San Gabriel- duck breast mole-great!
Seafood bites- Yum
mango margarita (or is it passion fruit?)mmmmm
tableside guac-guilty pleasure

stuff like enchiladas- I don't know- those are always a why bother for me LOL
...and I do like their steak too...

I was at San Gab yesterday, also hit the lunch specials. If you're going to get an enchilada, ask for mole. Much better than the green tomatillo. Not mindblowing, but very good. I had the enchilada + steak taco, and the steak there was also stellar, an actual juicy grilled steak cut into pieces, rather than small pieces of beef run over a flat top until crisp and dry.

It's not going to replace my go-to of Monica's in Prospect Heights, just based on bang-for-the-buck, but it's a nicer joint, definitely. The dinner menu has some more interesting stuff on it. I'd put it on the same level as Don Juan's in Edison Park, but not up to Frontera.

irisarbor wrote:stuff like enchiladas- I don't know- those are always a why bother for me LOL

While I can understand this, my mind is still blown. I have had good enchiladas quite a few times, and when you get the good ones with simple red chile sauce, fresh made - the ones where the tortilla is dipped in oil, then the salsa, then rolled up right in front of you...You WILL understand. I guarantee it.

JoelF - mole next time. I'll get the #2 special (tampiquena) again, but ask for the enchilada en mole instead of the tomatillo. Thanks.

Gave a try to Tacos El Norte in Highwood today. I'm always searching for a Mexican dive (where I feel right at home) and this place was mentioned as a possible fit by a coworker who is familiar with this area. My normal trial of a new taco joint is essentially "one of each, please," and this is what I tried:

Chicken - one bite...toss. Bleachy tasting. No, not "blech," BLEACH.
Steak - Edible. Just edible. Griddle sauteed mystery meat.
Al Pastor - griddled, dripping with red sauce style. Exactly what you are thinking, EXCEPT, not a salt bomb. I actually liked it.
Fish Taco - One bite...toss. Griddled tilapia that tasted like mud.
Carnitas - Dried out leftover pork jerky. I finished it.
The red salsa was pretty hot with no flavor, the green was bright and tangy with a little tiny kick.

The pastor was worth a return. I'd give a try to a homestyle dinner too - like maybe enchiladas to see if they take any pride in that sort of thing.

Tacos El Norte
118 Washington Ave.
Highwood, Illinois.
http://www.tacoselnortehighwood.com/index.aspx
There's a little Chinese takeout joint right next door that I'll be trying next week. China Kitchen.

Eating through my Kung Pao Chicky lunch special from China Kitchen Highwood right now. Fair. Edible.
Egg roll was weak but not throw out weak. Egg drop soup - vinegary, not too much corn starch to make it gross. The Kung Pao is fillerized with celery and carrot - once I picked that out, it's decent enough - BUT... They have some real deal chili oil for sale in little 1 oz cups, so, I'll be getting more grub from them.

Up next, Curry Hut lunch buffet (I spied with my little eye right around the corner from China Kitchen.)

China Kitchen Highwood
114 Washington Avenue, Highwood, IL 60040
http://www.highwoodchinakitchen.com/
It's a standard counter with a few tables type of joint. Geared for take out.

seebee wrote:Eating through my Kung Pao Chicky lunch special from China Kitchen Highwood right now. Fair. Edible.
Egg roll was weak but not throw out weak. Egg drop soup - vinegary, not too much corn starch to make it gross. The Kung Pao is fillerized with celery and carrot - once I picked that out, it's decent enough - BUT... They have some real deal chili oil for sale in little 1 oz cups, so, I'll be getting more grub from them.

Up next, Curry Hut lunch buffet (I spied with my little eye right around the corner from China Kitchen.)

China Kitchen Highwood
114 Washington Avenue, Highwood, IL 60040
http://www.highwoodchinakitchen.com/
It's a standard counter with a few tables type of joint. Geared for take out.

seebee-

Your description of this meal made me laugh. I'm glad you're getting some sustenance in you, but this was not exactly a rousing endorsement of the food.

Hi,

I was at China Kitchen yesterday. I order the Beef Chow Fun "Chinese style,' dry and extra crisp. Occasionally I order other stuff there, then wished I had stuck to Beef Chow Fun.

I have been disappointed by their Thai.

There was another owner 14 months ago who was far better. It was the first time I came to like crab rangoon.

