Lou Malnati's Pizza

Are you saucy or are you cheesy? I've been asking everyone this question with the intention of getting a pizza preference out of them. So many focus on thin vs. thick crust; this is not longer a question when you live in Chicago. The only crust is thick crust and thin crust is not an option. So now it's about the cheese to sauce ratio. Alex's is cheesy, therefore liking lots o' cheese and not so much sauce. I have been known to eat tomato sauce like soup, so I'm obviously the saucy type.

I'm on a quest to find the perfect saucy pizza in a town surrounded a cheesy state (hello, Wisconsin). On such a quest one must try Lou Malnati's. It's yet another one that's walking distance again! You have few but important discisions to make when you sit down. First, do you share well and how hungry are you? Here are some pizza sizes to consider:
6" Individual (serves 1)
9" Small (serves 2)
12" Medium (serves 3)
14" Large (serves 4)


Then, do you get classic cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or "the Lou"?

Extra toppings?
Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, sliced tomatoes, extra cheese, garlic, hot giardiniera, anchovies, extra tomato sauce or fresh spinach (enhanced with garlic, basil & onion)


When in doubt, keep it pure!

Ugg, Lou has a thin crust option. Save that experience for NYC. Be like the cool kids and get the Chicago crust.

Alex & I got spinach, onions, and hot giardiniera. (the Sausage & pepperoni had pork.) I could only eat one piece and then food coma. Bottomless Stomach Scott ate a small pepperoni all by his self though. What a trooper.

So, cheesy or saucy? Perhaps the next critical question while finding your soulmate on match.com or eharmony.

Date at Lou Malnati's: June 16th, 2010

Kiki's French Bistro

Kiki's, another restaurant just a short walk from the apartment, produced a mixed review from us. It was a good rustic atmosphere inside, cute little red car outside, and an endearing older french couple next to us, so it appeared authentic. We placed an order and it took forEVER to get our pate to get out to us to start with and then again it took forever for my Smoked Salmon Pastrami (with Brioche, Horseradish Cream, Red Onions, Capers) and Alex's Grilled Steak Sandwich ( with Roquefort Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion) to get out to us. All good without any 'WOW',  but we did notice something more important: we've completed ordered the wrong things. Everything else whizzing around us was Steak au Poivre or a du Jour item & beautiful looking mashed potatoes on every dish. The lesson was learned - get what everyone else (perhaps the 'regulars'?) was(were) getting.

Our huge (enough for 4 people) pate w/ two mustards, beats, + pickles and olives.

Date at Kiki's: June 9th, 2010

BIG & little's

Visit: July 24th, 2010 4:00pm CST

After a failed attempted to SushiSamba (aka it was bad and over priced) a local eatery was in order. BIG & little's is a scrumptious and economical way to bounce back from a bad experience. A former Hell's Kitchen contestant from the 6th season, Tony D'Alessandro, and culinary comrad/ co-owner, Gary Straus have created some super delish hand food that is only minutes from our apartment. Although the menue is short it's not lacking.

The celebrated and local favorite 6$ Mahi Taco. NOT Breaded (thank you, BIG & little!), perfectly seasoned, just a little veggie for a crunch, and a beautifully softened grilled corn tortilla. It's on the short list for food I could eat for the rest of my life.
Next time I need to ask where it's from. According to the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch:

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Mahi Mahi		Dorado	U.S. Atlantic	Troll, Pole-and-line
Mahi Mahi		Dorado	U.S.	Longline
Mahi Mahi		Dorado	Imported	Troll, Pole-and-line
Mahi Mahi		Dorado, Dolphinfish	Hawaii	Troll, Pole-and-line
Mahi Mahi		Dorado, Dolphinfish	Imported	Longline

I'll hope for the best on this one, but next time I'll ask.

My shockingly fresh tasting shrimp taco with similar accompaniments. All of the shrimps' population is contaminated with foreign (aka human placed) DNA and the majority of what we eat is farmed.

