Things We Eat for Love…or Money

Things We Eat for Love…or Money

Last summer, my oldest daughter, excited about her apartment in Logan Square, graciously invited me to buy her dinner at her favorite restaurant, El Cid. Hearing her talk about it, I was optimistic, she was excited about the place, but my heart (and stomach) sank when she said the dreaded words, “Plus, they have great margaritas.” Now, I know we’ve discussed how margaritas are actually served in Mexico, and how they’re perhaps not the sine qua non of crapola genericized Mexican cuisine, but in this case, her applause for this drink was a big red -- or rather lime-colored and salt-rimmed -- flag. I could barely contain my boredom at the lame tacos and other totally standard and uninteresting items I ate that night, but I did, smilingly, because I love my kids and would not crush their dreams with good taste (i.e., mine).

Yesterday, I was with a client, who, in a moment of sluminess inspired perhaps by my company, said “Have time for lunch? Let’s go to Parky’s.” Now, I respect those who have extolled the virtues of this place, but the hot dog I had was about as bad a thing as I’ve ever eaten – it was putrid, vile, not tasteless but with only bad taste, “not even food by my definition of the word.” I forced a smile throughout lunch. Leaving the place, I actually considered stopping by the side of the road and forcing myself to upchuck…but I wasn’t sure this would have been legal and it would surely be unseemly. Instead, I toughed it out and digested the bastard (more or less).

Any how, sometimes I think I should have lunch and dinner only with members of LTH Forum. Then I’d be happy. I think.

Hammond

I think, if you do a search, that only the fries at Parky's have been extolled.

stevez wrote:I think, if you do a search, that only the fries at Parky's have been extolled.

And the fries were pretty sucky, too.

Hammond

David--

As our former president once said, "I feel your pain."

Nevertheless, I submit that, in reaching out to the greater community of LTH forum, you have begun the process of transforming that suffering. Indeed, your poignant account led to a few smiles, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Because, although we try to beat the odds, even the craftiest among us have a finite number of meals left on this plane. (As to the fare on next plane, your guess is as good as mine.) So, consider the advantages that your acts of culinary compassion might confer on your interview with St. Peter. Or just accept our gratitude for the fact that you made us laugh-- because we, too, have friends and family (and clients) who wouldn' know a great meal if it came up and jumped onto their plates.

Josephine "So Many Meals, So Little Time" Hyde

Josephine wrote:because we, too, have friends and family (and clients) who wouldn' know a great meal if it came up and jumped onto their plates.

You forgot coworkers. We had our holiday dinner on Tuesday (no, I'm not sure which holiday that would have been either) and had free reign on where to go. I threw out suggestions for places that I would love to go but are outside the normal rotation - Alinea, Butter, Spiaggia. We went to Joe's Seafood on Rush. Blech.

As one of my friends put "I only like to try things I've already tried".

I have sat through many a poorly catered wedding for the love of my family. I loathe seeing an invitation with the words 'family style' printed on it anywhere. 90% of the time it translates into chewy roast beef and chicken of questionable origin.

Go Illini wrote: We went to Joe's Seafood on Rush. Blech.

Are you talking about Joe's Seafood, Steaks & Stone Crab? If so, your Blech is misplaced.

For Money: 100 pound woman eats 26 grilled cheese sanwiches in 10 minutes.

Cathy2 wrote:For Money: 100 pound woman eats 26 grilled cheese sanwiches in 10 minutes.

"'I could have done better,' she said, adding that she was aiming for 30 sandwiches."

THAT is the eye of the tiger.

Hammond

stevez wrote:If so, your Blech is misplaced.

I would respectfully contend that since it is my Blech and it was my very average dinner, I am entitled. Watery fried asparagus, ceviche which was 1 part fish and 2 parts lime juice, cold crab stuffed sole with congealed lobster sauce (which had neither lobster chunks nor lobster flavor). I am perfectly willing to accept that this was just one off meal. My real point was my coworkers lack of desire to try something new.

David Hammond wrote:Things We Eat for Love…or Money
Yesterday, I was with a client, who, in a moment of sluminess inspired perhaps by my company, said “Have time for lunch? Let’s go to Parky’s.”

What would Dorian Gray do?

Don't stop, Tio Davido. You keep us here at LTH very well-fed indeed.

Are you talking about Joe's Seafood, Steaks & Stone Crab? If so, your Blech is misplaced.

I think the blech is accurately placed. Like many LEYE restaurants (though not all), Joe's Stone Crab was terrific when it first opened and then devolved.

Was at Wildfire in Glenview last night, though, and liked that! (Blah salad but excellent roast duck.)

Go Illini wrote:

stevez wrote:If so, your Blech is misplaced.

I would respectfully contend that since it is my Blech and it was my very average dinner, I am entitled. Watery fried asparagus, ceviche which was 1 part fish and 2 parts lime juice, cold crab stuffed sole with congealed lobster sauce (which had neither lobster chunks nor lobster flavor). I am perfectly willing to accept that this was just one off meal. My real point was my coworkers lack of desire to try something new.

I have to admit that I have never tried any of the dishes that you mentioned and therefore a Blech might be in order. If you stick to the dishes what brung them to the table, so to speak, (namely stone crab claws, cold seafood platters, steaks and key lime pie) you might have had a better, albiet much more expensive, experience.