ELIZABITES

April 13, 2009 · 12:05 am

Mars Cheese Castle

The sun shines over the Mars Cheese Castle sign, an I-94 landmark

How many times do you have to drive past the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI before you finally venture in? I had stopped into the haven for all things Wisconsin (from cheese to beef jerky to stuffed cow kitsch) once in high school, but not again until this past weekend. It’s looks like a poor man’s Medieval Times marred by a slew of random, mismatched signs (namely the massive one everyone notices from the I-94) on the outside. Instead of knights, falcons and jousts going on inside (yes I have been to Medieval Times too, don’t hate), there are aisles stocked with Wisco-produced products from Door County wines to local jams, beer, smoked sausages, specialty sauces, bakery, cooking products, and of course lots and lots of cheese. Not to mention a cafe, bar, deli and fully stocked gift shop. A fellow Milwaukee native swears by the 9-year-aged Cheddar, but there were dozens of other varieties to choose from. I resisted the cheese, but reached instead for a packet of beef jerky sticks by Klement’s and a Mars-brand raspberry kringle. Not exactly Kosher for Passover but my family devoured them nonetheless. At check-out I learned that the Castle has actually been in the same location since 1947, but will be relocating to a new 25,000-square-foot space (directly behind the current one) as soon as the freeway expansion project gets underway starting in July. The new location will include a wine shop, the original sign (phew), and some sort of “draw-bridge” thing that shouldn’t be tacky at all. In the meantime, don’t just wonder what goes on inside the Castle, pull over next time and stop in for all the cheesy Wisconsin goodness you crave and more. Mars’ Cheese Castle, 2800 120th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 800.655.6147

Beer sausage (literally)

Curd you die?

Apple and cherry wines from Northeastern Wisconsin-based Von Stiehl Winery

Really, can anyone resist a Wisconsin kringle? I mean...

If I had to guess, this trippy sign was designed in the mid-'60s. I love the planet hovering over the castle, but isn't Saturn the one with the rings?

If I had to guess, this trippy sign appeared in the mid-'60s. I love the planet hovering over the castle, but isn't Saturn the one with the rings?

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Filed under eliz-a-trip, I like to eats, random spottings, thick

April 10, 2009 · 12:05 am

Mystery glitz

The week started out with a trickier mystery post, this one’s a bit easier. This glitzy bar is in the middle of what Chicago restaurant?

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April 9, 2009 · 10:28 am

Guest blog spot: Wagyu burger at Sola

After guessing the Hot Doug’s mystery mural and choosing to write about the Wagyu beef burger at Sola for her guest post, you’d never guess Kate Bongionvanni blogs for fitness Web site, www.fit-ink.com. But when she’s not working out she’s hanging at Sola for Thursday’s “Burgers, Bacon and Beer” night (yeah, it’s as awesome as it sounds). I love everything on the menu at Sola, so it’s no surprise Chef Carol Wallack’s burger is a hidden gem. I mean, it’s on a pretzel roll, can you go wrong? Kate’s post and pic to follow.

Sola burger

A Burger to Bend For
I tend to steer clear of red meat, but Sola’s Wagyu beef burger makes me break my rules. And for good reason: It’s irresistible to both diners and servers at Carol Wallack’s Lakeview hotspot. Not only is this sandwich tough to pass up—even among other menu favorites like the seafood preparations and short ribs—but it’s only available twice a week, at lunch on Thursdays and Fridays and during “Burgers, Beer and Bacon Thursday” nights.
But what is it about a burger that leaves my mouth watering and makes this most-of-the-time pescatarian craving more even after polishing off the entire over-sized sandwich? It’s the combination of flavors sandwiched between a pretzel roll. The medium-rare Wagyu beef piled high with melted cambozola cheese oozing out the sides, wilted arugula, crispy house-cured bacon, and my favorite, onions caramelized in pineapple juice. There’s something about the melding of those flavors that has me savoring each bite, telling myself to save some for later and even when I do bring a box home, the burger doesn’t sit around for long. Plus, it’ll only set you back $13 at lunch for burger perfection. And Chicagoans aren’t the only ones taking notice: Wallack cooked her signature burger at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival’s Burger Bash in February. Although her burger didn’t win top props (rumor has it that Spike from “Top Chef” Season 4 stole the show), the accompanying truffle fries received the “Best Potatoes” award. Sola 3868 N. Lincoln Ave., 773.327.3868

