Michael "Stash" S.'s Profile

I'm amazed that Chicagoans still ask me, "Where can I get shrimp and grits?"  There's been a long wait, but we finally have a place with fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, Mississippi mud pie, and every other southern delicacy I devour when visiting my grandparents in South Carolina.  The Southern serves this soul satisfying comfort food and more, steps away from the six corners in Bucktown/Wicker Park.

In a space formerly known as Chaise Lounge, executive chef Cary Taylor offers patrons a relaxed, laid-back setting, while being backed up by the most genuine wait staff I've ever met.  I usually go to dinner expecting to spend 2-3 hours socializing and sharing countless physical manifestations of a chef's passion.  My first visit lasted five plus hours on a Sunday night before having to wake up at 4am for work--and it was worth it.

Between pours of Matilda and Numbers Ale, I dined on johnny cakes (pictured), fried green tomatoes, braised pork, duck orleans, carollina mahi tacos, and a southern take on bangers and mash, while making new friends and discussing where to eat in Paris.  My favorite dish, the johnny cakes, are served with gunthorp pork and chow chow, a relish of green tomatoes and cabbage that varies between Southern households.  The braised pork is large enough to satisfy a Stash-sized appetite, and falls off the bone into a bed of wheatberries and kabocha squash.  The duck orleans is another must, presented by chef Taylor with a burning twig of rosemary.  Every time I detect that distinct aroma, I smile, knowing what fellow patrons are about to indulge in.

To accommodate those of us who demand 'morning food' at one on Sunday, The Southern offers one of the best brunch menus the city has to offer.  The best shrimp and grits this side of the Mason-Dixon (but you know that already), beignets, chicken and biscuits, 'bacon/chocolate,' and a personal favorite, 'Ode to Waffle House.'  Thankfully, these hashbrowns aren't the culmination of a night of bad decisions--and they taste a lot better than the original too.

Chicagoans--you know where to get your southern fix now.  If you've got southern visitors going through culture shock, bring them here and they'll feel at home.  Don't have plans on a Saturday night?  Come by to indulge, relax, and sort out the best of Paris.

The portions are fairly size, but the food is so good, my brother and I kept ordering and finally ended the night after:

*Pork Fried Almonds with Rosemary & Garlic
*Lardo Crostini
*Sardines with Lemon Jam
*Pig's Ear with Crispy Kale, Marinated Cherry Peppers & Fried Egg
*Purple Pig Platter (all cured meats)
*Pork Neck Bone Rillette with Mostarda
*Pork Liver Paté
*Octopus with acini di pepe & Swiss Chard (don't order)
*Charred Scallions with Romesco Sauce
*Prawns a la Plancha
*Pig's Tails Braised in Balsamic
*Skatewing with Beets & Guanciale
*Quail with Salsify & Pomegranate

Plus beer, 2 desserts, several other dishes from our neighbors (love the communal tables), and a cute waitress.

I've been hearing a lot of buzz over Kith and Kin since it opened.  I was the one guy that chose to go to Balsan opening weekend instead.  Reading the menu at first I wasn't immediately grabbed--but now I'm so glad I went.

All of the food is excellently executed, and cleverly thought out.  My favorite example is the 'Bar Harbor Mussels ipa, madras curry, pickled garlic, naan.'  The dish isn't overpowering or leave the consumer reeking of Indian spice, yet the dish has a very Indian theme.  IPA beer was invented  as a beer with a prolonged shelf-life to survive the trip from Britain to India.  That is paired with madras curry, an Indian seasoning blend, and naan, an Indian bread.  Very cool stuff.

The dim lit restaurant sets the mood for dates, and is anything but pretentious--not too bad on the wallet either.  With a great beer selection to boot, Kith and Kin is a great dining destination in Lincoln Park.

It's hard to describe what Big Star is.  It isn't really a restaurant, but is much more than a bar.  The food is good, but not that filling as a friend and I ordered the entire menu plus four tacos and drinks.  Let's leave it at upscale drunk food / bar snacks.

If you can get a seat, Big Star is a great place to hang out if you're drunk, or to go to if you're not quite there yet.  Wouldn't call it a dining destination.

Blackbird is one of the best single representations of Chicago--unpretentious, fine dining.  Two of us ate 10 amazing courses each, with wine pairings, in [nice] jeans.  Can't do that in many places.

