On a windy Friday night my brother
calls me up just to see what I am doing. Now, I know when he calls late Friday
night it usually means it is time for one of our late night food excursions. So,
true to form, he says... "Hey I'm hungry. Let's go and eat some
Mexican".Now, I was downtown and I was thinking to myself "why not?" But then Puerto Rican food came to mind instead. So I pitch the idea to my brother and he was fine with it. I begin to search the Internet for recommendations on good Puerto Rican restaurants. During my search, Cuban cuisine came up and a place that received consistently great reviews was Cafe LaGuardia. I tell my brother, he agrees, and we tried it out. Ladies and Gents... this place did not disappoint.
Located on North Ave. and Oak Park Ave. this place serves up great authentic Cuban food. According to out lovely waitress Carmen.... All sauces and dishes are made from scratch. The menu is huge. Which for some people can be a turn off? For me, however, I love the fact that I can get different options each time I go there. When my brother and I went, we both had different dishes. I had a monster of a sandwich called the Falda Humada. This sandwich contained brisket that was spiced and smoked for 16 hours. It was served on crusty Cuban bread and served with arroz con gondules or rice and pigeon peas. The taste of the meat had such great flavor one would be tempted to ask for the meat and a side of the rice. Which I found out later... I could have done.
My brother got the Fricassee de pollo or Chicken Fricassee. Chicken simmered in red Cuban wine and Cuban spices for a long period of time. This was served with rice and pigeon peas. Was it good? Well there was quite a bit of silence coming from my brother and my small sample garnered a long “Wowwwwww” from me. This is a very good and savory dish. It is also filling and with a price of $11.99 it along with other dishes on the menu are a steal.But how can I forget about a staple dish of AfroCaribbean dishes.... The Empanada. Cafe LaGuardia makes their own on site and at 2 bucks a pop they are beyond good. They one empanada that caught our eye was the Ricky Ricardo. A seafood empanada filled with lobster, shrimp and crab filled in a flaky crust and then fried. Served with a light, but oh so good m ango sauce this was probably one of the surprises of the night. Well that and the Cuban potato skins that came with a few (but not enough) fried sweet plantains. With me being a proud Nigerian... the plantain really hit a soft spot since it reminded me of the ones my late mother would cook with her "never to be matched" stew and rice.
Cafe LaGuardia West was a pleasant surprise for my brother and me. So much so, we decided to come back with bigger appetites. This place is indeed a gem for those of you looking for something out of the norm and worth the time.
Cafe LaGuardia West is located on 6818 West North Avenue in Chicago. Phone: 773-385-8930
http://www.cafelaguardiawest.com/
By the way, when you go there, ask for Carmen to be your waitress. She is very knowledgeable about the menu and has an interesting story about how she started working there.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Cafe Laguardia West
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Taste of Brasil
Anyone who lives in Oak Park knows that if your looking for food there are no shortages of choices. From Chinese to Indian there is always something for someone to enjoy. But there is a little gem that I found that brings the cuisine of Brasil to light. It's owned by a ambitious, proud Brasilian and I must say that she is on to something.
Taste of Brasil offers salgadinhos or appetizers in many varities. Some include Coxinha do Frango. A chicken croquette that include onions and olives which right now is my favorite along with my 11 year old daughter. Risoles which are savory croquettes that can be filled with either chicken, cheese, and onion or shrimp, onion ,tomato and olives, or artichoke hearts, cheese and onion are yet another favorite. And of course who can forget the beef or cheese empanadas which are freshest I have tasted in a while. These are not your usual frozen then bake kind that many stores sell. The flaky crust is proof that they take their time in the back of the kitchen.
Today, I was able to dine on a lunch special they had available. Sauteed tiliapa with a shrimp sauce, rice, salad, and collard greens Brasilian style. This was washed down by what I think is the best lemonade I have ever tasted hands down. This is made by blending whole limes and lemons with the rinds, sugar, and a type of milk known spefically to Brasilians then straining it. This was so good I had three of them. Yes three.
