Roadfood Tour Tidbits

Thanks to a post here, I participated in the Roadfood.com Chicago tour on May 7. Both Jane and Michael Stern were very gracious and gregarious, with Michael manning a microphone for a trivia-fest as the day unfolded. Many of the participants had come from out-of-town for the day, and there was much discussion of where the next tour destination might be. A week in New Orleans seemed a popular choice.

Now to the chow: First, Manny's at 1141 S. Jefferson for corned beef, which to me recalled a visit to Katz's on the Lower East Side (NYC). Lots of flavorful meat, moist and slightly warm, perfectly spiced IMHO, with just a hint of fat at the edges. No egg cream fixin's on the table as at Katz's, and the countermen lacked the requisite crusty bravado--instead they were polite and smiling. I was less impressed with the cole slaw. A note for first timers--the owner told us that the corned beef is at its best earlier in the day, rather than in the late afternoon.

Next came Italian beef at Max's, where the giardinera met with universal approval and where the Sterns kindly autographed copies of their new book. The Wiener's Circle on N. Clark char dog won top honors with their smoky, snappy dogs and crisp fries.

The highlight of the day was without a doubt the camaraderie and good humor. When polled by Michael Stern, nearly all the participants introduced themselves and described what their last meals would be. Only a few of the forty or so present begged off, saying the matter required more reflection. It was clear from the answers, which ranged from a specific, detailed multi-course menu to "any of the tubular meats" that people had already given the matter substantial thought. Finally, Jane Stern had the crowd on tenterhooks when she stated that for her last meal she would "go to Red Lobster," [chatter died down] "and then to Olive Garden" [the crowd held its collective breath] and then to some other chain I can't remember "and order everything on the menu" [stunned silence] AND THEN I WOULD WANT TO DIE!" At that, the bus erupted in howls!