Chicago: Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery

#75 in the Nation

Ever since Bob saw that this brewery was rated 75th in the world, he knew he had to try it. Nan, Bob, and Jess drove to Flossmoor, IL to check out this brewery. Flossmoor is a lovely, quiet southern suburb with a few shops and restaurants. You would never guess that it would be home to such a highly-rated brew pub.

Floosmoor Station was offering two dollar 12 ounce beers. Bob tried two different kinds and said both were good (although not THE best he's ever had). Nan tried a light ale and enjoyed it as well. For lunch Nan and J had yummy (HUGE) salads with fruit, cheese and chicken. Bob ordered a sausage patty, which he said was also very good. The waitress was friendly and helpful and the prices were good.

After we left FS, we stopped at Jewel on the way home to pick up ingredients for dinner. Since it was J's last night in Chicago for the summer, she requested Nan's homemade pizza. If Floosmoor Station is ranked #75 in the world for beer, Nan's homemade pizza is ranked #1 in South Loop.

It tasted as good as it looks!

Chicago: Big Star

What a blast!

Barb was visiting us this weekend, and we decided to take her to Wicker Park/Bucktown. We figured we’d try to get into Big Star, but didn’t hold out much hope since it almost always a mob scene.

Perhaps it was due to the Air & Water show, but we actually got right in early Sunday night. We even got an inside table. Nan complained about the noise, but it was tolerable and there is a lot of energy in the place.

Big Star’s deal is great, cheap tacos and beer in a Texas road house sort of setting. The tacos (and tostadas) are $2 – 3 and the beer is equally cheap. We each ordered a few tacos and Bob quickly downed two beers since he was still sort of dehydrated from his long morning run in the heat. We tried the pork belly, pork shoulder, poblano pepper and fish tacos; Barb and Jess also had the special tostada with chorizo and potatoes.

The people watching can’t be beat at Big Star. There is every type of tattoo imaginable and lots of hipster types. Best of all, the bill came to $49.

No wonder this is one of Miguel’s favorite joints.

Chicago: Freddy's

This Italian deli located in the rather boring neighborhood of Cicero is a true gem. We never would have found this place in a million years. Thanks to Bob for recommending it. The joint is tiny--they have fresh pastas, sauces, bread, beverages, and other authentic Italian food on their shelves. The deli counter has tons of salads, rice balls, pizzas, sandwiches to order, etc.

Everything is so fresh, authentic and inexpensive. Nan, Bob, and J shared a large salad with artichokes, feta, tomatoes olives, one rice ball, one slice of artichoke pizza, and one tomato/mozz/prosciutto salad (oh, and two drinks) for under $20. You can't eat at subway for that price. Every bite we ate was outstanding. It reminded me of a place you'd see in a small town in Italy. Normally I (Jess) prefer thin crust and this pizza was a square pan pizza ('medium crust'). However, it was still very good--especially loaded with artichokes.

Bob thought the gelato was the best he's ever had. Chicago Magazine rated it the best in Chicago. It was creamy and rich. We tried limoncello, pistachio, and fruit of the forest.

This place gets 5 stars. We will return soon!

Chicago: Bonsoiree

Yet more celebrating for Nan's birthday......Bob and I went to Bon Soiree at 2728 W Armitage. What an amazing treat! It is a small, simply decorated room with subdued, tranquil lighting. One can order a 4, 7 or 12 course meal. Thankfully we picked the 4 course one. The food is French traditions with a Japanese flair. Each course is served in a very unique dish and the food is so creative and delish. We had a lobster/octopus salad, corn vichyssoise, pork chop replete with popcorn pesto and real pieces of popcorn, too. For dessert it was "Milk and Cookies" arranged beautifully with a incredible brownie, three cookies and a drink that reminded me of a Dreamsicle. Yum, Yum, Yum. They change the menu seasonally, so i will definitely return again. Having a $60.00 Groupon wasn't so bad either.

Chicago: The Purple Pig

Perfect late afternoon snack

After a few hours of shopping and walking around the city Bob and Jess stopped by The Purple Pig (cheese, swine, and wine!). Jess had wanted to try it ever since Nan pointed it out to her the day before. It is located on Michigan Ave. but luckily the outdoor seating is on a side street and not on the touristy Mag Mile.

