three meals a day for three days

hello...

sorry if this a type of question that gets asked here often, but i'm going to be in chicago for a little trip and would love some suggestions about what and where to eat.

i was there a while ago and ate at places like (oh, memory, don't fail me now) blackbird, salpicon, topolobampo and frontera grill, spiaggia, emilio's, reza's, and of course the pizza places gino's east and giordano's, as well as some other places i can't remember...

should i revisit any of them? what should i try this time? what will make it CHICAGO for me? do i need to eat at a steakhouse? pizza? charlie trotter's?! i am pretty much open to any type of experience...as long as it'll be memorable.

oh, and by the way, i'm coming in from l.a. so i think i can do okay without sushi or korean or mexican food on this trip:)

thanks so much for your help, and if this question is stupid or played out, my apologies....

Depending of course on your preferences, I'd say scan the board and then venture into the neighborhoods: Hit Milwaukee Ave., Argyle St. and Devon Ave.

Sounds like your first trip captured a nice batch of fairly high-end, fairly glitzy places. Why not shift gears?

Get some great Pho, go to a Polish buffet (or any of VI's favorites), get some great Indian food.

the delicious life wrote:thanks so much for your help, and if this question is stupid or played out, my apologies....

Welcome... I don't think this sort of request is at all unreasonable but it does point up the regulars' need to keep track of the long threads that develop from such requests. One such request from earlier this year, with copious responses, discussion and a subsequent report back after the visit, was from Seanchai. Here are the two main threads:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=27750#27750

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=36667#36667

That should be a start.

Antonius

I read your blog entry:

So instead, I’m going to party like a rockstar in *dramatic pause* . . . Chicago! I know Chicago isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of places to go on a vacation. It’s not exotic. It’s not exciting. Chicago is a business trip.

Chicago is quite a dynamic city with a lot to offer. I hope you can find it with your bored been-there attitude. As for savvy chow hunting, you linked to the wrong website.

I recently cancelled Charlie Trotter reservations for Matsumoto.

I hope Chicago changes your mind.

Regards,

Based on the LA homebase and pretension, I'd guess one of these shallow, style-over-substance joints will do the trick:

Narcisse
710 N. Clark St.
312-787-2675

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St.

and of course the pizza places gino's east and giordano's, as well as some other places i can't remember...

I think that Gino's East and Giordano's have some of the most over-rated and bland pizza around town. All Chicago pizza is not judged on the basis of these tourist-trap dinosaurs, so maybe visiting a few pizza places would be worth it.

O Fame is a consistently good pizza place I frequent for thin crustChicago pizza. It's in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Webster and Halsted.

Here are additional links for some pizza threads:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... rust+pizza

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... rust+pizza

Texans have told me that Chicago's Mexican food community compares favorably to theirs, so it probably exceeds what you've got in L.A. as well (even if it's in the Anaheim neighborhood of Los Angeles...), and one way or another I'd send you to Maiz (1041 N California Ave Chicago, IL 60622; (773) 276-3149). It and Avec are my favorite places in the city right now, and you don't need to know about Avec.

So instead, I’m going to party like a rockstar in *dramatic pause* . . . Chicago! I know Chicago isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of places to go on a vacation. It’s not exotic. It’s not exciting. Chicago is a business trip.

Maybe I'm a bit parochial (although, having been born and raised in a fairly major European city, I would hope not too much) but I think of Chicago as being a pretty exciting place (granted, "exotic" might be a stretch). Certainly I've never suffered for a lack of things to do since I moved here. I think the key may be to get out the Loop and explore the many different neighborhoods that the city has to offer.

Food-wise, it seems to be getting a LOT of national attention at the moment - not sure how that's got past you, but lets just say that the word 'Achatz' springs to mind.

I think entering any city/town/village with a preconceived notion of how boring it will be is a bit of a mistake personally. I've found good food in the least likely of places (amazing Bahn Mi in Fort Smith, AR for example). You're not one of those people that uses the term "Fly-over country" are you?

"your bored been-there attitude. As for savvy chow hunting, you linked to the wrong website."

"LA homebase and pretension, I'd guess one of these shallow, style-over-substance "

cathy2 and ab: i'm sorry if my writing came across that way to you! about referring to chicago as "not exotic" and "not exciting," i was talking about other people perhaps having that perception and wondering why i am going to chicago...because to me, chicago IS exciting, that's why for my vacation, i am choosing to go there. i absolutely LOVED it every time i have gone in the past, and i really am looking forward to it, though i feel sort of bad about it now. *sigh*

it's not a "bored been there" attitude. it's a "been there, and i get to go back!" attitude, but that is why i am here asking becasue it has been a while i need help with suggestions. i didn't know about this forum until recently, and only linked to chowhound because that's all i know and i am not a fan of citysearch.

by the way, yes i live in l.a., and that's alli have to say about that. born in detroit. grew up in cincinnati. moved here with my family. i can't apologize for that.

oh, and by the way, thanks for the suggestions so far! (though i am not quite sure how to take the one for narcisse and tavern on the rush?)
i am over here furiously taking notes...

