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July 10, 2008

A Batman Timewarp

Now that there's a new Batman movie out and all, how about we go retro with a look back at McDonalds' Batman Happy Meals from 1992?

McDonalds' Batman Happy Meals [YouTube]

June 20, 2008

Receipt Follies: Abbreviated Entertainment

A little cheap receipt humor for your Friday afternoon? Sure, why not! Most of these are pretty base, but oh well. Enjoy!

• Sticky Rice w/ Mango, via Aysha Photography:

sticky man with rice.jpg


It gets much worse after the jump...

Continue reading "Receipt Follies: Abbreviated Entertainment" »

June 18, 2008

Cheeseburger Couture

joy kampia o'shell hamburger dress.jpg

This cheeseburger dress is the coolest thing that's ever been knitted. The artist, Joy Kampia O'Shell, has created several of these one-of-a-kind pieces, and they are the real thing (i.e., wearable). Could you imagine actually sashaying into a burger joint with this on? Let's take a stab at it:

Places Where This Dress Would Help

Hamburger Mary's would probably let you eat and drink free for the night, or possibly even join the stage show. You'd be signing autographs left and right! Extra points here for creative stowage of your pickle

Kuma's Corner has a notoriously long line during peak times...unless you were wearing this dress. Because you know what? Dressing as your dinner is pretty f'n metal. The waitresses would clear a berth for you at the bar, and maybe someone would even whistle appreciatively! Probably better to be a lady for this one, though — metal has its limits

Places Where This Dress Wouldn't Help

Boston Blackies' touristic clientele might think you were a charming fixture of Chicago cosmopolitanism, and the sports fans glued to the big TV in the back might not even notice your presence. But the suburban children milling about the place will call as much attention to you as their whiny little voices and flailing limbs allow them. You may not get the best seat in the house

Billy Goat Tavern Original at least gives you a chance at making the papers, but not in a good way

On the whole, we say, worth it.

[Photo: Joy Kampia]

June 09, 2008

Photo Essay: Chicago's Ice Cream Carts And Trucks

In the summer, ice cream trucks and carts are an indelible part of the urban landscape, dispensing joy and annoying music everywhere they see fit to berth. Chicago has a wide variety of these vessels, as the following photos illustrate:

• Summer dreams, via Hello ChateauHo:

dreamy field.jpg

More licks after the jump...

Continue reading "Photo Essay: Chicago's Ice Cream Carts And Trucks" »

May 23, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Barbecue And The Parks In Which To Eat It

It is your patriotic duty to eat barbecue at some point this weekend. Perhaps you'll do so at a party with friends and family, but failing that, we've compiled a slideshow of worthy barbecue from around the city, and nearby parks where you can picnic. The park photos are from Microsoft's new Live Maps "Bird's eye" feature; hopefully they won't sue us for using them!

Rib tips from Honey 1 BBQ, via andrewc:

honey 1 tips.jpg

Humboldt Park is a short drive away:

honey 1 - humboldt park.jpg

Three more pairings, after the jump...

Continue reading "Viewing Pleasure: Barbecue And The Parks In Which To Eat It" »

May 21, 2008

Waiters Who Are Nauseated By Food


In honor of National Waiters and Waitresses Day, we present "Waiters Who are Nauseated by Food," a skit from the Dana Carvey Show featuring Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell way back in the mid-1990s. On this day in which we honor those who bring us our food in restaurants, let's all thank God that they don't act like this pair.

Waiters who are Nauseated by Food [YouTube]

May 16, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Vegan Delights

Recently, the Chicago Diner celebrated its 25th anniversary, doing justice to their slogan "Meat Free Since '83." Let's celebrate with a spread of tasty vegan dishes available right now around Chicago!

• "Sausage" and "Egg" Biscuits ($7.95) at Chicago Diner, via peace.love.vegan:

chicago diner sausage and egg biscuits.jpg


• "Meatball" sub ($6.29) and chili cheese fries ($3.99) at Veggie Bite, via jessi-girl:

veggie bite meatball sub and chili cheese fries.jpg


• Stuffed Mushrooms ($8.00) at Karyn's Raw Vegan Gourmet, via cbrowncolors:

karyn's raw stuffed mushrooms.jpg


• Vegetables Combo at The Elephant, via minvervah:

the elephant's vegetable combo.jpg


• Slash cupcake ($3.50; probably gone but if enough of you ask, maybe they'll make it again!) at Bleeding Heart via The Bleeding Heart Bakery:

bleeding heart's slash cupcake.jpg


No one ever said vegan needed to be healthy. Or attractive. Or involve vegetables. But it's usually at least one of those things!

