Nick Kindelsperger’s Profile
Recent Comments
Chicago: Pizza Lunch Feast at A Mano
Zemans, what you call "insufficient quantity of toppings" I translate to "restraint". You've been on a roll here lately. I need to try this one out, too.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Indianapolis Food Culture?
86%, not bad if I say so myself. Definitely can tell I was raised in Indiana. It's fun to highlight a city that doesn't normally get a lot of love.
Standing Room Only: Redhot Ranch
@boggles
A poppy seed bun can be a glorious thing. Honestly, I'm more upset when a place is supposed to serve a fully loaded Chicago dog and then skimps with the bun.
@KintT
Yeah, it's honestly that good. I think you'll love this place. I'm so surprised this place opened. Most of the great Depression dog places are old. I'm glad to see this style expanding.
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Recent Posts
Dinner Tonight: Chipped Beef Gravy
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 8, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Standing Room Only: Harold's Chicken Shack
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 8, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 5, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cinnamon-Flavored Black-Eyed Peas
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 3, 2010 at 4:30 PM
See more posts by Nick Kindelsperger »
Recent Favorites
Standing Room Only: That's-A-Burger
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, November 23, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Dinner Tonight: Miso Soup with Grilled Eggplant and Mushrooms
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 20, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Steamed Mussels in Coconut Milk
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 18, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Dinner Tonight: Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Miso Butter
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM
See more favorites by Nick Kindelsperger »
Recent Polls
Nick Kindelsperger answered "Nay" to Ketchup on Burgers: Yea or Nay?
Poll posted by Robyn Lee, January 18, 2010 at 7:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger answered "New York thin crust" to What's Your Favorite Style of Pizza
Poll posted by Adam Kuban, January 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger answered "Lucali's" to What's Your Favorite New York Pizza By The Pie?
Poll posted by Carey Jones, December 1, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Recent Quizzes
Nick Kindelsperger got 85% correct on How Much Do You Know About Indianapolis Food Culture?
Quiz posted by Katie Quinn, February 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger got 66% correct on How Much Do You Know About New Orleans Food Culture?
Quiz posted by Katie Quinn, February 1, 2010 at 7:00 PM
See more polls and quizzes by Nick Kindelsperger »
Recent Comments
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Indianapolis Food Culture?
Wow now! Who picks on a children's museum?
If you're going to pick on Indy, why not expose its lack of excellent pizza?
Chicago: Pizza Lunch Feast at A Mano
Zemans, what you call "insufficient quantity of toppings" I translate to "restraint". You've been on a roll here lately. I need to try this one out, too.
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Indianapolis Food Culture?
86%, not bad if I say so myself. Definitely can tell I was raised in Indiana. It's fun to highlight a city that doesn't normally get a lot of love.
Standing Room Only: Redhot Ranch
@boggles
A poppy seed bun can be a glorious thing. Honestly, I'm more upset when a place is supposed to serve a fully loaded Chicago dog and then skimps with the bun.
@KintT
Yeah, it's honestly that good. I think you'll love this place. I'm so surprised this place opened. Most of the great Depression dog places are old. I'm glad to see this style expanding.
Standing Room Only: Redhot Ranch
@cpd007
Redhot Ranch is very similar to Gene and Judes, except I think the dogs are slightly smaller. The fries are more consistently good, too. I love Gene and Judes, but sometimes their fries can be a little soft. Redhot Ranch is a great new stand. Hope it keeps up the great work.
Castel Gandolfo: A New Coal-Oven Pizzeria Worth Saving
Yeah, I had no idea this was open. This looks like the kind of pizza I love. Nice one Zemans.
Dinner Tonight: Shrimp and Scallion Pancake
@carioca
Dipping sauce is a great idea. Can't believe I didn't think of that first!
Dinner Tonight: Beginner Almond Shrimp Curry with Tomatoes
I think this is an interesting discussion. I agree that not all curries should have heavy cream, and I'm sure there are some regions where it will never be used. But I've been glancing around at other Indian cookbooks, especially those by another well respected Indian cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey. And while it's not widespread, heavy cream is definitely used.
Dinner Tonight: Beginner Almond Shrimp Curry with Tomatoes
@missing_LA
That's really awesome that you took a class with Raghavan Iyver. I'm relatively new to the cuisine, and I'm particulary smitten with vegetarian Indian cuisine. But, like I mentioned above, it's hard to write about many recipes for this specific column. Though I do make them at home without writing about them.
@dannybates
What I meant by "notoriously complex" was the number of ingredients and how long it takes to prepare. I love making different Indian dishes on a weekend, but I find it hard to sit down and bang out a dish after a day at work. I hope, like you said, that my speed will improve with time!
