Bring it on, winter part deux! I've got Amazon.com, and nothin' but time...
This hot chocolate (Land O' Lakes brand) was rated by the America's Test Kitchen taste testers as the best, so of course I had to try it. The Supreme is the best!!
Showing posts with label drinks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drinks. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Best Hot Chocolate
Bring it on, winter part deux! I've got Amazon.com, and nothin' but time...
This hot chocolate (Land O' Lakes brand) was rated by the America's Test Kitchen taste testers as the best, so of course I had to try it. The Supreme is the best!!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Resi's Bierstube
Happy Oktoberfest, if a bit late, to everyone! Chris and I love good beer, and we are lucky enough to have some friends that like the same types of dark brew that we do. Last year, we went to Resi's Bierstube on Irving Park Road. We didn't eat there, but we went after a meal to enjoy the beer garden and some drinks. I love the atmosphere of the place (kind of like your German grandparents rec-room, as I imagine it might be) inside and out, and if I lived in the neighborhood, I would hang out there until "everybody knew my name, and was always glad I came." We enjoyed some dark, ice-cold brews, and took some silly pictures.
I love that photo because I think Chris looks like a Berenstain Bear. Anyway. And then, there is Greg and I:
Yes, I made the face on purpose. No, I didn't expect the results to be quite that good.
I love that photo because I think Chris looks like a Berenstain Bear. Anyway. And then, there is Greg and I:
Yes, I made the face on purpose. No, I didn't expect the results to be quite that good.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Bernie's Southern Bistro
On a lazy afternoon, Katie and I went for chow just down the street from her place. I'd seen Bernie's Southern Bistro on one of my walks about the neighborhood, and since she is pretty new to that area herself, she had never been there either, and it was a perfect spot for us to check out together.
It was another incredibly beautiful, sunny and mild Portland day, and we were excited to dine al fresco. Bernie's, as Katie noted, had made a what we thought was a fairly bold move: the dining room wasn't even open. It was as though Bernie's was telling you, "There is no excuse for you not to eat on our patio today." And they were right, in my opinion.
The patio had a modern, Asian aesthetic. It was simple and casual, like a friend's well-maintained front porch. (The one with the manicured plants, and the re-finished vintage furniture, not the one with the musty upholstered love seat.)
As it was close to dusk, we picked a spot out of the direct rays of the setting sun. Katie had told me that Portland service was notoriously slow, and at first, that appeared to be the case. Our hostess said, "and can I get you anything else?" and I said, "do you have iced tea?" mistaking her for our server. She said, "I'll get your server," but no one came for several minutes. I think we may have hidden ourselves a bit too well in the corner, but presently, we got a friendly waitress who didn't stay away after the first delay. I got sweetened tea, and it was lovely -- made with sugar syrup as is proper. Katie got a deliciously chilled martini that had grapefruit juice in it. I thought the little iced caddy that carried her refill was innovative.
Katie, in my opinion, did a great job channeling Coco Chanel while we enjoyed the sun.
We got complimentary cornbread and honey butter. The bread was light and soft with just a little grit, as Katie said she likes it. Was it as good as the ultimate cornbread? No, no, of course not. But it was very good.
All of the starters looked very tasty, but of course we had to try the fried green tomatoes. They came on a mayo-based sauce, nicely seasoned and piping hot. I wanted them to be just a bit more well-done, but they were very good. They were crispy, and the breading wasn't too thick. We even ate the garnish.
When dinner came, one of the entrées we had ordered had been substituted with the meatloaf (which did look really good). Our waitress swapped it out fairly quickly, apologizing, and told us she would give us any dessert we liked with her compliments, which I thought was very nice. She needn't have worried, since Katie and I were sharing, anyway, we simply started on our first entrée, the smoked brisket with blueberry BBQ sauce, and a cheese and whitebread casserole (not appearing on the Bernie's website menu at the moment). I have a blueberry BBQ sauce recipe I've been wanting to try for some time, and I love brisket like I love beer and discount clothing, so I had to try that. Katie suggested the fried chicken, and I told her she was my soulmate.
My pic doesn't do the brisket justice, but it was perfect. It melted in your mouth, had just a light smoke, and even the sides were great. The asparagus was cooked with just the right amount of snap, and that whitebread and cheese soufflé (or casserole) had that flavor like something you'd get in a real southern diner. I wanted to dive into a mound of it, suffer a cave-in, and eat my way out.
When the fried chicken arrived, I didn't think it looked like it would be crispy. Happily, I was very wrong. It was well-seasoned and crunchy all over. Jack Sprat (I mean Katie) had the piece of white meat, and I had the boneless piece of thigh. The mashed potatoes and gravy, and the smoky and just-the-right-amount-of-heat greens were heaven.