Looks like you've been to Chicago several times, but if your experiences of the city have mostly been limited to the Loop and River North/North Michigan Avenue areas (not that there's anything wrong with that), I can see how it could begin to seem boring. It's a good thing you'll have a car and can move freely about (although public transportation by El and/or bus is good for all the recommendations below).

North Pond.. I saw on your website that a reader had suggested this place already. Take that suggestion. Here's some discussion of North Pond that should help seal the deal, I hope.

Spring Elegant but not overly formal, delicious food, and located in Wicker Park, which will provide plenty of post-prandial entertainment options of the night-clubby sort. By the way, somebody posted on your site that clubs in Chicago have to stop serving at 2:00 a.m.; plenty of places have 4:00 licenses, for what it's worth. Or at least that's what I hear.

Honey One Barbecue for a change of pace. I'll let the threads speak for themselves. Sorry we can't provide the entertainment element every day of the week, but the barbecue is always good. You can get a decent icecream dessert at Margie's just down the street, and if you decide not to boycott Mexican, there are a lot of good options, not the least of which is the newly relocated Ixcapuzalco/La Bonita, which is somewhat in the Frontera/Topo vein of high-end Mexican (and it's also right down the street from Honey 1).

I'm surprised there hasn't been any mention of Chicago's Thai food scene. It easily trumps that of New York and the West Coast.

the delicious life wrote:(though i am not quite sure how to take the one for narcisse and tavern on the rush?)

Cum grano salis. Although who knows, it might actually be a hoot to visit Narcisse; wear Prada and bring your platinum card!

Christopher Gordon wrote:I'm surprised there hasn't been any mention of Chicago's Thai food scene. It easily trumps that of New York and the West Coast.

That West Coast slag is too funny, Pro.

At any rate, she doesn't care for Thai food. Just ask her.


E.M.

I'd certainly recommend Maiz - I dined there for the first time last week and really enjoyed the huitalacoche quesidllas and the sopes & huaraches I had. Good spot for snacking. Nice space too.

As I alluded to earlier, Moto and Alinea are probably the most unique fine dining restaurants in town (very few places like them in this country, for the time being). Not everyone's cup of tea, but certainly a fun experience. Spring does a bar menu now - might be nice to grab some food there and then go for desserts at Hot Chocolate?
I hear that North Pond is a wonderful space though. Never been myself.

I have to admit, I've never been to LA, so don't really know (beyond what I've read) what the strengths and weaknesses are there, food wise. Quite a lot of people on here seem to be familiar with the city though, maybe they could chime in. I've heard the Thai food in LA is pretty great...

Some people thinks it's over-hyped (and I may just be biased because I live quite nearby) but I love Hot Dougs and have taken many out of town visitors there - they always enjoy it. It's certainly a very "Chicago" type of place.

Maiz
1041 N. California
(773) 276-3149.

Spring
(773) 395-7100
2039 W North Ave
http://www.springrestaurant.net

Hot Chocolate
(773) 489-1747
1747 N Damen Ave

Hot Dougs
(773) 279-9550
3324 N California Ave
http://www.hotdougs.com

Moto Restaurant
(312) 491-0058
945 W Fulton Market
http://www.motorestaurant.com

Alinea
(312) 482-8113
1723 N Halsted St

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Oops

A visitor should surely start with the slightly eccentric gathering of places that is the GNR--"Great Neighborhood Restaurants". Hardly a list of the best restaurants in Chicago, but as these are the places that most appeal to LTH users, I think that sez something about them.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewforum.ph ... 612dc8428b

A couple of ideas not in the GNR:

As I pointed out the other day, a visitor to Chicago really should try one of the 24 Maxwell Polish places near Maxwell and Halsted.

It's Ramadan right now and Da'Bomb (Devon) is a bit on the quiet side, but once the sun sets, you can still get an outstanding dinner at Sabri Nehari.

As Mr. Barolo mentioned above, I eat a fair amount of Eastern European food. Klas mentioned in the GNR section is a (very) neat place, great decor, great value, but for Bohemian food, I think Operetta's slighly better. Both Halina and Zascianek are favorites on me and my family.