Anyway, maybe try skipping meat for one meal this weekend? It's better for the environment and all that.

May 09, 2008

Something That Stands For Something Else, To Someone In Some Capacity

That Army & Lou's sign was lovely, wasn't it? Here are a few more charmers:

• Stella's Diner, by swanksalot:

stella's diner.jpg

Won Kow, by Uh ... Bob:

won kow.jpg

Weber Grill by bigdadjoel:

weber grill.jpg

Glenn's Diner by amandaurzin:

glenn's diner.jpg

The amazing part is, all these were posted to flickr within the past 5 days.

Okay, have a good weekend. Maybe take a picture!

May 06, 2008

The Salads Of Myanmar/Burma: A Timely Appreciation

pickling the tea leaves.jpg
(Above: "Palaung women rolling tea leaves for tea leaf salad, Hu'kwet village," rheanna2/flickr)

Things you know about Myanmar/Burma:

1) On May 3-4, the country's Irrawaddy delta region was hit by a powerful cyclone, killing 22,500 and leaving over 40,000 missing as of publication time (nationwide population: 55 million)

2) Last fall, the ruling military junta cracked down on widespread, monk-lead demonstrations, leading to the political imprisonment of hundreds and quashing hopes of a democratic revolution

3) Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel prize-winning democracy activist, has been under house arrest there for much of the past two decades

Things you may or may not know about Myanmar/Burma:

1) "Myanmar" is a pre-colonial name that the junta encourages you to use, and "Burma" is the somewhat racist colonial appellation that Aung San Suu Kyi prefers, because one really sticks it to the junta that way

2) Until a few days ago, Burma — let's just go with that...stupid junta — was a net exporter of rice, but the country's rice bowl (this is an official term) was storm-surged into oblivion. Maybe China will give them rice?

3) Burma is shunned by most of the world for its human rights violations and narcotics-based export economy. The junta is reasonably good friends with China

Things you don't know about Burma:

1) The junta is being pretty cagey about taking aid from the international community, but you can donate through the Anglican Relief & Development Fund

2) Burma has a unique and wonderful cuisine that's hard to find in the United States but always a joy to come across. It's a natural fusion of Indian, Chinese and South-East Asian traditions, meaning you can get chicken biryiani, durian ice cream and night market rice noodles in a single sitting if you so desire. They even have their own form of tofu, made from chana dal (split, skinless chickpeas) or yellow split pea flour, depending on the ethnic group. Better than soy-based tofu? In many ways. You like dumplings? The Burmese have half-a-dozen indigenous varieties to try. And so forth.

For us, though, the single biggest achievement of the Burmese kitchen is its myriad and exotic salads. Thai salads are more famous, but the Burmese do a job at least as sophisticated throwing raw and pickled vegetables and miscellany together into something greater than the sum of their parts. Observe:

• Pork Ear & Tongue Salad from the recently closed Burmese Cafe in Queens, NY (Jane! Jane! Jane!):

pork ear and tongue salad.jpg

• "Burmese Feast" Tofu Salad from Golden Triangle in Whittier, CA (Tales of an LA Addict):

burmese tofu salad, california style.jpg

More salads than you could properly digest, after the jump...

Continue reading "The Salads Of Myanmar/Burma: A Timely Appreciation" »

April 22, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Springtime Encapsulated In A Dessert @ NoMI

nomi dessert.jpg

So we called NoMI and got in touch with the pastry chef and was like, "WTF is this?"

And he was French and very nice but also like a lockbox. He confirmed that those gorgeous half-sun wedges are grapefruit (for a moment we thought they were tuna sashimi), and that they're sitting on top of a rectangular prism of basil crème brûlée, but the crumble in between is the greatest mystery since..."Why French Women Don't Get Fat." We know it's some kind of biscuit, i.e. cookie, but exactly what variety is unclear. We're thinking maybe lemon, because that would totally go. Meanwhile, the flutter of whimsy on top is coconut tuile. The dessert is a not-unreasonable $10, and a light and bright way to end a lovely meal.

Mostly, though, we're just suckers for high-quality photography involving fruit.