We were stuffed, but of course we accepted our free dessert. We settled on the bananas foster bread pudding. I'm sure it was better warm, but Katie and I plowed into it cold later that night, and it was still sinfully rich and delicious.
Bernie's was, to me, just how dining should be: unpretentious, authentic, al fresco on a perfect day, beautifully presented, moderately priced, and within strolling distance from your own home. Especially after enough martinis.
It was another incredibly beautiful, sunny and mild Portland day, and we were excited to dine al fresco. Bernie's, as Katie noted, had made a what we thought was a fairly bold move: the dining room wasn't even open. It was as though Bernie's was telling you, "There is no excuse for you not to eat on our patio today." And they were right, in my opinion.
The patio had a modern, Asian aesthetic. It was simple and casual, like a friend's well-maintained front porch. (The one with the manicured plants, and the re-finished vintage furniture, not the one with the musty upholstered love seat.)
As it was close to dusk, we picked a spot out of the direct rays of the setting sun. Katie had told me that Portland service was notoriously slow, and at first, that appeared to be the case. Our hostess said, "and can I get you anything else?" and I said, "do you have iced tea?" mistaking her for our server. She said, "I'll get your server," but no one came for several minutes. I think we may have hidden ourselves a bit too well in the corner, but presently, we got a friendly waitress who didn't stay away after the first delay. I got sweetened tea, and it was lovely -- made with sugar syrup as is proper. Katie got a deliciously chilled martini that had grapefruit juice in it. I thought the little iced caddy that carried her refill was innovative.
Katie, in my opinion, did a great job channeling Coco Chanel while we enjoyed the sun.
We got complimentary cornbread and honey butter. The bread was light and soft with just a little grit, as Katie said she likes it. Was it as good as the ultimate cornbread? No, no, of course not. But it was very good.
All of the starters looked very tasty, but of course we had to try the fried green tomatoes. They came on a mayo-based sauce, nicely seasoned and piping hot. I wanted them to be just a bit more well-done, but they were very good. They were crispy, and the breading wasn't too thick. We even ate the garnish.
When dinner came, one of the entrées we had ordered had been substituted with the meatloaf (which did look really good). Our waitress swapped it out fairly quickly, apologizing, and told us she would give us any dessert we liked with her compliments, which I thought was very nice. She needn't have worried, since Katie and I were sharing, anyway, we simply started on our first entrée, the smoked brisket with blueberry BBQ sauce, and a cheese and whitebread casserole (not appearing on the Bernie's website menu at the moment). I have a blueberry BBQ sauce recipe I've been wanting to try for some time, and I love brisket like I love beer and discount clothing, so I had to try that. Katie suggested the fried chicken, and I told her she was my soulmate.
My pic doesn't do the brisket justice, but it was perfect. It melted in your mouth, had just a light smoke, and even the sides were great. The asparagus was cooked with just the right amount of snap, and that whitebread and cheese soufflé (or casserole) had that flavor like something you'd get in a real southern diner. I wanted to dive into a mound of it, suffer a cave-in, and eat my way out.
When the fried chicken arrived, I didn't think it looked like it would be crispy. Happily, I was very wrong. It was well-seasoned and crunchy all over. Jack Sprat (I mean Katie) had the piece of white meat, and I had the boneless piece of thigh. The mashed potatoes and gravy, and the smoky and just-the-right-amount-of-heat greens were heaven.
We were stuffed, but of course we accepted our free dessert. We settled on the bananas foster bread pudding. I'm sure it was better warm, but Katie and I plowed into it cold later that night, and it was still sinfully rich and delicious.
Bernie's was, to me, just how dining should be: unpretentious, authentic, al fresco on a perfect day, beautifully presented, moderately priced, and within strolling distance from your own home. Especially after enough martinis.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
McMenamins Kennedy School
Okay, onto my recent trip to Portland!
My first night in town, Katie picked me up from the airport and the poor thing arrived half-starved and saying, "I'm glad to see you. Now I need meat." Katie is often right to the point like this when she is hungry. Once when she and I were roommates in Chicago, she and I dragged our hungover carcasses into the grocery store to find something to eat. As soon as we got inside, her eyes scanned the store and I thought I heard her mumbling, "I think I need... a chicken." I didn't think that could be what she said. She must have meant "a chicken sandwich," or something like that, right? Wrong. She arrived at the checkout, smiling, with a whole rotisserie chicken, which she happily ate in front of the TV with a can of Pepsi.
