Big T's Profile
Mangino's closed on Lake in the loop
I went to Magino's today (on Wacker, west side of the loop) and found out that it is closed. Is there another italian sub shop over on the west side of the loop? I know there is Fontano's towards the lake but that is too far from my office.
Peruvian chicken in Chicago?
Ok, this is exactly what I was looking for. I went to a few different chicken places before finally trying Pollo Salvaje. The places I went to in my search for awesome rotiserrie chicken were:
Flying Chicken (on Lincoln Av near Grace)
D'Candela (4053 N. Kedzie)
Mr. Pollo (Belmont & California)
Pollo Salvaje (Western and Armitage)
Pollo Salvaje is the hands down winner. It is just like the Peruvian chicken I've had back in DC. A couple notes:
1) The place is near impossible to find. It's at 2015 N. Western Av, just north of Armitage. It's hard to find b/c there is no sign for it and the big vertical sign on the building says something like "Cancun Restaurant". I asked the waitress about it and she said they are working on getting a sign.
2) The place was completely empty except for me and my friend. I am a little worried that this place might not make it, which would be nothing short of a tragedy. The waitress said that part of the problem is that there aren't a lot of Peruvians in the area. Hopefully it will pick up; you don't need to be Peruvian to enjoy the best chicken you've ever had.
3) They actually have a pretty extensive menu, so if you like other Peruvian stuff, there are probably lots of other good things. I stuck with the chicken and fried yucca (delicious as well). The price is right too, about $5 for a quarter chicken and 2 sides (yucca, rice, plaintains, french frieds, etc).
4) They have mexican coke. I couldn't tell for sure if it was sweetened with sucrose/cane sugar though. It was in a tall glass bottle but the ingredients listed "high fructose corn syrup and/or sucrose."
Anyway, I'm trying to spread the word about this place b/c I really don't want to see it close down.
Peruvian chicken in Chicago?
I am moving to Chicago from DC and am trying to find a replacement for my favorite spot in DC, El Pollo Rico in Arlington. It's a Peruvian chicken spot, the menu only has three choices 1/4, 1/2, or whole. If you don't know what it is, it's basically deliciously seasoned rotisserie chicken served with a couple different types of sauces/salsas. Does this sound like anything anyone has heard of in Chicago?
Moving to Chicago (Lakeview/Southport area) - needs recs
I am moving to Chicago from out of town and am looking for some recommendations of where to eat near my place. I'm primarily looking for quick, casual places I can grab a quick bite to eat at or places that deliver. I will be living near the Addison (brown), Paulina, Southport stops on the brown line, but I don't mind walking 15-20 minutes over towards the Belmont/Clark area or taking the train a few stops. Are there any decent Thai/Chinese/Asian places in the area? Is there is a good deli where I can get italian meat (capicola, mortadella, etc)?
Is South Street Steaks open in Bethesda yet?
I remember seeing a thread back in the fall that SSS was opening somewhere in Bethesda. Does anyone know if it's open yet? I am craving a good cheesesteak and don't want to drive all the way out to College Park. I tried to call Philadelphia Water Ice Factory to see if they're open, but it says the number was disconnected, wtf??
Fresh sliced sandwich meat
I go to Calvert Woodley on Conn Av right off the Van Ness metro on the red line. It might look like a liquor store from the outside, but it's actually a pretty good wine/beer store with a solid deli for meats and cheese. I'm a fan of italian meats (capicola, prosciutto, mortadella, sopressata) and they have them all. They have a wide variety of other meats too.
Good beer stores in NW DC?
I'm looking for a store to buy some good beer, preferably Belgians (Chimay, Delerium, Westmalle, Rochefort, etc). I know about Brickskellar and go there from time to time, but I'm talking about a place where I can buy bottles and take them home. Calvert Woodley (on Conn Av near Van Ness) usually has a few, but really doesn't have that great of a selection, anyone else know of anything with a decent selection?