NoMI [MenuPages]
NoMI [Official Site]

[Photo: Pecan Sandies/flickr]

Yes, We Have No Matzo

missing matzos.JPG

An intrepid reader, doubtful of our matzo shortage claims, took this damning photo at the Dominick's on Roosevelt and Canal. The barren shelves! What a powerful visual metaphor.

But there's a secondary scandal: the particular box of matzo you see pictured is Streit's Onion-Poppy Moonstrips, which, according to Serious Eats, aren't even Kosher for Passover! A shande, truly.

April 18, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Pineapple Margarita @ Tecalitlan

tecalitlan pineapple margarita.jpg

We mostly like the framing of this, but also — sweater aside — it's hot out! Margarita time! Woo!!!

This particular specimen comes from Tecalitlan in Ukie Village for $6.20. A regular with lime is $5.50, but the very nice young woman who answered the phone when we called recommends the raspberry, her favorite. For our part, we always get plain because the fruit flavors are just sugar, and then we get a headache. When it comes to margaritas, though, you can do whatever your heart desires.

Have an uproariously enjoyable weekend!

Tecalitlan [MenuPages]

[Photo: allwood/flickr]

April 16, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Caramel Popcorn & Chocolate Ganache Cupcake @ Bleeding Heart Bakery

bleeding heart bakery caramel popcorn cupcake.jpg

We're not positive we'd actually like this cupcake, but we're sure glad we've seen it, and we bet it appeals to at least some of you. Texture combinations aside, this looks like something out of Wonka or the Nutcracker, or maybe Marie Antoinette. The aesthetic is whimsy, but the reality is much starker: there are only three of these left at Bleeding Heart Bakery, where Michelle Garcia dreams up all manner of limited-time cupcakes that rotate in and out of the line-up. All cupcakes at Bleeding Heart are $3.50, but for your money you get something 1) unique 2) attractive and 3) organic.

Anyway, if popcorn's your thing, you know what you have to do.

Bleeding Heart Bakery [MenuPages]
Bleeding Heart Bakery [Official Site]

[Photo: Bleeding Heart Bakery/flickr. They put their cupcakes photos online. Why doesn't every restaurant do this?!]

April 09, 2008

When Food Goes From Liquid Nitrogen Directly To Your Lips

There's some weird stuff going on in restaurant kitchens these days. In the video (which should be edited down to, say, three minutes, but is still interesting — just ignore the annoying blond woman), chef Stuart Sage of Tang in Dubai demonstrates how he uses liquid nitrogen like a deep fryer to cook food — in this case, a tomato espuma — at ridiculously cold temperatures.

What freaked us out was how he scooped the espuma out of the bowl full of liquid nitrogen and immediately presented it to the woman. We'd be terrified to eat it, for fear that our tongue would immediately freeze and break into 100 pieces, and then how would we taste food. (Shudder.) Of course, the nitrogen had likely evaporated at that point, and besides, we breathe it in and out every day, right? Still. Just a teensy bit scary.

Restaurants - Cooking with Liquid Nitrogen in the Real World [YouTube]

April 08, 2008

Potatoes: Feeding The World In Their Many Guises

the savior potato, in its infancy.jpg
(Above: awww!)

Potatoes are a terribly versatile starch; you can mash them, smash them, fry them, scallop, dice, puree, bake, roast, gratinate, chowederize and latkefy them...they take well to almost any preparation. Now that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has decided that they are the food of the future by dint of their caloric yield per acre (a critical metric in an era of unmitigated cereal price spikes), there will be opportunity for even more permutations of potato dishes, like some of these exotic specimens:

"Tornado Potato" — as purchasable on the streets of Seoul (superlocal):

tornado potato.jpg

After the jump, spuds galore!

Continue reading "Potatoes: Feeding The World In Their Many Guises" »

April 04, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: The Highlanders Special @ Szalas

szalas highlander's special.jpg

Last we checked in with Szalas, it was because an Omnivorous feature was designed specifically to accommodate the restaurant. To whit:


The restaurant round-up that follows Omnivorous this week is "Twenty-four restaurants south of 52nd Street," so themed because Gary is...south. But why 52nd street in particular, we wondered? A quick check of the addresses reveals the northernmost restaurant to be Szalas, a Goralean restaurant in Brighton Park. Come again? They're Polish highlanders, they eat veal goulash, and on the weekends, they dance. If the column was named to accommodate this particular restaurant, you know it must be good.

