kenji wrote:

theskinnyduck wrote:An Ethiopian/Turkish hybrid? Thats a bizarre combination of cusines.

I have friends, here in the city limits, who have children that are of Puerto Rican, and mainland Chinese descent. Where there's spanish and mandarin being spoken at their holiday gatherings.

We're in Chicago, and it's 2011.

Thats funny that you say that because my boyfriend and I are from two oposite sides of the world. I know that happens in chicago in 2011. An ethiopian/turkish hybrid cusine, as far as food is concerned, is still bizarre, in my opinion. Not necessarily bad or good. A korean pizza would be the same.
But judging from the other post, its more a place that serves both, rather than a hybrid.

I once went to a short lived Chinese-German place. The food wasn't bad, but an hour later I was hungry for power.

theskinnyduck wrote:

kenji wrote:

theskinnyduck wrote:An ethiopian/turkish hybrid cusine, as far as food is concerned, is still bizarre, in my opinion. Not necessarily bad or good. A korean pizza would be the same.
But judging from the other post, its more a place that serves both, rather than a hybrid.

There's incongruous and somewhat understandable (e.g. Korean Tacos) and then there's just incongruous*, whether fusion or served separately. Ethiopian/Turkish is a pretty oddball choice because you'd want at least one of the choices to be an immediate draw.

There is a single exception to this:

Tourism. For example, it doesn't matter what type of restaurant you visit in Budapest -- you can be sure that goulash will be an option. Chinese, Italian, seafood, whatever. There will also be goulash.

kenji wrote:I have friends, here in the city limits, who have children that are of Puerto Rican, and mainland Chinese descent. Where there's spanish and mandarin being spoken at their holiday gatherings.

We're in Chicago, and it's 2011.

Sounds sort of like the Korean-Puerto Rican couple who own this place and this place.

spinynorman99 wrote:For example, it doesn't matter what type of restaurant you visit in Budapest -- you can be sure that goulash will be an option. Chinese, Italian, seafood, whatever. There will also be goulash.

In Milwaukee, even the Chinese restaurants have Friday fish fry.

New in Hermosa:

PALETERIA LA PLAZA CORP
3046 N Cicero Ave-- just North of Sol de Mexico.

Will check it out when I'm not so stuffed from SdM birthday dinner.

Jen

New Indian restaurant in Morton Grove:
Tava, Fresh Taste of India
My father, brother and sis-in-law enjoyed it very much.

http://www.tavadining.com
7172 Depmpster Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-966-TAVA (8282)

(Note: Previously this message said that Lai Thai was replaced by this -- that was in error, they're both there now)

I have to say that I'm quite excited to see a Vapiano outpost opening in Chicago. Vapiano is a Europe-based, fast casual Italian chain in the vein of Foodlife (i.e. diners are issued a debit-style card to scan at various stations--in this case ranging from salads to pizzas, pastas, etc.). Despite my being an Italian food snob and not so much of a chain person, I've been really impressed on all my visits to their Maryland location.

I have found it to be a great place to have a casual group dinner, and their bar makes it all the better. My first thought when I went there was that it would be a great fit for Chicago, and now we will have one. Hoping the Chi location will be on par.

Maybe it's because the staff were friendly or because I always enjoy a meal with my family, but I really like what they are doing.

Anyhow, looks like they are opening 22 September--see details from eater below:

Vapiano
2577 N. Clark
Chi, IL
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2011/ ... hicago.php

Bombon bakery in Pilsen which burned down a few years ago is back in action.

1508 W 18th St
(between Laflin St & Ashland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen

Panther in the Den wrote:Venturing a little further south...

Fabulous Freddie's on Harlem Ave of 31st St fame had closed the club/restaurant next door and transferred the reins over to Nico's Pizza.

Apparently this happened about 6 months ago and the new owner swears that the old location on 31st has completed their fire repairs and re-opened last Monday. I often drive along 31st on my way home and will confirm (and give one of their breaded steaks a whirl).

Anyone have any updated, concrete info on Freddie's? A friend who lives in the area says she drove past recently and the reopening effort seems to be moving slowly. She didn't have time to peer in the window and she could not make out much construction going on. I have been without my favorite sausage pizza with a side of fettucini alfredo and Italian ice joint since March. It has not truly been summer for me when Mr. KajmacJohnson and I can't venture to our favorite south side neighborhood and have some seriously good, reasonably priced eats that leaves us wanting more the next day.

Any intel on the Kabul House Express opening? I would love it if it would open before we move out at the end of the month!