What really got me was the price. The salgadinhos cost between $1.20 to $1.80. And the lunch was 12 bucks with a very good sized portion. If you came there with $4 bucks you could have a nice little lunch that could fill you up without breaking the bank. But, all this good stuff comes with a knock which would be the space. This eatery is very small and the lines can get a little long. Then again, serving great food at a budget friendly price will do that. I forsee great things for Taste of Brasil.
Taste of Brasil is located at 906 S Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park Illinois. The number is (708) 383-3550. www.tasteofbrasilcafe.com
Taste of Brasil offers salgadinhos or appetizers in many varities. Some include Coxinha do Frango. A chicken croquette that include onions and olives which right now is my favorite along with my 11 year old daughter. Risoles which are savory croquettes that can be filled with either chicken, cheese, and onion or shrimp, onion ,tomato and olives, or artichoke hearts, cheese and onion are yet another favorite. And of course who can forget the beef or cheese empanadas which are freshest I have tasted in a while. These are not your usual frozen then bake kind that many stores sell. The flaky crust is proof that they take their time in the back of the kitchen.
Today, I was able to dine on a lunch special they had available. Sauteed tiliapa with a shrimp sauce, rice, salad, and collard greens Brasilian style. This was washed down by what I think is the best lemonade I have ever tasted hands down. This is made by blending whole limes and lemons with the rinds, sugar, and a type of milk known spefically to Brasilians then straining it. This was so good I had three of them. Yes three.
What really got me was the price. The salgadinhos cost between $1.20 to $1.80. And the lunch was 12 bucks with a very good sized portion. If you came there with $4 bucks you could have a nice little lunch that could fill you up without breaking the bank. But, all this good stuff comes with a knock which would be the space. This eatery is very small and the lines can get a little long. Then again, serving great food at a budget friendly price will do that. I forsee great things for Taste of Brasil.
Taste of Brasil is located at 906 S Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park Illinois. The number is (708) 383-3550. www.tasteofbrasilcafe.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pho Xe Tank Restaurant
If you are from Chicago you can't help but agree that the north side is the example of the American melting pot. African, Asians, Hispanic, European are condensed into one area and live harmoniously. But if you drive down Broadway avenue you will see a street named Argyle. Argyle is one block concentrated with some of the best Asian cuisine you will ever taste outside of china town. One particular place that has really caught my tastebuds is Pho Xe Tank Restaurant or Tank Noodle which it is known as.
What makes this place so good? Well, lets start with the Pho. This place hands down has the best Pho in the city. This is coming from someone who has eaten Pho at expensive and inexpensive places. What makes it so good? Who knows and quite honestly who cares. The stuff is downright good. What also makes this place a keeper is the extensive menu and and low prices. If you go there you have to try number 190 -- chicken with lemongrass, onions, bell peppers, and a metric grip load of chili peppers . My goodness that is good eating.
When you go to Tank you will see that it is extremely busy. However, even as busy as it is... you will not be waiting very long for a seat. Go there with a few people and pick different items on the menu. This is a great way to let you palette enjoy the different types of spices and flavors that are central to Vietnamese cuisine. Tank noodle will definitely open up a brand new world.
Pho Xe Tang -- Tank Noodle Restaurant
4953 N Broadway(between Ainslie St & Argyle St)Chicago, IL 60640(773) 878-2253
www.tanknoodle.com
What makes this place so good? Well, lets start with the Pho. This place hands down has the best Pho in the city. This is coming from someone who has eaten Pho at expensive and inexpensive places. What makes it so good? Who knows and quite honestly who cares. The stuff is downright good. What also makes this place a keeper is the extensive menu and and low prices. If you go there you have to try number 190 -- chicken with lemongrass, onions, bell peppers, and a metric grip load of chili peppers . My goodness that is good eating.
When you go to Tank you will see that it is extremely busy. However, even as busy as it is... you will not be waiting very long for a seat. Go there with a few people and pick different items on the menu. This is a great way to let you palette enjoy the different types of spices and flavors that are central to Vietnamese cuisine. Tank noodle will definitely open up a brand new world.