The Highlanders Special, pictured above, consists of potato pancake topped with pork goulash, sprinkled with mozzarella cheese and a fat dollop of sour cream. It's clearly a large portion, but we have to admit to a double-take when we saw the price: $15.50. If we give them the benefit of the doubt that it's delicious — the Reader certainly seems to think so, as well as the photographer — that is still a lot of money for an entree at a Polish restaurant.

Right or wrong, Polish food is simply not a cuisine we expect to pay a lot of money for; Chinese and Mexican are also in this category. Thai and, say, Greek, are not anymore, because the gentrification of Thai and Greek food have inured us to $15 and up entrees. Which is not to say there aren't plenty of places to get delicious and cheap Thai and Greek food! But we're fine paying a little or a lot for either. Of course, Chinese and Mexican have been making inroads, too — witness Shanghai Terrace and Topolobampo.

As for Polish food, though, there's really only one "expensive" Polish restaurant in the area (Lutnia). This doesn't need to be the case! Any cuisine can be elevated to gourmet heights; all it takes is one enterprising and aesthetically gifted chef. But that hasn't happened yet in Chicago, which is why a $15.50 entree at Szalas is jarring. But hey, if they can get away with it — and again, this looks pretty tasty — more power to them.

Okay, have a good weekend then!

Szalas [MenuPages]
Szalas [Official Site]

[Photo: cohodas208c/flickr]

April 02, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Beef & Rice Empanadas @ Lito's Empanadas

lito's empanadas.jpg

Lito's Empanadas, operating out of a little storefront in Lincoln Park, has built a nice reputation for itself since it opened late last year. We're happy to see a family-run place that decides to offer only one thing, and does a really good job at it.

Look how positive MenuPages reviewers have been!


Make it a point to get to Lito's. Lito's is a very small, sparkling clean place which has a few window seats for dining in. Much of their business seems to be take out. The empanadas which are fabulous, travel well and stay warm. Try my favorites: beef,olives,rainsins, rice or the beef and rice. My ultimate favorite is the choco-banana. The empanadas are inexpensive -a wonderful deal for the money. The owner and his wife are very friendly. These would be great to take to a party. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by. If you are not in the neighborhood, make it a point to get there. I am convinced you will not be disappointed.

QED. Another reviewer noted how the "empanadas were definitely lighter and more flavorful than any [he or she] ever had." This is, in part, because they use "100% Heart Healthy Oil," which the nice lady on the phone couldn't identify, but likely does not contain the transfats that often animate empanadas and their cousins, the samosa. Looking at the photo (apologies for the quality; the only one on the Internet is from an iPhone), you can see how thin the shells are, but they still have the fabulous golden brown and bubbly surface that indicates a soft, buttery crunch.

Lito's empanadas range from $2.09 to $2.29 (regular unleaded, premium unleaded circa 2005?), with the beef and rice smack in the middle at $2.19. Which is a bargain, compared to how empanadas are priced elsewhere around town. Que Rico! does two cheese and spinach empanadas for $6.80 (but we didn't want two!); Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's are $5.25 a pop for your choice of chicken or beef; and it doesn't get much better from there. No, Lito's is pretty unique in what it's doing — if you've never had an empanada before, this is a good place to start.

Lito's Empanadas [MenuPages]

[Photo: R.A.M.O.N.E./flickr]

Ballpark Eats: A Photo Essay

We are so happy that baseball is back. We managed to get tickets to Opening Day at Dolphin Stadium; the Marlins lost to the Mets (boo!), but it was still a great time.

To celebrate, we thought we'd present a photo essay of ballpark food from each of our cities. We've actually visited and eaten in each of the parks listed, except for the two in the Bay Area. We'll start with our favorite: Philadelphia.

Citizens Bank Park
tonylukespork.JPG
We hate the Phillies. But we think their ballpark is great, and we love the fact that we can get a Tony Luke's roast pork Italian sandwich for about the same price as at the restaurant. Whenever we go to a game there, we arrive early to get our sandwich before the game starts, because by the third inning, the place is mobbed.

Continue reading "Ballpark Eats: A Photo Essay" »

April 01, 2008

April Foods' Day!

Today is the only day besides Halloween when we purposefully make our food appear to be something that it's not. Ironically, unlike on Halloween, April Foods deceptions are actually intended to "trick" the targets rather than simply gross them out. Since the attempts usually aren't that convincing, we settle for mild amusement. To whit:

• "Grilled cheese sandwiches" by seachelle323:

grilled cheese sandwich cake.jpg

Actually, pound cake and frosting. Psyche! Extra points for the misdirecting toast marks on the "bread."

