HB on Halsted!

I agree on David Burke but will also throw in Morton's--based only on the steak and not on the atmosphere or sides. I guess I'll also throw in Joe's on Grand.

Wow--I am looking forward to trying the others, but I really like the coconut one. I did not get the suntan lotion vibe, but I will look for it next time, just to challenge myself. :)

I haven't gone the CSA route yet (previous job was too "time intensive"), but I love the philosophy.

I do want to add that commitment/you-get-what-you-get is kind of the point: You are buying a share in agriculture, which means you get a share of the wonderful produce but also the risk of a not-so-great crop. Personally, I think that helps drive home some of the reality of our eating choices. [Off soap box now--sorry!]

It's not perfect, but here's a nonprofit website that allows searches for CSAs by zip code: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ (I have absolutely no affiliation--this is for informational purposes only.)

Generally a bit too often. We almost always get pizza on Sunday nights, usually sushi or burgers on Friday nights, and occasionally subs or Thai during the week, depending on work schedules.

My partner is away for a few months, and I find I get take-out much less often when I'm alone. He likes fun, and I prefer healthy-ish homemade. Usually, it's a good balance. :)

Wait--what about Terry's toffee? It's a buttery, brown sugary gift from the gods.

These days I'm cooking for one or two, but growing up we (Mom & Dad + 10 kids) had homemade pizza (with "hay"--rosemary--I grew up on a farm!); roasts with potatoes, onions, and carrots (seasoned with bay leaves--and wine if my dad got involved); swiss steak (minute steak plus tomatoes, onions, and peppers), and Sunday night wiener winks ("boughten" bread topped with a slice of cheese and a hot dog, pinned diagonally with a toothpick and baked till toasty). Also chili; lasagna; goulash; tuna bunsteads{?}, salmon patties, and homemade mac & cheese (on Fridays); and ALWAYS some kind of veggie.

I don't know how Mom did it every day (even with help).

Sounds fabulous! Can't wait to try it.

Maybe Tac Quick (http://tacquick.net/)? Good Thai (maybe a bit TOO adventurous for me), inexpensive, and BYOB.

Southport & Irving (http://southportandirving.com/) is not adventurous, but the food is really good and reasonably priced.

Mixteco (http://www.mixtecogrill.com/) is fresh Mexican (not Tex-Mex) and also BYOB.

90 Miles (90milescubancafe.com) is casual but fun. BYOB--you can bring wine or rum and have sangria or mojitas mixed.

If you're looking for something specific, let us know. Have fun!

Ahh, the Marquette. An old-school diner with an old-school bar in the basement (at least the Marquette on Monroe has one) where one can grab a drink up until 9 p.m. Then it shuts up tight (go home to your wife, Mr. Random Lawyer). An institution!

Another great up-and-comer (though it's been around for more than a hundred years) is Brunkow Cheese/Fayette Creamery, especially its Little Darling and its raw milk cold pack (gasp!). Truly amazing.

I agree on Carr Valley as well.

I LOVE the ice cream at Ronnybrook. LOVE it.

But I recommend making your own ice cream sandwich with the filling from Ronnybrook and cookies from one of the bakers at the market. The Ronnybrook cookies aren't quite worthy of the ice cream.

I'm sorry I can't help, but I love sorghum and can imagine it with a bit of sea salt. Woah.