Katie took me to a place very close to where she lives in Portland. She kept saying, "Let's go to the Kennedy School." I assumed she must be talking about some culinary arts college that gave you fancy meals at a discount. Wrong again -- it is a sort of mall (I hate to use that term, but I mean the older definition meaning the type you can stroll around, not the type that has a Claire's Boutique) that used to be an elementary school (named Kennedy). McMenamin is the name of two brothers that love two things: beer, and old buildings. They have made over several historic buildings in other areas, as well, most of them now re-purposed as hotels.
The Kennedy School has a movie theatre, a soaking pool (I gotta see this next time I go), a restaurant/brewery, and regular musical events. There is artwork all over the place, but the original structure has been largely retained, so the fact that it is a school is nicely unobscured.
We went into the restaurant area, and looking out the windows, I could sense the spirits of several generations of woeful students, gazing longingly out the large windows from their desks. I couldn't help but feel a satisfaction on their behalf as I prepared to consume a beer from the very same spot. I took my first deep slug of the "Terminator Stout" thinking, Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
I really like the stout. It was pretty smooth and mild. Katie got the "Ruby" brew, and I liked hers even better than mine. I usually steer clear of anything touted as "fruity and light" (certain close friends being the exception there), because I'm usually disappointed to find that what I've received is a pale ale with fruit syrup added (I'm looking at you, Ram Brewery). That wasn't the case here, however, as the Ruby was mild and sort of vaguely tangy.
A bacon burger was what Katie needed, and a bacon burger is what she got. She got it good, too.
(I apologize for the cellphone photography -- neither McMenamins nor Katie are actually green). I got the prime rib sandwich, which came with au jus. The meat was a very high quality, and had a delicate flavor that was pretty damned perfect. Even the roll was bakery fresh. I also got a side salad that was very good, but... who cares?
I could definitely have spent a lot more time at McMenamins Kennedy School, if it hadn't already been so late, and the prime rib sandwich and beer hadn't made me even more eager to sleep after my flight. But all in all, I'd say, McMenamins is not just another brick in the wall.
My first night in town, Katie picked me up from the airport and the poor thing arrived half-starved and saying, "I'm glad to see you. Now I need meat." Katie is often right to the point like this when she is hungry. Once when she and I were roommates in Chicago, she and I dragged our hungover carcasses into the grocery store to find something to eat. As soon as we got inside, her eyes scanned the store and I thought I heard her mumbling, "I think I need... a chicken." I didn't think that could be what she said. She must have meant "a chicken sandwich," or something like that, right? Wrong. She arrived at the checkout, smiling, with a whole rotisserie chicken, which she happily ate in front of the TV with a can of Pepsi.
Katie took me to a place very close to where she lives in Portland. She kept saying, "Let's go to the Kennedy School." I assumed she must be talking about some culinary arts college that gave you fancy meals at a discount. Wrong again -- it is a sort of mall (I hate to use that term, but I mean the older definition meaning the type you can stroll around, not the type that has a Claire's Boutique) that used to be an elementary school (named Kennedy). McMenamin is the name of two brothers that love two things: beer, and old buildings. They have made over several historic buildings in other areas, as well, most of them now re-purposed as hotels.
The Kennedy School has a movie theatre, a soaking pool (I gotta see this next time I go), a restaurant/brewery, and regular musical events. There is artwork all over the place, but the original structure has been largely retained, so the fact that it is a school is nicely unobscured.
We went into the restaurant area, and looking out the windows, I could sense the spirits of several generations of woeful students, gazing longingly out the large windows from their desks. I couldn't help but feel a satisfaction on their behalf as I prepared to consume a beer from the very same spot. I took my first deep slug of the "Terminator Stout" thinking, Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
I really like the stout. It was pretty smooth and mild. Katie got the "Ruby" brew, and I liked hers even better than mine. I usually steer clear of anything touted as "fruity and light" (certain close friends being the exception there), because I'm usually disappointed to find that what I've received is a pale ale with fruit syrup added (I'm looking at you, Ram Brewery). That wasn't the case here, however, as the Ruby was mild and sort of vaguely tangy.
A bacon burger was what Katie needed, and a bacon burger is what she got. She got it good, too.
(I apologize for the cellphone photography -- neither McMenamins nor Katie are actually green). I got the prime rib sandwich, which came with au jus. The meat was a very high quality, and had a delicate flavor that was pretty damned perfect. Even the roll was bakery fresh. I also got a side salad that was very good, but... who cares?
I could definitely have spent a lot more time at McMenamins Kennedy School, if it hadn't already been so late, and the prime rib sandwich and beer hadn't made me even more eager to sleep after my flight. But all in all, I'd say, McMenamins is not just another brick in the wall.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Buffalo Grove Days, or, "Had Enough Crap Yet?"
