Amanda "That's Not A Palindrome!" L.'s Profile

I'm a longtime Two-Hearted fan. Last weekend,  my husband + I were traveling to Grand Rapids to attend my brother's college graduation. I demanded we navigate a stop to Kalamazoo so that we could check out the Bell's Eccentric Café. We arrived around 4PM on a Friday and were fortunate to find a parking spot right away. As we stretched our legs, I scanned the full lot and was surprised to find that we were the only out of state license plate. There are great places within our home city of Chicago but most locals avoid them due to the amount of tourists that arrive in droves so I was impressed to see so many seemingly local patrons. After grabbing a menu, we found a table and  looked around. Where the café lacks in space, it makes up for in height. Though it appeared busy, it was hard to feel crammed due to the tall ceiling and large windows. A woman came up to us from behind the bar and told us that we needed to go up front to order. We explained that we realized this but were just taking it all in, deciding what we wanted to order. We were a bit surprised by the limited beer selection, many of which we could find at a few bars within our neighborhood. We had hoped to find a brew or two that we couldn't find at our local liquor store. I ordered my go-to Two-Hearted and though my husband would've loved a Hopslam we still had some driving to do so he opted for a Deb's Red. We were starving so we opted to order from the café's small menu. Granted I know it's a brewery, the real star is the beer (and true to form the beer was delicious) but we were disappointed by the menu options. I ordered the black bean burger which was just ok. Nothing to write home about. It arrived with stale corn chips that had that "fresh from the bag" smell. My husband ordered a smoked turkey sandwich. Again, underwhelming but hit the spot after 3 hrs. of driving.  At $7.50 each, the food wasn't truly worth it but again, we were starving so it served it's purpose in a pinch. We finished our beers, shared a few nods and smiles with those nearby. I'm glad we were able to stop at Bell's and I will continue to support their company but I don't think I'd ever visit again.

My husband and I traveled to Grand Rapids over the weekend to celebrate my brother's graduation from GVSU. Aside from the handshakes, the hugs and celebratory words (and a ceremony that seemed never ending), our itinerary included a must-stop at Founders. Longtime fans, we were looking forward to enjoying some of our favorite brews minus our local Chicago liquor tax. We arrived early evening amidst my brother's warnings that Founders fills up quickly. He wasn't kidding. The crowd appeared to be a mix of locals and fellow out of towners toasting their grads. Everyone seemed jovial and the vibe was laidback. We were fortunate to find a table outside near the entrance.  Service was prompt and polite. The noise level was minimal mainly due to the fact that we were outside. My brother introduced us to one of his favorite items on their surprisingly extensive menu: pita chips with hummus and tapenade. The pita was warm and soft. The hummus flavorful and the tapenade hit the spot. We sipped our (delicious) beers, which helped take the edge off of the early spring chill. As the crowds continued to grow we were never  rushed by our servers. While at the table my brother broke the news that he was taking a job in Phoenix so now it looks as though our sole purpose for future Grand Rapids travel will be for Founders. A trip well worth it. A couple of days later, my husband and I stopped by their company store and purchased a growler of Double Trouble to take home. All in all a lovely experience and a highlight of our trip to a city that made me overuse the term "cute".

I was born in New England, my family moved shortly before my 2nd birthday. My childhood is filled w/ regular trips back east ... My parents would bring live Maine lobsters back as their carry-on. I now live in Chicago & my Father lives in Michigan ... I had no idea what to give him this past Christmas. After much research I came across http://Lobsterguy.com. During one of the busiest times of the year, I ordered two live Maine lobsters to be shipped to my Father. They arrived on time, packaged with care and I was thrilled to hear that they tasted great. I couldn't be happier with the service and the product. I received regular email updates on my order from both Lobsterguy & FedEx. Ive had more issues sending a postcard than sending two live lobsters. Thanks to Capt. Tim & his crew I was able to send a little piece of some of the happiest memories of my childhood to my Father. An amazing service!

When I was in the 5th grade ("The year of the bad perm"), I entered my school's science fair with a project I was for certain would stun + amaze (and completely win out over those attention-starved gerbil mazes). I called it "Fizzle, Fazzle". The basis of my experiment was to determine the rate of Alka-Seltzer dissolving in various liquids (milk, Coke-a-Cola, apple juice, water, Vernors ...Very high-tech stuff). For lack of suspense: I lost but then again in the 5th grade everyone is a winner.

I now know that if I had gone to the American Science + Surplus, I could have won. This place makes me want to petition re-enrollment into an elementary.

Perfect for not only science fair goodies but ample art supplies + household gadgets that have been perhaps forgotten or undiscovered.

