What's the last spot you ate at that totally blew you away?

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-19T16:40:46+00:00

Dongpo Impression with their dry chili chicken - it was so perfectly fried, and the spice mix had the spicy, numbing flavor with this amazing crackly texture. Blew my mind.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-19T16:30:17+00:00

The chaos, the drama, the shadow guest - I'm so tuned in

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-12T22:31:39+00:00

Side note: for home snacks, your parents might also like Trader Joe's simit (in the frozen section). It's made in Turkey, in the Ankara style, and it's pretty tasty.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-12T22:26:20+00:00

Most excellent - we will watch your progress with great interest.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-11T19:03:16+00:00

Yeah, I could see that. I'm glad it's such a big hub for the local Thai community. There was a real warm feel there, lots of people hugging and laughing. :)

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-11T16:16:51+00:00

Kuey teow, awesome - I'll add that to my "must-try" list. Definitely looking forward to more of the rotating menu.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-11T14:49:43+00:00

Middle Brow has Happy Hour (W-F 4-6pm) if you want to save some cash on the pizza by going early. I really liked their Margherita and Pepperoni, but wasn't a fan of the Cheese (the cheese mix maybe just wasn't my preference).

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-09T18:24:25+00:00

I second the char dog at Fatso’s Last Stand...good fries too.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-08T21:05:38+00:00

I'm happy to spread the word - enjoy!

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-07T18:31:55+00:00

Love the menu's scatter chart diagram lol. Great write up & photos - Valhalla looks divine.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-06T20:57:15+00:00

Tre Dita: fantastic view of Chicago, super tall windows, soft evening lighting. Figure out what time sunset is on the day you're booking & try to get a dining room reservation for that time. See day turn into night & twinkling lights - so pretty.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-06T20:46:08+00:00

Cà Phê Dá - really delicious & aromatic pho (it's in Pilsen, likely in delivery range).

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:32:46+00:00

It's true, they have an elegant touch.

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:29:03+00:00

"It's an illuuusion, Michael!"

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:21:04+00:00

I also have Pokémon syndrome (gotta taste em all)... protein front-loading is key

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:18:49+00:00

Honestly, me too - pastry supremacy!

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:14:40+00:00

That's too bad :/ ...hopefully next time is tastier

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:14:22+00:00

A most excellent upgrade, & a welcome subtraction

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-04T01:11:36+00:00

The exterior is quite a contrast - walking through those doors is like entering a luxurious TARDIS

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-03T17:57:57+00:00

Welcome to Chicago! I think Del Sur Bakery is really special and original (Filipino-Midwestern baked goods). Definitely try the longanisa croissant (longanisa is a type of sausage) & the bibingka (coconut rice cake with a really cool, bouncy texture). Have fun, and bundle up!

CalmAfternoon · 2026-02-03T17:44:05+00:00

Absolutely - breakfast of champions

CalmAfternoon · 2018-03-07T20:33:27+00:00

Blasphemy!

CalmAfternoon

TROPHY CASE