I'm sure that Chicago's Chinese food does not hold a candle in a sense of quantity or variety of LA, but there are some really special places (I think) including the Western-Chinese oriented Spring World in Chinatown.

Finally, as I had such a great meal there a few weeks ago, I've really been pushing Gene and Georgetti's for a high roller, old school lunch.

Rob

My family lives in L.A. and I've obviously been out there many, many times. After 4 days, I'm homesick. L.A.'s food doesn't compare to ours.

It's a good thing my fam LOVES to travel to Chicago as I like to keep my visits to L.A. limited. What my La La Lander-family loves about Chicago most are its neighborhoods. Their version of LA is not too, too far off (though obviously it differs) from River North. Large-ish restaurants that are crowded and which serve mostly high-end cuisine or corporate-issue chow.

On the other hand, in the 'hoods, you're experiencing how most Chicagoans really eat. The restaurants are mostly locally owned, more intimate, and more reasonably priced. They, like the neighborhoods around them, are filled with character. Best of all, you'll eat better. I know it seems a bit daunting to trek out to these places, but with Mapquest and concierges, it's really not that hard to find them if you have a car. And if you do it once, you'll probably do it again.

Thus, I second (and third) the suggestions that you review some of the neighborhood threads. Personally, I recommended Lula Cafe, in Logan Square. It serves extremely reasonably-priced food and specializes in seasonal and organic dishes.

If you're still hesitant to venture out of the River North/Loop area, then I recommend West Town Tavern, which is located on Chicago Avenue, only a 10 minute cab ride from the Mag Mile. It serves contemporary takes on some classic American dishes like pot roast. Also reasonably priced.

Lula Cafe
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.

West Town Tavern
1329 W. Chicago Ave.

hm...perhaps i don't love thai food because all i've tried is west coast? i just went to palms thai where there is a thai elvis singing on stage....LOL!

but if what y'all say about thai in chicago is truly the case, then i'd be willing to try it out . perhaps that will be my come to jesus moment...

hello hello lth!

don't know if y'all remember me...i posted here a few weeks ago looking for a few suggestions for a trip i was making from l.a. to chicago...

well, i made it out there and am back in l.a. already, but just wanted to say thanks for your help in trying to figure out what/where to eat. i wasn't as prepared as i wanted to be in terms of food planning, but the trip was awesome anyway...though it ended up being shorter than expected (had to squeeze milwaukee in there at the end) but i couldn't have asked for 2 days of better weather to explore the city ( i was there the first week/weekend of november - it was like 75 degrees!)

in case you're curious...we went to PJ CLARKE'S (on state street) right after settling into the hotel, mostly because we were just wandering around without hope of finding a good chicago dog within walking distance. i have absolutely no idea what kind of reputation pj clarke's has, but i loved it. BEST beer battered vegetables.

that night, we went to FRONTERA GRILL, and wow. all i can say is wow. i had gone to frontera when i was visiting chicago a while ago, but i guess after living in l.a. i just sort of forgot that Mexican doesn't have to be ho-hum. Frontera was sooooo good. when i go back to chicago, even though there are a TON of restaurants yet to try, i would still go back to frontera.

the second day, i tried PORTILLO'S for a hot dog, without realizing that there is a branch of it in l.a. had i learned this BEFORE i went to chicago, i would have gone somewhere else. (we had planned on hot doug's that first day, but couldn't figure out how to get there and back in time to get ready for dinner - duh. silly l.a. girl can't figure out public transportation LOL!) we also had a snack at MR. BEEF'S (thanks for that suggestion, paul! paul? are you reading this? yeah, you paul!)

after walking up michigan avenue, exploring the neighborhoods up there, walking back down to the sears tower and along the river, dinner at GREEK ISLANDS was PERFECT. we ordered a sampler of spreads, and though i eat greek a lot, i have never had the taramosalata. uh oh. new addiction. the food was excellent, the wine was good, and the service was sweet and informative (he helped us get to our late evening destination). again, when i go back to chicago, will i be able to try something new, when greek islands was already so good?!

just before our flight back to l.a., we stopped at GINO'S EAST because, well, i HAD to have pizza. i've had gino's east before, as well as giordano's and wanted to try lou malnati's for the first time, but were limited to the ORD surrounding area. well, next time, lou manati's it is! we ate half the spinach stuffed, packed the rest, and yup, it pretty much tasted awesome in the plane over the grand canyon, too

anyway, sorry for rambling...i just wanted to pop in again to say thank you to you all! again, i wish i could have been there longer to try more of the places y'all suggested (including thai ), but that'll be on the next trip. i am also much better equipped, i think, to plan it out more smoothly - maps, resources, and of course, lth. LOL!

chow! ciao!
sarah

Yup, I'm reading this.