JoelF wrote:New Indian restaurant in Morton Grove:
Tava, Fresh Taste of India
My father, brother and sis-in-law enjoyed it very much.

http://www.tavadining.com
7172 Dempster Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-966-TAVA (8282)

(Note: Previously this message said that Lai Thai was replaced by this -- that was in error, they're both there now)

I went there for the lunch buffet today. Tandoori chicken has authoritative heat without overwhelming fire. The Samosas are beyond reproach and the spinach with tofu has a surprising kiss of coriander that makes you want to go back for more... again and again.

The owner, Mahesh Sharma has both hospitality and engineering experience and it shows in the impeccable attention to detail in the decor, furnishings and prompt but not cloying service.

Look for TAVA to be featured in the new MGTV series "Table for Two-dining in Morton Grove" coming soon to municipal channel 6 and the Morton Grove YouTube channel.

This establishment rates 4.5 toques out of 5!

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:Any intel on the Kabul House Express opening? I would love it if it would open before we move out at the end of the month!

I drove by there on Tuesday after lunch at Khan's and noticed that the paper is finally off the windows. Every time I've asked about the opening date, the answer has always been "a couple more weeks." Prompted by your post, I just tried asking again--and the answer is now Saturday, Sept. 17! This news might be tempered a little by the fact that the folks at Kabul House seemed very unsure about what the times would be yet.... Probably worth another call before actually venturing out.

tarte tatin wrote:Every time I've asked about the opening date, the answer has always been "a couple more weeks."

That's funny - the same thing has been happening every time I ask the folks at Deleece when they will be moving from their current location on the 4000-block of Southport to their new location on the 3700-block of Southport.

KajmacJohnson wrote:

Panther in the Den wrote:Venturing a little further south...

Fabulous Freddie's on Harlem Ave of 31st St fame had closed the club/restaurant next door and transferred the reins over to Nico's Pizza.

Apparently this happened about 6 months ago and the new owner swears that the old location on 31st has completed their fire repairs and re-opened last Monday. I often drive along 31st on my way home and will confirm (and give one of their breaded steaks a whirl).

Anyone have any updated, concrete info on Freddie's? A friend who lives in the area says she drove past recently and the reopening effort seems to be moving slowly. She didn't have time to peer in the window and she could not make out much construction going on. I have been without my favorite sausage pizza with a side of fettucini alfredo and Italian ice joint since March. It has not truly been summer for me when Mr. KajmacJohnson and I can't venture to our favorite south side neighborhood and have some seriously good, reasonably priced eats that leaves us wanting more the next day.

Driving home from work takes me by there from time to time.

They took the plywood off of the windows a few weeks ago and the wall studs were being installed inside. Not much progress other than that though... No drywall yet and that should of happened by now.

nsxtasy wrote:

tarte tatin wrote:Every time I've asked about the opening date, the answer has always been "a couple more weeks."

That's funny - the same thing has been happening every time I ask the folks at Deleece when they will be moving from their current location on the 4000-block of Southport to their new location on the 3700-block of Southport.

Maybe their contractors are the same guys from The Money Pit.

A Saturday opening would be terrific! We could eat there for our anniversary (five years of true love and cheap eats).

El Tipico Mexican Grill Cuisine is under construction at the intersection of Foster and Wolcott. Not sure of opening date, but it seems like it's coming together pretty quickly.

Panther in the Den wrote:

KajmacJohnson wrote:

Panther in the Den wrote:Apparently this happened about 6 months ago and the new owner swears that the old location on 31st has completed their fire repairs and re-opened last Monday [ie, Aug 15]. I often drive along 31st on my way home and will confirm (and give one of their breaded steaks a whirl).

Anyone have any updated, concrete info on Freddie's? A friend who lives in the area says she drove past recently and the reopening effort seems to be moving slowly. She didn't have time to peer in the window and she could not make out much construction going on.

Driving home from work takes me by there from time to time.

They took the plywood off of the windows a few weeks ago and the wall studs were being installed inside. Not much progress other than that though... No drywall yet and that should of happened by now.

Things seem to be moving along at last. Freddie's is still closed but drywall work looks close to completion. Reopening must be weeks or months away though. Their website has a form you can fill out to be notified of their progress. For what it's worth, here's a photo from last year of a Freddie's beef.



Freddie's
701 W 31st St
Chicago
312-808-0147

tortminder wrote:

JoelF wrote:New Indian restaurant in Morton Grove:
Tava, Fresh Taste of India
My father, brother and sis-in-law enjoyed it very much.

http://www.tavadining.com
7172 Dempster Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-966-TAVA (8282)

(Note: Previously this message said that Lai Thai was replaced by this -- that was in error, they're both there now)

I went there for the lunch buffet today. Tandoori chicken has authoritative heat without overwhelming fire. The Samosas are beyond reproach and the spinach with tofu has a surprising kiss of coriander that makes you want to go back for more... again and again.

The owner, Mahesh Sharma has both hospitality and engineering experience and it shows in the impeccable attention to detail in the decor, furnishings and prompt but not cloying service.

