Good Hot Dog

Good Hot Dog!

Headed out on my quest for a good dog in the Loop.  Came across Max's.

At first glance, it isnt much, but the experience was pretty good.  For a dog, fries and a soda.  The dog was good, fresh toppings, which I love, my only gripe, the bun was not steamed.  Overall, good dog and the fries were pretty good too!  I am hoping to try a burger next!

Overall!  I recommend it! 

Cyrano's Farm Kitchen

Farm Fresh Food

I was never a fan of French cuisine, until I met Chef Didier at his place on Wells and Ohio.

I went there for a private event and had my first real experience.  during the social hour, with some very good wine, we had an assortment of pate and crusty breads.  I have to say, some of the pate was awesome, some I can do without.  But overall, a very enjoyable experience.

The rest of the 4 course dinners I have had there are nothing short of excellent.  Chicken in wine (I cant spell it in French) was killer, also the goat chop and goat brats were excellent as well.  Additionally all of the other courses and cheeses were well worth the visit.

Finally, the desserts!  Pictures to the right, an Armagnac flambe fire cake, which was to die for!

Absolutely a date place and the prices are very decent for what you get.  I understand that the chef owns a farm near by in Indiana or Michigan and much of what he cooks he gets from his farm or other local farms.  You cant beat that!

I highly recommend Cyrano's for an excellent French  experience.

Lao Sze Chuan - Uptown

Superior Chinese Cuisine

Thoroughly enjoyed this dinner! Szechuan pickles, Szechuan shrimp and spicy green beans!  

The food came out quickly and it was all delicious.  Service was great and attentive, extensive drink menu as well!  

Finished off te meal with some jasmine tea.  The Food Bill was also very reasonable, all for about $50.  

I was impressed with the meal, the location was also clean and very nice!  Great date night place.  

Ronny's Original Chicago Steakhouse

Not bad for the Price

I went here back in June 2014.  Had a couple decent steaks which were cooked fresh, lobster, baked potato, garlic bread and a couple of beers.... $60

In downtown Chicago, that is one helluva deal!  

Date place?  Maybe not, unless y'all have been going out for a while.   You cant really go wrong here, for a good value, decent eats and no hassles.  Typical Chicago?  Yes it is.  I recommend it for a decent meal that won't drop a giant Food Bill in your lap.   

Hemmingway's Bistro

A touch of Class in Oak Park

Beef Wellington and Seafood Souffle, add in a few mussels for an appetizer and a couple of drinks, you have a lovely date night dinner.  

The food was excellent, the service was spot on and the crusty hot bread they being out to start with was the best!  

The setting in the Write Inn was quaint and really conducive to a great first date night kind of place.  Plenty of parking out on the street and an overall great experience.  To top it off, the food bill was not a shocker, all for $108.  I was impressed and would absolutely go again! 

RA Sushi Bar

Orion Beer!

Most importantly Ra has my favorite Japanese, or should I say, Okinawan beer, Orion.  This by itself is enough to keep me going there on a regular basis!  

Other than that, the small plates and sushi I had there were good, the kitchen was open late and the drink menu was fun.  Prices were fair, considering the location in viagra triangle.  I had a great time there!  The sauteed peppers, chili ponzu wings and the spicy shrimp rolls were really tasty and made the orion beer go down quickly.  

Cheers to Ra Sushi!  I lived in Japan and I know my Japanese fare, Ra impressed!

The 14 Best Hot Dogs In Chicago : Chicagoist

The 14 Best Hot Dogs In Chicago : Chicagoist:



It's no surprise that July is National Hot Dog month in America, where summertime is synonymous with firing up the grill and having a classic cookout. And Chicago is a hot dog loving town, from the high brow to the bare basics, we sure do love our encased meat.





'via Blog this'

Leona's on sheridan

The pizza was quite good.  But I have one complaint.  

I ordered a large....16 inch is the large...which is quite small in fact. 

 All included with tax, tip and delivery was 30 dollars.   

Overall a good pizza, but not any better than the places where I can get 18 inches for the same price.

D'Agostino's in Park Ridge

Good Italian, Good Deal

This weekend, with mt two special ladies (g/f and god mother) we had a craving for Italian and headed over to D'Agostino's on Higgins for a fix.  

Overall, the place is really nice, clean and bright.  The service started off well, but sort of slowed down a bit.  We got our appetizer, but the soup and salad never came.  We had to ask for it when the entrees showed up.  Took a while for some drink refills as well, so they lose a few points there.  

