Chicago tips

Check Out Big City Menus Online

food and drink, travel

Wow, this site is a huge help!  It's menupages.com and from it you can peruse a current (we hope) menu of the place you're thinking about patronizing.  Cities to sleuth out are Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

It goes without saying that you can look up many, many restaurants by name here.

I suggest going to "how to use this site" in the upper right hand corner just to get acquainted.  Usually I go right to "Browse" on the top menu bar. 

There's a choice of an on screen menu and a printable one as well.

If you're in the mood for a very specific thing, there's even a "find a food" search listed by neighborhoods.

Additionally, you can request that they list the menu of a particular restaurant and they'll "go and get it."  Unsurprisingly there's a section for restauranteurs to list themselves and to advertise.

Dodo For Breakfast. Lunch Too.

food and drink

We love Dodo.  Our son, our out of town guests, us too.  The breakfasts are especially good. 
The other day I had a seasonal fruit composition and instead of the makeshift fruit one would usually be offered this time of the year, I enjoyed raspberries, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries and more all attractively presented on an ample plate.

Bacon was very crispy, just as ordered and the jam proferred for my whole wheat toast appeared to be homemade, not those tasteless generic foil packets.  If you'd like you may order just one pancake or one piece of French toast.  I've never seen that quantity on a menu before, have you?

One of my friends ordered the Daily Dodo Hash Bowl which consists of a choice of eggs and a special "hash of the day" announced by your waitperson.  There's a pic right here but I was in such a hurry to take it and not disrupt him further that I left the fork akimbo on his plate.  You understand.

The mystery woman pictured is an out of town visitor who may seem familiar from previous posts.  She's a great booster of chicagoTips nevertheless and a nascent newscaster herself.

In addition to this delightfully intimate dining spot, there's a gallery right on the premises.  My favorite things there are the "life" casts of rabbits and occasional other animals.  Peek through the fence to the north and you'll discover a huge, magnificent horse.  For the complete story  put "Chicago Reader - Art Imitates Meat" (without the quotation marks) in Google and you'll find their relevant lead story from 9/29/06,  bypassing their archive in the process.  No, this is not a PC story, sorry.

Dodo, 935 N. Damen, 773.772.dodo.  On weekends go early to avoid the line.

This Is Lula!

food and drink

An inauspicious entrance in an unlikely neighborhood (Logan Square) belies the marvel within.

Lula's is a civilized treasure of a restaurant that is known but not known and I recommend it highly.  Its' owners, Amalea Tshilds and Jason Hammel are self-taught but gifted cooks and the menu at their restaurant cafe changes according to both whim and season.  It's heaven for vegetarians and meat eaters alike with multiple choices for both.

Our dinner entrees lately were grilled duck and hanger steak but if you order such fare you should be careful to specify degree of doneness.  Both were delicious but red to raw, requiring a return visit to the kitchen.

Another  special feature of Lula's is the choice of more formal serious dishes and lighter fare.  Breakfast and lunch are served too and I dare you to find many quality lunch places outside the central city.

It does get crowded in the evening so if you don't want to wait in the bar an early arrival is advised.  Weekends of course are most difficult.  Recently we arrived about 6:30 on a wintry Thursday night;  a half hour later is dicey. 

The noise level was ok, lively but not raucous.  (Some friends who entertain European visitors frequently reported to me that they were quizzed about the American phenomenon of requisite noise.  They found it a puzzle but we all know it's supposed to mark a "happening" place.  Ugh.)

I'm not a bad cook but I do like to go out with friends to participate more easily in the conversation.  A quiet restaurant is a necessity. Recently my husband and I clamped down completely,  issuing an anti-big noise fatwah for the places we patronize.

PS.  I also love to share this place with its' patrons because they are refreshingly devoid of affectation.

Lula's Cafe,  2537 N. Kedzie.  773.489.9554. Opens at 9AM; closed Tuesdays.  No reservations.

 

Real, Not Retro. Manny's Deli Carries On

food and drink

Do you know Manny's Deli (and steam table)?  It's a Roosevelt Road institution, having opened in the area in1942. 

Here you can enjoy an enormous corned beef, pastrami or tongue sandwich for $9.95.  More mundane sandwiches are much less.  There's a steam table, a definite throwback to an earlier time and the place is efficiently run using the tried and true cafeteria line.

Among the specialties not easily obtained elsewhere are stuffed cabbage, prune tzimus, potato pancakes, gefilte fish and calves tongue.  Also, Hungarian goulash, oxtail stew, "American" chop suey, liver and onions and soup "de" jour.  Main courses are accompanied by potatoes, a vegetable and bread and butter.

The ambiance of this place is like no other I can think of.  Clientele are multi-ethnic and the affluent mix easily with the working class.  The decor is more or less non-existent or "getting down to business" which, of course is eating.

