Food Bills

Everybody has to eat, and more often than not, we like to eat out. Most of us aren't foodies or culinary experts, We just like good food at a decent price.

This blog is all about eating out in Chicago, generally not at the trendy places, the hoi polloi fancy spots or the big chains.

I'm definitely not a foodie, just a hard working guy that likes good food and I'm going to share my dining experiences with you. Hopefully it will give you the food layperson's view on Chicago spots. To keep your food bills in check.

I will also Include some “food news” about places located in my “hood” up on the Far North Side of Chicago and Evanston.

I do travel a lot as well, so I will also include a little page with some food notes from my travels!

Showing posts with label Rogers Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rogers Park. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

R Public House

Good Neighborhood Place

R Public House is a great neighborhood spot, that I haven't been to in a while.  I thought that I would pop in for a quick bite and a beer or two rather than sitting home. The beer prices were really good, with $3 Stellas.

I started with the Cheddar Bacon Soup, which was great.  Usually I get this kind of soup and it is killer salty, but this was done just right, with a hint of bacon and a soft cheddar taste.  Unfortunately the wings were not so good.  I ordered the Jerk wings, which were small, not meaty at all, They were very dry, salty and over cooked.  I would not recommend the wings, 

Overall, I recommend R Public House, great drinks and overall a really good menu.  


Click to add a blog post for R Public House on Zomato

Monday, July 13, 2015

Hema's Kitchen - Rogers Park


A New Favorite Indian Place!

The picture which I took, does not do the food here much justice.

The place had been recommended to me for a long time and I recently stumbled across it by chance while strolling down Devon.  I had to slide in and give it a try.

 The spicy tomato soup before the dinner had me sold from the beginning.  We also had the vegetable Pakaros, which were perfect.  There were also gluten free options, which for my friend, made the trip even better.  The entrees, were perfectly spiced, my murg malai tikka was great and the vindaloo was just right.  You got plenty of rice and the Chapati and the papadam made it a well rounded meal.

In the end, the price was less than $40 for a seriously big lunch, with coffees.  I am sold on Hema's, I am spoiled after my venture here.  I will definitely hit is up again.


Click to add a blog post for Hema's Kitchen on Zomato

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Neighborhood Thai - Rogers Park's Siam Pasta

A usual default of mine for Taai delivery, I rarely go there to sit and seat.  I did this weekend and was reminded of what a decent place Siam Pasta is.  Their food is consistently good and the sit down area is very nice and quiet.  Since I have been to Thailand several times, I can be very particular with my choices of Thai places.

I enjoyed the shrimp egg rolls, tom yum soup and the red curry with shrimp.  All of it was really good, a bit lacking on the spice, but I can understand that.  I like things HOT.  The service is friendly and attentive, the food comes out quick and you dont feel rushed.

A good spot for going for a Thai fix with friends.  Maybe not a date place, unless you are comfortable with each other and are into seeking out off the beaten path joints.  I highly recommend Siam Pasta!

  It gets 4 stars for consistent good food, fast and friendly service.








Siam Pasta on Urbanspoon

Monday, June 16, 2014

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.


Leona's Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Friday, May 30, 2014

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





Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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!


Heartland Cafe on Urbanspoon

Friday, December 13, 2013

Katsu - Rogers Park

Katsu on Urbanspoon

Absolutely the best sushi in Chicago

I have been going to Katsu since 1995 or 96, before he remodeled the location to look like it does.  He and his wife are the nicest people and really make the experience at Katsu what it is!  

Now, to start, this is a top sushi place and you will pay for the best sushi.  So I will start off by saying that Katsu isn't cheap. I usually drop about $125 or so there on a good night.  Sushi, apps and drinks.  So if you are looking for cheap, go to the trendy, cute places.  Also, katsu is traditional Japanese,  spo you wont find all the crazy rolls that cater to the trendy tastes.  

Now, what it is .... exquisite sushi and kitchen creations.  His fish is the freshest and all hand picked and or shipped by Katsu from his select vendors.  This isnt stuff from a mass distributor.  He makes a lot of the sushi all on his own.  He has spoiled me with his food and I like it.  

His kitchen creations are great!  The Grilled Duck and Grilled Mino are my favorites and HAVE to get that every time.  When in season, this Matsutake Mushroom soup is killer!  

