Chicago Day Trips - Vol III

By now, most folks know that the Midwest experienced some mighty cold weather recently.  How cold was it?
 

How about 18 below as we departed the house at 9:00am on Friday, January 16th.  It had been 20 below a few hours earlier!
 

There was also a substantial amount of snow which, due to the dry nature of the cold temps, kept blowing around and recovering driveways and sidewalks.  It's a multiple time a day job keeping things shoveled and plowed. 
 
With three hours to go before our ultimate destination, we needed something warm and hearty to jump start this day.  Fifty minutes later we were driving the south side of Chicago in the Bridgeport neighborhood.  We had been here a few months back to visit Ricobene's, a great Breaded Italian Steak Sandwich place in Mayor Daley's old neighborhood.  Today, it was a different target...the Ramova Grill.
 

Situated just south of 35th Street on Halsted Street, we had to keep our ultimate destination cloaked in secrecy as we were within blocks of White Sox Park!
 

The Ramova Grill looks and feels like it's been in a time warp, but fate has been kinder than it's same named neighbor, the Ramova theater.  The theater has fallen on hard times and is pretty well boarded up, but the Grill, it's the place to get warm and get fed.
 

Two choices in this warm, inviting place, counter or booth.  We usually go where the action is and so two counter seats it was.
 

The smell was fantastic and with pots steaming on the burners in the back room...
 

...and the grill man extrodinaire in the window, we looked like we had launched our trip on a successful note.
 

Decisions...
 

Decisions...
 

Decisions.  Breakfast, lunch, chili, what will it be? 
 

How's this for a hint...
 

So we started out with the chili mac...pictured here before the ceremonial sprinkling of cheese!
 

This was rib sticking and a great warmer upper.  Similar to Cinncinati Chili in that it starts with a bed of spaghetti, it's then covered with a rich, flavorful been free chili and served with shredded cheddar on the side for an extra half buck.
 

Here's the view two thirds of the way through.  What a great way to forget about 18 degrees below zero!
 

We followed up with a couple of omelets...mine, a fine ham and cheese...
 

...in which cheese just oozed out when cut!  The home fries were also good, but the chili and omelets stole the show.
 

Reasonably priced, the Ramova Grill is clearly the neighborhood choice.  Most folks were regulars and the girls behind the counter were dishing up more than just food.  We fit right in and had a few good laughs.  For the record, number two son had the western omelette.   Note the use of English on the check...no fancy shorthand here! 
 

If you're in this neck of the city, as the two guys reflected in the window were, this is a solid Roadfood stop and the chili is a highlight!  This is a favorite of mine!
 
Ramova Grill
3510 South Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60609
Tel: 773-847-9058
 
Our thanks to Bruce and Sue for this find!  Great recommendation!
 
It's still only 10:45am, we've got 75 more minutes, so out comes the Roadfood book and look what we found!
 
More coming...
 
 
 

Ten minutes later, we're even closer to Sox Park as we spotted Kevin's Hamburger Heaven.  One of two south-side loctions, this one was hopping with folks stopping by for to go breakfast orders.  As we had just had breakfast, but had a long day ahead, we opted for the namesake.  Still cloaked in secrecy, we made our way up to the counter and grabed the last two seats.




It's a really small place, one counter and three dueces.  It's also not for the faint of heart if you have read Bruce and Sue's review.


The One and Only is the trademark burger, available as single or a double.  We opted for the single as the chili and omelettes were still digesting!  This poor photo shows the grill with the two balls of burger meat just pressed.


And after the flip...


And the set-up...


Without cheese...


And with cheese!  Now this was a pretty good burger with a nice crispness on the outside and edges, and a free formed design to it.  The bun was fresh, but nothing spectacular and as Chicago is a bread and bun town, it could be improved upon.  The natural juiciness was compounded by a small avalanche from the mountain of onions grilling on the flattop.


It held up pretty well right up til the end!


The fries were only fair and we both left quite a few.  Middle of the road fries coupled with poor cooking left more than a few hard as a rock.


If we return, it'll be the bacon double cheesburger next time!


Kevin's Hambuger Heaven is a real slice of life...with or without the metal detectors! 


Kevin's Hamburger Heaven
554 West Pershing Road
Chicago, IL 60609
Tel: 773-924-5771

www.kevinshambugerheaven.com
(under construction)

We did have a long day ahead, and we still had 45 minutes....

Yep...one more stop coming up!

Ohh lovely.  Personally, I like a chili-cheese omelet.  It's not much to look at usually but tastes really good.  You guys are brave to go out in that for pictures for us!

Chili is a perfect meal when temperatures are around 18 below....and that chili looked great!

Nancypalooza and leethebard -

I have to confess to putting chili on the homefries first, then on some of the omelette.  It tatsted great on everything!  Next time, a bowl of plain just for dipping or spreading or dunking or whatever! 

OK,  Where's the

       P   I   E  ???

How can you possibly enjoy Winter without PIE???