The weather was absolutely perfect to eat outside. The outside area had big communal tables but Bob and J decided to sit at a table for two out of the sun. The inside reminded J of a Spanish tapas bar.

We started off the meal with a 'quartino' of Vino Verde (from Portugal) which totally hit the spot. We had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so good. We finally settled on: Salt-Roasted Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese & Pistachio Vinaigrette (J's favorite), Fried Manchego with Membrillo Vinaigrette, Greek sausage with grapes, and fried olives stuffed with Chorizo.

Since Bob was going out to dinner just four hours later, we decided four shared tapas would be best. If we were eating the meal as a dinner, I would suggest getting 5-6 tapas to share.

This place would be fun to come with a group after work.

Chicago: Cafe des Architectes

Nan's Birthday lunch with the Joes

In honor of Nan's birthday, Mike and Jess took her to Cafe des Architectes which is located in the modern Sofitel hotel downtown (E. Chestnut Street). Mike recommended that we should go there and we are all so glad we went. The meal was very special.

Before we ordered, we enjoyed a lovely assortment of fresh breads with delicious olive tapenade. Deciding what do order wasn't hard for us at all. We all knew we wanted to order from the 'executive lunch' which allowed us to get an appetizer, salad, entree, and two mini desserts for $22. Nan and Jess had identical meals: cold creamy tomato/roasted red pepper soup, a shaved fennel with shrimp salad, perfectly cooked halibut. Everything had such amazing flavors. Mike had the same salad but instead of fish, he had beef tenderloin and instead of soup he had a unique corn/oxtail salad. Our desserts were different: raspberry creme, raspberry 'jello', passion fruit tapioca, and chocolate mousse.

The most unique part of the meal was the presentation. All four courses were presented on four little white square plates which sat on top of one large plate. The portions were perfect too. None of us left hungry or too stuffed. We think more restaurants in America should serve like this place does!

Since it was Nan's birthday, she was surprised with blueberries on a plate with a French chocolate macaroon and fresh mint. Yum!

Overall, we all rate this place five stars for the service, food, ambiance, and presentation.

NYC: Kellari

The Goldins dined at Kellari for a post-theater meal. Specializing in fresh seafood from the Medditerranean as well as oceans around the world, the restaurant displays the catche-of-the-day on ice for hungry customers to see. The ambience of the spacious dining space is rustique, with exposed wood beams, wine barrels and oversized vases and planters.

We all ordered whole fish. As the meal was prepared an assortment of complimentary appetizers were served. The chickpea spread was rich and specked with garlic, a great dip. The salty olive mix was a perfect accompaniment to the white wine. Radishes were brined in a sweet solution to balance the bitterness of the under-appreciated vegetable. The undisputed star of the appetizers plate was the hard sheep's milk cheese. Sliced from a large wheel, this strong cheese piqued the collective appetite of the family.

The fish was grilled and dressed simply with olive oil, lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The preparation emphasized the flavor and freshness of the fish. While the average (unsophisticated perhaps) dinner might seek a more complete meal with sauces, side-dishes, etc, this minimalist approach to grilled seafood allows full appreciation; nothing to mask the true flavors of the sea

One must savor these moments of pure and wholesome seafood. In a planet of dwindling populations and unsustainable fishing, the opportunity to eat pure, unadulterated and high-quality seafood must be treasured, for opportunities like this might be limited.

Recommended for those whole love fish and value freshness.

*picture taken from website

Chicago: Cibo Matto

Earlier in the week Bob and Nan had dinner with our friends Haywood and Hassie Solomon, who live in Atlanta most of the year. They asked us to select the restaurant, and we picked Cibo Matto in the Wit Hotel on State and Lake.

We made a reservation for 8 p.m. but got there about 20 minutes early and decided to check out the rooftop bar. It is on the 21st floor and has great views of the city. It is very hip - it reminded us of a South Beach place. Haywood and Hassie were already there, finishing up a drink. We decided to head down to the restaurant since it was pretty loud in the bar.

