Chicago Report

NNTP-Posting-Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2000 18:29:10 GMT
Organization: Verio
Xref: usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu rec.food.restaurants:49715

Just got back from another biz trip to Chicago and thought I'd share some food experiences.  I grew up in the city and go back frequently - Chicago is a great place to eat.   This time, had dinner at three restaurants I'd never been to, one was a repeat.

Oceanique (in Evanston.)   I do believe (after one experience) that this is the best seafood in Chicago.  Very creative, with a good but not endless selection.  I had a grilled grouper that was fresh, grilled just right and with a terrific but not overwhelming sauce. This place is not cheap - but is well worth it.

Nacional 27.   A relatively new Lettuce Entertain You place.  Supposed to target cuisine from all the countries in Central & South America. Very trendy & the place was hopping - we made reservations a week ago. But the food was disappointing.   Except for a few authentic dishes on the menu it was mostly the same old "contemporary" food with a latin american twist.   Mostly forgettable.   But the mojito cocktails I had were very good although a bit light on the rum.   Won't go back.  For this type of food, I'll stick with Mas.

Heaven on Seven on Rush.   Been here many times.  It's the only Cajun/Creole "style" restaurant I'll eat at outside of Louisiana. Although this time around I tried the BBQ Salmon which was good but not great.   The grilled chicken, roasted pepper & andouille quesidilla appetizer was phenomenal, though.   And the gumbo is true "heaven."

Adobo Grill (on Wells, just north of North Ave.)   Heard that the chef had done time at Frontera so I gave it a shot.  Especially since Frontera/Topolobampo is closed on Sunday.  I was NOT disappointed. The best part was showing up Sunday night at 6:30 and getting seated right away.     Started with guac made fresh at the table - it was superlative.   For an entree I had the huachinango veracruzana (whole snapper vera cruz style) which was the best I'd had in many, many years.   I used to get it in Baja which was the best but a close second was another Chicago place called Playa Azul which was on the south side in a true Mexican neighborhood.   This was just as good (but more expensive.)

Oh yeah.  I had my obligatory hot dog lunch at Harry's on Randolph & Franklin.   Forgettable dogs and terrible fries.  Next time I'll stay with my old standys - either the Doggie Diner or Superdawg.