Regards,

ronnie_suburban wrote:I find the burgers at Blackies to be really good and surprisingly consistent, although they've changed just about everything else around them . . . new buns, new slaw, etc. and none of those changes have been for the better. It's a B+ burger, though.

I wouldn't seek out Blackies but Lord knows had enough business lunches there, I always like their burger on a pretzel roll. B+ sounds about right.

irisarbor wrote:OK enough ragging on Tony's...
sometimes people LIKE baloney and mortadella and salami and ham and cheese all piled up into a giant sandwich called a launcher.
Call it a guilty pleasure.

Thank you, the launcher really is the only sandwich to get a Tony's nowadays,
Back in the day, some 30 years ago (holy crap has it been that long !! ) Tony's was quite a sub shop,
sadly they have let the quality of their turkey/roastbeef go to pot.

Went back to China Kitchen today. I feel like a glutton for punishment. I don't know why I ordered the General Tso's Chicken lunch special - I just hoped that this was one of those places that uses the ultra crunchy batter, and thin / spicy sauce. It wasn't. Pancake batter fried chicken chunks in thick, sugar syrup goo. Live and learn.

As a frontiersman, I did a little more recon of the area:
Mee Jun - I saw a blurb or two from our resident expert on Chow Fun, Cathy2, about Mee Jun.
Los Tres Hermanos
Milin ("Chinese and Japanese Cuisine" with a sign out front saying "All You Can Eat Sushi!")
Isaac And Moishe's
Bent Fork Bakery
Buffo's?
Mean Weiner (I'll probably skip - saw a few mentions of their mediocre food in a few threads)

I would add 2 things. Cluckers, which is in the first strip mall north of the water tower as you head north out of downtown Highwood, has good chicken enchiladas. Also, Ferentino's, which I mentioned earlier, on waukegan in west Lake Forest, now has all their sandwiches and salads for $5 at lunchtime. I am partial to their meatball sub and Greek salad. the Italian beef/sausage combo with cheese is also excellent, though maybe not on the diet plan.

-Will

seebee wrote:Went back to China Kitchen today. I feel like a glutton for punishment. I don't know why I ordered the General Tso's Chicken lunch special - I just hoped that this was one of those places that uses the ultra crunchy batter, and thin / spicy sauce. It wasn't. Pancake batter fried chicken chunks in thick, sugar syrup goo. Live and learn.

As a frontiersman, I did a little more recon of the area:
Mee Jun - I saw a blurb or two from our resident expert on Chow Fun, Cathy2, about Mee Jun.

I would not have great expectations for Mee Jun. In fact you may just be happy to skip it.

Regards,

I would also second Ferentino's. Sandwich's are good and I like their slices of pizza too. After 2pm slices of cheese and pepperoni are only $.99!

Made my way to Isaac and Moishe's today.
I LOVE LTHFORUM!

I dig that place. Might not be the bestest Mexican food, but it will definitely scratch the itch for a Mexican joint when I have to go into the office. And the ppl working there are cool as s^&t. I tried three different barbacoas, a red and green chicken tamale, and a picadita de carne asada (think half sized huarache.) Some things ran a tad salty for me, but I definitely liked it all. I paid 13.75 for everything, and didn't even come close to finishing half of what I got. The salsa roja they had was really flippin good. Things are looking up for ol seebee up here. Curry Hut is up next, methinks. Trying not to build it up too much.

STILL haven't made it to Curry Hut, but I'm only here 2 days a week now. One day is generally Pita Inn vernon Hills, and the other day is usually a wildcard that usually ends up with me being lazy and hitting Wendy's, or the Dogout for a burger and fries, or even the Dominick's that is closing. I've actually also been seeking out something worthwhile from the newish upscale grocery store at Milwaukee and Half Day, but so far, coming up disappointed for the $.

My new project in the realm of Bannockburn lunch, is the elusive Reuben sammich.

Halsted Street Deli on Milwaukee and Half Day = Worst Reuben I've had in YEARS. And it was like 12 bucks. I'm thinking the one I got had to be "off." It was a special of the day, and the bread was grilled, but everything inside the bread was ice cold. Everything. Everything. I'm hesitant to return for the price they are charging.