CTD

You are so right, EVERYTHING is better with chili

Those 2 stops have been great, I can't wait to see your final destination.
(Even if you are in THEIR territory) Only 26 days until spring training!!

Al-The Mayor-Bowen


OK,  Where's the

       P   I   E  ???

How can you possibly enjoy Winter without PIE???

Mr. Mayor -
 
No pie on this trip, but the next stop is all about sweets!

CTD-
Two stops and you haven't even reached your destination yet.  You are just a Roadfood machine!  Like everyone else said, that chili looks perfect for this kind of weather.  Can't wait to see where you go next! 

CTD-
Thanks to you, I had to go get a bowl of chili at lunch today.  I don't think it was nearly as good as what you had.

buffetbuster


CTD-
You are just a Roadfood machine!  

And who was out wondering the streets in Ohio all weekend?

At 18 below, you get bonus points for even climbing out of bed, let alone going out for goodies!  Looks like great spots.

ChiTownDiner, I'm really enjoying this report; great photos. I have driven past both Ramova's and Kevin's Hamburger Heaven many times, but I never thought about stopping in either. Neither one looks very promising from the outside, but seeing your photos reminds me of the old "can't judge a book...." bit of wisdom. I definitely will have to check them both out. BTW, will you be joining us in Milwaukee next Sunday, or in Greenville / Memphis next month? If not, I hope we get a chance to meet at some other RF event soon.                                                    Bob 

CajunKing


CTD

You are so right, EVERYTHING is better with chili

Those 2 stops have been great, I can't wait to see your final destination.
(Even if you are in THEIR territory) Only 26 days until spring training!!

Cajunking -
 
Way to early for "final" on this trip!

Al-The Mayor-Bowen


OK,  Where's the

       P   I   E  ???

How can you possibly enjoy Winter without PIE???

What's pie without Buffetbuster in tow?

CTD

I think I would have great difficulty leaving my condo if it ever got down to 18 below, I have to hand it to you, you're a true Roadfood Trooper!

We were 10 minutes from downtown Chicago and we found a great parking place right in front of our next destination.  Now, I try to keep up on the many Trip Reports here on Roadfood and one that stands out is billyboy's cupcake review.  Masterful work and as a cupcake lover, a goal for 2009.  Imagine my surprise, when 2 days before, I read an article on a brand new cupcake boutique...and we were right out in front.  Welcome to Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique!
 

This was one tough picture as there were no other angles, light was tough and the inside was also illuminated.  You can see the cupcake display inside, and surprisingly, this was the entire storefront.  I did, however, enjoy this photo for its contrasts - the simple inside of the cupcake store vs. the hustle 'n bustle of the downtown Chicago Loop.
 

Cupcakes come in two sizes, regular and mini.  There are approximately six flavors offered daily and an additional 6 specials each day.  Each of the 12 or so flavors is available in both sizes.  You can see minis interspersed with the regulars as well several on the bottom.
 

Here's a look at the choices...
 

While a few other items are available, mostly in the beverage category, it's the cupcakes that are the main event.
 

Here's a tray of the Texas Red Velvet, a seven day per week offering.  We selected 4 regulars and 4 minis for our trek to our weekend destination in hopes of enjoying a mid-afternoon energy break. 
 

The Pumpkin Patch really looked good and so we added one to our order.  
 

Minis can be purchased on these cupcake tiers also for meetings and parties.
 

Here's a shot of our 4 minis - clockwise, from upper left - Chocolate Cappuccino, Vanilla Coconut, Black & White and Chocolate Milk Chocolate.
 

And the four regulars - Texas Red Velvet, Lemon Drop, Pumpkin Patch and Vanilla Vanilla.
 

Here's a close-up of the Pumpkin Patch. 
 
I really wanted this stop to work...but there were some problems.  First - the cupcakes.  Fair at best, all of 'em.  Nothing inside, similar batter and consistency, even decorated the same.  Didn't matter on size either.  I wouldn't come back.  Second - survival.  A really limited menu in a high rent district.  This will be a challenge to stay in business.  I wish it could have been better...but everyone should make their own call....
 

If you're in the area...
 
 
Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique
115 North Wabash
Chicago, IL 60602
Tel: 312-845-9669
 
www.sugarblisscakes.com
 
 
Those eight cupcakes were going to have to carry us for the next 8 hours as we hit the main event...
 

It was time for the 24th Annual Cub's Convention!
 

This year's event was hosted at a sold out Chicago Hilton.  Passes like this one are worn by all participants.  We started out by checking in and getting registered and then it was time to que up for...
 

...the Opening Ceremonies.  Hosted in the main ballroom, we'd see all our favorites - past & present - walk out around the balcony.
 

Led by the Cubbies own jazz band - which performs between every inning of all home games, the crowd was in the mood.
 

As a Roadfooder, of note was Dutchie Caray's presence, the wife of the late Harry Caray and Chicago restaurantor!  Harry Caray restaurants actually have a booth on the main convention floor.
 
Well, we (along with several thousand other Cub's fans) spent the next several hours singing songs, looking for autographs and sitting in on many really interesting discussions with players and management.  It would be 9:30pm before we had a chance to make our dinner break...
 
