Has anyone read/used/gotten any word on the new cookbook, "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day"? it's by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois, and it gives recipes for no-knead artisan breads.Sounds interesting, covering everything from flatbreads to beignets to baguettes, but I'd love feedback on it from anyone who's got any to offer.
I have a ton of basil given to me by a basil-growing friend. I want to freeze it in cubes (as a puree, to be added to sauces and such), but am not sure of the best way to do this. Don't want to do pesto, but rather the pure basil essence. Any ideas?
For a super-fun and unbelievably delicious lunch (or dinner), go to Frontera Grill. Chef-owner Rick Bayless is a huge star (although not a diva) in the world of Mexican food, and he's often in the kitchen. I got to meet him the last time I was there. Usually a wait, so try to go either early or late. I promise you'll be a convert.
The best Chinese I've ever had was at this place called Three Happiness right off the Red Line Chinatown stop. It's been several years, but the meal was truly memorable. A stroll through Chinatown is also fun...seeing all the bakeries, the shops, the architecture.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on Clark gets a vote from me.
Hi there! Just got back from Chicago last week! Not sure what kind of food/cuisine/price you're looking for, but check out the many establishments offering early/mid-week Prix Fixe menus.
One the best meals and deals we had was at Francesca's Forno at 1576 N Milwaukee. For $20-something, you choose a starter, entree and dessert, all from the regular menu! They do not skimp on the portions for the prix fixe, nor do they limit you on selection. I had a fabulous Insalata con Uova: field greens, asparagus, parmesan, fried egg and white truffle oil with a light, lemony vinaigrette. Entrees are solid, and desserts are killer. Our service was impeccable. Mambo Grill on N Clark offers great latin food...get the Crispy Roast Pork and the Chipotle Chocolate Cake.
For more down-home, comfort food fare, go to George's in Oak Park for a terrific breakfast, served up by waitresses that "hon" and "sugar" you up. Andie's in Andersonville has great Mediterranean offerings, amazingly fresh. Spotty service, however. Cafe Bernard on N. Halsted also has a prix fixe menu, and the food is straightforward French, without a lot of fanfare. Fiddlehead Cafe on N Lincoln has a fabulous brunch menu (and great bloody marys) and good, unobstrusive service.
In Milennium Park, do go to the Park Grill for a terrific lunch. The quality and service were among the best I've ever had! The cafe in the Art Institute also serves delicious food, and if the weather permits, do eat on the patio, although the interior dining room is beautiful.
Other notes: Firefly, RL Cafe, Hancock Tower for cocktails. Rockwell Grill in Ravenswood Gardens. If you like jazz, you MUST see Patricia Barber at the Grill Mill, only on Mondays.
Whew. Guess you can tell I enjoyed our time in Chicago, if for nothing else, the food! Overall, I was very pleased and absolutely loved the city. I hope you and your BF have fun and find some great places to dine!!
Aurelio's Pizza--my bf and his family take annual summer trips out to Chicago to visit family (hence, they know pretty well what's good) and this is their favorite pizza/italian restaurant. They love the pizza so much that they bring coolers and buy at least a dozen extra large sausage pizzas to bring back to PA to last them until another trip. They've been kind enough to share a few slices with me (granted, they are very protective of that pizza :) ) but it is definitely good. It's different than I'm used to, but very tasty.
Long story short, GO TO AURELIO'S!!
I third Frontera Grill. If there is a wait, have a margarita - they are awesome!
I'll second the vote for Frontera, with just a couple of things to add: eating at the bar is also fun (and you probably won't have to wait for long), and they also have a great Saturday brunch from 10:30-2:30. I don't think you can make reservations at Frontera, but you can make a reservation at Bayless' adjacent white-tablecloth restaurant, Topolobampo.
there was a thread like this about a month ago - great recommendations - might try searching for it
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