Places I really should go to

Over the years, there are places that are posted about here that stick in my mind. Some I try to get to, and don't quite make it, so there is the slight whiff of unfilled desire about them (and you know how alluring that can be). Some keep coming back in new and positive posts. Others have not been posted about too many times, but the posts have been memorable, and sounded great.

Then there are other places that I know about, but never quite make it to. These places might never have been posted about, but there is something about them that makes me think I need to go. And lastly there are those places I have been to, but too long ago, and I really should go back.

As time goes by, this list has seemed to grow. By the same token, as time goes by, this list (which only exists vaguely in my head, unlike some other posters who I know maintain such lists on their computers, PDA's or just on paper) has come to increasingly dominate my dining choices. Of late, I have even been pretty disciplined about getting to some of these places. So far this year, I have made it to these spots that were on my list:

Honey One, Dell Rhea's, Nicky's (home of the Big Baby), Vito & Nick's (Lemont Lanes), Cebu (see post elsewhere), Amanacer (it had been way too long), Hugo's Frog Bar (twice, in Naperville), and lots more. None of these were breaking new ground for LTH, but they were places I had missed if only for a while.

But the point of all this is to share my list, and have you share yours. Tell me, fellow LTH'ers as I know a lot of you have lists, too, what is on your list. Here is mine, and you can add to it alll the GNR nominations I have not been to.

Isabella's Estatorio - Geneva. Have never heard a bad word about this place, and I need to go. Really need to go.

Moto - missed the dinner in February, at the last minute, so I have that pent up desire to be amused, amazed, bemused, and challenged.

White Palace - maybe at 3am, or 7am.

Manny's - now that I have a decent deli nearby, I can sample things besides the Pastrami sammy. Short ribs and corned beef hash are top of the list.

Maxwell Street Market - there are 5 stands I need to try, at least.

Sabatinos - ever since the first time I bemoaned the lack of good, old-school Italian joints in Chicago and JeffB told me I was an idiot (nicely) and provided a list of over 10 places that fill the bill with Sabatino's at the top, I have had a jones for Sabatinos. Tried to go a couple of times, but it did not work out.

Tropical Taste - have actually gone there three times, but each time was Sunday or Monday, and they are not open either day, far as I can tell.

Chef Paul - been too long

Bohemian Garden - have meant to try this place for 10 years

There are more, but those are the next ones I will focus on.

I also would be willing to meet people for meals at any of these spots.

Hi,

I have been compiling a list of places I want to visit. In general, I do a pretty good job of whittling down this list but there are few which I never quite get to:

Any of the ice cream parlors on the south-southwest tour as well as Mike G's
Anna Held

Captain Porky’s. I go every so often but I never do the ultimate: get some shrimp, take a blanket and picnic at Illinois State Beach. I usually end up parked and eating in the car, which isn't quite the same.

CoCoRo for the fresh tofu made at your table.

Dorado not only for the food but to return to the scene where Mike found the LTHforum wannabe who just didn’t want to admit it.

Katsu - I will bring more money than I thought necessary and probably spend it all, and I will enjoy the experience. Any Tuesday I am free! (That's when Katsu is closed)

Lagniappe - I have tried twice and gave up due to traffic.

Phoenix for dim sum, I always get turned off the by the lines and go somewhere else.

Priscilla’s Ultimate Soulfood Cafeteria West which is no longer open for breakfast that initially intrigued me. They are also closed on Monday and Tuesday ...

Oh, where to begin ... O.K., how about LTH? I've never been to our namesake restaurant. Or Spring World, or 3/4 of Chinatown. Or 7/8 of Argyle Street.

Lem's, Honey One, B.A.'s, Hecky's ... never been to any of them.

Jim's Original? No.

Maxwell Street Market? No.

T.A.C. Quick, Sticky Rice? No.

Most of Devon Street? No.

Oakley Street Italian (any of them)? No.

Any of the Italian bakeries/delis on Harlem? No.

90% of the places others have posted on religiously here? A big, fat (and sadly regrettable) NO.

Why not? As the resident environmental attorney of LTH, I'm a very busy guy, I'm in the office extraordinary hours, tied to my desk, cell phone, Blackberry, etc. 24/7. Poor little old me. But when I DO get out, I try to make it count. So, e.g., Thursday night I took some out of town visitors to Gibson's, then convinced them to hit Bombacigno's for lunch the next day. We had two great meals (almost beyond comprehension for these guys from rural Tennessee). I take it where and when I can get it.

Can I try everything? Not now, but maybe if I won the Lotto and could quit my job. Can I enjoy everything I do manage to get to? Yes, if I'm careful in the choosing. Do I feel guilty about what I've missed? Not in the least, although I'll admit some envy toward those who have the time and leisure to cast their lines more broadly. On the other hand, many of the pleasures I have taken (e.g., moto, Alinea) are obtained only at a dear cost ($450 to $500 a pop for two diners) that I am very fortunate to be able to afford, if only rarely. So I'm not complaining, merely observing that despite my limited opportunities for dining out, I've managed almost a post a day since LTH opened its doors last year. I hope it's not the product of blarney alone.

