Source Me Economical Jewish staples in Skokie

For a couple of months now, a friend and I have been driving from the Northwest side of the city out to Skokie for a late lunch of smoked fish at Barnum & Bagel on a biweekly basis.

Only yesterday did it occur to us to stock up on some staples while North. Our waitress recommended Kaufman's, just down the street, which I'm very impressed with. We loaded the car with matzo meal, bottled schav, spicy mustard, Cel-Ray and smoked peppered sable.



Really excellent, all of it. However, a bit on the pricey side for the Dr. Brown's (I think ~$5 for a six-pack). I don't have a problem paying through the nose for fish this good, but I'm not going to be able to get it regularly at dem prices (the piece pictured was ~$14).

I'm intent on trying Chaim's the next time we're up there. Are there any other stores up there, preferably more supermarket-like, that carry this kind of stuff (even if it's 'not as good') for less?

(We also spent the afternoon breaking in a new Chemex coffeemaker. It was a pretty productive day.)

There's the HungarianSupermarket on Oakton just West of Crawford that is very supermarket-like. Sorry, I don't have the exact address, but it sounds like what you are looking for.

Edited to correct the name of the supermarket.

I often use "The Hungarian".

Hungarian Kosher Foods
(847) 674-8008
4020 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60076

But if you find cheap sable, let me know. Cheap sable is about as common as unicorn tenderloin.

Best,
Michael

Thanks guys, I'll be trying the Hungarian.

A related question: yesterday was the first time I'd had a Cel-Ray in probably ten years. I remember trying it as a kid and being so horribly repulsed by it that I could barely get through a couple of sips. My friend independently had the same experience, but now--while unique--I find it pretty unoffensive. Is there any chance that they changed the recipe, or have our palates just grown that much?

I've been drinking Cel-Ray for quite some time. It is one of the few carbonated beverages that I enjoy. I don't think the formula has changed in the past 20 years, if ever. I'd chalk this up to maturing tastes.

By the way, don't forget, the Hungarian is closed on Sat.

Best,
Michael

not to veer too sharply off topic, but I'm dying to know: what does cel-ray taste like? I'm assuming celery, but since it's spelled differently, I'm curious if there is another component?

sweetsalty wrote:what does cel-ray taste like?

It tastes like a bright, sweet celery pop and it's fantastic.

Some people have told me that they think it tastes like ginger ale, but I don't think resembles it at all.

Its primary flavoring agent is "extract of celery seed (with other natural flavors)".

Best,
Michael

sweetsalty wrote:not to veer too sharply off topic, but I'm dying to know: what does cel-ray taste like? I'm assuming celery, but since it's spelled differently, I'm curious if there is another component?

It tastes like a slightly less sweet 7-Up, but flavored with celery. It is really good, but don't take my word for it. Head to Manny's and try it for yourself!

[quote="eatchicago"]I often use "The Hungarian".

/quote]

Michael,

That's the name of the place I was talking about in my original post. I have edited it to reflect the correct name.

Finally, FINALLY made it to the Hungarian today (after stopping at the Binny's on Dempster for Malort and directions). Pretty neat...the only place I've ever seen with more than one variety of schav.

Unfortunately, Kaufman's was out of their fantastic poppyseed coffee cake. A much worse, stale one was purchased at the Hungarian, but I couldn't get more than a couple of bites in. Is anyone in Skokie rivaling Kaufman's for poppyseed pastries?

ndgbucktown wrote:Is anyone in Skokie rivaling Kaufman's for poppyseed pastries?

You can try the bakery at Chiam's, which is across the street and slightly to the West of Kauffman's.