Look for TAVA to be featured in the new MGTV series "Table for Two-dining in Morton Grove" coming soon to municipal channel 6 and the Morton Grove YouTube channel.

This establishment rates 4.5 toques out of 5!

I agree, this place is excellent. In my opinion its the best Indian restaurant in the area. I have been there three times this week.

Fish Pakora -- perfectly cooked, great flavor
Chicken Vindaloo -- tangy, good heat, excellent flavor
Chili Chicken Masala -- excellent spices, rich flavor
Spicy Lamb Masala -- again, excellent spices, rich flavor, great heat
Fish Curry -- I asked for this extra spicy, yet again, great spice and rich flavor
Signature Naan -- garlic, chili, cumin, just awesome
Onion Kulcha -- great version, loved it

The only thing that I thought was just "ok" was the Calamari Bhaji -- I thought it wasn't fried/crunchy enough. A friend of mine ordered it on a different day and said it was very good, so I may give it another shot.

The atmosphere there is great. Simple, clean and well lit. They have an interesting cocktail menu from what I read and the owner mentioned he had a good beer selection. They also have a menu page with dishes prepared with organic ingredients.

I would definitely (and have) recommend Tava.

http://www.tavadining.com
7172 Dempster Street
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 847-966-TAVA (8282)

Lagniappe on 79th and Justine has had a "Closed for Remodeling" sign in the window since a major shooting occurred within the block about a month ago.
I fear the increased gang presence and recent shootings in the area may result in a decision not to reopen in this location.
Personally i would like to see them reopen in a better area.

Coming to the Jefferson - Portage Park Milwaukee Ave. corridor:

Ruk
4431 N. Milwaukee Ave.
(the old Craves, corner storefront)

Sushi and Thai

They have the signage up and have been working inside for a while now.

http://ruksushi.com/

sidenote:

It will be the first ever sushi sold by a restaurant in our area here.

A new place called New England Seafood Company Fish Market has appeared on Lincoln Avenue near the Paulina Brown Line stop. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks quite good.

New England Seafood Company Fish Market
3341 N Lincoln Ave
(773) 871-3474

I can't find a URL for them, but here's their Yelp.

I bought swordfish, 19.99 a pound, the first day they were open. It was excellent. They also have prepared foods. Fried fish dinners, chowder, lobster rolls etc. They even have a kids menu and about four tables for eating in. I wish them luck. Located awfully close to whole foods to make it as a seafood market.

abolt wrote:I bought swordfish, 19.99 a pound, the first day they were open. It was excellent. They also have prepared foods. Fried fish dinners, chowder, lobster rolls etc. They even have a kids menu and about four tables for eating in. I wish them luck. Located awfully close to whole foods to make it as a seafood market.

Very excited about this...thanks for the report!

I'll check out a lobster roll this week and report back

Pret a Manger, the British upscale sandwich/salad fast food chain, is planning to open at 1701 Sherman Avenue in downtown Evanston. This will be their first foray in Illinois outside of the Loop, where they currently have three locations.

Smashburger just opened in Arlington Heights at 115 W Rand Rd. Just had a burger and frys. Both were very good and the prices are reasonable.

Rene G wrote:

Panther in the Den wrote:Driving home from work takes me by there from time to time.

They took the plywood off of the windows a few weeks ago and the wall studs were being installed inside. Not much progress other than that though... No drywall yet and that should of happened by now.

Things seem to be moving along at last. Freddie's is still closed but drywall work looks close to completion. Reopening must be weeks or months away though. Their website has a form you can fill out to be notified of their progress. For what it's worth, here's a photo from last year of a Freddie's beef.



Freddie's
701 W 31st St
Chicago
312-808-0147

Thanks for the photo Rene G. It only has Mr. KajmacJohnson and I salivating for more. I hope that things work out and Freddie's is reable to open sometime in the near future. I actually had already joined the website's mailing list sometime earlier this summer but it just seems that the constant waiting and the sudden closing of the other location in Lyons seems that perhaps it isn't going so well but here's hoping it does look up.

sdrucker wrote:

theskinnyduck wrote:

sdrucker wrote:I walked by La Sera, my favorite Ethiopian/Turkish hybrid cafe over the weekend and found the name covered up, paper up on the windows, and the ominous yet unrevealing "Coming Soon" sign up on the door.

An Ethiopian/Turkish hybrid? Thats a bizarre combination of cusines.

No more bizare combination:-(. A couple of days ago, I ran into a couple of men that said they were the Turkish owners, and they're now going to be straight Mediterranean cuisine. So much for getting a verson of tibs on the Near North Side.

There's a Brasa Roja going in between Los Dos Primos and Manee Thai at ~3554/3556 N Pulaski.

I'm stoked.