• "Dessert sushi" by Dot D:

dessert sushi.jpg

It's all made out of candy! Our stars. Adorable.

Many more appetizing simulacra await you after the jump...

Continue reading "April Foods' Day!" »

March 31, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Coconut Cake @ Edna's

edna's coconut cake.jpg

Next time you find yourself at West Side soul institution Edna's, pass on the peach cobbler (which is amazing, by the way), and try a slice of coconut cake instead. A monster hunk is $3, and the cakes are, of course, homemade. If you were wondering where Chicago's highest concentration of trans fats was located, look no further. But totally worth it!

Edna's [MenuPages]

[Photo: Made in Mississippi]

March 27, 2008

Bunches Of Honey Goats?

With respect to the previous post, the only one that we found actually funny was Honey Bunches Of Goats. The bees were also amused:

honey bunches of goats.jpg

Apparently, this was not premeditated (on the part of the beekeeper). Ain't that some sh*t?

[Photo: hydraxis/flickr]

p.s. and then we ended up on LOL bees, which only kinda works

March 26, 2008

Mystery Food Item!

Guess the thing:

mystery item.jpg

We'll tell you tomorrow, but please to write in with your ideas. Correct identifications will be noted. Hilarious identifications will be lauded!

March 18, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Croque Madame @ Sixteen

sixteen croque madame.jpg

This Croque Madame from Sixteen (which, by the way, was incorrectly spelled "Croque Madam" on the menu they emailed us) is as billed - a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top.

Want to know how much they charge for it?

FIFTEEN DOLLARS. We are not offended by much, price-wise, but come on. $15? You can sprinkle it with as much thyme and paprika or whatever as you want, but it's still a pretty anemic-looking platter for what would also buy all-you-can-eat Indian buffet for two at Sher-A-Punjab, for all intents and purposes. The photographer, dane brian, captioned his photo with, "pretty pretty good.. the fried egg was a little much, but it was still great." We say, a single egg is a pittance for the money; and doesn't the whole thing come off as looking a little dry and sad? Compare to what is, admittedly, the most appetizing Croque Madame we've ever seen, just under $13 from Green Grocer in Melbourne, Australia:

green grocer croque madame.jpg

Now are you offended? Good. Obviously you're paying for the sixteenth floor view and the Trump power trip, and there are lighting issues with the photography, but still, we are not impressed.

Sixteen [MenuPages]
Sixteen [Official Site]
Green Grocer [Official Site]

[Photos: Croques Madames at Sixteen (dane brian/flickr) and Green Grocer (Wodetzki/flickr)]

March 14, 2008

Happy π Day! A Slice Of Math Humor. Don't Like It? Shut Your Pie-Hole

The world is generally a horrible place, but we can at least take some solace in the fact that the first few digits of pi, 3.14 specifically, correspond to today's date of 3/14. Basically, though, any excuse for a pie slideshow will do. These pies were all photographed in Chicago, many of them orderable at local restaurants. There seems to be a wintery theme to the pie fillings, except for one in the middle that reminds us summer is sort of around the corner! Enjoy.

• Pie Day! Vlad Lazerian:

pi day.jpg

• Coconut cream pie at the Golden Nugget Pancake House, Kim Scarborough:

coconut cream pie.jpg

• Key lime pie at Mity Nice Grill, jellybeanjill13:

key lime pie.jpg

• Turtle pie at Gibson's Steakhouse, Stitcher:

turtle pie.jpg

• Pumpkin pie on a fork in Chicago, Euro Joe:

pumpkin pie.jpg

• Blueberry pie at Zingarella, Glenview, jellybeanjill13:

blueberry pie.jpg

• Red wine and poached pear pie at First Slice, tympan:

red wine and poached pear pie.jpg

• Peanut butter crunch pie at a Border's in Chicago, lorilea:

peanut butter crunch pie.jpg

• Chocolate chip pecan pie at Dine, Zesmerelda:

chocolate chip pecan pie.jpg

• Found Chocolate pie on the streets of Chicago, CPW!:

found chocolate pie.jpg

Right. Have a "filling" weekend.

March 13, 2008

Juvenile Bile File: They Knew Exactly What They Were Doing

Hilarious. You know, there can be a lot of fun in translation. Just ask the folks at Engrish. But rarely do you get a gem of this caliber. Ass-hot chicken? You know it! A plate of ass steak? Nothin' butt! (sorry-that was cheeky) Too bad there's no Ass hot dog up there. Ah, the golden age of film...

