chapulin wrote:We will not be able to go after all. Catherine is having more trouble with the second round of chemo, and is unlikely to be up to it. To add to this, we have had to deal with a collapsed kitchen ceiling and -- 2 weeks later -- a gushing leak in the bathroom ceiling which led the ceiling falling into our bathtub, shorting out our telephone to make matters just a little worse. Oh, and the power line to our modem went dead ... It has not been our week!

sorry to hear that, maybe next crawl.

sdritz +1 that opens up 2 spots for you.

ronnie +3, and cathy's guest are now in, wait list is empty.

Hi,

I am reconfirming I will be coming with a friend.

In the morning, I have a program at Kendall College touring their "Culinary Curiosities." If I leave the city later than expected, I will likely come to your home. If I get out earlier, then I will likely go to Amboy where there is (I still hope) a diner serving American-Albanian and Mexican food. Yes, it may be the only restaurant serving Albanian in our region.

Nearby is Sublette, where my friends have a windfarm and the beginning stages of an alternative energy museum. I always like to check out how things are progressing.

Looking forward to the chicken, turtle and other treasures.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I am reconfirming I will be coming with a friend.

In the morning, I have a program at Kendall College touring their "Culinary Curiosities." If I leave the city later than expected, I will likely come to your home. If I get out earlier, then I will likely go to Amboy where there is (I still hope) a diner serving American-Albanian and Mexican food. Yes, it may be the only restaurant serving Albanian in our region.

Nearby is Sublette, where my friends have a windfarm and the beginning stages of an alternative energy museum. I always like to check out how things are progressing.

Looking forward to the chicken, turtle and other treasures.

Regards,

sounds good, got you +1 on the list. I'll pm people next week with my address, and cell # and folks can decide where they want to meet.

The windfarms are really popping up out i the area where I live, I believe they now have 50+ in operation(with another 50+ in the planning stage) just south of the river, and you can see them if you look south when traveling on I-80 west of Morris.

In anticipation of this event I have abstained from fried chicken for the past month or so. I am really looking forward to it.

Anyone needing my address, the address to Rips's, directions to either, my phone number, or other info. PM me, and I will be glad to provide it.

I'm very sorry to say that due to family obligations, The Chow Poodel and I will be unable to attend.

stevez wrote:I'm very sorry to say that due to family obligations, The Chow Poodel and I will be unable to attend.

thats too bad Steve, maybe next crawl.

there are now (2) spots open if anyone is interested.

I've been so jealous reading this thread and knowing I can't go this weekend that I actually got a friend to drive down to Starved Rock with me next Wednesday to hike and stay overnight. Of course the main purpose of our trip is to follow your fried chicken recommendations. We were thinking Rip's and Smitty's would be our two picks for this trip. If you feel we should try something else first please let us know. Thank you both again for the wonderful time at MIM.

Maribeth

mbh wrote:I've been so jealous reading this thread and knowing I can't go this weekend that I actually got a friend to drive down to Starved Rock with me next Wednesday to hike and stay overnight. Of course the main purpose of our trip is to follow your fried chicken recommendations. We were thinking Rip's and Smitty's would be our two picks for this trip. If you feel we should try something else first please let us know. Thank you both again for the wonderful time at MIM.

Maribeth

those sound like good picks(they are my two favorite spots), Smitty's closes a little early(9:00 ish) so keep that in mind. Plus Wednesday's are AYCE chicken & pasta for $6.99 @ Smitty's.

enjoy

I'm sorry to say that we have to bow out, too. I'm really bummed about it because we were looking forward to finally getting to try these places but we have an annoying and unavoidable family obligation on Saturday afternoon that just popped up.

Jim, I'm really sorry. I hope to join you in fried chicken at a later date.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm sorry to say that we have to bow out, too. I'm really bummed about it because we were looking forward to finally getting to try these places but we have an annoying and unavoidable family obligation on Saturday afternoon that just popped up.

Jim, I'm really sorry. I hope to join you in fried chicken at a later date.

=R=

thats ok, Ronnie, I know how things pop up.

looks like we are at 12 people with room for maybe 3 more to get us to 15 if anyone is interested.

jimswside wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:I'm sorry to say that we have to bow out, too. I'm really bummed about it because we were looking forward to finally getting to try these places but we have an annoying and unavoidable family obligation on Saturday afternoon that just popped up.

Jim, I'm really sorry. I hope to join you in fried chicken at a later date.

=R=

thats ok, Ronnie, I know how things pop up.

It sucks and I will be crabby all day on Saturday knowing that I'm missing this.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:It sucks and I will be crabby all day on Saturday knowing that I'm missing this.

=R=

come out some other time, I am always up for fried chicken.

just a heads up.

I know event attendees typically carry cash anyway, so keep in mind Rip's, and Lanuti's are cash only restaurants.

worst case scenario for Rip's if they are packed & , and it looks like a long wait could drail our stops down the line....

dining al trunko.