I'm essentially Half Day and 94. Just looking for a decent Reuben in the area. I was thinking maybe that Cubby Bear on Milwaukee, or DC Sarnies, or Blackie's might be my best options if they have them, but looking for something closer, if possible.

seebee wrote:STILL haven't made it to Curry Hut, but I'm only here 2 days a week now. One day is generally Pita Inn vernon Hills, and the other day is usually a wildcard that usually ends up with me being lazy and hitting Wendy's, or the Dogout for a burger and fries, or even the Dominick's that is closing. I've actually also been seeking out something worthwhile from the newish upscale grocery store at Milwaukee and Half Day, but so far, coming up disappointed for the $.

My new project in the realm of Bannockburn lunch, is the elusive Reuben sammich.

Halsted Street Deli on Milwaukee and Half Day = Worst Reuben I've had in YEARS. And it was like 12 bucks. I'm thinking the one I got had to be "off." It was a special of the day, and the bread was grilled, but everything inside the bread was ice cold. Everything. Everything. I'm hesitant to return for the price they are charging.

I'm essentially Half Day and 94. Just looking for a decent Reuben in the area. I was thinking maybe that Cubby Bear on Milwaukee, or DC Sarnies, or Blackie's might be my best options if they have them, but looking for something closer, if possible.

DC Sarnies is closing on February 8, so it won't be a lasting answer. According to their menu, Boston Blackie's doesn't offer a reuben. Don't know about Cubby Bear but their food is generally pretty bad.

=R=

Hi,

Cubby Bear on Milwaukee Ave has recently closed. I passed today with the marquee stating it is closed, too.

Regards,

seebee wrote:I'm essentially Half Day and 94. Just looking for a decent Reuben in the area. I was thinking maybe that Cubby Bear on Milwaukee, or DC Sarnies, or Blackie's might be my best options if they have them, but looking for something closer, if possible.

If you are willing to travel down to Lake Cook & Waukegan, the Reubens at http://www.maxandbennys.com/ and http://maxs-deli.com/ - might fit the bill.

WillG wrote: Also, Ferentino's, which I mentioned earlier, on waukegan in west Lake Forest, now has all their sandwiches and salads for $5 at lunchtime.

This deal is gone now. There is a sign up at the west Lake Forest location stating due to rising costs that this deal will no longer be offered.

JUST tried ferentino's for the first time yesterday. Chicken Parm sammich. Totally forgettable, but I'd try other things.

What I have found up there next to Ferentino's on Waukeegan is SUNSET FOODS! The lunch sammich of the day is all I've tried the two times I've gone, and I have been very impressed for the price. First try was an Italian Beef with potato wedges, second was a rueben. Forget the potato wedges, get ANYTHING else (they do have homemade potato chips some days.) Both sandwiches were impressive for the price. Not mind blowing by any stretch of the imagination, but totally credible (real meat!) and at the price of 3.50 for sammich, side, pickle, I'm actually eager to try more. Chocolate chip cookies in the bakery dept are pretty decent too.

FOR THE PRICE.
I'm not saying it's cheap garbage well priced, but it's pretty good eats for the price.

Try Nirvana at 701 Milwaukee Ave. in strip mall south east corner of Milwaukee and Townline Rd (Rt 60).

At the Sunset in Libertyville, and I think at the one on Waukegan Rd too, but I'm not certain, the sushi is half price on Wednesdays.

Reviving an oldie -
Chinese Food in this area...
<Charlie Brown sigh>

So, we've added a native Mandarin / Cantonese speaking member to our work group, and lo and behold, the aforementioned China Kitchen has been pumping out some fantastic lunch specials for us when he orders. Several of us have been amazed at how much better the food is when he orders.

So, China Kitchen is closed for a few weeks, and we were jonesing HARD today, since China Kitchen has been crushing it for a few months now. I nominated some joint called, "New China" in Deerfield. My trial run was their, "Governor's Chicken," and an order of, "Szechwan Dumpling."

Governor's chicken was really nice fried chicken chunks in a very bad sauce. Almost like it was sweet and sour with some kind of pepper added. Sugar sweet. Soupy, gelatinous, and tooth achingly sugary. They threw in some onion, green pepper, and carrot to the diabetic sludge. I threw it all away after the realization that my time is worth more to me than trying to scrape goo off off fried chicken chunks. The Szechwan Dumplings were surprisingly decent. Very generous portion, sauce was very perfumey with a good hit of sesame oil, soy, and chili oil. Dumpling filling was inoffensive - I expected much worse after my battle with the chicken dish.

