Just got back from a long week of driving, eating, pushing friends to the homosexual max, and thinking about my future.
We began our week by leaving Los Angeles at 6a.m. Stopping in Vegas for a quick bite and then to all the way to the middle of nowhere Rifle Colorado. Unfortunately my friends were cheap so we mostly ate quickly off fastfood since time was of the essence too.
The 2nd day we stopped by this random Latin America place which had a pretty interesting dinner menu but an uninspired lunch menu.
We tried some blacked chicken breast with black bean ravioli and Gorgonzola cheese sauce.
I had a plate of empanads, arepas, and fried plantains all of which were decent but not memorable.
After another day of driving through Nebraska+Iowa and seeing nothing but corn we were tired but Saturday was a tough day as we helped my friend moved into his new apartment in the sweltering heat and humidity of Chicago's summer. We ended the day eating at Five Guys Burgers since it was cheap and close.
Sunday began with a visit to the Maxwell Street Market which boasts a large number of interesting vendors selling cheap trinkets and tools but also a good assortment of Mexican food vendors selling flavored ice, churros, and of course tacos
Unfortunately we got there a bit late in the afternoon and the stall I wanted to try ran out of all their meats except Asada which is my least favorite taco meat. I really wanted to try their lengua (tongue) and mixed (chorizo + steak) but maybe next year. The handmade corn tortillas are super thick and very filling. It was a bad idea to pour so much hot salsa on it, only made the humidity worse!
I really wanted to try Pequod's pizza but my friend who lives in the suburbs made it a bit difficult to stay in downtown too late. I was still satisfied with this place we tried called Giordanos.
Chicago isn't just known for their American fare but its because a truly diverse city boasting some great Indian food throughout the greater area. Did not have a chance to try Devon Ave restaurants but there was this one place far out that was labeled as Himalaya/Tibetan although they are greatly influenced by Indian cooking.
We ordered chicken tikka, chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and lamb pasanda with some chicken biryani and great naan to soak up the sauces. My favorite was the lamb pasanda (yellow sauce on the left). It was some sort of almond cream sauce which was distinct but the natural gaminess of lamb came out well! I think I am in love with Indian food now, especially naan! Pretty sure I'm gonna be cooking more of it.
Finally something I missed out on my last visit. A long time desire of mine ever since watching No Reservations. None other than Hot Doug's which is known for their long last as much as their unique sausages.
Best way to visit is to go early on a weekday but unfortunately the weekdays don't offer duck fat fries. Its a tradeoff but I was pressed for time.
My fellow travel mate stuck to some more pedestrian hotdogs which aren't too expensive but I decided to go all out and go for the duck sausage with foie gras mouse and truffle aioli. My second sausage was a ribeye dog with fried onions, chimichurri, and a red wine cheese. Although they tend to be 2-3x more expensive than their regular offerings the specials are not to be missed! I wished I had more stomach space for the venison sausage though.
Overall it was a good trip but next time I am in town I will go for broke. This trip was not centered around food but more on friends. I am determined to eat at Alinea, L20, and either Blackbird/Publican/Avec in the most selfish manner possible. =)