Jim,

As of now, I'm on duty (suddenly) to take my mom to an appointment tomorrow. I'm hoping that all will go well and we'll still get out to this but I wanted to let you know that there is a possibility that I won't make it. If I don't make it to the first stop, I may just try to go to the second.

Really hope to see you.

Jean

Jean Blanchard wrote:Jim,

As of now, I'm on duty (suddenly) to take my mom to an appointment tomorrow. I'm hoping that all will go well and we'll still get out to this but I wanted to let you know that there is a possibility that I won't make it. If I don't make it to the first stop, I may just try to go to the second.

Really hope to see you.

Jean

its all good, family first..

Our reservation @ Lanuti's is for between 5:30 & 5:45.

since our numbers are dwindling I may bring my wife, and Shay along if they are interested.

Jim, I hate to do this, but the PE and I are regretfully out due to extraordinary circumstances. I just got a phone call from friends telling me that they are in town to headline Pitchfork and the only time they can visit is tomorrow. Since I haven't had the chance to hang out with them in a couple of years due to the demands of fame (theirs, not mine ) , I really should catch up with them.

I have a feeling that my dinner tomorrow night, instead of delicious fried chicken, is going to be bourbon and more bourbon. My apologies, I'm looking forward to at least seeing the pictures!

Hi,

No matter what, I am coming. I expect to eat chicken, turtle and maybe a fish sandwich ... I have to dig up my info on the fish sandwich.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

No matter what, I am coming. I expect to eat chicken, turtle and maybe a fish sandwich ... I have to dig up my info on the fish sandwich.

Regards,

good to hear Cathy, either see you @ my house after 3:00 or at Rips @ 4:00.

fried chix, turtle, sound really good right now.

Ursiform wrote:Jim, I hate to do this, but the PE and I are regretfully out due to extraordinary circumstances. I just got a phone call from friends telling me that they are in town to headline Pitchfork and the only time they can visit is tomorrow. Since I haven't had the chance to hang out with them in a couple of years due to the demands of fame (theirs, not mine ) , I really should catch up with them.

I have a feeling that my dinner tomorrow night, instead of delicious fried chicken, is going to be bourbon and more bourbon. My apologies, I'm looking forward to at least seeing the pictures!

its all good, some other time.

Just spoke to Jim, offered sincere apologies for pulling out at this late hour.

7 LTH demerit points in my column.

Just returned home from a long day taking care of mom. I hope we can reschedule this event some time in the future. Really sorry I missed this. Made mom happy though. I decided to introduce her to The Depot. I grew up in that area and she was nostalgic about both the area and the food. So thanks to all of the LTHers that keep me discovering my city again.

It ended up being 6 folks who came out and tried 3 different fried chocken spots out west. Cathy, ReneG, glennpan, hammer, and her friend from the city.

3 different styles, and mixed results from my point of view.

Rips was the first stop. already packed when glen and I arrived just after 4:00. We were seated right around 4:45. 3 orders of 1/4 light, 1 order of 1/4 dark, and an order of mushrooms. The chicken was very good, although for my tastes perhaps a little salty in the batter department. Perfectly cooked, and very photogenic. The battered mushroom were also a hit with me. The comp. fried batter, and pickles were a nice starter as well. Sprecher is still on tap for $1 a glass, and the Blue Moon dragts were $2.50. a good start to the crawl.

fried batter and pickles:


shrooms:


Rips chicken:





Lanutis was the second stop, I had never been, and was excited about trying the fried chix, and turtle. Lanutis is a comfortable supper club type place with a bar that impressed others with their cocktails. I went with a couple of PBR's. We ordered 1/2 light, and 1/4 dark as well as an order of the turtle. The chicken was just ok, and kind of a let down. It was more breaded than a batter chciken, and althoug it was cooked well, it lacked flavor. The turtle I did not like, tasted like dark meat turkey to me, or even deep fried turkey giblets.

Lanutis


Lanutis Chix:


turtle:


Smitty's, stands with Rips as one of my personal favorites, and placed that way for me last night. Broaster fried chicken, meat was moist and packed with flavor. The waitress worked with us and allowed us to order 1 ayce chicken and pasta for the whole table... also an order of cheese fries, freid caulliflower, and a pork tenderloin sandwich was ordered. Tenderloin was massive, cheese fries nothing special, but I cant say no to cheese, and fries.

Smitty's chix:


Had a blast chatting with tho other folks that came out. A typical LTH event as far as I have experienced. It was good to have a meal with some folks I have met before, and meet a few new faces.

HI,

Yesterday was a pleasant day to drive out west. We took the northern route via 88, then got off at Sugar Grove to take 30 across until 39. Saw lots of windfarms as well as my friend's efforts in Lee County. Passed the site of the nation's greatest mining disaster in Cherry, IL. This year marks 100 years since 269 men and boys died. This is especially stunning when the current population is 500 people. Rene G has more on this story and pictures to follow later.

