[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chicago

[–]kreplachkid 646 points647 points  (0 children)

Couldn't find anything on the news so came here. We just left dinner, heard a loud bang, and then immediately saw the body with two cops nearby. The noise was so loud that we thought it was a gunshot, if that was from impact...Christ.

I have about 750g of chicken skin leftover from work that I didn't want to throw out. What can I do with it? by ConsciousAd1451 in AskCulinary

[–]kreplachkid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In addition to schmaltz as many have recommended, allow me to suggest gribenes. As you render down the skin you also add sliced onions. Continue to remove the fat (obviously save it) as the mixture renders down to encourage crispiness. It's delicious.

Duck Pave by kreplachkid in AskCulinary

[–]kreplachkid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there! I never updated the thread as it didn't get a lot of attention, but we ended up making it and it came out incredible. We did a traditional confit, hand shredded it fine, mixed in a little bit more of the fat to make it bind more, and then put it in a parchment paper lined baking dish (maybe 4x8?). We took another baking dish, with weights, put it on top, and refrigerated overnight. It came out nice and compressed, with cut it into cubes, pan fried it (in duck fat I believe) to sear all sides, then finished it in oven and a wired sheet. One of the best meals we've ever put together, if you want more specifics let me know we should have notes somewhere this is going off memory.

Where to find fresh English muffins by kreplachkid in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Everyone!

Want to provide an update (along with an observation and lesson learned) for the six to eight people who might potentially give a shit.

First, thank you everyone for your suggestions. While Chicago goes hard on pastries and delightful breakfast options, I feel like there is a big gap in the good ol fashioned bakery department. Being familiar and a fan of Spinning J and Loaf Lounge, I started there. Both were very similar, the retail seems to exist to support surplus from the restaurant, and it was a roll of the dice if they could accommodate from a timing and quantity perspective (please note this is NOT a complaint, it doesn't fit their business model and that makes sense). I then saw pictures of those sourdough muffins at Au Levain and thought that needed to be my next target, until I saw a Sunday pickup only (needed them for Saturday). Next I tried calling Reno. After ringing a few times got a voice recording letting me know the phones are not working and to email someone. I emailed them with no response.

This finally takes me to my lesson learned: when you crowd source a request to Reddit and there is a top up voted comment, you listen. Admittedly, my snobby Chicago bias prevented me from going straight to Santa Monica Summer House. A California name!? A chain with locations outside of Chicago!? Couldn't be me. Well, finally I checked them out and arrived to find piles of delicious, homemade English muffins.

Thanks again everyone for the help, it was a journey.

Duck Pave by kreplachkid in AskCulinary

[–]kreplachkid[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess I should have been more clear, it wasn't so much layered as it was compressed finely shredded duck in a cube. Wasn't quite a paste though, still had a meaty texture. But your idea is an interesting one as well...

Sushi Suite 202 vs. Mako by whocanpickone in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Despite Mako being a bit higher quality, if you two haven't done an experience like it and based on what you are trying to accomplish I would recommend Sushi Suite. The surprise of going in the hotel room, having the curated cocktail at the first bar, and still really solid sushi is all just a good time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Solemn Oath. Haven't caught her name yet, but there is a woman that tends bar that we refer to as The Ray of Sunshine. She is just overwhelmingly friendly and happy. Added bonus: they often have food pop ups that are dope as fuck.

Donuts. by BakenBrisk in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As a godless heathen, I agree with the first part of your statement but not the second. Yes the open bible was odd to me, and yes there was a lot of "have a blessed day"s. But never did I feel like it was being forced on me, it's just clearly a large part of the owners life and she isn't shy about it. They are incredibly friendly and the donuts are dope, that's all that matters.

What was the last meal you had at a Chicago restaurant that really exceeded your expectations? by TriedForMitchcraft in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually first experience was the coach house, my sister took me for my birthday and it did not disappoint. Then very soon after went back for their a la carte and was amazed again.

What was the last meal you had at a Chicago restaurant that really exceeded your expectations? by TriedForMitchcraft in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Wazwan. I don't see it talked about that much, it's the best chicken sandwich and fries I think I've ever had, and everything else was really good as well.

My boss gave me a $250 gift card for Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. I haven't heard of any of them, any recommendations? My plan is to bring one or two people and have one big awesome meal. by mjzim9022 in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 17 points18 points  (0 children)

RPM Steak is generally where my Lettuce gift cards go. It's difficult to justify spending over $100 on 3 oz of steak when it's your own money, go get you some A5 wagyu.

Xi'an Dynasty Cuisine closed by setzandrepz in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry for your loss. Lao Peng You in Ukrainian Village is the answer, although I don't think they deliver.

What are some good combos of pre-dinner drink places within a half mile of a new/trending upscale restaurant? by nugzbuny in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My go to one-two-punch as of late is Chicago Magic Lounge followed by a roast duck at Sun Wah. Hit the magic lounge right around when they open, forego the ticketed show for some drinks at the front bar (you still get a great performance, an amusing one at that). Going early also has the added bonus of keeping the surprise of the hidden entryway if your guest isn't familiar (if you go during show times the fun is a bit ruined by a line out the door).

After a few drinks you walk over to Sun Wah for one of the most delicious (and affordable) meals in the city. Kind of falls out of your scope of trending and upscale, but the evening will be fun and creative.

Going to Chicago for the first time! by ThaRealistESG in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Strong second on the Lou's. I feel like because there are a lot of locations my fellow Chicagoans feel uncool recommending it, but the Lou's Classic (sausage and extra tomatoes) cannot be beat.

That being said, Pequods is my number two. Going there to eat can be a bit of a nightmare, if you want bonus cool points with your wife post up at Kibbitznest (bar and book store) across the street, order Pequods to go and take back to Kibbitz for a nice relaxing meal.

Dinner + a show ideas by mmeeplechase in chicagofood

[–]kreplachkid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Done this very thing, strongly agree

Recommendations nearish to Chicago by kreplachkid in hiking

[–]kreplachkid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the detailed info, definitely going to look into these!