In September, nothing wraps up a summer of eating battered and deep-fried nitrites on sticks quite like the last big party, when Chris and I walk over to the Buffalo Grove Days. In the past, we've had chocolate and marshmallow-covered popcorn, had too much crappy yellow beer that was intensely overpriced, and witnessed the phenomenon that is "Infinity." To date, however, nothing had quite offended my eyes and ears so much as this:
You read it right. It's called "You M8K It Super Slush Lab," a spelling that could only make me think of my friend Jenny, who has mentally collected the perverse misspellings used by Madison Avenue to sell non-food items to kids ever since I can remember (think words like Nyce, Stuf, Lite, Likkum Stix, and Chawklit). Her notes to me in junior high and high school were filled with artfully worked phrases like, "Heyyy, Shì Patì, hoo du yoo lyke two-day?" Originally, that's why I took the picture, just to show it to Jen. But then I stood and looked at it a bit longer.
The unit glows with every garish color in the day-glo rainbow, and plays freakish carnival music (you know the one, the "big top" organ tune, "dit dit dooty ditta dit da doo-tie...") to lure children; a kind of modern-day witch's candy house. Kids can spend as little as $3 on a cup and make their own Super Slush flavor combo. But how are you gonna fit all the flavors you want in a $3 cup, Junior? With a variety that includes Sour Apple, Extreme Watermelon, Power Kiwi Burst, Tubular FD & C Neon Green #8, and Radical Premature Type II Diabetes, you'd better get mom to open up her pocketbook for the $7 cup! And then get to the dentist now. No, like, NOW. Stick two straws and a plastic spoon in it, Fattie, and get back in the SUV!
I soon realized that this wasn't just an amusing phonetic misspelling. What I was in the presence of was absolutely everything that is evil about America, in one portable electric trailer. Nothing less. I was mesmerized by the flowing, frosty pumps of glowing sin, and Chris eventually had to drag me away.
Now, let's focus on what IS good in this country, try not to think any longer about what starving children overseas would think of this gross display, and move onto the food tent. Yay! I smell barbecue!
It takes awhile to decide what to eat in the food tent. Much like Cher noted in the movie Clueless, you have to do at least one full lap before you commit to a location. We finally decided that Chris would get the pulled pork BBQ sandwich from Brothers' BBQ, and I found a nice option in the chicken gyros from the Continental Restaurant tent. I also got an ear of steamed corn, I think from the Girl Scout tent.
The pulled pork was very good. The pork had no sauce, and then when your sandwich is made up, it is added over the top. After living in Nashville a short time, I now feel that this is the only real way to serve pulled pork, so I approved.
I didn't know that the Continental served chicken gyros, but now I might need to go there to get another one sometime. It wasn't grilled chicken breast, but that same sort of "meat roll" on a spit, just as the lamb gyro was. The tzatziki sauce was very thick, and I thought the whole thing was really tasty. It was a bit leaner than the lamb gyro probably would have been, but I'm okay with that.
Chris and I both crunched on the corn-on-the-cob, which had just come out of the steamer and was boiling hot. Additional butter was not available, but the corn was so sweet it really didn't need it. They did have chili seasoning and parmesan cheese, which I did make good use of. Delicious.
Being averse to sweetened drinks of any kind (artificial or not), I opted for a bottle of water. Chris decided to try a Lemon Shake-Up at Randy's stand, before the claustrophobia-inducing conditions of the tent finally got to me.
The drink came not in a cup, but in a large oil barrel. I did take a sip, and I thought it was very good for what it was, with lots of fresh lemon juice. The amount of sugar still made my teeth feel "furry," though, immediately. I just don't get the sugary drink thing anymore, I guess. But Chris liked it.
We strolled on home in the beautiful weather, with empty wallets and full stomachs. Ahhh, you know what? I love this country.
You read it right. It's called "You M8K It Super Slush Lab," a spelling that could only make me think of my friend Jenny, who has mentally collected the perverse misspellings used by Madison Avenue to sell non-food items to kids ever since I can remember (think words like Nyce, Stuf, Lite, Likkum Stix, and Chawklit). Her notes to me in junior high and high school were filled with artfully worked phrases like, "Heyyy, Shì Patì, hoo du yoo lyke two-day?" Originally, that's why I took the picture, just to show it to Jen. But then I stood and looked at it a bit longer.
The unit glows with every garish color in the day-glo rainbow, and plays freakish carnival music (you know the one, the "big top" organ tune, "dit dit dooty ditta dit da doo-tie...") to lure children; a kind of modern-day witch's candy house. Kids can spend as little as $3 on a cup and make their own Super Slush flavor combo. But how are you gonna fit all the flavors you want in a $3 cup, Junior? With a variety that includes Sour Apple, Extreme Watermelon, Power Kiwi Burst, Tubular FD & C Neon Green #8, and Radical Premature Type II Diabetes, you'd better get mom to open up her pocketbook for the $7 cup! And then get to the dentist now. No, like, NOW. Stick two straws and a plastic spoon in it, Fattie, and get back in the SUV!