There must have been quite a line before 4 PM at Rip's, because when we entered the dining room was filled. We were the first party in the second wave waiting for the first to begin to depart. While you are in line, they begin taking your order, which really makes everything move at a rapid pace. The menu is steamlined to the essentials: fried chicken (dark or light), fried mushrooms, french fries and coleslaw. We only skipped the fries. Rip's coleslaw was really crunchy-cold with a sweet dressing on top you mixed in yourself to stem the wilting that inevitably occurs. It was an especially welcome counterpoint to the fried chicken, especially when the chicken grease begins to dull your senses. While some people purchased drinks at the bar, food and drinks ordered at the table brought the bill to $6. each with a generous tip.

When we left Rip's, the line was to the door. The dining room had a number of cleared tables, which didn't seem to bother those people waiting. Our waitress advised the great grandson of the founders is now cooking the chicken. Preparing the next generation to continue the cause.

Across the street at Lenuti's, there were no long lines and enough empty tables to be promptly seated in addition to our party's reserved table. Lenuti's isn't a one-trick pony like Rip's, they do offer a full menu including a lot of regional fish. The menu included bullhead fish, which was very tempting to order. If it is what I think it may be, it is another traditional food, like the turtle, of the Illinois River People. This is food of impovernishment. The bullhead fish is scored and fried in a method allowing ease picking out bones. Making palatable food that is otherwise onerous and unattractive to eat.

I was grateful the table agreed to order turtle at Lenutti's. My first portion seemed like undercooked pot roast, not quite tender. The second was much better, though the meat did need a sprinkle of salt. Lenuti's does cook their turtle in my preferred method: braise first, bread and fry. The traditional Illinois Rivier People method was breaded, fried, then braised for several hours. The once fried crust gives way to a gravy they appreciate, though I find a bit gummy. Visiting Lenuti's allowed whittling down the list of known venues, may be down to two or three that haven't been tasted yet.

While the chicken may not be a favorite. I do appreciate Lenuti's menu that seems not to have changed in generations. This may change, because the business card magnets they gave us have new names previously unknown. I'd like to return for the bullhead, because you never know when there are new owners, the menu may change, too. The cost of this segment included a number of cocktails and beers, it was roughly $10 per person.

When we finally left Ladd, the line at Rip's was not just to the door, it was now on the street. It is clear, Rip's has won the local popularity contest. If confronted with that line, I personally would not hesitate to go to Lenuti's instead. There are other things beyond chicken their menu offered, I would be interested to try.

Smitty's Chicken is so far off the beaten path, you would not likely bump into it casually. Unlike Lenuti's and Rip's, Smitty's highly season's their chicken's breading. The crust was just as attractive to eat as the chicken. The fried cauliflower was a nice change in pace, though it was beginning to look like just another fried thing. The only thud was overcooked mostacolli with a sauce that was just ok. The waitress could not believe nobody wanted to take it home. Ok, the salad bar wasn't great either, though maybe it was better earlier in the evening. I took the chicken home from Smitty's to share with my family. Total charge was $8. per son with drinks included.

For around $25, this was one fine day of eating. To go full circle, I took 80 and 55 back to Chicago.

Thanks to Jim for organizing this. It was too bad people couldn't make it at the last moment, however six seemed to be the perfect number for trying everything we wanted.

Regards,

Here are a few additional photos from Our Day of Poultry. A fun time was had by all. Thanks to Jim for organizing it. Go to Rip's for chicken and mushrooms, to Lanuti's for drinks and atmosphere, to Smitty's for chicken and tenderloin.

The tourists from Chicago were mighty impressed by the sights of Ladd, also known as Chicken City USA.



The ordering system at Rip's is interesting. The woman who takes orders from those waiting in line fills out little slips of paper that get impaled on an ancient nail board in the kitchen. I wouldn't be surprised if that board is from the early days of the business (the fourth generation is now running the place).



After two visits to Lanuti's I have to admit the food is disappointing but it remains one of my favorite places in Illinois to have a drink. It's a beautiful old tavern in remarkably good condition. John and Dena, recently retired after many years, really took care of the place.





Here's part of our group entering Smitty's.



As Shirley remarked, Smitty's Prize Tenderloin (hand-pounded in the kitchen; $5.50) could serve a family of four.



And that wasn't the only poultry action of the day. Before eating we admired G&G Poultry in Ladd, presumably the suppliers for many of the restaurants in and around Chicken City USA.



Earlier in the day Cathy and I visited the Ho-Ka Turkey Farm in Waterman (unfortunately closed on Saturday). Now I know where the name Ho-Ka comes from. We saw the turkey roosts but no turkeys roosting.