Lunch mate opted for Ma Po Tofu. Gave it an "average, run of the mill, nothing special" rating. Sadly, that actually gives me hope for this place. I'll give them another try for something more savory. Any intel on something they do well?

No other recent revelations in this area. Still hitting Pita Inn Mundelein on the regular, and Sunset Foods is in rotation as well. I suspect a lot of my $$ will be going to Mariano's when it opens - the one that's going in just north or Half Day, north of the Heinen's.

Heinens in Bannockburn is trying to up their prepared food game in anticipation of Marianos. Their pizza is quite good. Italian beef was tasty but could have used more meat. They often have a great looking spit roasted roast beef that they slice off to make steak sandwiches that I have yet to try. Only miss was the ramen. I really like their equal exchange coffee in the cafe.

-Will

seebee wrote:No other recent revelations in this area. Still hitting Pita Inn Mundelein on the regular, and Sunset Foods is in rotation as well. I suspect a lot of my $$ will be going to Mariano's when it opens - the one that's going in just north or Half Day, north of the Heinen's.

What about Yu's Mandarin on 60 just east of Pita Inn (is it open yet)?

Also, not far from Bannockburn is Bontà Deli, an excellent choice for Italian Sandwiches, salads and soups.

Bontà Italian Deli and Wine Shop
430 N. Milwaukee Ave
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 383-6233

Yu's Mandarin
4 E Phillip Rd
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-1888

stevez wrote:

seebee wrote:No other recent revelations in this area. Still hitting Pita Inn Mundelein on the regular, and Sunset Foods is in rotation as well. I suspect a lot of my $$ will be going to Mariano's when it opens - the one that's going in just north or Half Day, north of the Heinen's.

What about Yu's Mandarin on 60 just east of Pita Inn (is it open yet)?


Yu's Mandarin
4 E Phillip Rd
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-1888

It's open.

Dave148 wrote:

seebee wrote:What about Yu's Mandarin on 60 just east of Pita Inn (is it open yet)?

It's open.

I got a large carry-out dinner order from there a month ago. In a nutshell: Very disappointing. At the time I posted about how busy they were and the level of spice/heat in the Yu's topic here.

WillG wrote:Heinens in Bannockburn is trying to up their prepared food game in anticipation of Marianos. Their pizza is quite good. Italian beef was tasty but could have used more meat. They often have a great looking spit roasted roast beef that they slice off to make steak sandwiches that I have yet to try. Only miss was the ramen. I really like their equal exchange coffee in the cafe.

-Will

Those sandwiches are VERY good, and I'm also a fan of their coffee (and one of their baristas ) I have a feeling that Heinen's is gonna lose the grocery store battle if there is one, but we'll see.

I am not a fan of that Heinens.
It's not that the offerings are bad,
it's that they are SOOO $$$$$
I'll go in saying I'm just going to get meat or fish for ONE dinner, because it's convenient, and I can't even manage to hold my nose at the price and do that.
It's just so much more $$ than Jewel or even Marianos.
can.not.do.it.

Can't imagine Heinen's has anything to worry about. Based the couple of Mariano's I've been in, I wpould never purchase any meat or fish from them. Old, tired looking Product across the board. If that's what they're using for the prepared food, I'd walk away. Heinen's is more expensive, yes, but much higher quality.

Pursuit wrote:Can't imagine Heinen's has anything to worry about. Based the couple of Mariano's I've been in, I wpould never purchase any meat or fish from them. Old, tired looking Product across the board. If that's what they're using for the prepared food, I'd walk away. Heinen's is more expensive, yes, but much higher quality.

I think you're putting a little too much faith in quality vs cheaper options. This is America after all.

I work at Dundee and Skokie Blvd where a Mariano's went in. The place is packed. The prepared foods area is packed all the time. The quality is average at best. But, within a year Fresh Market across the street, with its really good but expensive kosher prepared foods section and as well as its quality non kosher items, went out of business.

Down the street is Anton's. Been around for decades. Really good prepared foods, soups, deli and salad bar, but very expensive. Before Mariano's it was packed all the time. Now its a ghost town in there during lunch.

I wouldn't put too much stock in Heinen's beating Mariano's in a grocery store war if their trump card is "better food, but more expensive". The masses don't care.