I soon realized that this wasn't just an amusing phonetic misspelling. What I was in the presence of was absolutely everything that is evil about America, in one portable electric trailer. Nothing less. I was mesmerized by the flowing, frosty pumps of glowing sin, and Chris eventually had to drag me away.
Now, let's focus on what IS good in this country, try not to think any longer about what starving children overseas would think of this gross display, and move onto the food tent. Yay! I smell barbecue!
It takes awhile to decide what to eat in the food tent. Much like Cher noted in the movie Clueless, you have to do at least one full lap before you commit to a location. We finally decided that Chris would get the pulled pork BBQ sandwich from Brothers' BBQ, and I found a nice option in the chicken gyros from the Continental Restaurant tent. I also got an ear of steamed corn, I think from the Girl Scout tent.
The pulled pork was very good. The pork had no sauce, and then when your sandwich is made up, it is added over the top. After living in Nashville a short time, I now feel that this is the only real way to serve pulled pork, so I approved.
I didn't know that the Continental served chicken gyros, but now I might need to go there to get another one sometime. It wasn't grilled chicken breast, but that same sort of "meat roll" on a spit, just as the lamb gyro was. The tzatziki sauce was very thick, and I thought the whole thing was really tasty. It was a bit leaner than the lamb gyro probably would have been, but I'm okay with that.
Chris and I both crunched on the corn-on-the-cob, which had just come out of the steamer and was boiling hot. Additional butter was not available, but the corn was so sweet it really didn't need it. They did have chili seasoning and parmesan cheese, which I did make good use of. Delicious.
Being averse to sweetened drinks of any kind (artificial or not), I opted for a bottle of water. Chris decided to try a Lemon Shake-Up at Randy's stand, before the claustrophobia-inducing conditions of the tent finally got to me.
The drink came not in a cup, but in a large oil barrel. I did take a sip, and I thought it was very good for what it was, with lots of fresh lemon juice. The amount of sugar still made my teeth feel "furry," though, immediately. I just don't get the sugary drink thing anymore, I guess. But Chris liked it.
We strolled on home in the beautiful weather, with empty wallets and full stomachs. Ahhh, you know what? I love this country.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jaenicke's Drive In
When I was in high-school, I went over to my friend Lori's house. Her older sister was settling in to some take-out food. "Watcha eatin'?" I asked. "Sauce buns" she said. "What's a sauce bun?" I asked. She looked at me mid-bite like I was a frigging lunatic. "You've never had a sauce bun??" to which I replied, "No. Never heard of them." She wolfed down her dinner and hauled me out the door, straight back to Jaenicke's Drive In, where I had my first taste of heaven, sans hot dog.
Jaenicke's (pronounced yah-nick-eez) is right down the road from where I grew up, so I dunno why I'd never tried their food before. But I've had it a lot since. The owner of the place used to come into the animal hospital where I worked, and I first heard about "the feud" from her. There is a Jaenicke's Drive In in Kankakee, and the one near me in Bourbonnais. The Jaenickes, sadly, have apparently split into two warring factions that do not speak to one another. Consequently, everyone in the area swears that either the Bourbonnais branch, or the Kankakee one is far superior. A cross-town rivalry, if you will. Personally, I went to the Kankakee one (also called Jaenicke's on Wall) once or twice (with my friend Carrie, who swore it was the better of the two), and I found the food to be served a bit more sloppily, and I just felt it wasn't as good. I just found out that there is a Jaenicke's in Momence, too, but I don't know anything about that one... Maybe you just like the one closer to where you live, I dunno. The truth of the matter is, all the Jaenicke's joints are pretty awesome -- but I'm loyal to my Bourbonnais peeps. I just love what comes out of that joint. It is always consistent, perfect, and delicious.
We went to Jaenicke's on a pretty gray, unusually cold summer day. But you know what? Sauce buns on sale? That brings a summer day right into my mouf.
So what is a sauce bun, you might ask? It is a soft white hot dog bun, filled with Jaenicke's amazing hot dog chili. Of course they have hot dogs available if you like, but I like the warm, uninterrupted softness of the sauce bun. The chili at Jaenicke's is very sweet and mild -- more like barbecue sauce than chili. Cheese is optional, but trust me, you want that option. It's just plain old nacho sauce right out the jar, like Cheez Whiz. To me, the cheese and chopped onions are a necessity, as is a good old Green River to go along with it (to this day, Jaenicke's is the only place I've ever had Green River soda. It is available in other places, but it just doesn't seem right for me to drink it anywhere else).