The restaurant is beautifully designed. We got a semi-private booth, ordered our first of two bottles of delicious Pinot Grigio, and began to review the menu. The waiter recommended that we each have an appetizer and entree and split a pasta. We decided to take him up on his suggestion. Bob has grilled octopus, Nan a fresh mozzarella salad with lots of interesting greens and nuts. I don't recall what the Solomons had but they couldn't stop raving about their dishes. The "primi" was an amazing bucatini with egg, some wonderful cheese and bacon (which they cure on premise). The entrees were fabulous = halibut (Nan), short ribs (eaten with a fork by Bob), Kobe beef (which provided Hassie with a lunch the next day) and skate wing (I talked Haywood out of the whitefish, for which he will be eternally grateful). We actually had a bit of room for dessert (don't ask how) so we split a scoop of gelato and a chocolate tort.

The food, atmosphere (or ambience, as Nan likes to call it) and service couldn't be better. What a treat (and we were treated!)

Chicago: Black Dog Gelato

With minutes to spare...

This week's edition of Time Out, which came out today, had a rave review Black Dog, an artisan gelato shop in Ukrainian Village.

Jess and I both happened to read the review and almost simultaneously declared "we have to try it." We looked up their hours, which were liberal (they stayed open till 10). Normally we would easily be able to get with plenty of time to spare, but not tonight. Our plan was to eat dinner in Wicker Park and have dessert at Black Dog. We ended up having the longest dinner imaginable - Jess will supply details. So, we almost had to abort our mission but we did get to Black Dog at 9:57. It is on a nice quiet corner and the help encourages sampling. We, of course, took advantage of their generosity and decided on three flavors (we like the unique ones): goat cheese caramel cashew, malted vanilla, and salted peanut. The portions were liberal and the gelato superb. It's a definite repeat and worth all its favorable press.

Chicago: May Street Market

BYOB (no corkage fee) + Living Social coupon + excellent food = a wonderful Monday night dinner

Since our Living Social coupon ($25 for $50 worth of food) expires in three days, we decided to drive to May Street Market to use it up. The place was pretty empty when we walked in at 7:30 but the food and decor looked great.

For appetizers, Jess and Mike ordered the gazpacho (yum!). Nan and Bob ordered the grilled watermelon salad which came with a 'shooter' of watermelon juice (alcohol-free). We all thoroughly enjoyed our first dishes.

For the main course, Dad had the famous duck burger which came with perfectly crispy fries. We all had a bite and agree that it was one of the best 'burgers' in town. It came with figs and cheese and was served on a soft bun with a sweet taste. Jess ordered grilled tilapia with an olive tapenade and a summer squash salad. Mom ordered duck gnocchi and Mike enjoyed the smoked pork shoulder. We all loved our meal and our waiter was attentive and helpful.

Overall, we thought this place was a great value for the money and plan to return again.

*pictures taken from website

NYC: The Landmark Tavern

Landmark Tavern has been on Bob’s NYC great bar list for years, but he’s never been there.

In a fortunate coincidence, Landmark happens to be located about 4 blocks from Pier 83, where our boat tour disembarked. Since it was 100 degrees outside, we would have gone anywhere for cold beer, and it just so happened that Landmark was the closest watering hole. So, with a very brief stop at the H & H Bagel Shop, we braved the elements and walked the 4 blocks, which seemed like 4 miles (even to Bob the marathoner) so that we could enjoy the cool taste of Brooklyn Lager at one of NYC’s finer drinking establishments.

NYC: Back Fence (Bar)

A bar to remember
Bob is always on the lookout for cool, interesting and historic bars. His family is always willing to accompany him.

Sunday afternoon we trekked to the West Village in the blazing heat, drinking gallons of water along the way. Our plan was to meet Mike at Peculier Pub on Bleecker St. Unfortunately, Peculier was closed, but lo and behold, the Back Fence, a classic Greenwich Village beatnik bar, was open.

We walked in right around 3, not realizing it was an open mic day. We heard a “street poet” regale us with a very long, absolute incomprehensible and hilarious rap about schmoolgelfoofers. Don’t ask what a schmoolgerfoofer is, but trust us, it was a once in a lifetime experience that was enhanced by the authenticity of the venue.

NYC: Bar Stuzzichini

One of NY’s best sandwiches

Our family loves New York and goes there every year. Our favorite things to do are walk around the city, eat, and hang out in the Village.

