Discovered 2 very good places yesterday:
M&A Polish Deli on Belmont at Harlem. Tiny polish deli with breads, teas, chocolates, all the usual eastern european pickeled goods as well as hot and cold food. They have the tasy carrot, beet and vegetable slaw-like salads, sausages, salamis and hot foods. I also bought a salami labeled "wegirskie" - it is very tasty. A bit garlicky, fairly lean, but delicious. I also bought this desert item, I don't know what its called, but its a thin, soft waffle-like tube with a light creamy filling. Fantastic. i didn't get to try the hot foods, they had mushrooms, saurkraut, breaded pork i think, pierogies. They also had soups. Service was very nice.
While in line at Johnnies once, someone recommended the Italian Beef at Mr D's Shishkebab, on Diversey just east of Oak park ave. Had it yesterday. i can only compare it to johnnies - it was very very good. it was fairly large, the beef was tender, peppery, a bit spicier than Johnnies. It comes with fantastic fresh cut fries. You can eat in, there are a few tables, and the atmosphere is Gene and Judes-like. I will be back to both places.
LO