Chris got a chili dog, and some corn dog nuggets. Hot and dee-licious.
I got my beloved sauce buns, tucked into the box with stapled wax paper, as usual. Which is great, because it facilitates me licking the cheese sauce off the top.
Jaenicke's is closed in the winter months, starting in October I believe, and re-opening in spring. I usually only get back to eat there once a year, but nothing says springtime quite like opening day baseball, and that first bite of Jaenicke's.
Jaenicke's (pronounced yah-nick-eez) is right down the road from where I grew up, so I dunno why I'd never tried their food before. But I've had it a lot since. The owner of the place used to come into the animal hospital where I worked, and I first heard about "the feud" from her. There is a Jaenicke's Drive In in Kankakee, and the one near me in Bourbonnais. The Jaenickes, sadly, have apparently split into two warring factions that do not speak to one another. Consequently, everyone in the area swears that either the Bourbonnais branch, or the Kankakee one is far superior. A cross-town rivalry, if you will. Personally, I went to the Kankakee one (also called Jaenicke's on Wall) once or twice (with my friend Carrie, who swore it was the better of the two), and I found the food to be served a bit more sloppily, and I just felt it wasn't as good. I just found out that there is a Jaenicke's in Momence, too, but I don't know anything about that one... Maybe you just like the one closer to where you live, I dunno. The truth of the matter is, all the Jaenicke's joints are pretty awesome -- but I'm loyal to my Bourbonnais peeps. I just love what comes out of that joint. It is always consistent, perfect, and delicious.
We went to Jaenicke's on a pretty gray, unusually cold summer day. But you know what? Sauce buns on sale? That brings a summer day right into my mouf.
So what is a sauce bun, you might ask? It is a soft white hot dog bun, filled with Jaenicke's amazing hot dog chili. Of course they have hot dogs available if you like, but I like the warm, uninterrupted softness of the sauce bun. The chili at Jaenicke's is very sweet and mild -- more like barbecue sauce than chili. Cheese is optional, but trust me, you want that option. It's just plain old nacho sauce right out the jar, like Cheez Whiz. To me, the cheese and chopped onions are a necessity, as is a good old Green River to go along with it (to this day, Jaenicke's is the only place I've ever had Green River soda. It is available in other places, but it just doesn't seem right for me to drink it anywhere else).
Chris got a chili dog, and some corn dog nuggets. Hot and dee-licious.
I got my beloved sauce buns, tucked into the box with stapled wax paper, as usual. Which is great, because it facilitates me licking the cheese sauce off the top.
Jaenicke's is closed in the winter months, starting in October I believe, and re-opening in spring. I usually only get back to eat there once a year, but nothing says springtime quite like opening day baseball, and that first bite of Jaenicke's.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Summer and a Cup of Cheese Sauce
Been a busy few days with no time to post... Ended a run of "Oliver!" and had mom here for the weekend. Took a lot of pictures, though! I have quite a bit in the hopper, and there will be more posts to come in the next couple of days.
For today, I am still a bit short on time, so I have a photo of the last time I visited the Imax theatre in Lincolnshire to see the movie, 300. While renting movies last night, I was trying to explain to Ma why this movie was so great, but I may have used the phrase, "Shirtless men, fighting a lot" to get my point across one too many times. Wouldn't that be enough for anyone?
Well, it was enough for my friend Jen S. and I, who attended with some other friends with much anticipation. The movie did not disappoint. She and I both ordered a soft pretzel, with a side of cheese sauce at the theatre. Along with the drink, a single pretzel and the cheese came to nearly nine breathtaking dollars, which is I guess why they try to give you your money's worth in a sort of misplaced way... What we received for our dough was a small beverage cup, filled with liquid cheese along with our pretzels. Each. One of which I then attempted to photograph in the near-complete darkness.
About sixteen ounces of liquid cheese... Much like the movie, it was sort of repulsive and thrilling, all at once.
For today, I am still a bit short on time, so I have a photo of the last time I visited the Imax theatre in Lincolnshire to see the movie, 300. While renting movies last night, I was trying to explain to Ma why this movie was so great, but I may have used the phrase, "Shirtless men, fighting a lot" to get my point across one too many times. Wouldn't that be enough for anyone?
Well, it was enough for my friend Jen S. and I, who attended with some other friends with much anticipation. The movie did not disappoint. She and I both ordered a soft pretzel, with a side of cheese sauce at the theatre. Along with the drink, a single pretzel and the cheese came to nearly nine breathtaking dollars, which is I guess why they try to give you your money's worth in a sort of misplaced way... What we received for our dough was a small beverage cup, filled with liquid cheese along with our pretzels. Each. One of which I then attempted to photograph in the near-complete darkness.