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Shrimp		Pacific White Shrimp, West Coast White Shrimp, Ebi	U.S.	Closed systems, Inland ponds
Shrimp		Pacific White Shrimp, West Coast White Shrimp, Ebi	U.S.	Open systems
Shrimp		White Shrimp, Brown Shrimp, Pink Shrimp, Rock Shrimp, Ebi	U.S. Gulf of Mexico, U.S. South Atlantic	Wild-caught
Shrimp		Black Tiger Shrimp, Tiger Prawn, White Shrimp, Ebi	Imported	Farmed
Shrimp		Black Tiger Shrimp, Tiger Prawn, White Shrimp, Ebi	Imported	Wild-caught
Northern Shrimp		Bay Shrimp, Cocktail Shrimp, Salad Shrimp, Ebi	U.S., Canadian Atlantic	Wild-caught
Pink Shrimp		Bay Shrimp, Cocktail Shrimp, Ocean Shrimp, Salad Shrimp, Ebi	Oregon	Wild-caught
Rock Shrimp		Rock Shrimp	U.S.	Wild-caught
Spot Prawn		Prawn, Spot Shrimp, Amaebi	British Columbia	Wild-caught
Spot Prawn		Prawn, Spot Shrimp, Amaebi	U.S. Pacific	Wild-caught

(Monterery Bay Seafood Watch, 2010)

Alex's beef burger w/ very easy (maybe a little too easy?) egg. He said, it was a good burger and the quality of the beef was definitely there. I also watched form the meat in his hand- this is no pre prepared patty. Even though, he had a bite of my Mahi and is ready to convert to the surf side on our next trip.

Everyone loves french fries (see my previous post) and this ends my french frie adventures. They're not bad since they were fried infront of us and some foie gras was pan seared before our very eyes, but a little on the greasy side (more than usual) for me. Although the truffle oil fries are CALLING MY NAME. And lets just not talk about the environmental toll with the foie gras. Do you're own research. {Insert environmental shame.} I'm going to find some geese to apologize to later.

Ps. Upside to this post? We supported a small, local, non-chain, two man shop! YAY.

Confessions of French [Freedom] Fries

If you're reading this and have know me for a long time you might remember when Sarah Tierney Manning and french fries were never found in the same sentence. You might also remember how proudly I flaunted the fact that fried potato had not passed my lips since at least 2001. It was an accomplishment that made be proud to be a non-french/freedom fries eating American. I don't even like fried foods in general. What is even better, I managed to dodge these little devils in Pittsburgh where the frenchies go ON the side, ON the sandwich and ON the SALAD. It's health blasphemy.
(Side Note: I might have partaken in a little frite action at Point Brugge Cafe ones in a while but if they're Belgium they don't count!)

With my latest move to the midwest, that eternal vow has been broken. Its amazing how many french fried options are more often or not not options at all- you will take the french fries and you will like it. Some french fries are hardly worth your time (like Irazu's steak fries- bad choice, Alex). But then there are the special few option that often include the words 'duck fat' which is french fry glory in which all potatoes esteem to be fried in.

Of course, in the end, it's all a matter of taste. Do you like your's pomme frites style crunchy from beginning to end? Do you like your's with a crunch finishing with a softness that takes over? Do you like them with or with out skins? Do you like them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or both? How much salt? What about other seasoning? Are your fries a vehicle for chili and cheese? French fries are so simple but so complicated and you can never have just one.

It's the end of July and since I'm in Chicago, I can only image I have only weeks left before swim suit season is over. We're going to have to rein in the french frie season early too if I'm ever going to be ready for next season's swim suit months.

Dear French Fries,
It's been nice exploring your wonder and beauty but it's time for me to move on.
Love,
Tierney


(For pictures of yummy french frie adventures, flip back for some images - like Hot Doug's - or wait for me to get caught up on past frie endeavors.)

Being a tourist in Chicago

Back when we just arrive in Chicago in March to search for roof to put over our heads, we did the traditional tourist thing and went to Millennium Park to eat at Park Grill which sits, literally under The Bean (aka the Cloud Gate). For lunch I had the duck flat bread (photo below) which is no longer on the menue. It had goat cheese, arugula, and red onion and cappers I believe. The duck is a salty fibrous jerky texture which worked well with the goat cheese and arugula.

Unfortunately, I only remembered to take a picture when nearly done.

Alex had one of the largest burgers I've ever seen in my entire life: the Peppercorn crusted Kobe beef burger with gorgonzola, balsamic grilled onions, grain mustard, and a pretzel bun. It was obviously delicious because it was gone before even a thought of a picture. 

A little bit of Costa Rica in Chicago

Irazu brings back the most tasty memories from my adventure in Costa Rica and it might even convince Alex that we need to go. But seriously, the food is as authentic as I've tastes in the states. After reading the reviews, apparently the physical location of Irazu on N. Milwaukee Ave is super tiny and the wait is so long, therefore, we've ordered in a couple of time. We've tasted their award winning veggie burrito, 2 other burritos, beef and chick tacos, and the super delicious Arroz con Huevo (pictured below).