Anyway, here's why this exists: It's a menu for a burger stand in Quebec, where they speak Franglais. "Ass" stands for "assiette," which basically means "assortment plate," according to Neatorama. But dude, by this time they have to know how funny it is. You got to hand it to them for the sheer commitment. "Ass 2 pain?" We bet.

And what's with the soft-porn lamp hanging down there on the right? That thing deserves a menu board all its own.

ass-burger.jpg

Ass Burger! [Neatorama]
Title Credit: Adam P

March 11, 2008

Can I Get A Napkin?

This? Is awesome. Thank god somebody over at Required Eating keeps up with Improv Everywhere, because we don't, or at least we haven't been (Welcome to day one), and there's a chance we would have missed this fantastic video. The so-called spontaneous musical takes place in a Los Angeles shopping mall, which is in on the joke and rigged with hidden cameras. The music, according to IE, is piped in through the mall's sound system. Watch and marvel, then click over to IE to get the inside scoop on how they did it.

Food Court Musical [Improv Everywhere]
'Spontaneous' Musical Performed in Mall Food Court [Required Eating]

March 05, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Roy's Rudy's Special Deep Dish Pizza @ Pizano's

pizano's deep dish.jpg

It's cold, and it's getting much colder. So when we saw this photo of Pizano's Pizza & Pasta's Rudy's Special deep dish pizza (cheese, sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper; nothing at all special about this ubiquitous combination of ingredients, but nonetheless one of our favorites), our interest was piqued. We're going to go out on a limb and say this is the large 14" version, which serves four at $20.75. Acclaim for Pizano's is not universal, so caveat emptor. For the record, they have locations in the Loop, River North, and Glenview. Good luck with it!

Pizano's Pizza & Pasta (Loop) [MenuPages]
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta (River North) [MenuPages]
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta [Official Site]

[Photo: dc5dugg/flickr]

p.s. to make sense of the title, click through to flickr

March 04, 2008

Chart Of The Week: Meal Prices Trending Up

march3card.gif

This latest chart from the Nation's Restaurant News is surprising on several levels. First, look how low those check amounts are! It must include, like, value meal breakfasts from McDonald's or whatever, because we certainly haven't spent less than, say, $9 on a meal since we were in high school, and our average dinner bill is probably in the $30 to $50 range. We will admit to being outside of the normal range, but by an order of magnitude? Hot.

Second, we'd bet the ranch that these figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Let's just assume they haven't, because it will make our observations more interesting, as improbable as they may be. If the average check in 2002 was $5.65 and $6.23 in 2007, well...adjusted for inflation, the 2002 figure is $6.64 in today's dollars. And this during a period of unprecedented food price inflation that's far outstripped the CPI? We are skeptical. Maybe the survey's figures are adjusted for inflation, after all.

Suffice it to say, the average meal price is going to continue to rise, and probably at a much faster rate than in the past. At the low end, meal prices are intimately tied to those of the raw ingredients, and it does not appear that they will fall any time soon. With developing economies driving demand and ethanol taking a bite out of supply, it's going to be a rough ride ahead.

Check Average Shows Consistent Growth [NRN]
The Inflation Calculator [WestEgg]

February 29, 2008

HAHAHAHAHA

eat puppies!.jpg

MWAHAHAHAHA!

Have a good weekend.

[Photo: Worth1000]

February 27, 2008

Charlie Trotter's New York Restaurant Building, In Progress

So basically, Charlie Trotter's first foray into the New York restaurant market will be sandwiched between a Wendy's and a Quizno's in a new building called One Madison Park. Also in the sandwich - Bonobo's, a raw food/vegan cafe that makes excellent nut meat salads. Don't laugh at nut meat! It's just mashed up hazelnuts and cashews and what have you, nothing dirty. Here, a fairly recent photo of Trotter's future digs:
one madison park.jpg

Pretty exciting!

Off the Menu [NYTimes]
Bonobo's [MenuPages]
Bonobo's [Official Site]

[Photo: TresspassersWill/flickr]

February 22, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Polish Sausage @ Billy Goat Tavern

Billy Goat Tavern Grilled Polish.jpg

Wow. This split grilled Polish sausage at Billy Goat Tavern Original sure is...evocative! It's $3.25, and comes with mustard (as you would imagine). The fat-addled pink coloring is alluring, and that char is more than right. By upping the surface-to-volume ratio, you really get nice flame coverage; we want to reach into the screen and eat the one on the left in one big messy mouthful. At Billy Goat, no one would look askance if you did so, either. And that is the best part of all.