We as a city, love to show off our town and our food, so you're very welcome.

I'm glad you had a good time. It's good see an out-of-towners perspective. We've got lot's more places to feed you when you return.

But next time we'll have to get you out of downtown, while there are lots of good place there, this city is about neighborhoods, and as you've read in the previous thread, that's where the real Chicagoans eat everyday.

Will Fly for Food - Chicago and Milwaukee in Review

Nicely done, Sarah. You had quite a trip!

E.M.

Yo Erik

Welcome to a real city, LA girl.

hi erik and everyone here at lth!

yes yes, it was onyl four days, and a too-short two days in chicago, but it was tons of fun. i couldn't have asked for better weather when I was out there, too. not exactly warm, but still beautiful.

can't wait to go back. i thought about trying it our some time during the winter just to see if my pathetically spoiled self could hack the cold...we'll see if i can get the courage up to fly again

thanks again for all the help and suggestions!

stevez wrote:Yo Erik

Welcome to a real city, LA girl.

It is really just a matter of perspective, isn't it?

If I were to hazzard a guess, stevez, you, like the author of the quote above, simply have a different perspective from mine.

Me, I know from cities like Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Saigon, Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Bombay/Mumbai, Dehli, Calcutta, Cairo, Mexico City, Paris, London, New York, and Los Angeles.

And, I am quite comfortable in my opinion that Chicago is a mere burg in comparison.

E.M.

Erik M. wrote:And, I am quite comfortable in my opinion that Chicago is a mere burg in comparison.

Erik,

From my quote file.

-
Nothing gets more tired, more quickly than hearing the cicada-like chorus "nothing here compares," and all that jazz.

E.M.
-

Enjoy,
Gary

G Wiv wrote:

Erik M. wrote:And, I am quite comfortable in my opinion that Chicago is a mere burg in comparison.

Erik,

From my quote file.

-
Nothing gets more tired, more quickly than hearing the cicada-like chorus "nothing here compares," and all that jazz.

E.M.
-

Enjoy,
Gary

Ah, yes.

You can always be counted upon to misinterpret/miscontextualize my words, Wiv.

Your predictability in that regard is oddly comforting.

E.M.

Erik M. wrote:Your predictability in that regard is oddly comforting.

Erik,

As always, happy to be of service.

Enjoy,
Gary

Erik M. wrote:Me, I know from cities like Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Saigon, Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Bombay/Mumbai, Dehli, Calcutta, Cairo, Mexico City, Paris, London, New York, and Los Angeles.

And, I am quite comfortable in my opinion that Chicago is a mere burg in comparison.

I understand this is merely a hyperbolic figure of speech you are using here, because nobody in their right mind literally thinks a city of almost 3,000,000 people is a "burg." At most, your usage is informal or ironic. (See for example the following representative definition of "burg"; I don't suppose you literally meant that Chicago is a mediaeval walled town, for example.)

Of course, it would also be equally absurd to compare Chicago to New York, Tokyo, Mexico City or several others you mention based on population and history -- the latter two have been centers of culture for thousands of years, whereas Chicago was an odiferous swamp less than 200 years ago. Nevertheless, isn't there a tipping point, a critical mass beyond which a city can be counted in the ranks of, if not the leading, greatest cities of the world, at least a city deserving respect and not reflexive derision, just because it is not the greatest (whatever that means)? I guess my point is, I think Chicago is not only good or good enough, but really a great city; just maybe not the very best or biggest. But it's a matter of perspective; if you like architecture, jazz and classical music, I believe you could not possibly do better anywhere in the world than Chicago. If you like mountain biking, New York pizza, kabuki or Noh theater, Chicago would be rather low on your list. Just to round things out with an anecdote (which I recognize proves nothing but is still illustrative of something), I have a good friend, a "child of the world" who has a cosmopolitan backround probably matching or exceeding yours, who last year moved to the U.S. after several years in Paris. She moved first to Chicago, then to San Francisco (a city you didn't mention -- probably belongs in that list of great cities), and finally settled in L.A. She loved Chicago, loved San Francisco, and is learning to tolerate L.A. She could go on for hours about how any of them are superior to Paris. Those would be her opinions, of course.

but... Saigon... how does one deal with the blow of being relegated beneath HCMC? a shanty-filled town where one dines, curbside, on banh mi coated with layers of of fresh road grime as uncatalyzed 50cc scooters roll past (with prostitutes in tow no less)?