 Arroz con Huevo + avocado + fried plantains

I could eat these fried plantains for the rest of my life. They may look a little charred in this iPhone picture, they are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft but firm fired plantains.

Thirsty or want a fun dessert? Get a shake. I've had the banana- one with milk and one with water. I'd op for the one with milk. I've also had the mora (blackberry) shake with soy. I still like the banana one better.

Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi is 5 site classic french bistro. Alex and I are lucky enough to have one in Chicago, but our orginial experiences are from the restaurant in Reston, VA. This it's where Alex's eggs benedict fetish began and thus, I've only been there for their brunches. Their make your own bloody mary bar is totally awesome and is worth the adventure. But if you're a first timer bloody mary-er, then go with an experienced drinker first and get creative later.
Below is the seafood crepe with shrimp & scallops.

Exactly what it looks like: Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral is great find for us new chicago walkers. Although we've only had sandwiches there, Alex and I look forward to trying the cheese, vinegar and JAMS (which look most delicious)!
Take your time with the menue, and don't forget the create you own sandwich option!

Heaven on Seven: Not as good as I remember it.

Heaven on Seven is supposed to be good ol' Louisiana cooking in Chicago. Although, the hot sause selection is vast and very entertaining, the food isn't so much. The gumbo, as the slogan says, is good, but so far, our four selections (Alex, me + 2 friends) fell a little short of how I remember it when I was here last and what I know about good southern cooking.

The legendary hot sause wall. Some examples:

After the tub, you can upgrade to...

chicken sandwich which didn't get the best review.

My moderate shrimp & grits.

We went to the location on Rush. Maybe we should try a different location?
(Sorry, just iPhone pics.)

My First Chicago Farmer's Market

On thursdays there's a farmers' market on Dearborn. Evan and I went to go buy some fresh produce for dinner and enjoy the Thai theme.

ThaiFest '10 in a watermelon

Demonstrating a carving technique you can learn at Thai Cultural and Fine Arts Institute.

Red Currants.

There was a good selection of just about everything except for meat products. Most of the farmers were from Michigan or Wisconsin, not too surprising, but I thought there would be more of a Illinois rep. Maybe I'll tally it fully next time.The sweltering heat didn't deter anyone - it was still packed.

Hot Dogs for the Gods

Alex, Evan, Dan and I got IN LINE at 10:29 pm, one minute before Hot Doug's opens. There was already a line a block long and we finally sat down to eat around noon, but it was totally worth it.

Check out these pictures and our [huge] order:

The ORDER. 8 exotic dogs, 4 people. (Not evenly distributed among persons.) 

Top to bottom: The Kiera Knightly w/ chilly & cheese, Buffalo chicken w/ blue cheese, Foie Gras w/ duck-dog. (+ The corner of my Caribbean goat.)

 Take a closer look at this Foie Gras! Le Yum.

Three duck fat fries was too much. (P.S. Duck fat means it's calorie-less.)

Evan's first bite into "The Dog" (standard Chicago dog)

Looks like a successful order!

A Taco Dinner Inspired By My Mother

Before grandma moved in with us, I remember making tacos with Mom and Evan (all the time). Sorry Mom, it's the truth. But the truth is, I miss our taco days so I made some for Alex and I and we used our coffee table converted to a full dining room table for the first time.

90/10 Beef, trader joe taco seasoning, onion & portobello in a balsamic reduction, lettuce, sour cream and pineapple salsa!

A little organic hard cider too!

Kaya: An Island Brunch

Kaya is a part of the big Burrito chain in Pittsburgh. Although I say 'chain', Big Burrito does not have the typical chain restaurant service and favor, hence they call themselves 'big Burrito Restaurant Group' and almost EVERYTHING is fantastic; I would vote the best food in Pittsburgh.

Alex Cage and I went out for a celebratory Kaya brunch during my final maymester to celebrate 3 years of being excellent flatmates and a beautiful 5 year bestfriendship. It was touching and the food was delicious.

I had the Smoked Salmon Benedict: crisp cornbread, two poached eggs, smoked pepper holandaise sauce (found on the brunch menue). You can see the grilled pineapple side and and hash browns (I think I remember them being sweet potatoes!) 

Totally yummo and totally worth it for an hardy, yet elegant $12 brunch.


Alex and I have had a number of other dishes at Kaya as well. Maybe you'll see a followup blog. :)