Category Archives: restaurant reviews

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Chicago September 18

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National Cheeseburger Day is upon us yet again and several Chicagoland restaurants are honoring it by featuring juicy and delicious cheeseburger options for everyone’s taste.

Frietkoten Cheese Burger, Photo by Cindy Kurman

CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET Frietkoten 131 N. Clinton St. Chicago, IL  (312)575-0306  ; www.chicagofrenchmarket.com   Chicago French Market’s, Frietkoten, is primarily known for its authentic Belgian fries and hearty selection of Belgian beers, both on tap and bottled.  However the recently added menu of gourmet Belgian cheeseburgers, made from beef that is freshly ground daily, is proving that the Belgians know what makes up a great burger.  It’s offering of cheeseburgers include a combination of choice toppings like smoked Gouda and blue cheeses, maple bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet grilled onions, apples, and fried egg. All cheeseburgers come with Frietkoten’s signature crispy Belgian fries and a dipping sauce for $8.75, plus tax.  Add a seasonal beer to make it a meal from one of its selections on tap including Avril Biere de Table and Debuisson Cuvee des Trolls, Blond Ale for only $11.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR 25 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL  (312) 329-9463  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL  (847) 793-0333  ; www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s Prime Burger

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar not only serves prime steaks cooked to perfection, but its extensive new Bar la Carte  menu offers Fleming’s guests six all-new satisfying dishes available any time, any evening. More substantial than appetizers or the typical “bar bites” found at many restaurants, the addition of this Bar la Carte menu makes Fleming’s bar as much a destination for food as it is for wine and cocktails. Included in the new Bar la Carte menu is the Fleming’s Prime Burger, served with Wisconsin cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, and Fleming’s Signature Onion Rings.  Stop in to enjoy the prime burger on National Cheeseburger Day for $14, or enjoy it for only $6 between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. during Fleming’s daily 5-6-7 promotion – in which you get a choice of 5 premium cocktails, 5 distinctive wines by the glass and 5 generous appetizers or the Prime Burger, each for only $6. Beverage specials are good all evening in Illinois.

Maxwell’s at the Club Steakburger

MAXWELL’S AT THE CLUB East Bank Club 500 North Kingsbury, Chicago, IL  (312) 527-5800  ; www.eastbankclub.com/dining/maxwells-at-the-club   River North and Fulton River District’s Maxwell’s at the Club, is open to the public despite its location in the private confines of East Bank Club. The restaurant serves some of the best food in the neighborhood, with many menu items customizable to please anyone’s particular tastes and desires.

One of the most popular selections at Maxwell’s is Max’s Minis, a trio of sliders that includes a mini prime steakburger, a mini Santé Fe chicken burger and a mini Yellowfin Tuna Steak burger, all topped with crispy onion strings for $10. For customized minis, ask for any combination of the three. Steak lovers will enjoy the very popular Mini Tenderloin Sliders for $14, a trio of seared mini filet mignon sliders finished with lemon and basil.   For a larger appetite, Maxwell’s Prime Steakburger is available for $11, made from ten ounces of prime beef, topped with lettuce tomato, onion and pickle and your choice of cheese, served with sweet potato fries, fresh-cut fries or seasonal fresh fruit.

TRADEMARK TAVERN 777 E. Butterfield Rd. Lombard IL    (630) 472-0777  ; www.trademarketavern.com   Trademark Tavern offers customers a way to truly indulge in the burger holiday; with its “Add a Patty” promotion. Running through September 22, customers can order 1/3 pound cheeseburgers for $3 and stack on as many extra patties as they wish for an additional $1 each. The burgers come with American cheese, lettuce, and pickle. Trademark also has a range of tempting cheeseburgers including its signature Trademark Burger for $10, made with a Pat LaFrieda™ ground chuck and ground short rib combination; topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They also provide an enticing selection of cheese options including aged cheddar, Gruyére, provolone, Gouda, habanero jack, and blue cheese for an extra $1.