The ambiance is friendly, the staff are all very knowledgeable and he stocks very fine sakes.  The bonus is that you are not rushed to finish and leave.  You can enjoy a leisurely dinner, friendly staff and only the best sushi Chicago has to offer.  

How do I know?  I lived in Japan for several years and worked for a Japanese airline for another several years.  ALL the Japanese business men would frequent this place back in the day.  

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Fish Keg - Rogers Park

Fish Keg on Urbanspoon

Deep Fried and Yummy

Fish Keg, a pretty non-descript location in Rogers Park is a hidden gem.  They basically have all things deep fried.  I opted for a pound of shrimp and a half pound of scallops.  Add in some hot sauce and some home made slaw and you have a feast!  

You cant go wrong here, Fried Chicken, fish planks, shrimp, etc.  Everything is made fresh and on the spot, so your carry out bag is steamy hot and ready to eat.  

I highly recommend the Fish Keg for a quick carry out option.  Perfect for a fun dinner in front of the TV on a cold winter night!  

Monday, November 25, 2013

Towbar - Rogers Park



Potato and Rosemary Soup


Towbar on UrbanspoonI was a regular at Charmers, the predecessor to Towbar, but I have to say that I do enjoy this new space and I believe it is a phenomenal addition to the Jarvis Square businesses.

I had the potato and rosemary soup and split a salmon bagel sandwich with a friend.  The soup was excellent, just the right hint of rosemary and salt.  Most of the time, place kill potato soup with salt, this one was just right.  I could have had seconds on this one!

Now, I am not a salmon fan, but my friend wanted to try it, so i gave in.  It was quite nice, the salmon was fresh and as a whole, the sandwich was refreshing and good.  I wasnt overpowered by the smokey taste that I am not a fan of with smoked salmon.

To finish, mmmm.....A great cup of coffee, and huge!  Overall, I rate this place well and suggest you try it!

UPDATE - 8/14/2014

Had a coffee and a panini.  Ok, the pair was $14.00 including the top.  The sandwich was great!  A garlic mushroom panini.  A bit smallish, could use more Mushrooms.  Came with a side salad with an herb vinaigrette that was really tasty, but again, small.  For the price, in the RP, I think you can get more.  However, it was tasty.  The cappuccino ... I dunno, had a funky aftertaste like stale folgers.  I was totally upset that the drink was so bad.  Overall, it seems to have fallen off the track a bit, now it is just okay in my book.  Good for a pinch quick meeting or get together to catch up.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Nueva Italy Pizza - Rogers Park

Pizza

So, I ordered Pizza from here last night because Grubhub and Yelp gave it four stars.  At best, I give it three.

The crust was pretty good, but that was about it.  I ordered an extra large Sausage and Mushroom Pizza.  The pizza seriously lacked sausage, If there was some on there, I could not taste it.  The sauce was bland and overall, the pizza lacked flavor.

I have to say, that I would not order from here again.  Gullivers or Villa Palermo in Rogers Park are much better!..

On a positive note, the delivery was on time and the pizza was nice and hot, so there was a plus there.  

Just sayin...


Nueva Italy Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

Monday, October 14, 2013

NEWS - Starbucks Made of Shipping Containers Opens in Edgewater

A drive-thru Starbucks made out of reused shipping containers served its first weekday customers Monday at the southwest corner of Devon Avenue and North Broadway.

Starbucks Made of Shipping Containers Opens in Edgewater - Edgewater - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Right on the southern border of Rogers Park, where it meets Edgewater.  This will be great for the area!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Eastern Style Pizza

Philly Steak Grinder

Yes, I eat out a lot.  Im single, no kids and I don't cook for my dog, so I go out to eat, often.  Tonight, the cupboard was bare, so I head out to a local Rogers Park favorite for a quick grinder.  


The Eastern Style Pizza Philly Steak Grinder was on my mind.  It is a pretty good sandwich in a fix.  I do like Philly's Best a little better, but Eastern Style is close to home.  Skirt steak, white American cheese, onion and some good bread.  

Compliment the 12 inch Philly with some great steak fries and it makes a good dinner.  There isn't too much more to say, it is a good meal and the FOOD BILL, $11.00 with the tax.  I totally recommend this place to fill a growling stomach on a week night in a pinch.  Parky is easy on the street and the family that runs it are pretty cool too!    



Eastern Style Pizza on Urbanspoon

Sunday, September 22, 2013