This year we arrived around noon, dropped off our luggage at the hotel, and decided we just had to try Bar Stuzzichini, which, according to New York magazine, has the second best sandwich (called pane e panelle) in the city. Sure enough, we walked down to 21^st and Broadway (near the Village) and found the restaurant easily. Nan and I ordered the famous sandwich (which consists of bread, lightly fried chickpeas and two cheeses) while Jess and Mike took advantage of the lunch special (two courses plus an aperol spritz, an amazing cocktail). The restaurant was almost empty but the service and food were top notch. And yes, the sandwich is worth all the publicity.

NYC: Shake Shack

Need I say more. This was a first class, outstanding frozen custard! I (Nan) had the flavor of the day which was Peaches and Cream. You know it is rich beyond words when your lips feel like you have chap stick on them after eating it. What a treat. Another bonus is that I was the only one in the "Custard Only" line and I got to be served pronto. The fools in the other line had an hour wait!! It probably still was worth it!!!!

NYC: L'Arte Del Gelato

So after having the best pizza in NYC, Mike recommended that we go to a gelato place a few blocks away from Keste called L'Arte Del Gelato. At first, we all said that we weren't ready for gelato because we were full and wanted to walk a bit. However, after walking into the place, we changed our minds immediately.

At $4.50 for two scoops, we felt we were getting a fairly good deal (for NYC standards). The flavors and smells of the homemade waffles cones were heaven. The gelato was smooth and delish. Dad ordered Olio d’Oliva (Olive Oil!) and Butterscotch but they also had unique interesting flavors like Egg Nog, Green Tea, Fresh Ricotta with Chocolate Chips, and Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper.

Even though NYC has dozens of fat-free tart yogurt stores lining their streets, this gelato place is worth the caloric splurge! Good recommendation, Mike :)













*Gelato picture courtesy of the website. We didn't snap any of our own.

NYC: Keste

The Goldins LOVE pizza and every trip to NYC we try a new pizza place. Last year (2009), we enjoyed the "Luzzo" pizza at Luzzo (East Village)--a tiny place with a huge pizza oven in the back. Their pizza cooked in about three minutes and it was absolutely outstanding. I (Jess) had been on a mission this time to find a pizza that was equally as good--or better.

Sure enough, Keste topped Luzzo. Keste is a Neapolitan Pizzeria located at 271 Bleeker Street (West Village). We arrived at 5pm as soon as the place opened. We were all hungry since we didn't have any lunch that day and we walked in the 95 degree heat.

Our Italian waiter was very friendly and encouraged us to order multiple pizzas. We ordered three: the "Keste", the "Padrino" and one other I'm forgetting the name of. We also ordered table wine to help us wash down our pizza. I think the four of us agreed it was THE best pizza we've ever had. The crust was 'spongey' and had a slight burnt taste. All of the ingredients were very high quality. Pictures don't really do it justice.
YUM.

NYC: Morandi

Morandi is an authentic and rustic Italian trattoria that specializes in homemade pastas, incredible meat dishes, and fresh tomatoes and cheeses. It was recommended by an Italian waiter, Jess' friend, and a NY blogger that Jess reads. We knew it was a must-try!

It is located in the West Village (Jess' favorite neighborhood) and only a $10 cab ride from our hotel (Lex and 51st). No matter where you go in NYC, it seems to be a $10 cab.
We were drooling over the entire menu but ended up ordering: fried green olives stuffed with sausage, grilled squid with peppers, capers & olives, Vitello alla milanese (veal milanese- Nan & Jess), triangular penne with shrimp, artichoke & arugula (Nan & Jess), saffron pasta with spicy lamb & ricotta salata (Bob), and a pasta with a duck bolognese (Mike).

Overall: 9.75/10 (amazing!)

*top pic: from the website

The birth

The birth of this blog:

While dining on grilled calamari, sausage-stuffed fried olives, and homemade pastas at Morandi (in the West Village), we were talking about how we are lucky to be a 'foodie' family. Since we have been to so many different restaurants over the years, Jess thought it would be a good idea to document our experiences online. This will prevent Nan from asking Bob the names of every restaurant they've eaten at.