JimInLoganSquare wrote:I've managed almost a post a day since LTH opened its doors last year. I hope it's not the product of blarney alone.

Jim,

Not in the least, I always look forward to your posts. I will say you, most definitely, need to hit a few of the places you listed.

From your list, in the last week or two, I've been to Sticky Rice, 'Little' Three Happiness, Spring World, Devon (Kahn BBQ) and had BBQ from Honey 1. All are really quite good and I highly recommend you work less and eat out more.

I have an idea, lets set up a JimInLoganSquare goes to 'Little' Three Happiness dinner or, at the least, lunch on a day when you can be leisurely.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gary -- Last night, Mrs. JiLS and I watched a "reality" TV show in which a family held an "intervention" for their meth-addicted daughter. Are you suggesting an "LTH Intervention" is in order?

Here's my short list:

LTH - always hae wanted to go, but haven't made it yet.
Lagniappe- Much like C2 I've tried to get there, but had to give up
Moto & Alinea - I'm too poor at this time (donations are happily accepted )
Superdawg - I just wanna see this place in person

Here's the short list of places I never would have been to without groups like ours:

Amanacer Tapatio
Fabulous Noodles
Spring World
Hot Doug's
Chuck's
Jonnie's (about 30 or so other beef joints too)


Flip

Hmm...

Katsu currently tops my list -- it's relatively accessible for this burb-boy, and the last sushi I had (Ma-Noo-Ben in Glenview, corner of Milwaukee & Lake) was mediocre (that's all the review I'll give it).

Some of the high- and low-end Mexican intrigues me, but it's hard to pass up the great cheap tacos in my neighborhood for a long drive into the city.



Cathy2: re:Captain Porky's: I did just what you suggested a few weeks ago. Shrimp, picnic, heaven. As I walked in, he was just pulling a batch out of the fry-o-lator for a phone order, and he gave me those, since the other guy hadn't shown up yet.

Captain Porky's was the first LTH inspired place I tried last summer - thanks to C2. I decided to drive up to Zion, which I had never visited. I ordered a lot, including the shrimp, and when to the beach for a banquet/picnic. It was terrific.

I was just lurking on the board then, so didn't post at the time, but now I can recommend Porky's and the beach for an ideal summer afternoon (with plenty of leftovers for the rest of the week).

Grr... I knew there was another Great Neighborhood Culinary Destation Kinda Restaurant Or Something Else Place I wanted to nominate. How could we all let the Captain down?

How could we all let the Captain down?

I was thinking the same! Thank goodness there is always another time.

Regards.

JimInLoganSquare wrote:Gary -- Last night, Mrs. JiLS and I watched a "reality" TV show in which a family held an "intervention" for their meth-addicted daughter. Are you suggesting an "LTH Intervention" is in order?

Jim,

Yes, a 'Little' Three Happiness intervention, absolutely!

MsWiv and I were there Saturday night around 10pm, Salt and Pepper shell-on shrimp that actually sang they were so delicious, crisp pan-fried rice noodle, plump perfect clams in black bean sauce and tender fish filets w/ginger and scallions. ~sigh~.

Coincidentally Betty, co-owner with her husband Raymond, was one of the 119-people who saw me on Chicago ABC7's morning show talking about BBQ/North Center's Amateur rib contest a few weeks ago. Her comment, " I didn't know you knew anything about BBQ"

Enjoy,
Gary

Coincidentally Betty, co-owner with her husband Raymond, was one of the 119-people who saw me on Chicago ABC7's morning show talking about BBQ/North Center's Amateur rib contest a few weeks ago. Her comment, " I didn't know you knew anything about BBQ" Smile

Which really begs the obvious question, but apparently speaking about something on TV is proof of your expertise.

More seriously, I omitted it from my list, but I, like Cathy, am in need of a Katsu intervention. Help

So now I've got an idea ... "LTH Interventions"! On the UBN! Like a full immersion baptism, those who've never been to the Board favorite of the week get the full immersion treatment. Gary, you'll be the show's analogue for tough but loveable Dog the Bounty Hunter. Cathy, you'll be the Good Cop (or Bad Cop, you call it). Antonius is the Jesuit Confessor a/k/a "The Casuistinator". Erik M.: subtitles. VI: compliance officer and barrister. Hammond, well ... we probably will need an extra with a hat. Mrs. JiLS has the creds for narrator (you should see her in the Ben Franklin Stores employee training video; I know I'd never shoplift after watching that; actually makes me think twice about taking the last PopTart). Others, please let me know how you see yourself fitting into this project. I see this as BIG and I see it happening NOW. Get on board!

Beginnings of a list...

Chuck's Southern Comfort
'Little' Three Happiness
Vito and Nick's
*any* italian beef *anywhere*. I've seriously never eaten an italian beef. I grew up just miles away from Johnnie's, but still.
Frontera, Topolobampo, Chilpancingo, Salpicon
Avenues, Alinea, Moto, Tru, Trotter's
Blackbird, Avec, Spring, Spiaggia (but I've been to the Cafe)
(edit: above three lines are lists from which i'll likely pick one or two within the next few years, but almost certainly not all)
Lem's, Barbara Ann's
TAC Quick, Sticky Rice, Aroy Thai, Siam's House
Anywhere on Argyle
Amanecer Tapatio, Taqueria la Oaxaquena, Dorado

dicksond wrote:Which really begs the obvious question, but apparently speaking about something on TV is proof of your expertise.