Have an uncouth weekend!

Billy Goat Tavern Original [MenuPages]
Billy Goat Tavern Original [Official Site]

[Photo: Andrew Huff/flickr]

February 19, 2008

White Palace: A Viewing Pleasure Appreciation

White Palace Grill, the 24 hour diner on the corner of Roosevelt and Canal, has been inspiring photographers for years with its timeless simplicity and compelling mis-en-place. In light of its recent surge* in popularity, here's a little homage to its pictorial history:

Sears Tower, YoChicago1/flickr:

sears tower.jpg

Steak and Eggs, Mgmax/flickr:

steak and eggs.jpg

Maxwell Street Market, JOE M500/flickr:

maxwell street market.jpg

Hawaiian Shirt, finefoto/flickr:

hawaiian shirt.jpg

Never New and Improved, Señor Codo/flickr:

never new and improved.jpg

Counter, 1999, EletrikCandyland/flickr:

counter 1999.jpg


White Palace Grill [MenuPages]

[Photos: flickr]

* Commenter Dana has helpfully pointed out that White Palace was on the Food Network recently. Case closed.

February 14, 2008

Valentine's Day Viewing Pleasure: Why Do Foods Fall In Love?

Happy Valentine's Day! Even if nobody loves you, food is a constant, nonjudgmental and delicious companion. We hope these fifteen V-Day-themed photos inspire a little food love, but we'll settle for food lust.

Little Debbie's Snack Cake, raemarie/flickr:

little debbies.jpg

Alphabet Cake, Pencil Shavings/flickr:

alphabet cake.jpg

Pepperoni Pizza, JodyMcG/flickr:

pepperoni pizza.jpg

Candy Heart Fantasy, ButterflySha/flickr:

candy heart fantasy.jpg

Candy Heart Reality, Sister72/flickr:

candy heart reality.jpg

Sentiment, In Utero, -Greyson-/flickr:

sentiment in utero.jpg

Ravioli, meteoricnight/flickr:

ravioli.jpg

Fish Sticks, Mr. Greenjeans/flickr:

fish sticks.jpg

Meatloaf Sandwiches, squiligi/flickr:

meatloaf sandwiches.jpg

Caffe de Luca Flourless Chocolate Cake, bindifry/flickr:

caffe de luca flourless chocolate cake.jpg

Potato, gnevets88/flickr:

potato.jpg

The Ones On The Rack Just Got Laid, thistletown/flickr:

the ones on the rack just got laid.jpg

Lunch Box, amanky/flickr:

lunch box.jpg

My Bloody Valentine, Andy Miller/flickr:

my bloody valentine.jpg

This Would Be Romantic To A Shark, regan_park/flickr:

this would be romantic to a shark.jpg


It takes all kinds.

[Photos: thanks, flickr!]

February 11, 2008

Further Notes On "I Drink Your Milkshake"

This past Friday's Stew has a piece by Chris Borrelli on the Congressional-hearing-quote-cum-"There-Will-Be-Blood"-coda-cum-instant-amorphous-catchphrase "I drink your milkshake." So while Chris discusses various possible uses before it gets tired in a few weeks, can we point out that when we were watching the movie and Daniel Day Louis used straws and milkshakes to fashion an analogy for oil extraction with the now-famous line, we had an instant flashback to an irritating oil company commercial that employed the exact same imagery to the exact same end?

We can point this out because we have the video to prove it. The clip is part of Shell's "Eureka" campaign about how one of the company's engineers serendipitously figured out a method of efficiently tapping hard-to-reach oil patches. The entire commercial, all nine minutes of it, is available on Shell's website, but the stripped-down YouTube version has everything you need (especially starting around 50 seconds in):

So Paul Thomas Anderson got the line from a 1924 Congressional hearing, according to that USAToday article, and Shell's Jaap Van Ballegooijen got the concept from his deadbeat son's sweet tooth. Even though this is coincidental and not causal, maybe the phrase is registering with people so strongly now because the seed was planted via that commercial. We await the squid-ink-ice-cream-as-light-sweet-crude shake, coming soon to a petrodiner near you.

