Now that's a Jell-O mold
Filed under random spottings
I spotted this Chicago’s Pizza sign heading North on Ashland over the weekend, ironically breezing past the shuttered Pizza Hut just south of Division. I couldn’t tell if it’s just come down from one of their four locations, or is heading up to 3413 N. Clark where, according to the Web site, the chain is supposedly opening another spot with a “reduced” menu. Either way, I’ve never tried the stuff. Is it any good? Any other tasty new ‘za discoveries to report?
Filed under random spottings
Choose your Quality meat, let the palm reader predict dinner…
Randolph Street, March 6, 8:42PM
Filed under random foto, random spottings
One of WordPress’s nifty functions is revealing what search engine terms led readers to the blog, and they range from the obvious (cupcakes at Sweet Mandy B’s) to the awesome (Fruity Pebbles cupcakes). For some reason, a search for “salted caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks” was coming up like once a day for months, and other popular ones have been “ice box cake,” “chef Frank Brunacci” (of 16 restaurant in Trump Tower) and “Berry Chill.” But I found it especially interesting when a search for “calories in Twin Anchors ribs,” led a weight-watching soul to my bloat-promoting blog. I write about the Twin a lot, but the reader must’ve been pretty disappointed to find nary a mention of the nutritional facts of their rib dinner. All they need to know is that it equals fatty fatness. And when you’re talking Twin’s zesty sauce, really, who’s counting?
Filed under random spottings, thick
Tropical breezes are supposedly on the way this week, but we still got our flame on with Geja’s chocolate fondue. The beauty of an expanded restaurant week means getting to visit all of the old favorites around town on the cheap. I actually hadn’t been to the classic fondue spot in years, and forgot about the mini-spectacle that is the flaming chocolate fondue dessert. Kicked off by flaming marshmallows presented by the server, a platter of fruit, chocolate pound cake and not nearly enough marshmallows are slated to be dipped in melted chocolate flamed with orange liqueur. Now if we could only leave reeking more like that and less like hot bubbly oil. Geja’s Cafe, 340 W. Armitage Ave., 773.281.9101
Filed under ..and more, great for date, I like to eats, random spottings
Oh Walgreens, why are you so random sometimes?
Filed under ..and more, random spottings
While you can tell a lot about a restaurant by the quality, variety and delivery of its bread basket, I recently discovered that Ben Pao in River North provides a far less butter-slathered and bloat-worthy way to start your meal. A tiny bowl of very thinly sliced cucumbers soaking in rice wine vinegar and sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds is brought to the table with the ice water. It’s simple, light and palate-cleansing, and won’t spoil your appetite if you scarf the whole thing down even before you order. Ben Pao, 52 W. Illinois, 312.222.1888.
Filed under random spottings
The only thing I had ever heard about Rocks Bar was the massive chunks of ice they plunked in their cocktails, but, um, not a peep about the fried mac and cheese appetizer. I’m on a bit of a mac and cheese kick lately (growing up on Kraft brand mac and cheese jaded me for far too long), and have been looking for restaurants that serve up the best—I mean besides this. Served with barbecue sauce, these fried beauties at Rocks have the slightly sweet not-too-crispy coating of McDonald’s chicken nuggets, with macaroni and Cheddar filling that isn’t over-stuffed or overly decadent. After trying them and raving, there were rumblings in the bar of other forms of the fried mac and cheese appetizer around town that were comparable if not better than Rocks. Burt’s in Morton Grove maybe? I wasn’t sure. I know Citizen once did a fried mac and cheese ball…anyone encounter this creation somewhere else? Please share, and while we’re at it, feel free to weigh in (no pun intended) on other interesting fried things you’ve recently seen around town. 
photo by steve baker
Filed under I like to eats, random spottings
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