Pho Xe Tang -- Tank Noodle Restaurant
4953 N Broadway(between Ainslie St & Argyle St)Chicago, IL 60640(773) 878-2253
www.tanknoodle.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
It's been awhile.
I took a break to retool my business and get into a few other endeavours. During this time away I have eaten at so many different places. So, you will see new entries on where to eat and where not to eat. One place that I have to talk about is the Over Easy cafe.
Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this place has really changed how I feel about breakfast. These guys know exactly what to do with eggs and all things breakfast related. Upon entry, the decor hits you. You don't get the regular diner feel. Instead, you get more of a artsy, modern take on the casual breakfast place. To many like my self, that mean nothing to me. The food is what counts. As long as the bathroom is clean I am good to go. I sat down and immediately the waitress greeted me with a bright smile. This was very different from Madge the old waitress who had been there since she was 14 and smacks her gum while she while asking you " What will it be honey?".
I ordered the Sassy Eggs and they definitely lived up to the name. Two scrambled eggs, covered in cheddar cheese, over a bed of chorizo-spiked hash. On top, a glob of guac and artful squirts of chipotle ketchup and sour cream. I can't remember the last time I ate eggs...actually any breakfast that slow. I wanted to savor every bite and try to figure out how they figured this would all mesh together. This was indeed the best breakfast I have every had. Period. This has become THE ONLY place other than my house that I go for breakfast.
Over Easy Cafe
4943 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60640(773) 506-2605
Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this place has really changed how I feel about breakfast. These guys know exactly what to do with eggs and all things breakfast related. Upon entry, the decor hits you. You don't get the regular diner feel. Instead, you get more of a artsy, modern take on the casual breakfast place. To many like my self, that mean nothing to me. The food is what counts. As long as the bathroom is clean I am good to go. I sat down and immediately the waitress greeted me with a bright smile. This was very different from Madge the old waitress who had been there since she was 14 and smacks her gum while she while asking you " What will it be honey?".
I ordered the Sassy Eggs and they definitely lived up to the name. Two scrambled eggs, covered in cheddar cheese, over a bed of chorizo-spiked hash. On top, a glob of guac and artful squirts of chipotle ketchup and sour cream. I can't remember the last time I ate eggs...actually any breakfast that slow. I wanted to savor every bite and try to figure out how they figured this would all mesh together. This was indeed the best breakfast I have every had. Period. This has become THE ONLY place other than my house that I go for breakfast.
Over Easy Cafe
4943 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60640(773) 506-2605
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Mizu
I'm a huge fan of sushi. Some people think it weird that a black dude would eat raw fish instead of chicken. Now you maybe thinking to yourself "that was an ignorant statement". We live in the modern age and we finally have a black president. Well, with all of that being true it's amazing the looks I get when I enter a sushi place and ask for a couple slices of raw salmon and fatty tuna. Now I won't turn this into the angryblackguyeatingalone blog entry so let me get to my review.
What separates Mizu from other sushi places is that they also serve yakatori made to order. For those of you that don't know what yakatori is, it is meat skewers that are grilled over charcoal. It similar to shish-ka-bob with the difference being that unusual parts of animals such as chicken backbone can be grilled and enjoyed. At Mizu, they serve items such as the chicken meatball which actually happens to be a favorite of mine. But the duck yakatori can be damn near addictive with the sauces that are served. Another strange but delicious item is the chicken skin yakatori. Yep chicken skin. I must admit it was very good without the rest of the meat.
Lets get to the sushi at Mizu. Bananas is how I can sum it up. The absolute best in Chicago and I have been to many sushi places. ( I will write about a few of them later) Fresh, superbly prepared, and creative. When you go there try out the Mexican roll. Now, I am not big on specialty rolls because in my opinion they only take away from the taste of fresh fish. But, my mind has changed and I have gone back to Mizu to eat many of their rolls and have not been disappointed. Add to this the art gallery decor that makes it stand out and you have a knockout place to bring a date. This ladies and gentleman is a gem of a place.