About sixteen ounces of liquid cheese... Much like the movie, it was sort of repulsive and thrilling, all at once.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Matcha Latte
Remember when I posted mournfully about the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf frozen matcha drink that I can't get here in the midwest? Well I figured out a first-rate substitution! And I couldn't be happier if I had flipping yellow butterflies floating out of my ears. To the tune of "Grazin' in the Grass." On pan flute.
Trader Joe's has come to my rescue yet again. I had read about their matcha beverage on the fabulous Super Eggplant. She was less than thrilled with the drink mixed up hot, as it is intended. But I thought it might be just the thing for a frozen version. I put the recommended amount (3 tblesp.) in the blender, with an "eyeballed" amount of ice and fat-free milk.
It was really excellent -- similar to Coffee Bean's version, though not quite as perfect... But then, how could it be? Still, with some whipped cream on top, it was not too sweet and very tasty. I am very pleased...
Can you believe I am drinking stuff like this with umpteen inches of snow on the ground? I must really miss California.
Trader Joe's has come to my rescue yet again. I had read about their matcha beverage on the fabulous Super Eggplant. She was less than thrilled with the drink mixed up hot, as it is intended. But I thought it might be just the thing for a frozen version. I put the recommended amount (3 tblesp.) in the blender, with an "eyeballed" amount of ice and fat-free milk.
It was really excellent -- similar to Coffee Bean's version, though not quite as perfect... But then, how could it be? Still, with some whipped cream on top, it was not too sweet and very tasty. I am very pleased...
Can you believe I am drinking stuff like this with umpteen inches of snow on the ground? I must really miss California.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
El Compadre
If you have really good margaritas and good mexican food, then the great ambience and music just put everything over the top. That's what they have, in my humble opinion, at El Compadre, the "Home of the Flaming Margarita." And if you have good margaritas, you just may forget to take pictures of the food you ate. Guess what happened to me?
Here is the margarita, though. They place what I think is Bacardi 151 rum inside a hollowed-out citrus shell, float it on the ice, and then light it. Only the first one is lit (after that, you are.) Apologies for the dark pic, but without the flash is the only way to capture the flame.
We came here after getting off the plane, because I was craving guacamole. So began day one of my three-day guacamole bender... I just couldn't get enough of the stuff. El Compadre had lettuce in theirs, which I wasn't totally crazy about, but still it was good. I enjoyed my food, but really, after three of those margaritas, who cares?
The great thing about this place was that a) the margaritas were flavorful, b) it was within stumbling distance of Dave's, and c) that the ambience was great. I'm a sucker for a dark restaurant in which you can spread out in a big booth and hear yourselves talk. (And no, that doesn't mean Denny's is a great restaurant.) They also had a trio playing music, so it was a lot of fun.
They also featured the Largest Pen to Pay Your Bill with on Earth.
Here is the margarita, though. They place what I think is Bacardi 151 rum inside a hollowed-out citrus shell, float it on the ice, and then light it. Only the first one is lit (after that, you are.) Apologies for the dark pic, but without the flash is the only way to capture the flame.
We came here after getting off the plane, because I was craving guacamole. So began day one of my three-day guacamole bender... I just couldn't get enough of the stuff. El Compadre had lettuce in theirs, which I wasn't totally crazy about, but still it was good. I enjoyed my food, but really, after three of those margaritas, who cares?
The great thing about this place was that a) the margaritas were flavorful, b) it was within stumbling distance of Dave's, and c) that the ambience was great. I'm a sucker for a dark restaurant in which you can spread out in a big booth and hear yourselves talk. (And no, that doesn't mean Denny's is a great restaurant.) They also had a trio playing music, so it was a lot of fun.
They also featured the Largest Pen to Pay Your Bill with on Earth.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Matcha, Matcha, Mat-cha
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of the best things about California. If you ask me, anyway. Sadly, according to the store locator on their website, there are none within 200 miles of where I live. Franchise opportunity? Or should I say, "franchizoonity?"
They are vaguely similar to a Starbuck's, only they aren't really on every single corner like Starbucks are (in any city, including those in California.) Still, when visiting Dave, I make sure he goes out of his way so that I can git me a matcha, or Green Tea Iced Blended. Made with nonfat milk, and not too many calories -- if you get the small size. Which, of course, I don't. (Hey, I only get one once a year.)
Here is the one I had, lovingly placed atop Dave's car. I am crazy about the flavor of this variety, and while I will enthusiastically sample the purchases of others (Chris had a Pomegranite Blueberry that was nice), I have yet to find one that surpasses this flavor. It tastes like those enriched milk products you used to get as kids, like Tiger's Milk. Anybody remember that? It was a powder you added to your milk. I did an internet search for it, but all I turned up was set of results for the protein bars. Dad used to get ours at Kroger.