During my recent visit I purchased an original metal Slinky (I figured it might help me meet some of my neighbors in my apt. building's stairwell) and a recorder (to get rid of any neighbors when I grow tired of chit-chat).

Snow days, rainy days, AC-seeking humid days, oddball gifts, the refusal to turn towards scrapbooking  and for when you need inspiration beyond a standard museum or El ride ...American Science + Surplus is great for all occasions. Prices are unbelievably cheap + it's a great shopping venture for when you're with that friend ...Yes, that friend, you know the friend that refuses to go thrift shopping with you because everything is "used".

Afterwards, walk across the parking lot to the Blue Angel diner + have a cup of coffee. If you opt for a bite to eat, I suggest ordering a glass of soda. Your Alka-Seltzer will dissolve quicker.

It was New Years' Day, my sidekick in burritoing Danger Mike + I were sad to see that our usual spot (Lindo Michoacan) was closed as we pulled up towards Lawrence + Kedzie. Starving + in need of the gut-filling goodness of a burrito, we decided to go straight to the source: 26th St. Surely something would be open on the first day of the new year, in Little Village.

I prefer Little Village come summertime ...The street vendors are out, the sidewalks full + music streaming from various storefronts. Somehow amongst last summer's festivities, we had overlooked La Justicia on our burrito hunts. It took the cold + low-blood sugar to finally happen upon this restaurant (which has a large mural painted on it's side).

Meter parking off of S. Springfield, we walked in + were quickly given a choice where to sit. The space is of decent size, not a hole in the wall but cozy with colorful decorations, a large neon-lit digital jukebox, brick walls + vintage "WANTED" posters of Pancho Villa. There were also two standard sized television sets mounted in the corners tuned to Telemundo.

We sat at our clean/comfortable booth table as our complimentary chips(store bought but warmed w/ a good crunch + little salt) + salsa arrived (three tins: green, red + pickled w/ whole cloves of garlic: delicious). I ordered my usual: burrito vegetariano, no crema/no queso w/ avocado, large horchata. Danger ordered the carne asada (steak burrito) w/ everything + a carrot/orange juice blend.

Ok, so I never took Spanish I. I can order my burrito, show proper courtesies + even ask you if Maria is home but beyond that it's a game of guess + check. While we waited for our food + Danger browsed the latest Lawndale newspaper, I took to watching Telemundo, making sure to laugh when the waitresses did + show concern when I saw reports of fire or flooding. This seemed to go over well. I was totally in.

Our food arrived w/out much wait + I started in on my first meal of 09. I'm spoiled at Lindo Michoacan w/ all the veggies packed into their burrito so I had high hopes for La Justicia. Standard veg. burrito fare: beans, rice (heavy), shredded lettuce (bring dental floss), tomato, onion (raw), a mushy slice of avocado with a few leaves of cilantro. Everything was fresh + the salsa choices added a kick. I took to chopping up a few garlic cloves + adding them into my burrito.

Danger finished his burrito in record time + seemed quite happy with it. He decided that La Justicia would be our plan B for when plan A is closed. I agreed mostly due to my carb coma + trying to keep up with my Telemundo watching/laughing. Note: Our waitress was nice + regularly checked in to see if we needed anything.

Overall, we left satisfied (and very full). I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed in the least. Both meals + beverages came in under $20. We ordered two Mexican cinnamon coffees (they do offer regular coffee too) to go (they were elaborately packed w/ cream + sugar ...We both take black but it was a nice gesture).

Not a bad way to start a new year.

Note: La Justicia is not 24 hrs. but open late weeknights + 3AM Friday. They do offer breakfast/lunch/dinner + delivery/pick-up.

I will now attempt to write my first review since August 2008, w/ a sticky N key. Here goes ...

After a summer full of "Burrito Sundays" + the ongoing quest for the best burrito Chicago has to offer, my sidekick Danger + I found it! We've been happily burritoing here, come every Sunday, for the past 4 mths.

Always consistent (as in never a bad meal ...yet), no wait (as in our table is always open), the right price and most importantly the best burrito I have had, thus far.

First of all, my order: Veggie burrito, no crema, no queso but w/ avocado, large horchata. Danger's order: Steak burrito w/ everything + a juice combination of carrot/orange (sometimes carrot/beet, sometimes carrot/pineapple).

