Grape Leaves Anyone?

Us outta towners went to Semiramis a couple of weeks ago, not knowing of the Brown Line Blues...it was pouring rain when my husband and I ended up mightily confused at the Kimball Station. But a quick cab ride got us there and the very friendly staff and good food helped put smiles back on our faces.

Everything was good, but I LOVED their grape leaves--tangy, a touch of cinnamon or cloves, perhaps, and a bit zippy. Not floppy at all, very well filled (sorry, I know this is a family website.)

Any ideas for other great grape leaves? I seem to have a thing for them these days, especially since they're hard to come by in our home town. We're usually traveling by CTA when in Chicago, so anything near major train or bus routes or in the near north/downtown area are especially helpful.

Thanks!

Middle East Bakery and Grocery
1512 W. Foster Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 561-2224

I get my grape leaves here. They're always good. The store is relatively small, but has great prices on all sorts of things. Public transit options should work for you. The neighborhood is fun to dine in and shop around.

I'm fond of the rice-stuffed grape leaves, flavored with mint and served chilled, at Aladdin Falafel. However, the best I've had in Chicago are made by the ladies of St. Gregory's Armenian Church for their annual summer festival.

Aladdin Falafel House
773/871-7327
2269 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago

LAZ wrote: However, the best I've had in Chicago are made by the ladies of St. Gregory's Armenian Church for their annual summer festival.

Yum--when is the fesitval? Is it open to the public?

It's sometime in late summer. And yes, it's open to the public. They're not very good at getting the word out about when it happens, though.