Anyway, I digress (or should I say "tigress?" Ehh.) I've tried the Starbuck's version, but this one, in my opinion, is far superior.
They are vaguely similar to a Starbuck's, only they aren't really on every single corner like Starbucks are (in any city, including those in California.) Still, when visiting Dave, I make sure he goes out of his way so that I can git me a matcha, or Green Tea Iced Blended. Made with nonfat milk, and not too many calories -- if you get the small size. Which, of course, I don't. (Hey, I only get one once a year.)
Here is the one I had, lovingly placed atop Dave's car. I am crazy about the flavor of this variety, and while I will enthusiastically sample the purchases of others (Chris had a Pomegranite Blueberry that was nice), I have yet to find one that surpasses this flavor. It tastes like those enriched milk products you used to get as kids, like Tiger's Milk. Anybody remember that? It was a powder you added to your milk. I did an internet search for it, but all I turned up was set of results for the protein bars. Dad used to get ours at Kroger.
Anyway, I digress (or should I say "tigress?" Ehh.) I've tried the Starbuck's version, but this one, in my opinion, is far superior.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Christmas Cookies in L.A.
For Christmas this year, in case you haven't already gotten this, we went to L.A. and saw the bro. We ate (both at restaurants and at home) so much freaking food that I will be posting feverishly for the next few days!
David had requested some Chicago gear so that he could "represent." We followed through, and he was able to fully represent while eating his salami, toast and eggs on Christmas Eve.
While watching the Bears game and not climbing out of our pajamas all day, Chris sampled his first bloody mary... the first of his many "first drinks" on our trip.
I don't think he was a huge fan, and while they aren't my favorite drink either, you can't argue that Dave makes the best ones. He makes them spicy with horseradish, worcheshire and hot sauce, and gives you plenty of skewered snacks.
That day, we also baked sugar cookies (per Chris' request.) We got plenty of Christmas cutters from the 99 cent store. I made the cookies from a box and still managed to mess up the directions with too much butter (I failed to use the "roll out" recipe.) So I had to keep adding flour. I also managed to overbake most of them slightly (I like to watch the game.) Still, despite my lack of baking prowess and a failure to purchase many decorative items, they came out pretty good.
I can't believe our trip is over and we are home, already! Hope yours was happy!
David had requested some Chicago gear so that he could "represent." We followed through, and he was able to fully represent while eating his salami, toast and eggs on Christmas Eve.
While watching the Bears game and not climbing out of our pajamas all day, Chris sampled his first bloody mary... the first of his many "first drinks" on our trip.
I don't think he was a huge fan, and while they aren't my favorite drink either, you can't argue that Dave makes the best ones. He makes them spicy with horseradish, worcheshire and hot sauce, and gives you plenty of skewered snacks.
That day, we also baked sugar cookies (per Chris' request.) We got plenty of Christmas cutters from the 99 cent store. I made the cookies from a box and still managed to mess up the directions with too much butter (I failed to use the "roll out" recipe.) So I had to keep adding flour. I also managed to overbake most of them slightly (I like to watch the game.) Still, despite my lack of baking prowess and a failure to purchase many decorative items, they came out pretty good.
I can't believe our trip is over and we are home, already! Hope yours was happy!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Fo' Rizzle
Take the quiz:
What thug drink are you?
40 Oz. Malt Liquor
You like to cruise around and f things up. More than likely you have been or will be involved in a drive by at least one in your life.
Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!
What thug drink are you?
40 Oz. Malt Liquor
You like to cruise around and f things up. More than likely you have been or will be involved in a drive by at least one in your life.
Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Egg Creme or Egg Cream
No egg, no cream.
Thanks to my father, a native New Yorker, I have had the rare Midwestern privelege of growing up with the egg creme. I haven't seen them much around these parts. In high school, my friend Jen had ballet classes once a week in Chicago in the evening. As her friend, who was free from the shackles of any such talent, I would accompany her to the city and roam around downtown until she was finished with class. It was then I discovered that egg cremes were sold at a little place deep in the Roosevelt Metra train station. But other than that, my only experience with it has been at my own house (outside of New York).
Pour enough chocolate syrup into the glass to cover the bottom. Add about three fingers of milk, and pour in the seltzer water. Leave several inches at the top -- the foam will really come up and you'lll be striving to suck it out before it flows over the sides. Stir it up, chug it down.
The secret to a good egg creme is to buy the seltzer in small bottles or cans. If you buy the big bottle, it will lose its fizz and that lovely foam will be absent. Very refreshing, and if you're like me, nostalgic too.
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