Manny's reputedly got its' name by thriftily utilizing the sign from Sonny's, the preceding restaurant at this location and changing its' first two letters, thereby honoring Emanuel or Manny, the teenage son of Jack Raskin, the original owner.

Manny's, at 1141 S. Jefferson, just north of Roosevelt Rd. is open Monday-Saturday from 5AM-4PM.  There's a parking lot in back and free valet parking at the door.

Drive And Park At The New Trader Joe's

food and drink, shopping

It was Saturday morning and my husband needed a ride to the Michigan Av. area.  I needed groceries, rare for me to try this on a crazy weekend.  A perfect time for a trial run at the brand new "River North " Trader Joe's in the heart of a parking "neverland."

A bonanza!  The second floor one hour free parking lot was practically empty.  I doubt this will continue for long at this super central location at 44 E. Ontario but an early morning arrival might very well help.

What is it about Trader Joe's?  My daughter-in-law introduced me to it some years ago in Seattle and I've been a devotee ever since.  Many people I know are puzzled and haven't caught the bug.

The key is that you must take some time and look around carefully for the first few visits.  Don't go for the produce which generally arrives on Sundays (!) and is passable but not great except for avocados and bananas.

I buy lots of different things and despite a recent disclaimer in the New York Times, I'm convinced that Whole Foods is way more expensive.  Hummus, unsulphured dried Grannysmith apple rings, uncrystallized ginger, some basic cheese, balsamic vinegars, Niman Ranch already prepared ribs, carne asada, white tea, "Volcano" very dark coffee, passion fruit sorbet.

A special cheese is the fresh goat chevre shown at right, the result of many years of TLC from Laura Chenel "that some call the best in America", according to a recent article in, again  The New York Times.  She's made and labeled this particular 8 oz log for Trader Joe's.  Recently she sold her company to a French firm that vows to maintain her standards.

Consider re-embracing some frozen foods.  The french green beans are usually better than anyone's fresh ones.  I combine artichoke hearts with edamame or garbanzo beans, all frozen, and add some parmesan and olive oil.  Additonally there's lots of exotica here from far away places such as Thai vegetable gyoza (handmade dumplings) and Tandoori naan from India.  That's the big puffy bread I've only found at restaurants heretofore.

The selection of dried fruit is vast and most offerings are preservative free.  The nuts nearby are swell and reasonable.  Great crackers and chips...I recently bought baked "soy crisps"... just keep looking around;  there are treasures galore and soon you'll find your personal favorites.  One of mine is dark chocolate from Ecuador with a yellow wrapper.  Try the frozen spinach pie with filo for a light dinner or a smaller version for hors d'oeuvres.

There's a "grab and go" section of already prepared foods and even though I've cooked faithfully from scratch for years, there are definitely plenty of temptations here.

This particular store is neat as a pin and the staff is, as always, very helpful and pleasant even if they feel lousy.  Didn't check the wine but it looked plentiful.

The brand new Trader Joe's, 44 E. Ontario.  If you're driving, enter on the west side of Rush Street;  you'll see the sign for the Sheraton Hotel lot.  312.951.6369.

A Tavola: A Fine Hideaway

food and drink

The food is regional Italian and well prepared.  The cognescenti say the best gnocci in town is served right here.  Yes, it's delicious and is prepared with brown sage butter and parmesan cheese.

Good food is not hard to come by in this city today but what we love about this place is the quiet and civilized atmosphere which is increasingly difficult to find.  Here you can have a real conversation with people you want to talk to.  We've been coming here for quite a few years now and it's never truly crowded.  It's enough off the beaten path which helps, although weekends are probably a bit busy.

My husband loves the braised beef short ribs served with saffron risotto and I always order the pear salad along with, perhaps an evening special.

Chef and owner Daniel Bocik remodelled a turn of the century townhouse himself.  The result is an understated feeling that's definitely welcoming,  as is the friendly staff.  Cooking classes are held one night a week on the second floor.  Call for current schedule.

Street parking is easy.  It's best to make reservations, even on Monday nights.

A Tavola, 2148 W. Chicago Av., 773.276.7567.

La Brea Bread from LA In Chicago Now

food and drink, shopping

I insist that my bread is crusty on the outside and I'm fanatic about this.  One of the first bakeries to go national with distribution of artisan par baked bread, which is bread that is partially baked and then finished at the point of sale, is La Brea Bakery of L.A. You can barely tell the difference between this and bread fresh from the oven.

The great news is that this bread is readily available at local Jewel stores.  From years of experience seaching for good bread I was astonished to find it in an actual supermarket, the usual home of squishy crusts.

My favorite is a whole grain loaf which is especially delicious toasted, but there are other varieties available; sourdough baguettes, roasted garlic, a pecan cranberry combo, ciabatta loaf, French and a few more.  There's a display that looks like this one and the bread is, of course, baked fresh daily.

