While I certainly had good intentions about posting more frequently, so far it obviously hasn't happened as I settle into a new routine and new surroundings. Here are some quick hits on some restaurants we've tried out in the past month or so.
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- Honey 1 BBQ and Fat Willy's : Once you cross the Mason-Dixon line, barbecue just isn't top of mind for most folks. That said, we've had respectable 'cue at two different places recently. The rib tips and hot links at Honey 1 in Logan Square were addictive. The ribs were fine, but not fall off the bone. This is a good take-out spot, but the no-frills dining room works fine, too. Fat Willy's Rib Shack, also in Bucktown, is more of a traditional sit-
down restaurant. We had a nice meal outside on the patio. I enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich and the coleslaw was unique (a cilantro-ey taste). A good, casual spot to go to before or after the movies across the street. Everyone raves about Smoque, which is on our list to check out.
- Honey 1 BBQ and Fat Willy's : Once you cross the Mason-Dixon line, barbecue just isn't top of mind for most folks. That said, we've had respectable 'cue at two different places recently. The rib tips and hot links at Honey 1 in Logan Square were addictive. The ribs were fine, but not fall off the bone. This is a good take-out spot, but the no-frills dining room works fine, too. Fat Willy's Rib Shack, also in Bucktown, is more of a traditional sit-
- Bongo Room: This is another place that we continued to hear good things about so we finally decided to give the Bongo Room here in the south loop a try for breakfast this past weekend. Ms. Foodhound's raspberry pancakes were fine, and there wasn't anything wrong with my eggs benedict, but hardly a knockout dish either. We'll give Yolk down the road a try next time. I should note that we're really not big breakfast people. Maybe the original Bongo Room location in Wicker Park is a different story or maybe they were off their game a bit because of the marathon (although they weren't slammed when we dropped in).
- Walnut Room: I'm sure it isn't as good as it used to be or maybe it has always been overhyped, but the nostalgia and history of the place got to me, and the food and service worked for me as well. A few weekends ago we were doing our part to help the economy on a Sunday around lunch time at the Macy's on State Street (the old Marshall Field's) and ended up wandering to the upper levels and walking into the Walnut Room. We both ordered German-themed, seasonal dishes. I know some equate traditional and classic with boring, but it usually suits us just fine. At some point, we'll give the Seven on State food court a try.
- Chicago Curry House: A month or two ago we checked out Devon Ave., lined with its Indian restaurants and shops. We stepped into a buffet place (Sher-A Punjab), which was a mistake of our own making. So we certainly haven't had the best that Devon has to offer yet.
That said, we've become big fans of Chicago Curry House in Printer's Row. The buffet on the weekend is top notch and we also enjoyed ordering off the menu one night. There is obvious quality and care to most dishes, and the spices and flavors are different than the Indian we had gotten used to (probably because Curry House mixes in Nepali spices and dishes). Nice decor, relaxed feel, the owner is friendly, and best of all, it's only a few blocks away from us.
That's the latest and greatest for now. As always, drop me a note with restaurants for these new Chicagoans to check out.