Z Burger at Zealous

ZEALOUS 419 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654  (312) 475-9112  ; www.zealousrestaurant.com   Zealous is celebrating 19 years in business this month, and as Michael Taus, chef/owner, continues to offer an award winning fine-dining experience to his patrons, he has proven he still knows how to produce a great cheeseburger.  Voted Chicago Magazine’s “Best Burger Ever” and Travel & Leisure’s “Top 10 Burgers in America” Zealous’ Z’ Burger is the pinnacle of a fine dining take on the all-around classic.  Served with Havarti cheese and tomato Remoulade on a house-made dill roll and served with fries, the highly coveted burger is available a la carte for $15.

 

Pannenkoeken Café: one delicious way to enjoy breakfast

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Pannenkoeken Cafe
Lincoln Square
4757 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
773-769-8800

Bucktown/Wicker Park
2257 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-227-6600

Hours:
Lincoln Square: 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.;
8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat.-Sun. Closed Tuesday.

Bucktown/Wicker Park: 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.;
7 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.; 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.; 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun.

By Lee Barrie and Cindy Kurman
Original story appeared in StreetWise
 One of Chicago’s hottest spots for breakfast these days takes you on a journey to Holland. The Dutch rendition of the pancake, which the Dutch call Pannenkoeken (pronounced pa-ne-co-ken), is the specialty of the house. There are two locations of this bright and popular eatery. The original location in Lincoln Square is a tiny and busy 20-seater. With bright colors, comfortable banquettes and butcher block tables, the atmosphere is basic but homey. The Bucktown/Wicker Park location is much bigger, but so are the crowds. On weekends, you may need to wait for a table, but it’s worth it. Be prepared to give them your name and party size and, if you go off to window shop for awhile, make sure to come back in due time. To shorten our wait, we shared a four-top table with two very friendly women who have lived in Holland and could speak to the authenticity of this restaurant.

So what is a Pannenkoeken, besides a difficult to pronounce word? This delicious Dutch rendition of the pancake is a large, plate-sized thin pancake that’s like a crêpe but thicker. It’s also like a German pancake, but since it’s not baked, it doesn’t puff up like the German dish. It also has some griddle marks that remind us of Indian Naan bread. Our new tablemates told us that they remember the ones in Holland being slightly thicker, but I don’t think we should quibble. They loved these.

Whichever way you describe it, the Pannenkoeken comes out piping hot (servers deliver them fresh from the kitchen) and the toppings are delicious. Depending on how hungry you are, you can share one between two people, although it’s tempting to wolf down the whole thing, because the Pannenkoeken are that good.

The best part of the Pannenkoeken Café story is the variety of delicious flavor combinations on the menu. If you’re in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth (although none are cloyingly sweet, you’ll enjoy the Apple, with thinly sliced apples, cinnamon, toasted hazelnuts, topped with fresh whipped cream and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Another sweet inspiration is the Apple & Ginger, with sliced apples and ginger marmalade, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The Raisin & Ginger pairs golden raisins with ginger marmalade, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The Apple, Raisin, & Cheese Pannenkoeken combines golden raisins with sliced apples and melted havarti cheese. The piece de resistance on the sweet side is the Chocolate Banana, cooked with thinly sliced bananas, drizzled with Belgium chocolate, sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts, and topped off with fresh whipped cream and Dutch cocoa powder.

On the savory side, you can choose meat-oriented varieties or the Veggie Pannenkoeken, topped with choice of three sautéed veggies (asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, spinach, tomato, onion, green pepper, or red pepper) and choice of cheese. Meat-oriented choices include the Bacon & Cheese, with bacon and havarti cheese; Bacon, Cheese & Mushroom; Ham, Pineapple & Cheese, featuring grilled ham and pineapple, covered with havarti cheese; Sausage & Cheese; Sausage, Mushroom & Cheese, or the Salami & Cheese with grilled salami and havarti cheese.