My latest visit was for the Mangalitsa--the kobe beef of pigs--tasting, which will be offered throughout January '10.  Regardless of crammed tables full of chatty customers, the only disruptions in table conversation were by the food.  The two were blowing off each other, without warning, to take in the heavenly flavors--and she was gorgeous too.  When was the last time a pig took priority over a beautiful woman?  

At [unnoticed] lulls in service, wine glasses would be topped off--so I have no complaints about service.  The wait staff also did a great job in making me feel like I was a part of the community while dining.  The warm welcome was greatly appreciated coming out of freezing Chicago winter weather.

Blackbird is definitely special event dining for those that aren't high rollers, but If you're going to have one great meal in January, make it the Mangalitsa tasting at Blackbird.

Dear God, Bristol--you have everything I could ever ask for.  Amazing food and great service combine for an overall outstanding performance.  The interior is inviting, unless you're over an hour deep in the line, but great for groups.  Being busy on  Monday and Tuesday nights is a sure testament to the greatness of the restaurant.
Everything on the menu is a must, but if I had to pick a few, the first would be the beef tendon salad.  Don't be intimidated.  I've had beef tendons before in Pho, and never enjoyed them, but the Bristol turned me around.  Order this for a surprise, and commit yourself to a first bite--the rest will fall in place.
Number two is the split, head on prawns--very serious stuff.  The prawns are piled up into a magnificent tower of decadence.
Charcuterie lovers will be at home with their outstanding, in-house platter as well.
Come hungry, and order well.  I wouldn't worry about the monkey bread, because at the end of the day it's just [good] bread.  To get a guaranteed seat, come in early when they open at 530, or late around 9 (they close at 12).

Easily the single best reason to leave the city and venture out into the suburbs.  Vie delivers fine farm-to-table dining to please all palettes.  
I went with my brother and ordered everything off the first course menu.  Even though the menu changes regularly, the selection of proteins should be consistent.  With that said, get the foie gras and charcuterie plate.  I enjoyed everything, but those two stood out the most.  Also, Nathan makes all of their excellent charcuterie in-house, which makes it extra special.
Skipped salads and soups so I'm not one to judge those.
The entrees are well sized, and outstanding.  Everything very well seasoned, and the ingredients are always respected.  Vie banks on the quality of product from local farmers, and it pays off.
Thoroughly enjoyed the apple dessert, as it wasn't overly sweet--a deal breaker on most desserts for me.
I could go on writing more, but that would delay your passage to Vie, so get going!

Kudos to Laurel for having the balls to move into a space where no restaurant has survived for an extended period of time.  My parents moved to Naperville 25 years ago and it seems like everytime I visit, there's a new joint by Kinkos in Iroquois mall.
I like this place.  The food is authentic and well executed.  I would like a heavier hand with most of the seasonings, but that's a personal preference.
I don't get why most of the entrees come with french fries.  They have so many lamb dishes--but why all the fry accompaniments?  Doesn't make sense to me.
They also have pretty, but not practical plates that rock back and forth when cutting.  Kinda bothersome.  But nice/friendly (not speedy) service, which I'm sure will improve as the life of the restaurant goes on.
Definitely the best offering this cursed space has had to date.

Don't come here for Miller Lite.  It won't go over well.

Outstanding beer selection.  On par with, if not larger than Hopleaf and Publican.  If you can't decide, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and can make great recommendations.  Can get crowded, but isn't that the point of a social gathering place?  

I saw some people get mixed sprite drinks, and was just confused.  There are beers here you simply can't get elsewhere.  But still, if you have one of 'those' friends, they can still tag along.

It's a cash only joint, but there are ATMs inside, so no worries.

I'm one of those Chicago transplants--born in New Orleans then moved up north.  With that said, I love this place.
The gumbo is an absolute must.  The only I prefer is my grandfathers.  
Go during brunch-ish hours so you're sure to get complimentary beignets--which are delicious.
I normally wouldn't order burger at a genre specific restaurant like this, as burgers can be found everywhere, but the ones here are incredible.  Huge.  Great bun.  Great cheese and toppings.  Then there is the garlic aioli.  I hate mayo, but I cannot get enough of the garlic aioli.  It's made fresh, and puts everything over the top.  Thank god they over-slather the burger in it, so fries can pick up the drippings.
They also have a great bar with a very knowledgeable staff for after hours entertainment.