Now the only thing I would change is the wait staff. Many of them seem very.....how do I say this....stiff. They could have auditioned for the part of the emperor in Star Wars and walked away with the part. Being a little lively wouldn't hurt. In all, I have been back to Mizu and loved it each time. Go there during happy hour and try many of their specials. Great food at slashed prices makes this place very high on my list.
Mizu is located at 315 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 951-8880 .
What separates Mizu from other sushi places is that they also serve yakatori made to order. For those of you that don't know what yakatori is, it is meat skewers that are grilled over charcoal. It similar to shish-ka-bob with the difference being that unusual parts of animals such as chicken backbone can be grilled and enjoyed. At Mizu, they serve items such as the chicken meatball which actually happens to be a favorite of mine. But the duck yakatori can be damn near addictive with the sauces that are served. Another strange but delicious item is the chicken skin yakatori. Yep chicken skin. I must admit it was very good without the rest of the meat.
Lets get to the sushi at Mizu. Bananas is how I can sum it up. The absolute best in Chicago and I have been to many sushi places. ( I will write about a few of them later) Fresh, superbly prepared, and creative. When you go there try out the Mexican roll. Now, I am not big on specialty rolls because in my opinion they only take away from the taste of fresh fish. But, my mind has changed and I have gone back to Mizu to eat many of their rolls and have not been disappointed. Add to this the art gallery decor that makes it stand out and you have a knockout place to bring a date. This ladies and gentleman is a gem of a place.
Now the only thing I would change is the wait staff. Many of them seem very.....how do I say this....stiff. They could have auditioned for the part of the emperor in Star Wars and walked away with the part. Being a little lively wouldn't hurt. In all, I have been back to Mizu and loved it each time. Go there during happy hour and try many of their specials. Great food at slashed prices makes this place very high on my list.
Mizu is located at 315 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 951-8880 .
Monday, November 17, 2008
My first review-BBQ King House
At first glance you may thing BBQ king is a place for good greasy ribs and french fries. But in reality this is a Chinese restaurant serving up some of the best Peking duck and princess chicken in all of Chicagos Chinatown. Most restaurants claim to have the best duck and chicken but this place can really take the crown.
When you first walk in, the first thing you will notice is that it is small. So ambiance is not in the picture. But what you will see is nice freshly roasted ducks hanging up with juices and fat dripping from them. The crispy skin inviting you to take a deep bite into culinary sin. Yes, the thought of this making me feel thing a normal person shouldn't feel for food.
They also serve crispy chicken which is seasoned with spices I cannot put my finger on just yet butis so good you may not want to brush your teeth just so you could continue to relish the taste. I'm being totally honest when I say that. They also serve traditional chinese fare but to be honest you won't even think about ordering the regular stuff once you get a taste of the roated meat.
What makes this place a deal is that it is very cheap. Two people can eat a whole duck with all the trimming for less than $20 dollars. But if you go please go early. This place is small but it gets packed. But it will be worth it when you go. BBQ get my vote for peking duck in all of Chicago.
When you first walk in, the first thing you will notice is that it is small. So ambiance is not in the picture. But what you will see is nice freshly roasted ducks hanging up with juices and fat dripping from them. The crispy skin inviting you to take a deep bite into culinary sin. Yes, the thought of this making me feel thing a normal person shouldn't feel for food.
They also serve crispy chicken which is seasoned with spices I cannot put my finger on just yet butis so good you may not want to brush your teeth just so you could continue to relish the taste. I'm being totally honest when I say that. They also serve traditional chinese fare but to be honest you won't even think about ordering the regular stuff once you get a taste of the roated meat.
What makes this place a deal is that it is very cheap. Two people can eat a whole duck with all the trimming for less than $20 dollars. But if you go please go early. This place is small but it gets packed. But it will be worth it when you go. BBQ get my vote for peking duck in all of Chicago.
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