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April 8, 2009 · 12:05 am

Black sesame flan at Kaze

We saw black sesame flan on the dessert menu of Kaze in Roscoe Village and had to have it. Not only because the description included slightly sweetened basil seed extract, fresh cherries and sugar candy, but because we knew that the crazier any dessert sounds at Kaze, the better it probably is. I already gushed over my obsession with their asparagus pudding last summer, and must now express my newfound infatuation with black sesame flan. From the color you expect almost a green tea mousse, but the black sesame imparts a nutty flavor that strangely reminded me of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The sweet basil seed extract may look like ants making a beeline for a picnic but it’s addictive and serves as almost a sweet syrupy dipping sauce for the flan. Spun sugar garnishes are pretty, but let’s face it, meant to be broken into delicate crunchy candy bits that add even more texture and sweetness to the dessert. But keep in mind that at Kaze, the best isn’t only saved for last, they also have killer sushi, seafood entrées and sweet potato soup to start. Kaze Sushi 2032 W. Roscoe, 773.327.4860

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Filed under ..and more, great for date, I like to eats

April 7, 2009 · 12:05 am

On the table: Urban Belly

Metal box of napkins, garlic chili sauce, soy balsamic sauce, togarashi chili pepper spice. 3035 N. California Ave., 773.583.0500

Mystery floor

What Chicago restaurant features “stone” tiles on the bathroom floor?

Guest blog spot: El Taco Nazo

Of all the neighborhoods I cover on the blog, I have yet to eat my way through Pilsen, which is why I was expecially excited when Molly Schemper of Fig Catering guessed the Urban Belly mystery logo, A resident of Pilsen, she decided to blog about her favorite neighborhood spot, El Taco Nazo, and also promised to take me on a food tour of her ‘hood with her partner Justin Hall (who got to share his own Chinatown-inspired guest post a few months back). Her delicious post (she had me at guac) and fun pics to follow..

Chiles rellenos

I don’t get out much. As much as I’d like to try all of the new restaurants I read about or get to some of the “oldies, but goodies,” the reality of running my own business (not much free time or free cash) often gets in the way. When I’m tired from a day of working in the kitchen or at an event, I usually end up at a neighborhood joint. Luckily, I live in Pilsen so that’s not always a bad thing, with a plethora of Mexican taquerias and slightly more upscale seated places I can usually get great tacos, tender tampiqueña (grilled steak with beans, grilled spring onions, guacamole, rice, etc.), ceviche, and chiles rellenos—my favorite.

So, where do I end up most often? El Taco Nazo (née Azteca Tacos). The service at ETN is somewhat distracted, but the four delicious homemade salsas and unlimited chips they bring to your table will quickly distract you. Cold beers with cold mugs (by request or repeated recognition only) make it feel like you’re on a Mexican beach (ignore the blaring lights that are new and will hopefully be dimmed by the next time I visit). The guacamole can sometimes use salt, but add it and you’ll enjoy the creamiest version around (I believe Pilsen has first dibs on avocados in the city.). The chiles rellenos are freshly fried and bathed in a spicy, smoky tomato sauce full of peppers and onions. The beans are homemade and lardy. The ceviche tostadas are bright and crunchy; unlike true ceviche the shrimp and fish are precooked and mixed to order with lime juice, onion, tomatoes, and marinated jalapeños (sometime really hot, other times not). The torta Milanesa (breaded steak) topped with mayo and avocado is a great sandwich and the guisados (stews) I’ve tried have been great as well.

Unless I’m at Topolobampo I don’t end Mexican meals with dessert, and considering the pictures of Superflan on the walls at ETN I don’t make an exception here. Just have another Bohemia…you’ll be fine. 1514 W. 18th Street, 312.432.0800

Pork torta

Salsa in demand

The buzz over “Antennae”

I guess I figured $200 ant eggs would’ve given it away, but it appears some close friends were asking me to tell them more about the insect restaurant story posted on April 1. I also realized that a reader looking back at the post someday or searching for edible insect recipes may not notice the date, hence scouring Division street for crispy worms this summer. Antennae (I almost went with Insecto) may work in Mexico, but alas, it was just a foodie April Fool’s joke. Heh.

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