Overall the food was good and three people ate for about $40, +/+.  

I had the prime rib special, which was a tad overcooked for me, but still tasty.  The Chicken parmesan was great and the pasta with marinara and meatballs was good too.  The portions were quite large and there was some to take home! 

Overall, good food, great value, for a quick bite or a family afternoon out.  

 

Metropolitan Club of Chicago

Afterwork Afterglow

Recently I became a member of the Metropolitan Club in Chicago.  So far, my experience has been really positive. 

My membership includes my breakfasts and lunches, my gym membership and the use of the space.  After work on Friday is the best, to unwind, relax with a $1 wine (first glass), $5 wine to follow and decent priced scotches.  Great apps and a very relaxing atmosphere.  You cant go wrong with this place. 

Not long ago, I had a wonderful birthday dinner with a very special woman.  We had a private dining room on the 67th floor.  A wonderful coursed dinner, wine, appetizers, deserts and coffee.  A personal waitstaff to take excellent care of us, all for a reasonable price for a special occasion (under $300).  

The picture is my usual Friday afternoon view, unwinding after work with a scotch.  Now, if only this place had a cigar room!!!

McCormick and Schmick

Wacker Drive Location

It wasn't busy and there was a ton of waitstaff all grouped up in the middle of the place.  The problem is that you couldn't get their attention and they seemingly avoided eye contact on purpose. 

Took two tries to get water and had to literally jump up and wave to flag someone down for a drink. 

The food was fast and good but the overall service with such a huge staff and almost no customers was poor.

 

Not a place I would take a client or a date.  Happy Hour prices were cheap....but it wasn't worth it

Yah Mon! Sunrise Caribbean American

Good Caribbean Food!

Sunshine Caribbean American is a new place opened in my area that serves up some seriously good Caribbean grub.  Not a fancy place, more of a take out place with a few tables, but there was a home feel to it.  A young man was playing guitar and the young lady at the counter was very nice.  The food....yah mon....was quite good!.  Ox tails with rice n beans, boiled plantains and a salad.  A huge portion for 13 dollars.  The meat fell off the bone and there was a lot of meat.    Not a place to go for a date, but a quiet night at home.... A+. 















7559 N. Ridge Blvd.
Chicago IL 60645

Best Hot Dog In U.S.? It’s Right Here In Chicago « CBS Chicago

www.thedailymeal.com

Best Dog in Chicago!  

The best hot dog in America is right here in Chicago.

And if you thought it was the soon-to-be-closing Hot Doug’s, you would be wrong.

Best Hot Dog In U.S.? It’s Right Here In Chicago « CBS Chicago



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a hot dog and tamale on a bun with chili and cheese. -  Now I have to try this!!!


B


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http://www.thedailymeal.com/america-s-50-best-hot-dogs-slideshow?slide=3

Heartland Cafe - Rogers Park

Breakfast Time

I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast at the Heartland cafe!

I had the oatmeal, great! My friend has the soy scramble, it was actually really good, I would eat it and i'm not a vegetarian.  

You cant go wrong here, the only problem ... PARKING !  Finding a spot was the adventure.  

If you live in the area or can take the CTA, do it, it is very worth it!

Urban League Club

My few hours experiencing the 1% life

Bone in Rib-eye

Got to join to get one

Bone in Rib-Eye at the Valley of Chicago, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Private dining at its finest!

Ward Eight - Evanston

Great Neighborhood Place

A little local place I hit up at least every other week or so.  

It is an oasis in an area I would not necessarily go to, the Howard Street Business District.  The area has cleaned up a bit, parking is easy and Ward Eight, plus the New BBQ place next door have really picked the area up!

The drink menu is awesome, but their food, small plates and sandwiches are really good.  The photo is for the Brussel Sprouts and a Single Malt Scotch.  The Sprouts are to die for!  

A great price all around and the staff is awesome!  the place gets SUPER busy on weekends, so be prepared to stand.  Come early and claim a spot.  

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Carbohydrate Guidelines for Type 2 Diabetes - CNN

NEWS - Harold's Chicken Shack Planned for Howard Street - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Franchisee Kelly Roberts said she plans to be selling chicken in the now-vacant storefront — on the border of Rogers Park and steps from the Howard "L" station — by the end of February, but would need to get the approval from the Evanston City Council first.

Harold's Chicken Shack Planned for Howard Street - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago