hot mulled ginger-spiced pomegranate cider
-
potato pancakes topped with apple-horseradish cream and smoked whitefish
baby arugula with lemon vinaigrette
Ace Hard Perry Cider
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garlic and herb encrusted rack of lamb
port wine veal demi-glace
pumpkin-sage parmesan polenta
2007 Ascencion Malbec
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spiced caramalized pears with warm marsala zabaglione
2008 Tabali Reserva Late Harvest Muscat
Room for: 6
Cost: $30
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Review: Friendship Chinese Restaurant (11.28.09)
So it was time to cash in on another Groupon (if you don't know what Groupon is, see note*). My husband said that I'm only allowed to have only 3 gift certificates, Groupons, restaurant.coms, etc. at any given point in time. Ricidulous! Using Friendship's 5-course Chilean Sea Bass Groupon put us at 4 (shhhh, don't tell).
Well, first off, I had a couple of blunders to start. Don't show up to Friendship with your leggings and Uggs thinking this is a casual Chinese spot. I was surprised to see white linen tables, warm lighting, and several button down and sports coat combinations in the crowd. It was definitely nicer than I imagined. Though don't get too carried away, nice jeans and a respectful shirt will do fine. Also, I'll have to double check the restaurant spreadsheet. I thought they had a full bar but I was mistaken. They have a beer bar but no wine. Wine is BYO - thank you local neighborhood liquor store on corner! (Note that menu states that wine will be coming soon to its bar.)
What I had mistaken during the 1st 5 minutes, however, was certainly not the case once we moved onto food. Seeing as I have 1, yes, count it, 1 Chinese restaurant that I even feel is worthy to eat at (hollaaaaahhhh Yu's Mandarin!), Friendship had a lot to prove. Our 5-course meal started with a wonderful creamy lobster corn bisque that was amazing. I know this is blasphemous but it might have been the best lobster bisque I've ever tasted! It was missing some of the richness that other bisques seem to have that overwhelm the delicateness of the lobster. I find myself only having a few bites and not being able to continue. Not here, I could have easily made an entire meal of this soup. Second course, we had a warm unagi (yes eel) chip with a guacamole/ceviche/tartare combination on top. The unagi was breaded, then fried, and almost tasted like a fish plantain cake. Very tasty! We ordered the Asian bbq bourbon ribs off the regular appetizer menu. Don't ask me what bourbon has to do with Asian cuisine but it worked. As you can tell, this place combines elements of Chinese cooking with contemporary American flavors, a combination that worked well (although dessert was a little TOO much for me). For the main courses, we had 3 items: Mongolian Beef (again the best I've had. The meat, extremely well cooked. It was actually tender, not the typical chewing on an old shoe toughness. Very rare for Asian restaurants), General Tao Shrimp (with an excellent burn. Beware if you don't like heat), and the highlight item, the Chilean Sea Bass, which was again prepared just right. A delicate, melt-in-your-mouth, flaky piece of fish steamed in a wonderful sauce of what tasted like soy sauce, sesame oil, and wine. Add a few springs of cilantro and there you go - heaven!). Dessert was also fantastic, don't get me wrong, it's just they totally lost me on any element of Chinese flavors, or even Asian, with the chocolate molten cake. It was decadent and would have been great at any other restaurant, but I was expecting something more than a few little sauce dots of mango puree to be considered Asian.
Overall, I was really pleased with Friendship. It was definitely a nice surprise, in more ways than one. I will definitely be going back to try a few more dishes on the menu, especially since Yu's is still so far from home. When craving Chinese, Friendship will be a close second.
Overall rating: 3 stars / 4
Friendship Chinese Restaurant
Logan Square
BYO wine only (bar has beer)
Delivers
Specials: Tuesday (all entrees $8.95)
http://www.friendshiprestaurant.com/
* Note: Groupon: daily deals, pay less and get more, often has restaurant deals ($25 for $50 gift certificate). If enough bids, deal is on: http://www.groupon.com/chicago/
Restaurant.com: gift certificates for less (usually $10 for $25 worth or $25 for $50 worth). Read the fine print. Has more restrictions than groupon: http://www.restaurant.com/
Well, first off, I had a couple of blunders to start. Don't show up to Friendship with your leggings and Uggs thinking this is a casual Chinese spot. I was surprised to see white linen tables, warm lighting, and several button down and sports coat combinations in the crowd. It was definitely nicer than I imagined. Though don't get too carried away, nice jeans and a respectful shirt will do fine. Also, I'll have to double check the restaurant spreadsheet. I thought they had a full bar but I was mistaken. They have a beer bar but no wine. Wine is BYO - thank you local neighborhood liquor store on corner! (Note that menu states that wine will be coming soon to its bar.)
What I had mistaken during the 1st 5 minutes, however, was certainly not the case once we moved onto food. Seeing as I have 1, yes, count it, 1 Chinese restaurant that I even feel is worthy to eat at (hollaaaaahhhh Yu's Mandarin!), Friendship had a lot to prove. Our 5-course meal started with a wonderful creamy lobster corn bisque that was amazing. I know this is blasphemous but it might have been the best lobster bisque I've ever tasted! It was missing some of the richness that other bisques seem to have that overwhelm the delicateness of the lobster. I find myself only having a few bites and not being able to continue. Not here, I could have easily made an entire meal of this soup. Second course, we had a warm unagi (yes eel) chip with a guacamole/ceviche/tartare combination on top. The unagi was breaded, then fried, and almost tasted like a fish plantain cake. Very tasty! We ordered the Asian bbq bourbon ribs off the regular appetizer menu. Don't ask me what bourbon has to do with Asian cuisine but it worked. As you can tell, this place combines elements of Chinese cooking with contemporary American flavors, a combination that worked well (although dessert was a little TOO much for me). For the main courses, we had 3 items: Mongolian Beef (again the best I've had. The meat, extremely well cooked. It was actually tender, not the typical chewing on an old shoe toughness. Very rare for Asian restaurants), General Tao Shrimp (with an excellent burn. Beware if you don't like heat), and the highlight item, the Chilean Sea Bass, which was again prepared just right. A delicate, melt-in-your-mouth, flaky piece of fish steamed in a wonderful sauce of what tasted like soy sauce, sesame oil, and wine. Add a few springs of cilantro and there you go - heaven!). Dessert was also fantastic, don't get me wrong, it's just they totally lost me on any element of Chinese flavors, or even Asian, with the chocolate molten cake. It was decadent and would have been great at any other restaurant, but I was expecting something more than a few little sauce dots of mango puree to be considered Asian.
Overall, I was really pleased with Friendship. It was definitely a nice surprise, in more ways than one. I will definitely be going back to try a few more dishes on the menu, especially since Yu's is still so far from home. When craving Chinese, Friendship will be a close second.
Overall rating: 3 stars / 4
Friendship Chinese Restaurant
Logan Square
BYO wine only (bar has beer)
Delivers
Specials: Tuesday (all entrees $8.95)
http://www.friendshiprestaurant.com/
* Note: Groupon: daily deals, pay less and get more, often has restaurant deals ($25 for $50 gift certificate). If enough bids, deal is on: http://www.groupon.com/chicago/
Restaurant.com: gift certificates for less (usually $10 for $25 worth or $25 for $50 worth). Read the fine print. Has more restrictions than groupon: http://www.restaurant.com/
Sligo & Menu 2
I'm currently in Sligo, Ireland and sad to learn that my favorite restaurant here, Lemongrass, has closed since my last visit in January. Delightful Asian fusion with a great wine list. RIP Lemongrass. You will be missed!
-
Also, I'm brainstorming for our next underground dinner to be held December 12. Mark your calendars! Post within the next 24 hours.
-
Also, I'm brainstorming for our next underground dinner to be held December 12. Mark your calendars! Post within the next 24 hours.
What's Cookin': Mac-n-Cheese
My friend Dipak got sworn in as a U.S. citizen a few weeks ago. Of course, such a momentous occasion calls for a party of some sort, rightfully themed "The Coming to America" party which was complete with a neverending repeat cycle of the Eddie Murphy movie and sing along karoake to classics such as "Proud to be an American" and "God Bless America". No, Mylie's "Party in the USA" did not make the list but I would have for sure been at the front of the line! Of course, no good American-themed party would be complete without traditional food and beer. I chose to make mac-n-cheese. This was delightful! Gooey and cheesey, and it hit the spot once the California wine buzz hit! I was leery of the evaporated milk too but don't let it fool you, it turned out fantastically! I also made a batch for Bears tailgating the next day too. Happy cheesing!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wilsons-own-mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wilsons-own-mac-n-cheese-recipe/index.html
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Review: Honky Tonk BBQ
Last night, I went to Honky Tonk BBQ at the request of my husband. Birthday boy's choice. There were 10 of us present so sharing was a must!
We started with the fried green tomatoes, which believe it or not, I've never had before, but have always wanted to try. They were encrusted in cornmeal and had a spicy horseradish marinara sauce. It was a delightful start.
I got the baby back ribs which are smoked with a dry rub and really fell off the bone. There is no sauce but 3 to choose from at tableside: sweet, tangy, and a spicy mustard. I found the sauces to be wonderful! It is a great combination to mix all 3 and generously slather!
Matt got the pulled pork sandwich which I was thought was OK. It is served in a rather unique way. There is a LOT of bread (ciabetta roll) and larger pieces of pork rather than the traditional stringlike meat so the bread is rather overwhelming. I think it is best to pick out the pork and then eat with a few bites of bread rather than eating it truly like a closed sandwich. Also, there is very little sauce so again, it is made to be tried with the sauces. Bottom line, if you like the traditional pulled pork sandwich, I think you will be disappointed.
2 of the sides we got at the table were amazing: mac-n-cheese & mashed potatoes (with large chunks of roasted garlic - yum!). Weaker was the pork and beans. While I give kudos for starting with dry beans (so it tasted like to me), they weren't as tender as I would have like. I was also expecting pork as in big slabs of bacon but it was just pulled pork on top. Give me my bacon please!
For dessert, we got the sweet potato pie which I never had before and was pleasantly surprised. It was very light and had a very suble flavor of nutmeg and/or cinnamon. The highlight was the peach cobbler though! The flaky pastry of the cobbler is to die for. Plus the combination of the warm dough and peaches with the cold ice cream, HEL-LOOOO! I didn't want to pass the dish.
They have live music Friday and Saturday nights which created a very lively atmosphere. It really got us into the bbq eating spirit!
Overall rating: 3 stars / 4
Honky Tonk BBQ
Pilsen
BYO
Closed Mon
No reservations
Delivers
http://www.honkytonkbbqchicago.com/
We started with the fried green tomatoes, which believe it or not, I've never had before, but have always wanted to try. They were encrusted in cornmeal and had a spicy horseradish marinara sauce. It was a delightful start.
I got the baby back ribs which are smoked with a dry rub and really fell off the bone. There is no sauce but 3 to choose from at tableside: sweet, tangy, and a spicy mustard. I found the sauces to be wonderful! It is a great combination to mix all 3 and generously slather!
Matt got the pulled pork sandwich which I was thought was OK. It is served in a rather unique way. There is a LOT of bread (ciabetta roll) and larger pieces of pork rather than the traditional stringlike meat so the bread is rather overwhelming. I think it is best to pick out the pork and then eat with a few bites of bread rather than eating it truly like a closed sandwich. Also, there is very little sauce so again, it is made to be tried with the sauces. Bottom line, if you like the traditional pulled pork sandwich, I think you will be disappointed.
2 of the sides we got at the table were amazing: mac-n-cheese & mashed potatoes (with large chunks of roasted garlic - yum!). Weaker was the pork and beans. While I give kudos for starting with dry beans (so it tasted like to me), they weren't as tender as I would have like. I was also expecting pork as in big slabs of bacon but it was just pulled pork on top. Give me my bacon please!
For dessert, we got the sweet potato pie which I never had before and was pleasantly surprised. It was very light and had a very suble flavor of nutmeg and/or cinnamon. The highlight was the peach cobbler though! The flaky pastry of the cobbler is to die for. Plus the combination of the warm dough and peaches with the cold ice cream, HEL-LOOOO! I didn't want to pass the dish.
They have live music Friday and Saturday nights which created a very lively atmosphere. It really got us into the bbq eating spirit!
Overall rating: 3 stars / 4
Honky Tonk BBQ
Pilsen
BYO
Closed Mon
No reservations
Delivers
http://www.honkytonkbbqchicago.com/
Monday, November 16, 2009
Underground Dinner Mission 1 complete!
Scott, Sandrine, Janelle, and Justin came over for our 1st underground dinner with the theme of a rustic fall. Overall, it was a success! Food all tasted great and the bartender did a great job of keeping our glasses full! You can tell this was the 1st dinner because we got all the way through dessert when I realized that I forgot to take pictures of the courses! Watch out for the next date. We may take off for the holidays but will certainly continue in 2010.
Also, watch out for upcoming recipes and dining reviews as we expand the scope of Culinary Docent!
Also, watch out for upcoming recipes and dining reviews as we expand the scope of Culinary Docent!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Underground Dinner: 11.14.09 7:00 pm
Menu
kir royale
-
creamy carrot soup with scallions & poppy seeds
2007 Stafford Hill Cuvee Cameo
-
cornish hens with pear, leek, pancetta stuffing & celery root
2008 Domaine Paul Autard Cotes Du Rhone
-
bread pudding with bourbon sauce & spiced cream
triple B cream (Baileys, butterscotch, & bourbon)
Room for: 6
Cost: $25
kir royale
-
creamy carrot soup with scallions & poppy seeds
2007 Stafford Hill Cuvee Cameo
-
cornish hens with pear, leek, pancetta stuffing & celery root
2008 Domaine Paul Autard Cotes Du Rhone
-
bread pudding with bourbon sauce & spiced cream
triple B cream (Baileys, butterscotch, & bourbon)
Room for: 6
Cost: $25
Culinary Docent Underground Dinners
It's time to kick off Culinary Docent's underground dinners!! Underground dinner will be a way for you to explore new foods and liquors as well as meet new people. It will also serve as an opportunity for the docent to build a repertoire of menus for my upcoming personal chef business. For a small fee of $25-30, you will receive a 3-course meal with pairings. The fee will be used toward fresh seasonal ingredients, cocktails, wine, and whatever else will be on the ever changing menu. Remember part of the reason for underground dinner is to experiment with new recipes and unique ingredients, some for the first time. I'm hoping that all will be a hit, but you never know what happens sometimes in the kitchen! That's why I'm using this experience to practice and to hopefully also teach all of you a thing or two about food. Please join me in the kick-off of underground dinners. I hope to see you in our kitchen soon!
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