Dinner near Marriott (magnificent mile)
I am staying at the Marriott Renaissance on the magnificent mile, I think it's on the corner of Michigan and Grand. I am only in town for tomorrow night and I'm looking for a decent dinner spot. Something that is fairly casual and not too expensive (~$50 for two), an old-school Italian place would be perfect, but we like ethnic (Asian, Latin American, etc) as well. Anything right near the hotel that we could walk to? Our flight doesn't get in until 8, so we will probably need a place where the kitchen is open until at least 10. Thanks!
New Street Cart Vendors to hit DC
I love chicken and waffles, Roscoe's is easily one of my top five favorite places to go. Anyone know if that wings and waffles cart (near K and 11th according to the Post map) is open yet??
need quick help, good delivery to Thomas Circle
I need to order something that delivers to Thomas Circle tonight, any good Chinese or Thai places nearby that will deliver there?
Glover Park: Restaurant hot spot?
Never had their burritos (if you're looking for burritos you need to head over to Columbia Heights). I'm a big fan of their chips and salsa, and when I'm in the mood for quick and dirty (tex-)mexican, their enchiladas always hit the spot. I like the hole-in-the-wall feel that it's got too.
Burrito reco in Lincoln Park/Lakview
I ended up going to Taqueria El Asadero since it was closest to where I was staying and it was within walking distance. It was phenomenal. I got the carne asada burrito, added rice and cheese. The steak was perfect, hot right off the grill. The thing was massive too. I really like the spicy salsa verde that they served at the table and the chips were great too. The icing on the cake was the half liter coke in bottles, a perfect way to wash it all down. I will be going back in August and I might just have to hit it up again, I don't know if I can chance going somewhere else knowing how awesome El Asadero is.
Burrito reco in Lincoln Park/Lakview
I don't discriminate when it comes to burrito styles, I don't mind a grilled tortilla every once in a while. IMO, I have only been to one place where I really liked the tortilla and that was at Panchero's (chain in the midwest, popular in MI, I would imagine they have it in IL). They make their tortillas fresh. When you order, they toss a ball of dough into a tortilla press to flatten it out and then toss it on the grill for a couple seconds to brown it up just a bit. Then they toss in your choice of fillings. The end result is a warm, soft tortilla that distinguishes itself from the pre-made steamed tortillas usually found at Mission style places. If you happen to come across a Panchero's, the tortilla alone is worth the stop. Their meats and salsa do leave a little to be desired though and prevents it from being a really excellent burrito place.
I will have to check out Taco & Burrito Palace as I'm sure I will be right there. I may have to double up and make the trip to La Pasidita too.
Burrito reco in Lincoln Park/Lakview
I am heading to Chicago this weekend from DC and I am in desperate need of a solid burrito as there is an extreme dearth of burrito places in DC. I am looking for the typical hole in the wall, burrito served in foil type of place. If I need a knife and fork, it's probably not what I'm looking for. I will be staying at one of two friend's places, one in Lincoln Park the other in what he called "West Lakeview." Regardless, I am anticipating late nights in Lincoln Park and a burrito place open late for post-bar fourthmeal would probably be ideal.
I have also been told by a Chi co-worker of mine to pick up an Italian beef at Portillo's; does this guy know what he's talking about?
good taco truck in Rosslyn
I ate at the Tia Maria's taco truck in Rosslyn today. I had chicken tacos ($2/piece) and I thought they were great; the chicken was tender and the marinade was really good, two corn tortillas with each and some onion, cilantro, and tomatoes on top. The truck was right by the new buildings be constructed near Key Bridge on 19th street.
Good Thai food in Georgetown OR Adams Morgan area?
I've always liked Basil Thai up Wisconsin a bit, I think it's at Q. I've been to Bangkok Bistro too, it's probably a nicer atmosphere, but strictly on food, I prefer Basil Thai.
