BJ's Market

Stopped at BJ's Market for lunch. on the way to see Baad Asssss! at Piper's Alley (great movie for film lovers). I had heard about this place from "Check Please." I ordered the vegetarian sampler with macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice and greens. Oh, peach cobbler too. I thought I could hear Dr. Atkins moaning as I carried my heavy tray to our table. I have never tried macaroni and cheese before, other than the stuff in the blue box when I was a kid. It had a crisp, cheesy top that I loved. I asked for some hot peppers to jazz up the greens. (I like the pepper/vinegar at Dixie Kitchen and these tasted a little bland for me.) I put a lot of hot sauce on the red beans and rice too. People behind me were complaining about the looks of the cobbler in the case in front of us. They were saying it looked runny. I don't know what it is supposed to look or taste like, but I enjoyed mine. I was sad to leave it behind, but I couldn't finish it all. My south side steak stud was amused at my great interest in these foods. He said these foods are found at any of his family's gathering and staples in holiday meals. (Not too many greens in MN.) I wouldn't be able to eat these foods daily, but this lunch was a guilty pleasure. I left with a few questions. There was a long line with about a 30 min. wait to order your meal. The restaurant had lots of empty tables, but an ordering line that led to the door. Looking at the logisitcs, why don't they put a second register up front (move aside the plates of food, not needed because you can see it in the glass case)? Or have one line for take-out/pick-up orders. I would never want to stand in line for that long just to get the food to take home because it would no longer be convenient. Just thought they could get more diners and improve the food flow.

I see that BJ's will be making its first appearance at Taste of Chicago serving their mustard catfish.

I believe that BJ's has been at the Taste of Chicago the past three or four years that I have been going. They have the mustard catfish to die for.

Janeyb's post (and my one experience at BJ's) reminds me of a comercial for Jay's cafeteria in Louisville when we lived there. One of the testimonials: "Mmmm. I love the vegetables; especially the macaroni and cheese."[/u][/i]

Their mustard catfish is indeed wonderful. I've only been there back when they had the Sunday buffet, and I really wish they'd reinstitute it (also liked their jerk chicken (although it was obviously prepared to mainland tastes), their fried green tomatoes (yum!), and their greens with smoked (turkey) ham).

jlawrence01 wrote:They have the mustard catfish to die for.

I'd agree, BJ's mustard catfish is good, maybe not to die for, but pretty good none the less.


I happen to have a picture of BJ's Mustard Catfish, it does look damn good, ok, maybe to have a minor seizure for.


Enjoy,
Gary

The catfish is likely to be one of the best things at Taste of Chicago.