D,

I managed to teach you to make pretty good BBQ, which should be proof enough of my expertise.

Katsu is terrific, we, meaning LTHers who have not been, should set up an 8-12 person LTH dinner.

Enjoy,
Gary

Dickson, I love the thread. I'll post my short and long lists soon!

*any* italian beef *anywhere*. I've seriously never eaten an italian beef. I grew up just miles away from Johnnie's, but still.

Ed, you are really begging for an intervention here. I know you are but a young sprat, but to live in Chicago to legal majority and beyond, and never sample an Italian Beef???? It boggles my mind. I am pretty sure you are not Hindu, so can you share what conviction has kept this simple, yet sublime, sammy from out of your hands? Sputter, mumble - mere words fail me.

Have you ever had a hot dog?

BTW, the reason this thread works, Rob, is that everyone who posts has such a list somewhere, if only in their mind from the last 2 or 3 posts they have read. Some, like you, I know to have much more formal and extensive lists, probably covering all 50 states. I look forward to seeing your list.

dicksond wrote:Ed, you are really begging for an intervention here. I know you are but a young sprat, but to live in Chicago to legal majority and beyond, and never sample an Italian Beef???? .... can you share what conviction has kept this simple, yet sublime, sammy from out of your hands? Sputter, mumble - mere words fail me.

I may have the beginnings of an explanation. When I moved to Chicago I diligently tried several Italian beefs. Never liked a one of 'em. A French dip on a mediocre roll with overcooked beef and some peppers. What's the big deal? I'll have a hot dog please. That's a sandwich Chicago knows how to make. Never looked back at a Detroit Coney Island again. Or a Chicago Italian beef.

So I wasn't exactly a role model for the kiddies. On the other hand. I too, not by coincidence, have lived two, really three miles from Johnnies lo these last 25 years. And never been. Almost stopped last weekend on my way to the North Ave Target but, alas, the lines were too long!

LTH, on the other hand.... Believe me we've tried to get him to LTH. More than once I'm sure. That one's not my fault.

Edited to add: And in my further defense, let me point out that at least he's never eaten a Big Mac

I've had plenty of hot dogs -- although I don't like the chicago style so much.

Regarding italian beefs: I just never sought one out. It's rare that I like any sliced meat sandwich at all... especially cold meat. Pastrami is pretty much my only vice in that category.

So really, it's mostly because I'm not particularly fond of the entire genre that I haven't sought out an italian beef.

One of these days I'll go to Johnnie's or Al's, or both, just to cross it off my list.

Ann Fisher wrote:LTH, on the other hand.... Believe me we've tried to get him to LTH. More than once I'm sure. That one's not my fault.

Edited to add: And in my further defense, let me point out that at least he's never eaten a Big Mac

I'm quite proud of the Big Mac thing. I've had other stuff from McDonald's menu (and never really enjoyed it -- although I may have 15-20 years ago), but never their signature sandwich.

And my parents haven't tried very hard to get me to LTH. My mom had a captive audience for her birthday dinner in April, and could have taken us all there, but instead chose Lao Sze Chuan. So thbbt.

HI,

I was 8 or 9 years old, when I had one of the very first Big Mac's costing a whopping 35 cents.

I was cheerfully unaware of the phenomena of Italian Beef in Chicago until maybe the last 10 years. I ate variants of it without putting it altogether. My Mom would buy Gaucho beef from the freezer section at Jewel. We put the warmed beef on formerly crusty buns soggy from the gravy. It was just a beef sandwich with no hint of Italian. I might have learned Italian Beef was specific to Chicago either from the Stern's books or when Jay Leno came to Chicago. I was really in the dark about this sandwich. I will eat one occasionally now though it doesn't send me into spasms of this-is-what-Chicago-is-all-about because it is still largely foreign to me.

I have passed the Johnnies on Arlington Heights Road several times when I am on my way to Mitsuwa. I hope to visit there one day soon and hope I will finally get-what-its-all-about or at least appreciate a well made sandwich.

Regards,

gleam wrote:And my parents haven't tried very hard to get me to LTH.

Neither Ed F or JimInLoganSq have been to 'Little' Three Happiness? Maybe an intervention is in order.

Might be time for another LTHForum dinner at 'Little' Three Happiness, but then again, in my book, anytime is a good time for LTH.

I would have liked to have the 1000 Member/Anniversary party at LTH, but they have a max capacity of about 40 and we are currently at 83. Which is a wonderfully amazing turn out.

Enjoy,
Gary

JoelF wrote:Some of the high- and low-end Mexican intrigues me, but it's hard to pass up the great cheap tacos in my neighborhood for a long drive into the city.

Joel, I live on the A.H. and Mt.P. border. Can you point me to some of these places?? We haven't found great cheap tacos around here, yet. Thanks!