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.