I was amazed by the above par-offerings of my veggie burrito: beans (pinto), rice (not too much/not too little), tomato, onion (grilled), lettuce (no white bits), spinach (sautéed), mushrooms (grilled), stoplight peppers (red, orange, green), fresh cilantro all wrapped in a warm/homemade tortilla. Add an icy horchata (not too sweet, not too watery) + complimentary chips (again, homemade + warm) w/ a fresh/kicky red salsa and a wedge or two of lime (you can request verde, my usual fav but I found it a bit too slimey).

Danger's steak burrito arrived much the same + their juice combinations (listed on the restuarant's far wall) are always made fresh without added sweetener (you won't find this at Jamba + it arrives in a clear plastic CHALICE!).

Atmosphere is both clean + spacious with large tables that could easily seat 6. Open late, 24 hrs. over the weekend + most holidays (I dined here on Thanksgiving + Christmas Day but was sad to see they were closed on New Years' Day, hmph).

Tip: There's parking in the back, off of Kedzie.

To top off the meal, order a cup to go of their Mexican coffee (the only kind offered) w/ a distinct taste of Mexican cinnamon + nutmeg.

Take your coffee across the street to the Eagle 99 Cent store + browse their collection of doo-rags, religious candles/mugs and sandbag ashtrays.

I can't wait until Sunday.

I ate here? ...Oo yeah, it's sort of slipped my mind over the past week, since my visit.

Granted the burrito was ok, rather large + the tomato was so ripe that it still had a bit of stem. If it weren't the bright green of the avocado + the brown hue of the beans, I would have been unable to distinguish any difference from the two. I'm curious as to where they get their freakishly white-only iceberg lettuce ...It must be grown in the dark, some new hybrid that remains untapped.

I was hungry, per usual, on my friend Mike + I's post-work "Burrito Sundays" so Los Gallos #2 sufficed. The horchata was tasty but unremarkable. A few (dozen) sprinkles of oregano + a dab of their run-of-the-mill red sauce (the only one they offered + the pickled vegetables looked dry, though I admired their orange-y color) + I was strung out on enough carbs to shake the lingering question as to why ABC7's "Hungry Hound" would have visited here (which was evident by the framed photo which hung behind the cash register).

Halfway through our meal, the waitresses started to clean ...The smell of "big pink" cleaning detergent took over any "you're in a resturant" smells + I felt as though I was eating in a train terminal.

Fortunately, the price was right + I am willing to cut some slack since it seemed more of a takeout joint opposed to dine-in.

The man who sat nearby + said a little hand-clasped prayer after each mouthful, offered up some decent entertainment ...Next time I'll try having what he was having.

I was trying to think of how many times I've been to this restaurant, throughout the past couple of years, and there was one constant amongst every visit: One of my closest friends, Lisa, who loves it here. That said, I don't think I'd ever go here without her.

I remember when Lisa first came across Fireside, after seeing their menus scattered about the neighborhood's sidewalks throughout the seasons ...The biggest draw was their outdoor seating (like any plus within the city). It's true, their back patio is quite nice, covered (think: circus tarp) in case of rain (or sleet, it's Chicago), well-lit and the seating is somewhat comfy (think: metal/padded chairs). I've never dined inside + I don't think I ever would, it seems sort of cramped. The inside has those framed French ad posters that everyone calls "vintage".  I do like the location, though, somewhat secluded + unassuming.

Their food, the times I've gone, has always been somewhat consistent ...Considering there's really only two things I can order: the stir-fry + the portabella sandwich, both standard vegan fair + mediocre. Nothing truly memorable either good or bad. Their menu seems to cater to those with the run of the mill palates. It's like the lil TGIFridays that could w/ inconsistent prices. I do like that their stir-fry is light + served on a pile of fresh leafed spinach. They "suggest" ordering the side of "seasoned" rice, which I usually decline but ends up on my plate (like my visit, last night w/ Lisa + her husband Paul, in tow), regardless. It can be a bit bland, I asked for a side of balsamic, it never arrived ...Ah well, not everyone's a pepper.

The wait staff is nice but not as attentive given how busy this place can get ...Halfway through our meal, last night, our waitress magically appeared with a tray of desserts or as she put it "the grand finale" (standard: cheesecakes, chocolate cake, something with Kahlua) ...Lisa was still gnawing on her ribs, Paul's mashed potatoes had yet to be touched + I had given up all hope for any balsamic so was dousing my meal with pepper ...Dessert was the last on our mind. We declined, still on the main course.

They make an ok martini, though their prices on gin are a little off opposed to other places + the olives are the most standard of olives w/ pimentos. I will give them credit for really trying on their beer menu (I've had wines off of their wine menu, in the past, it's not bad ...Surprisingly somewhat well rounded + larger than you'd think. Equal reds/whites ratio) ...They do offer a mix of drafts, domestics throughout the world but there are a few beers that show someone who knows about beer (or secretly wants to be the Hopleaf) is behind such a list.