I drink your milkshake meets where's the beef in catchphrase territory [The Stew]
'Blood' fans drink up milkshake catchphrase [USAToday]
Eureka - Shell Propaganda [YouTube]
Eureka [Shell]

February 08, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Sambrosa Selit @ Ethiopian Diamond

sambrosa selit.jpg

We love this photo of Sambrosa Selit (tropical seedless dates baked in a pastry crust, $4) from Ethiopian Diamond mostly because the concept of Ethiopian desserts had never really occured to us before, which is odd since we've actually been to Ethiopia. But we love flaky crusts and dates, so we thought we'd call up Diamond and ask them about the cookie. Turns out, we were right to be confused! The item, while delicious, is not really a traditional Ethiopian dessert at all. In fact, the proprietress told us that they "don't really eat dessert in Ethiopia." Although we recall Italian pastry shops all over Addis Ababa making quite serviceable confections, and don't get us started on coffee with honey.

Anyway, what you see before you is the cookie shell (the dates are inside), topped with whipped cream, sugar, and a little chocolate sauce. So kudos to their ingenuity, and remember: when trying a restaurant for the first time, always order dessert - it's good for the economy.

Have a sweet weekend!

Ethiopian Diamond [MenuPages]
Ethiopian Diamond [Official Site]

[Photo: Zesmerelda/flickr, of course]

February 07, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Lunar New Year (Of The Rat) Cupcakes

year of the rat cupcakes.jpg

Gong hay fat choi!

[Photo: Trish CupcakeMomma/flickr]

February 01, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Sauteed Cod @ OTOM

otom cod.jpg

But not just any sauteed cod - this one comes with crimson lentils, rapini, and oh, what's that translucent cube in the corner? Well! None other than a lemon caper semi-solid! Yes, looks like OTOM has grown up and appropriated some molecular gastronomy from its mothership, Moto. If you ran a line down the middle of the photo, what's on the right could be from any decent New American or French restaurant, and in that respect, the addition of the cube is sort of a gimmick, looking pretty lonely over there by itself. But then again, what do you expect from a $26 a la carte entree? You should be thrilled you're getting a suspension at all, because it could have just as easily been $26 without the cube. Besides, lemon and caper make a reasonable combination, and they're both somewhat awkward-to-plate foods in their natural states. Overall, we say, this is a good direction for smart casual dining. Thanks again to Zesmerelda for the shot, and have a good weekend.

OTOM [MenuPages]
OTOM [Official Site]
Moto [MenuPages]
Moto [Official Site]

[Photo: Zesmerelda/flickr]

January 29, 2008

Viewing Pleasure: Bacon Bloody Marys

Friend-of-the-blog Chris Freeberg is an inveterate bruncher. A few days ago, he informed us of his intentions to conquer Sepia, writing "I am heading over to Sepia brunch soon. I cannot go another Sunday without the bacon bloody...."

Nor should he! Last night, he sent us his review:
The drink tastes a bit like barbecue sauce.... The short rib hash was delicious, but greasy. The basket of donuts, and especially the short bread cakes with jam, were strong. Observed 1 friend adore her market inspired (sweet crab) eggs Benedict. While, another complained of a bland root vegetable omelet.

No wait, nice service, a bit like slipping into an old smoking jacket.
Lovely. Meanwhile, Time Out Chicago has a photo of Sepia's bacon Bloody Mary, but it's a tiny little thing. In order that you may revel in the true majesty of the drink, we've sussed out a trove of bacon Bloody Mary pics to share with you.

Wasabi Bloody Mary with bacon strip, lulife/flickr:

wasabi bloody mary with bacon.jpg

Bacon Bloody Mary at Tonic in Washington D.C., urbanbohemian/flickr:

tonic bloody mary.jpg

Bacon Bloody Mary poster, Kathryn Yu/flickr:

bacon bloody mary poster.jpg

Bacon Bloody Mary from somewhere in Boston, bs05442:

boston bacon bloody mary.jpg

Bacon Bloody Mary with High Life chaser at Comet in Milaukee, hownowjenbrown/flickr:

high life + bacon bloody mary.jpg

Bacon Bloody Marys, as served in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY L7/flickr (p.s. amazing):

bacon bloody mary red hook.jpg


Meanwhile, Google is pretty adamant that the plural of Bloody Mary is Bloody Marys rather than Bloody Maries, by a margin of 180:1. We can't say we approve, but we'll go along with it.

Sepia [MenuPages]
Sepia [Official Site]
100 best things we ate and drank this year (in no particular order) (see item 78) [TOC]

January 25, 2008