Dinner Tonight: Beginner Almond Shrimp Curry with Tomatoes
@plazmaorb
I can't wait to learn more. Not sure if I'll get to all 660 curries, but I'll definitely try.
@marcreichman
I'm really not the person to answer nutritional questions. I don't cook with much cream, but if a recipe calls for it I use it. Regular milk won't have the same texture, which is really important to this dish. Plain yogurt may work, but I'm not sure.
Standing Room Only: Al's #1 Italian Beef
@cpd007
I was actually just out there reviewing an Italian deli. Alpine has some great subs. And yes, I will get to Johnnie's really soon.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/01/alpine-food-shop-elmwood-park-il-italian-subs-with-giardiniera.html
@sauerkrautball
Yeah, definitely. The old owner showed Adam how the stance was done. That look on Adam's face of pure delight when he eats the sandwich is real.
Standing Room Only: Al's #1 Italian Beef
@ben fishner
That's fair.
@thehungrytraveler
Great pics. I'm torn between the Chicago Dog and the Italian beef. Both represent Chicago in all its glory for me.
@JungMan
To think that I ate cafeteria food at my high school while you were at Al's is tough to take.
Dinner Tonight: Dongting Stir-Fried Duck Breast
@fuuchan
I absolutely right on that it shouldn't have a gloopy sauce. But 20 years of thinking I knew what Chinese food was and then have something light and fragrant still seems wild and unexpected to me. It's delicious.
@jayevee
Ha! I have read her memoir. That's what got me on this whole Chinese cooking kick in the first place. Actually, I have the Sichuan cookbook on hold. Can't wait to play with that one.
Standing Room Only: Al's #1 Italian Beef
@Ben Fishner
I couldn't agree more. From a cooking standpoint, an Italian beef is a really fascinating sandwich, in that it uses some of the cheapest cuts of meat to make something so tender and indulgent.
Now, I wouldn't turn down a Philly Cheesesteak, but the fact that some places use good cuts of meat (like ribeye) for the sandwich seems like a crime. Wouldn't you rather have properly grilled steak? I still think Philadelphia's real sandwich is Roast Pork with Provolone and Broccoli Rabe. That sucker is phenomenal.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/03/tony-lukes-roast-pork-italian-broccoli-rabe-sandwich-philadelphia-philly-pa.html
Standing Room Only: Al's #1 Italian Beef
@msmor: It is quite amazing. But I suppose it's just hard to franchise something like this. I mean, even the chain restaurant version of Al's isn't nearly as good.
@capndesign: That is honestly on my list. It's the one place everyone tells me I need to head to. I'll get there eventually. I promise.
Standing Room Only: Alpine Food Shop
I did feel a little guilty about not stopping at Johnnie's. But Alpine is definitely worth a stop. I've read about Nottoli, but have yet to make it there. The writeup of the place looks especially promising. Thanks for the help.
Dinner Tonight: Sautéed Chicken with Olives, Capers, and Roasted Lemons
Thanks everyone for the comments! Indeed, my wife did like the dish. She's not ready to gorge on whole olives like I do, but she did enjoy them here.
Roger Ebert on the Role of Memory in Food
I can taste the picture right now. I don't think I've ever seen redder ketchup. Yum. Steak and Shake is the best!
'Haute' and Sour Soup at Belly Shack in Chicago
I love that soup. I'd eat at Urban Belly and Belly Shack if the prices were lower. The only exception is this soup, which is filling, cheap, and delicious. I honestly just get it when I'm there. I wonder if he'll add more soups like this to the menu. Much better than the posoles I've had around the area.
Itanoní Antojeria y Tortilleria: Alice Waters' Favorite Restaurant in Oaxaca, Mexico
Beautiful piece. A good corn tortilla is all I really need in life.
Rosangela's: Stellar Sausage on a Classic Tavern-Cut Crust
Just to set the record straight, I was scared by the amount of cheese. The crust was bland and the sauce was too sweet. But the sausage, as advertised, was outstanding. Perhaps they should do one of those sausage-crust pizzas. Huh, Zemans?
Dinner Tonight: Quick White Bean Stew with Swiss Chard and Tomatoes
@jammin83: A squeeze of lemon would be perfect. Nice thought.
Dinner Tonight: Kimchi Quesadillas
Just to let everyone know, I took one for the team and made these after a few drinks last night. They were everything I wanted. I also cut the amount of cheese in half, which worked well.
Standing Room Only: Lem's Bar-B-Q
I actually was going to leave Lem's and come back later just so I could have their rib tips. I'm addicted to the stuff. It's hilariously fatty and paired with some even fattier sausage. I can't say it's pretty, but I do love it.