They were out of my first choice (Two Brothers Ebel Weiss) but had North Coasts' PranQster on special (A very drinkable Belgium, though I've always hated the name + the capitalized Q). My PranQster came in a Delirium Tremens glass which I found amusing.

I'll probably eat here again because well, Lisa is one of my best friends + I support her. That said, my birthday is coming up + if Lisa suggests Fireside, it's just not me (It's bad enough my birthday falls on Labor Day, this year).

My friend Mike + I have a schtick to our "Burrito Sundays" ...Shortly after clocking out at work, we get into Mike's car + turn up Tito Puente.

Yes, I just completed a sentence with "schtick," "burrito" and (Puerto Rican by way of NYC turned "King of Latin Music") Tito Puente ...en route towards the week's Mexican joint.

This week I was surprised by the "Essential Tito Puente" + off we went ...We decided to drive through Humboldt Park towards the West Humboldt/Austin line. After a view slows past a couple promising Mexican restaurants ...We noticed a busy corner shop on N. Karlov + North Ave ...A few steps in, the place was packed + there didn't appear to be an opening anytime soon (good for them). We then went towards the other corner (N. Kedvale + North), where we found Asi Es Guerrero.

Somewhere along the short walk between corners we had crossed over any middle ground + had entered two extremes: Asi Es Guerrero was completely empty.

Perhaps it was the glaring overhead light, the paint by number murals that bled over to the ceiling or the Holiday Inn desk chairs (It was probably the chairs) ...We quickly chose a table + a woman walked over with two menus. If I could contain the sparkle in her eyes as she saw us (It was probably the lights) ...She couldn't have been more pleasant ...Though a bit hesitant in the shy sense ...As though if she walked towards us too quickly, we'd dissipate ...A customer mirage.

Ordering went as usual.

Woman: "You want no cheese? No crema? Only bean? Do you want rice?"
Me: "Beans, yes ...Rice, yes ...No cheese, no crema ...No meats or dairy, please ...But yes to everything else + avocado, please?"
Mike: "She's vegan"
Woman: [blank stare]
Me: "And a LARGE horchata, please"

Mike ordered a steak burrito + much to his delight carrot juice ...The woman came back w/ a basket of warm tortilla chips + two salsas (red/green) in separate mortars.

I can't take the suspense: Best green/verde I've ever had ...Hands down. Unbelievably fresh, the right hue of green, a nice kick of spice ...Needless to say by the end of the meal, the mortar w/ verde was scrapped clean.

Next came the carrot juice + horchata or "One orange, one white," as the woman pointed out after setting them on the table.

I was facing the kitchen, over Mike's shoulder, when I had seen the woman coming towards the counter, a large bucket of carrots in her arms. Right then + there she started juicing the carrots (in a juicer, of course ...Next to the cash register, of course) ...If I could contain the sparkle in Mike's eyes (Again, probably the lights).

Since Mike had ordered the steak, by this point I half expected to hear a "MOO!" coming from the back ...Soon we had our burritos.

Mine was just as I had ordered it ...I can't take the suspense any longer: An amazing burrito! My whole questioning what I seek, from the previous week, was gone within the first bite. I not only had my huge chunks of avocado, fresh beans (no paste!), lettuce, tomato + fluffy rice (all wrapped in a chewy/non-greasy, homemade tortilla) BUT there were carrots, green + red peppers w/ roasted onion ....A slight pause is needed.

.....

Mike's steak burrito w/ everything was cooked just right + all conversation ceased as we devoured what lay in front of us.

Halfway through our meal, the woman decided to turn the TV on (which was over hanging from the ceiling, above the restrooms) ...She settled on Telemundo's showcase of the Leonardo DiCaprio classic: Titanic.

The salsa, the horchata (which was quite tasty if not a touch plain), Mike's fresher than fresh carrot juice, my burrito, good company, the Mexican grandmother (in an elderly home setting, to boot w/ a fiesta flare) that my European mutt self never knew I had ...And Titanic, in Spanish.

I had arrived.

Both meals totaled under $10 a piece, plus tip. The receipt came back with Chicklets.

Why on Earth was this place empty? (Chairs, schmairs) ...The stakes are higher now after my Asi Es Guerrero experience.

I strongly, strongly recommend (urge, strongly) taking Lower Wacker Drive, listening to the soundtrack from the James Caan 1981 film "Thief".

This is best done past sundown.

There are no words (well, aside from the recommendation).