If you’re in a DIY mood, you can add additional toppings from the ingredients listed above.

Lest you think all there is at Pannenkoeken Café are the pancakes, we should run down some of the other choices on the varied menu. Omelets are served with a hefty portion of delicious hash browns and toast. You can order a Denver Omelet, a Veggie Omelet or the Build Your Own, with an ample variety of ingredients. Options include egg whites, croissants and cheeses.

If you’re in a traditional pancake or French Toast mood, you will be quite pleased. Buttermilk pancakes are available plain or made with strawberries or blueberries. The Belgian Waffle and French Toast are thick and decadent.

They haven’t forgotten the kids—there is a special kids menu and freshly squeezed orange juice, hot chocolate and chocolate milk are beverage choices. For grownups, drip coffee as well as espresso and cappuccino are available. Note that the Bucktown/Wicker Park location is open for extended evening hours. Be sure to check out daily specials if you’re in that restaurant from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Note: DineWise is a weekly column appearing in StreetWise magazine. Lee Barrie is on the StreetWise board of directors and he and his wife Cindy own Kurman Communications, a Chicago-based public relations agency specializing in lifestyle, restaurant and hospitality strategic branding, marketing promotions, media relations and social networking. If you’d like your restaurant to be featured on the DineWise blog and in StreetWise magazine, please contact DineWise@kurman.com.

Michael Lachowicz brings new meaning to sandwiches at Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Cafe

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Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Cafe

3310 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL (773) 325-9664

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday;
11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

By Stephanie DeMeester
Story originally appeared in StreetWise

Many people claim to offer gourmet sandwiches, which sometimes makes us question how they may define “gourmet.” Take high quality, artisan ingredients and the classic French technique of a solid three-star chef hailing from the likes of Le Francais, Les Deux Gros and Restaurant Michael, and ask the chef to make you a sandwich. The result? Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Café by acclaimed chef, Michael Lachowicz which celebrated its grand opening Friday, May 8.

Lachowicz, chef/owner of the acclaimed Restaurant Michael in Winnetka, Ill. has taken his best fine dining entrees, and created their gourmet sandwich counterparts at his new Boystown retail shop. The best part? The sandwiches range from $7-$12 each, and include a side salad or housemade chips.

Wally & Agador’s, named after his two “diva” dogs, is the ideal way to enjoy truly gourmet food at a budget friendly price. The menu includes a number of diva inspired sandwiches prepared with classic French technique, as well as a number of freshly made deli creations and rotating entrée selections from Restaurant Michael’s menu which vary each week.

Favorite sandwich selections include the Wham Sammich, slow-cooked “sous vide” leg of lamb, thyme, garlic and black pepper mayo served in a warm baguette with fresh Laura Chenel Goat’s cheese and eggplant “caviar” ($10); The Elton John, chicken sausage studded with dried huckleberries with truffle sauce, shallot jam and pommes frites ($11); and the Esther Williams, lobster and scallop sausage nestled in butter lettuce leaves with tarragon mayo in a soft potato roll dusted with Old Bay © seasoning ($12).

Save room for dessert because Wally & Agador’s has two sweet namesake sandwiches: The Wally, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and sliced bananas on a batter-dipped croissant ($7); and The Agador which switches out the peanut butter for Nutella. Yum!

Wally & Agador’s only has four tables (seats for 16), so carry-out is a popular option. Wally & Agador’s would be ideal for your next office party and delivery is already in the works. With friendly customer service and outstanding, truly unique sandwiches, Wally & Agador’s is perfect for the diva in all of us.

