lilywhite lilith's Profile
BLOOMINGTON INDIANA EATS
I second the vote for Finch's! I've had nothing but delicious food there, and Jeff and Candace Finch are lovely folks!! My only complaint: I think a lot of passers-by might miss this sleeper because of their too-subtle signage. I'm planning a trip there from Indy next week, and I'm sure I'll be pleased as usual.
Middle Eastern in the Vic Theatre area
Hi amoncada! Thought I'd report back to you about my recent dinner at Zad. We arrived on the early end of dinner service as we had a show to catch at 7:30. We started with delicious mint tea, moved to the carrots with chermoula and falafel starters, then we each had a different entree. Loved the carrots with chermoula (marked as a new menu item) and the falafel had great flavor and texture. When it came to my entree, I ordered the beef kifta with tahini sauce (there was a choice between tahini and tomato sauce). Although I think our (at times, overly friendly and familiar) server wasn't necessarily trying to dissuade me from the tahini sauce, he "cheapened" the thought of the dish by saying it "kinda tastes like a burger dipped in peanut butter." I ordered it anyway, and it tasted like beef in tahini! (I wanted to say "yes, I know what tahini tastes like, that's why I ordered it!) It tasted very good (and NOT like peanut butter), but the beef itself was a little tough. I've made lamb kifta with a much lighter texture, so maybe this simply a difference in the two meats. My dining companions were perfectly satisfied and not nearly as annoyed with our server as I was! (I don't want to hear about how bored you've been all day and that you made more money on us than you did all afternoon. Tacky, ya know?)
I'd definitely return for the food, but I would hope to not have the same server!
Middle Eastern in the Vic Theatre area
Wow-- my mouth is watering!! I wish I had more than one day in Chicago this trip. Next time, I'll go for a Middle-Eastern tasting odyssey . Years ago I ate at a place on Kedzie, maybe Noon-o-Kabob, after a Cubs game. It was very good. Can't wait to try the M-E bakery, too. Thanks!
Moving Back to Indy!
No one has mentioned Siam Square on Virginia for great Thai food. They opened late last year in the old Bistro 936 space in Fountain Square. Great food, very affordable (and the service has improved with better staffing.) Sakura on Keystone is great for sushi. I also like Ichiban on the south side. I, too, like Adobo Grill-- not your typical Mexican food, more interesting ingredients and presentations, never disappoints me. I shy away from chains, but Adobo is a small chain worth a try. I like Taj of India's (Castleton) menu that is, as far as I know, the only Indian menu in town offering Balti curries. R bistro on Mass Ave. has a weekly-changing menu offering lots of local, seasonal goodies, the best for contemporary American food. Enjoy getting to know Indy again!
Middle Eastern in the Vic Theatre area
Mashed zucchini with yougurt and mint could seal the deal for ZAD-- sounds so delicious! I'm a professional chef in Indianapolis and absolutely love eating and cooking mid-eastern food. I appreciate standout dishes like the aforementioned zucchini because it's not what you'd find at your run-of-the-mill mid-eastern joints, and there are a lot of run-of-the-mill joints!! Thanks again, I look forward to exploring your recommendations.
Middle Eastern in the Vic Theatre area
Thanks, amoncada! I'll check out their websites and start making plans!!
Middle Eastern in the Vic Theatre area
Could someone recommend authentic Middle Eastern eats in Chicago, preferably in the Central Lake/Vic Theatre area?
