeal (steel cut). If you're making it for 4 people, you can even use the slow cooker...there are some good recipes in "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook" using dried apples, raisins, etc. It is wonderful to wake up to the smell of warm oatmeal, and all you have to do is go dish it up!
Admit it... There's Some Dishes at Chain Restaurants You Like
Orange chicken @ Cheesecake Factory
Hawaiian Pizza @ CPK
Visiting Chicago - which hood is best for food?
Downtown is just...downtown. I went to Loyola University, and have worked in the Gold Coast area for 30 years. Except for those bar-hopping days in college, I was never really impressed with what the area had to offer: overpriced restaurants, several bland high-rise malls, and regular tourist infestations, esp. over the summer & around the winter holidays. My strategy is...work downtown, and enjoy life out in the neighborhoods, esp. Wicker Park, Andersonville, Rogers Park, Lakeview, etc. Those are real neighborhoods, with real Chicagoans, and they exemplify the diversity that is the heart of the city. Now, for visiting the city, what about a B&B? Check out www.house5863.com - that's an urban B&B at 5863 N. Glenwood...walking distance to Andersonville, near the major bus lines, etc. Rates are from $99 to $179/night.
Pastry Shop on Argyle?
Could you be looking for Flourish Bakery Cafe (1138 West Bryn Mawr Avenue)? Excellent pastries and sandwiches, too.
Best Pepper & Egg Sandwiches: North Side and Near North Suburbs
The best pepper & egg sandwich will be found at Pompei (2955 North Sheffield Avenue)...they also have potato & egg too, not to mention all the luscious pizzas/salads/etc. They used to make these sandwiches only during Lent, but may make them all-year-round now.
Absolute best burger in Chicago?
Try Dunlays, on Clark in Lincoln Park (2600 N. Clark). Go on Wednesday, when the special is 1/2 price cheeseburgers w/fries (do ask for the unseasoned fries though). Moody's is good too (5910 N. Broadway), in fact, go to their website (www.moodyspub.com), print a coupon for 1/2 price off the second sandwich, grab a pal, and hang out in the beer garden on a nice warm afternoon. Forget Houston's too...they've been closed for a couple years.
