Fox and Obel vs Trotters to Go?

Thoughts? I live near f and o and appreciate their offerings but I noticed that their cafe has declined in quality lately.

FoodSnob77 wrote:Thoughts? I live near f and o and appreciate their offerings but I noticed that their cafe has declined in quality lately.

I've only been to Trotter's to Go a couple of times, and Fox & Obel should be thankful for each occasion. Just when I start getting ready to complain about Fox & Obel's obscene prices, I locate the same items at Trotters to Go for about 25% more. Especially the wine, which has nauseating markups at T2G.

I was seeing a dinnertime showing of Jane Eyre at the River East 21 a couple of Friday's ago and thought I'd sneak in a sandwich from F&O's cafe. I ordered a caprese sandwich with prociutto ($2 add on) to be made fresh and was told the wait would be 15-20 minutes (for real? for a cold sandwich?). I waited closer to a half hour during which time one other customer gave up and asked for (and received) their money back because they had to leave to catch a movie. When I received my bag from the food runner it seemed light, but I didn't have time to check the order. Imagine my dismay when I took out my 4" sandwich on a skinny baguette (which they kindly cut in half - why? Why bother when the size is that of a half sandwich to begin with?). I don't have any problem paying their egregiously high prices (it's my choice after all, and what little sandwich was there was very good), but for an $11 sandwich I expect a little more heft. Like an idiot I'm going to try them again this Friday because I have to go to Navy Pier to pick up my Shamrock Shuffle packet and I can't think of anywhere on the Pier that would tempt me to eat there instead (although I'll happily take suggestions).

Tobermory wrote:Like an idiot I'm going to try them again this Friday because I have to go to Navy Pier to pick up my Shamrock Shuffle packet and I can't think of anywhere on the Pier that would tempt me to eat there instead (although I'll happily take suggestions).

It's not reason to try again, but I'm pretty sure Fox & Obel's other sandwiches (e.g. the turkey) are bigger than you describe. Especially right before a race, major or minor, I would never subject myself to food that will likely disappoint. (Some people think running is masochistic; I think knowingly eating bad or frustrating food is.)

I don't know how you're getting to the packet pick-up, but I'm assuming you can walk if you're going to run on Sunday. From Navy Pier, I would just walk to Purple Pig. You can take the stairs up Illinois to Michigan, and then it's just a block or so to PP. Maybe not even 10 minutes farther than F & O. At that point, you'll also be near Sable. Lots of half order options there so you wouldn't necessarily have to spend a lot more than you'd spend on a caprese sandwich.

If you're going to packet pick-up before 3pm, you could try Yolk (I haven't) that's just a block from F & O. Or, if I were as disappointed as you, I would just eat energy food samples at Navy Pier to hold me until I could get out of downtown and eat something I know I'd like.

FoodSnob77 wrote:Thoughts? I live near f and o and appreciate their offerings but I noticed that their cafe has declined in quality lately.

Given those choices I'd opt for "C", Goddess and Grocer. I not only find the price points to be better but I've enjoyed the creativity and quality as well.

"I don't know how you're getting to the packet pick-up, but I'm assuming you can walk if you're going to run on Sunday. From Navy Pier, I would just walk to Purple Pig. You can take the stairs up Illinois to Michigan, and then it's just a block or so to PP. Maybe not even 10 minutes farther than F & O. At that point, you'll also be near Sable. Lots of half order options there so you wouldn't necessarily have to spend a lot more than you'd spend on a caprese sandwich."

Ha! Yes. I'm taking the bus and then walking the rest of the way from Michigan Ave. The Purple Pig is a great idea since I'll be alone I can just grab a spot at the bar and not have to wait for a table.