Dinner Tonight: Grilled Chipotle Flank Steak Torta
@toofat: Really? That's kind of hard to believe. In Chicago, skirt and flank are still moderately affordable. I suppose you could substitute ribeye if you're looking to save money. I don't think I ever thought I'd have to write that last sentence.
Recent Posts
Dinner Tonight: Chipped Beef Gravy
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 8, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Standing Room Only: Harold's Chicken Shack
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 8, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 5, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cinnamon-Flavored Black-Eyed Peas
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 3, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Moroccan Chicken with Kumquats and Prunes
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 1, 2010 at 5:00 PM
Standing Room Only: Redhot Ranch
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 1, 2010 at 9:30 AM
Dinner Tonight: Barley Risotto with Cauliflower and Red Wine
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 29, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Shrimp and Scallion Pancake
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 27, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Dinner Tonight: Beginner Almond Shrimp Curry with Tomatoes
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 25, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Standing Room Only: Al's #1 Italian Beef
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 25, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Dinner Tonight: Dongting Stir-Fried Duck Breast
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 22, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Goat Cheese
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 20, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Coriander-Orange-Scented Red Lentil Soup
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 18, 2010 at 4:55 PM
Standing Room Only: Alpine Food Shop
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 18, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Dinner Tonight: Seared Duck Breast with Red Wine and Figs
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 15, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Sautéed Chicken with Olives, Capers, and Roasted Lemons
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 13, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Chicken-Fried Rice
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 11, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Standing Room Only: Uncle Remus Chicken & Barbecue
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 11, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Dinner Tonight: Risotto alle Mele (Risotto with Apples)
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 8, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Mediterranean Tuna Salad on Focaccia
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 6, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Omelet with White Beans and Green Onions
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 4, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Standing Room Only: Pop's Italian Beef
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, January 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Dinner Tonight: Spicy Spaghetti with Fennel and Herbs
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, December 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Curry
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, December 28, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Standing Room Only: Jeni's Ice Cream
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, December 28, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Recent Favorites
Standing Room Only: That's-A-Burger
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, November 23, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Dinner Tonight: Miso Soup with Grilled Eggplant and Mushrooms
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 20, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Steamed Mussels in Coconut Milk
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 18, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Dinner Tonight: Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs and Miso Butter
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 13, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Asparagus and Rice Soup
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, May 4, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Dinner Tonight: Pork Tacos with Poblano and Tomatillo Salsa
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, April 20, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce with Cashews
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, April 15, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Chicken and Chili Soup with Beans and Hominy
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, April 13, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Korean Barbecue Beef Bulgogi
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Polenta with Mushroom Ragu
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 27, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Cauliflower-Potato Curry (Aloo Gobhi)
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 25, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Focaccia, the Easiest Homemade Bread
Posted by Grace Kang, March 22, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Mackerel with Currants
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 23, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Chilaquiles Rojos
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 16, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Dinner Tonight: Jacket Potatoes with Mushroom Ragu
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 6, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Dinner Tonight: Long Beans and Tofu Stir Fry
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, March 4, 2009 at 4:55 PM
Dinner Tonight: Crab Fried Rice
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 25, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: Chipotle and Tomatillo Salsa
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 13, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Dinner Tonight: Minced Chicken in Lettuce Cups
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 6, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Dinner Tonight: White Bean and Tarragon Soup
Posted by Blake Royer, February 5, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Dinner Tonight: Shrimp and Grits with Bacon
Posted by Nick Kindelsperger, February 4, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Polls
Nick Kindelsperger answered "Nay" to Ketchup on Burgers: Yea or Nay?
Poll posted by Robyn Lee, January 18, 2010 at 7:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger answered "New York thin crust" to What's Your Favorite Style of Pizza
Poll posted by Adam Kuban, January 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger answered "Lucali's" to What's Your Favorite New York Pizza By The Pie?
Poll posted by Carey Jones, December 1, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Quizzes
Nick Kindelsperger got 85% correct on How Much Do You Know About Indianapolis Food Culture?
Quiz posted by Katie Quinn, February 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Nick Kindelsperger got 66% correct on How Much Do You Know About New Orleans Food Culture?
Quiz posted by Katie Quinn, February 1, 2010 at 7:00 PM
About Nick Kindelsperger
Website: http://www.thepauperedchef.com
Location: Chicago, IL
About:
Favorite foods: Olives, fish tacos, shrimp etouffee, texas chili, and pizza.
Last bite on earth: Probably an olive, but don't hold me to it.

Wow now! Who picks on a children's museum?
If you're going to pick on Indy, why not expose its lack of excellent pizza?