Maxwell Street Post Roundup-- welcome Sun-Times readers!

There may be a mention of LTHForum in the Tribune on Friday, as part of a small piece on Maxwell Street and Jim's Original, so I thought I would make it easy for new visitors to find threads on those subjects. (I'll leave it sticky over the weekend, then let it fall to its normal spot after that.) Anyway, to folks who discover us via that article (if we're mentioned by name in it), welcome, and look around, there's lots more here.

See Trib note a few posts down.

Additional note: we were in the Sun-Times, too. Thanks to them and welcome to LTHForum, Sun-Times readers!

Here's a thread on Jim's Original and the subject of Maxwell Street Polish. Here's one on a rival in Bridgeport.

Here's a PDF of David Hammond's epically comprehensive Maxwell Street Mexican Guide, with pictures, the surest way to identify the best stands at the constantly-changing market. Here's another of his reports, with pictures, on one favorite stand, Rico's.

This thread mentions a lot of good Mexican places around the area.

This onedefies easy description.

And last but not least, no post by me mentioning Maxwell Street would be complete without a plug for the Maxwell Street Gorilla Gourmet video, 55 minutes of food-action-packed excitement exploring the Mexican food at the market, talking to the vendors, and taking in the whole sensory overload scene. It's the best way to find out where to get the good stuff, click the link to see how a copy can be yours.

I'll try to get my Maxwell Street roundup done, even though, from what I understand, a couple of the biggies weren't there when I went. But in case I don't get it done soon enough, here is a link to my pictures:

ExtraMSG Maxwell Street Food Photos

This site and the Gorilla Gourmet video were my primary resources going in. Both were invaluable, though I wasn't smart enough to learn not to eat the Taco de Ojo.

Extramsg,

Beautiful pix.

Oaxacan tamale photos are excellent, and convey the crumbly goodness of these most delicious items.

The anatomically detailed ojo shots brought back a lot of memories, none of them good.

Thanks for posting these -- and I'm glad you found the Gorilla Gourmet video helpful.

Hammond

Mike G,

I had heard the rumor on the trib article today. Perhpas it was pulled.

I saw a promo for James Ward on Channel 7 at 10pm is doing a roving reporter from the New Maxwell Market.

Link to Jimmy on 7 makes no mention http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/ward/

I've noticed the link usually appears after the tv airing.

Confusing, one would think before spending airtime on promos, the stations would put a promo on its website, much like PBS does.

Okay, here's the report. Double-posting since I said I would: http://www.extramsg.com/modules.php?nam ... cle&sid=30

Extramsg,

Once again, thanks for the pix -- wish I had your eye.

One thing that neither of us seems to have been able to capture (at least, I didn't see it on your site) are closer shots of people. I find the Maxwell menagerie (in which I gladly take my place) to be more fascinating, perhaps, than the food. The faces of clearly local Chicagoans (pale, grimey, streetwise), the recent immigrants to the area, the over-stimulated kids, the wizened old men, the heavily cosmeticized latinas...there's so much going on in their faces, but I'm usually too much of a wuss to go right up and poke a camera in their faces. Maybe someday I'll work up the nerve.

Hammond

I often have photos of people, even close. But I avoid putting them up on my website. Even if they're taken in a public place, I wouldn't be happy if someone put pics of me up on their website.

I've had some funny experiences, though, when I've taken pics of people, even on accident. In Sacramento, I was taking pics inside a taqueria and a guy came up to me really upset about it, thinking I was taking pics of him. He made me go through the pics and show him that I didn't take any of him. Luckily I speak Spanish well enough we could discuss it, otherwise I would have been worried he would try to take my camera by force. I found that attitude a lot there, and I suspect there are just a lot of illegal immigrants.

extramsg - thanks for the photos.

Given the political state we are in those angry targets of your camera are only being prugent. While there should be no objections to pictures of food or long-distance shots, it is a matter of politieness and of civility to ask if one wishes to photograph an individual up close. I wouldn't like it - and I don't think I'm in much danger of being deported.

Well, the Tribune article is in today's paper but alas, we're not mentioned in it. Maybe someday we'll get some Tribune lovin'. Anyway, for those who read it and already come here, the set of links up above is a great way to find more info beyond the Trib article.

finally made it to the market today. skipped the eyeballs, found some fresh masas / quesadillas, could NOT, for the life of me, find the fresh churros stand. haven't had good churros since the Rosarito, Mexico. got a big pack of sharpies for $1, as well as 4 sink drain filters for $1.

overall, a killer time, but i wish i brought Mr. Hammond's Guide w/ me...

Usually the churro stand is near the entrance, along the east wall. But it's entirely possible that it wasn't there this weekend.

They also have a permanent location-- has anyone ever gone?

La Barca
2214 S. Wolcott

after 7 trips to the Street Markets, i finallly got to sample the fresh filled churros. this time, it was on the south side of Roosevelt, just half way between Walgreens/Dominics, on the right hand side of the Western Corridor. ...

just like the fresh churros on the beach of Rosarito. the strawberry jelly filling was a lil too artificial for me, but the vanilla was quite yummy. i had to bring a bunch back to the gf while riding a motorcycle. now the leather jacket smells like churros!!!