I take my choice to the deli counter where they graciously slice it.  Then I wrap it in heavy foil and a freezer bag and freeze what I'm not using immediately.  This way I'm ready for any dinner guest without a special bread foray and I can reheat what I need in a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

These breads are reasonable, mostly under $4.  My only complaint is that often they're out of the bread I want.  A morning trip is advised for the best selection.  If we all start buying these great breads perhaps management will clue in to the greater market potential.

La Brea Bakery products at your local Jewel.

What Exactly Happened To The Berghoff?

food and drink

I thought The Berghoff had actually disappeared!  Yes, but a resounding No.  Recently I walked by the well-known 107 year old Chicago landmark restaurant and noted a couple of confused passersby and would-be diners trying to figure out what was going on at 17 W. Adams.  So was I. 

Although The Berghoff in its most recent incarnation has indeed closed, Carlyn Berghoff the daughter of the restaurant's owners has established 17 West and the Berghoff Cafe, so afficionados may still enjoy some of the old standbys.  I'm not saying the food is to die for, nor was it ever, but if you order carefully you can find some very good things.

17 West, open for lunch and dinner, offers the well-known Weiner Schnizel and Sauerbraten of its' predecessor along with lighter fare such as salads, and soups and sandwiches as well.  The Berghoff Cafe down below serves lunch on premises in a casual venue, or one can order online for pickup between 11AM and 2:30PM daily.  Choices here include pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Much of this is about tradition, location and time.  If, for example you are going to the Chicago Symphony, this is still a good bet.  There just aren't any truly wonderful dining places in this section of the Loop.

Carlyn is the owner of "Artistic Events by Carlyn Berghoff Catering Inc." and appears to have her finger in all kinds of pies in addition to the two "new" restaurants.  She caters off site events and has a special venue, The Century Room on site for the right kind of party.

Checkout http://www.theberghoff.com for menu info, history, current status, logo dinnerware and more.

I unearthed a December 2005 ABC news report that mentioned that the federal government was acquiring many of the buildings in the same block as the Berghoff property.  It doesn't look like any big changes are imminent  but why not get there while you can?

At the Berghoff address:  17 West, Berghoff Cafe, both at 17 West Adams in the Loop.

The New Sunflower Market; Still More Healthy Food For You On Clybourn

food and drink, shopping

A bit tricky to find the first time and easier to see if you're coming from the south, Sunflower Market opened just prior to the Labor Day weekend at 1910 N. Clybourn, not far from its' predecessors in this arena, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. 

The space is large with plenty of parking but when I visited yesterday in the late afternoon there weren't many customers.  Opening around Labor Day could have been a good way to get the kinks out but it appears that a good ad campaign might help now.  This is a small chain with a store in Indianapolis and two more about to open in Columbus, OH.

The emphasis is on all organic everything whenever possible.  Produce is plentiful and there's even a refrigerated room (brr, bring a sweater) for the more perishable items, a smart idea.  A good selection of organic meats and nice looking breads, including terrific local Red Hen Bread, thus saving you a trip to their bakery.  Those marvelous Capriole goat cheeses from Judy Schad of Greenville, IN are here and the variety of cheeses offered is more than Trader Joes but less than Whole Foods.

Some camparison shoppers were overheard exclaiming that Tazo teas are less here.  There's a huge assortment of items from Burt's Bees at what appeared to be low prices.

If you like sorbet, I highly recommend the impossible-to-find-elsewhere blueberry.  All in all, you'll have to go there yourself to decide whether this place should be one of your regular stops.

Sunflower Market, 1910 N. Clybourn, 773.348.4667.

Honey Crisp Apples Are Great With Goat Cheese

food and drink, shopping

A Honey Crisp apple is far and away the best apple I've ever tasted. I finally discovered them last year, but sadly just as the season ended so I've been waiting for this moment for a while now.

Developed at the University of Minnesota in 1991, Honey Crisps are sweet and at the same time have an extra crispy texture, an unbeatable combo.  These fall treats are a cross between  two other apples, Macoun and Honeygold.

I spied them midweek at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park, http://greencitymarket.org  held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. 

These apples don't come cheap...they're as much as a dollar each, but my rationale is that's probably less than you'd pay for any old apple of dubious quality in most of this country's airports.

Be forewarned, the Honey Crisp season is extremely short so enjoy it right now.  Haven't tried the city's regular Farmer's Markets but it's definitely worth a look.  It's harvest time and a chance to find really fresh produce all around you.  Heirloom tomatoes have just arrived in quantity too.

While you're at the Green City Market website, check out Capriole goat cheeses under "producers" or go directly to   http://www.capriolegoatcheese.com.  Judith Schad, the producer of  a wide variety of superb goat cheeses visits the market at least once a month from southern Indiana and you should allow yourself to yield to her magic spell.  Judith really knows her cheeses and her detailed descriptions and taste opportunities are bound to broaden your pallet.  If you need replenishments locally there's a list of stores in town that carry her cheeses including the newSunflower Market on Clybourn.

The combo of those apples with these cheeses is unbeatable!