Spacca Napoli still popular after 3 years in Ravenswood

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Spacca Napoli
1769 W. Sunnyside Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-2420
http://www.spaccanapolipizzeria.com/

The biggest news in Chicago pizza over the past three years is that Chicago pizza lovers are clamoring for pizza that goes back to its Italian roots. Spacca Napoli, in the Ravenswood neighborhood, is one of several pizzerias that feature pizza in its original incarnation. Spacca Napoli has been packing them in for three years with truly authentic Italian pizza, made the same way it is made in the pizzerias of Naples, Italy. In fact, the restaurant is named after Spaccanapoli, the old plaza in Naples.

The owner is the friendly and completely dedicated “pizzaiuolo,” Jonathan Goldsmith, a Chicagoan who has traveled to Italy innumerable times and essentially considers Italy his second home. After many visits to Italy, he was encouraged by his Italian friends to open an authentic pizzeria in Chicago. Thus began his passionate journey to discover the essence and art of making true Italian pizza. His journey took him to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, where he studied and became certified as a “Pizzaiuolo”, or pizza maker.

A visit to Spacca Napoli is the closest thing to being on the streets of Naples. The menu is simple and uncluttered but offers a dining experience that is steeped in Italian culinary tradition. The meal begins with a choice of salads (insalatas) and appetizers (antipasti), each bursting forth with an explosion of flavor from the fresh, authentic ingredients. A daily soup special is also on the menu.

Goldsmith picks his ingredients judiciously. He doesn’t simply use mozzarella, he uses imported mozzarella di bufala and fior di latte (fresh whole milk mozzarella). Other ingredients include fresh tomatoes and basil, fresh eggplant and zucchini, imported Italian meats such as Prosciutto Di Parma and Italian sausage, all accompanied by flavorful, fresh olive oils. The appetizer selection varies daily, and you’ll often find Goldsmith passing out samples to the people waiting expectantly for a table. Appetizers are priced in the $7-$12 range and are large enough to share among 2-3 people.

The pizza selection focuses on twelve regular varieties plus two or three daily specials, certainly enough choices to please any pizza lover. There are plenty of vegetarian choices. Pizzas are priced in the $10-15 range.

The flavors and textures of the pizza are unique. Goldsmith has equipped the pizzeria with an impressive, imported custom-built wood burning brick oven. The oven burns so hot that the pizzas reach their treasured texture in only a few minutes. The bubbly crust—mixed in an Italian-made mixer and made from Italian flour—is very thin, crispy on the outside edges and tender in the center. People who enjoy the taste and aroma of freshly baked Naan bread in an Indian restaurant will note the similarity. All pizzas are drizzled with fresh imported olive oil and served uncut. Diners use a pizza cutter to create wedge slices or squares, whatever their preference.

In two visits, we enjoyed several varieties; all came out piping hot and delicious. The Funghi features fresh tomatoes, Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, fresh basil, mushrooms and olive oil. The tomato flavor emanates more from the fresh Pomodorini (Italian cherry tomatoes) than tomato sauce. We also loved the Quattro Formaggi, which is a cheese lover’s dream. It’s a Pizza Bianca (white pizza) with Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Emmenthal, and Fontina cheeses. Another favorite was the Bianco Nero, a delicately flavored daily special that features wild mushrooms drizzled with truffle oil. Amazing.

Other featured pizzas ingredients, in varying combinations, include fresh Italian sausage, fennel, arugula, fresh Parmesan and rapini.

Spacca Napoli serves a nice selection of desserts (dolce) which vary from day to day, and fresh gelato in a variety of flavors. We enjoyed the special banana gelato as well as the Tuscan chocolate (dark and rich). Italian beers and wines by the glass and bottle as well as excellent espresso and cappuccino are also available. Limoncello and other Italian spirits are great accompaniments to desserts.

Spacca Napoli is open for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Reservations are accepted and recommended on weekends.

Carryout is allowed but discouraged; the high moisture content of the ingredients tends to saturate the crust. All major cards are accepted. Street parking is available.
For reservations and for more information, call Spacca Napoli at 773-878-2420 or visit their website at http://www.spaccanapolipizzeria.com/.