Calumet Fisheries

    Last weekend Sanaz, Johara and our friend Linsey went exploring to Calumet Fisheries. This little smoke shack might sound familiar as it was featured on Anthony Bourdain's visit to Chicago a few years back. I never really thought to make the drive down South to "95th at the bridge", but once Johara made the suggestion I figured -why not get out of the city. The drive itself isn't exactly scenic, and you might not want to pull out the Mercedes- since some of it can be sketchy. The white building is tiny, but you won't miss it as it's located right before the bridge. The line of cars parked on the side of the road should also be a give away. The tiny shop displays all sorts of crustaceans you can order by the pound, or full/ half order. The reviews, pictures of Bourdain, and articles boosting their James Beard award fill the walls. The reason this little joint is so well-known is because it is one of the few smokehouses left in Illinois. The fish is smoked on site with natural wood with no liquid or substituted fillers. They use oak logs to stoke their fire and to bring out their natural flavors.
    The very friendly worker took pity on our camera's and complete blank faces when it came time to order so he did a great job of suggesting their popular items. He even offered to take us out back to see the smokehouses.
    We walked out with 2 pieces of smoked salmon, smoked shrimp, and breaded oysters. I'm not sure I recommend the oysters (eating them in a hot car on the drive back to city wasn't as appetizing as we thought).
Just so you know the only way to go here is - to go. No seating in this little smokehouse.

Since we had no where to eat our newly smoked fish we headed back to Johara's where she had prepared an awesome spread of cream cheese, locks, veggies, and summer drinks. The afternoon was spent feasting.

Sometimes you need to get out of the routine of restaurants and BYOB's. Getting out of the city to enjoy great food is also about the experience and the adventure. I was surprised that I enjoyed smoked fish as much as I did. I probably would have never tried it if it wasn't for the lure of the excursion. I'd like to keep these  trips going so if you have any suggestions for another field trip let me know.

I'm thinking a return trip to Hot Dougs is in order.

People Lounge

 

Queso de Cabra: goat cheese, tomato sauce, garlic crusted bread

Ceviche -seasonal choice with citrus cooked fish

Mushrooms with a cream sauce and garlic 

 Patatas bravas: potatoes, roasted red pepper aioli

People's skirtsteak: braised skirtsteak, cornichons, capers, aged manchego

 pastel de chocolate: molten chocolate cake, house made crema dulce ice cream

     A very happy birthday to my gorgeous big sis! The weekend was celebrated throughly, to the point of exhaustion on the couch all day Sunday. Alas, the birthday dinner was celebrated at People Lounge in Wicker Park. I am in love with this place. The music, the vibe, the accented servers, and the tapas. I love tapas because it gives you the option of a tasting menu with the perfect portions to share. How fun is the vibe when you can dabble in eachothers plates. I think the best thing about People is the unique combinations. For instance the skirtsteak with a cornichons, capers, aged manchego. The sauce was just as tasty as the melt in your mouth steak. The combo of salty potatos and roasted red pepper aioli was a great salty and spicy contrast. I think next time I'll try some new options maybe the lamb lollipops: rack of New Zealand lamb, fried creamy polenta.
   We also ordered the sangria, a little weak but we didn't mind after the weekend assortment of watermelon puree vodkas, mojitos, and shots gallore. Happy birthday sis.

Toro

Sashimi

"Southern Galz"

"Oh my God"

"El Fuego"

Close up of El Fuego

Green tea ice cream tempura

     Last night was a return trip to Toro Sushi in Lincoln Park , my old stomping grounds. I really miss this place not only because of the great fresh sushi but my fondness of the space. The tiny restaurant, which hosts maybe twelve tables, is located across the street from my old apartment. And although my address had changed not too long ago it feels like a life time since I've been here. Not to get all nostalgic, but isn't it amazing how the atmosphere of a restaurant can have that effect?

Toro has a reputation for their no-reservation policy (expect a long wait), unique house rolls (don't expect me to detail ingredients because they are strictly hush-hush), and the one and only heart of this place- Mitch Kim, chef and owner. You can find plenty of positive reviews on yelp - and local Chicago websites. And you might find the occasional brat complaining about service ( get over it, its about the food). But all in all a great local find!


     It is BYOB, and between Sanaz and our new friends Johara and Nadia we weren't bothered by the new limits on bottles per party. I brought a bottle of Dancing Bull Cab. Johara brought a bottle of Riesling and a few Sapporo's. I found out that Johara's knowledge of beer might be a premise for her new blog (I'll keep you posted!). With two pairs of sisters, drinks and Sushi - you can't go wrong.
     The food: fresh as always. Johara and Nadia shared the sashimi, Sanaz and I started with salads with ginger dressing. We got four rolls (all pictured above - minus the Taco roll ). I have to admit, before moving to Chicago I knew little about sushi, thus I won't go into the different types of rolls. For a great glossary of terms check out Toro's website.
     All I can say is wow - Southern galz- was a deep fried spicy and very filling roll. The Oh my god with crispy eel on top was a mouthful of delight. The Tako Roll wasn't listed on the menu and although it looked a hot mess it had tasty octopus! El Feugo, was a spicy roll with jalapeños and cilantro- a unique twist. Complete with green tea ice cream tempura, sparkler and all (a prelude to Sanaz's birthday coming up) it was a perfect night of sushi!


The recent return to Toro was a nostalgic trip to my old life as a Lincoln Parker and I miss it dearly. Complete with the LP mom's fetching sushi to-go for their families, Pocket Puppies across the street, and Molly's cupcakes next door - I can't picture this space anywhere else in the City. On the list of top ten Chicago finds this fits the bill. Enjoy.

Habana Libre

Nothing beats getting to know new friends over an unexpectedly delicious dining experience. A couple days ago Warren's sister Christina came to celebrate her 21st birthday here in Chicago. We planned to meet over dinner and then head out to break in her I.D at a local bar.

Generally speaking, dinner is always better with drinks. Therefore picking a BYOB restaurant takes a few clicks in the right neighborhood and viola I found Habana Libre conveniently located between Warren and my apartment in Noble Square.
I like to check out Yelp.com reviews before I try a new place and all reviews gave us the green light. The sisters had some white wine while the Buckler's had a six-pack of Summer Shandy. A couple glasses went by while we waited for Christina's friends Kang and Natalie who brought more treats.
I don't know if we expected how amazing the Cuban flare would be- I mean hey I've never had Cuban so what to expect? I'd rather show.

 

Salmon with mango salsa, white rice and beans with plantains. 

 

Steak with carmalized onions

 

Carne Asada steak. 

 

Carne Asada special with shrimp

 

Chicken with garlic 

 

Another chicken dish with Cuban spices

 

Home-made hot sauce with jalapenos and cilantro

Habana Libre looks like another dive, nestled in between West town bars. You walk in and are welcomed by pleasant staff. The music was authentic and so the kind service. I did think the added fees (corkage, bread etc.) were unnecessary but the food made up for it. I highly recommend any of the steak dishes which several of us tried. I got the Salmon with mango salsa, and they were not frugal with the portion, that's for sure. We requested hot sauce and were pleasantly surprised by a homemade jalapeno salsa. 

What topped of the evening (besides the bottle of wine, two six packs, and sangria) was the birthday surprise: the entire staff singing which brought the whole restaurant clapping.

Can't wait to come back!