More to come... perhaps, even a night at the Opera!

"Singing" GO CUBS GO - GO CUBS GO....

We sang like it was 1908!!!

nocarolina


ChiTownDiner, I'm really enjoying this report; great photos. I have driven past both Ramova's and Kevin's Hamburger Heaven many times, but I never thought about stopping in either. Neither one looks very promising from the outside, but seeing your photos reminds me of the old "can't judge a book...." bit of wisdom. I definitely will have to check them both out. BTW, will you be joining us in Milwaukee next Sunday, or in Greenville / Memphis next month? If not, I hope we get a chance to meet at some other RF event soon.                                                    Bob 

nocarolina -
 
The Ramova was quite special...in fact, it would be maong my top picks in the last year!  That good!
 
I am not final on Milwaukee but it looks tough as I have major committments on Friday and Saturday...gotta have some time at home!
 
Memphis - ah, what I would give, but we will not be able to make it!
 
We'll meet along the way as I'm usually pretty avaiable.  Thanks for reading along!

CTD-
That is too bad about the Sugar Bliss cupcakes not being better.  The idea of a red velvet cupcake sounds excellent.  At least now you know.  So which Cub players did you meet? 

Day one continues as the Cubs Convention becomes a Night at the Opera...Opera Restaurant, that is.  We got out of our last seminar, took a short break and were ready to hit Chicago for dinner.  It had warmed considerably since our morning start of minus 20 below and was now an almost balmy minus 8 below!

Opera is part of the KDK restaurant group, and while not nearly as large as Lettuce Entertain You or as diversified, it has 4 wildly different restaurants in operation.  Opera is their contemporary Chinese stop and was located fairly close to our hotel and open late.


The menu features many of our favorites and we wasted little time....


First up, a Corn Fritter Soong, described as a cornfritter in a really hot sauce served in lettuce cups.


Similar to a lettuce wrap, only vegan and they were solid. 


Next up, Pork & Ginger Sui Mai.


...which was topped with a roasted peanut chili pesto and served with spring onion-cilantro sauce.  These were really flavorful and had a nice contrast between the two sauces and the flavorful pork and ginger stuffing.


The Crisp Peking Duck Mushoo which was shredded Peking Duck , avacado and plum sauce in a crispy wrapper...sort of an egg roll.  It had a nice Asian salad on the side.


We were hungry, so the first course continued with Rock Shrimp in a wok smoked chili glaze...My son's favorite!


The main course consisted of a Chicken Chow Fun loosely translated to rice noodles, broccoli and egg with a nice ration of chicken.


I enjoyed a spinach and garlic stirfry in oyster sauce....


...and a sesame-panko crusted Ahi Tuna on a bed of greens with a Sake-soy-mustard sauce which was really flavorful and a wonderful compliment. 


The inside is warm, comfortable, electic and definately a neighborhood place!


Did I mention colorful?


Or the open air kitchen...

Opera is fun place for solid quality Chinese food and comfort!


Opera
1301 South Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605
Tel: 312-461-0161

www.opera-chicago.com

It had been a long day - from omelettes and chili to metal detector burgers to cupcakes at a boutique to dogs and beefs on the convention floor to late night Chinese.  We were back to the hotel by 11:30pm in search of autographs and ready for day 2! 

Stay tuned!

Day 2 of the Convention was filled with talks, autographs and merchandising.  We won an autograph lottery for a Lou Pinella autograph.
 

Here's the best shot of Lou...but that's not my son!  you have to be so far back, that when he got up, all the shots came out really bad.
 
After about 7 hours of this kind of stuff...it was the lobby bar for bloody mary's with friends.  We then ducked out early for an old world Italian meal at...
 

La Scarola.
 
A small neighborhood place, inside is a collection of three rooms wound together.  While our reservation was early and the restaurant was half full, within 30 minutes of our arrival it was strictly SRO.
 

The crowded bar area...
 

The close tables and almost constantly in motion staff...
 

The menu had all your Italian favorites and we began with a few appetizers.
 

Accompanied by great bread which I combined with olive oil, grated cheese and pepper, we began with...
 

Sausage and Peppers which were strong flavored and great for dipping...note the large chunks of garlic!
 

A perfectly acceptable Brushetta followed....
 

Pasta Fagiole was rich, creamy and warm for a Chicago wintery night. 
 

It was thick and loaded with beans and pasta.
 

I had the Gamberi Risotto which featured eight shrimp wrapped in prosciutto with sundried tomatoes and artichokes over a garlic risotto.  This dish was acceptable but lacked a little in the risotto area.
 

Cheese ravioli were large and fully stuffed. 
 
We also enjoyed the Tiramisu and Pistachio Gelato for dessert.  This place was happening with young and old, large groups and tables of two, newcomers and regulars all mixed together.  I'd go back to try a few more items.
 

LaScarola...a little bit of Italy with your Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin!
 
 
La Scarola
721 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: 312-243-1740
 
www.lascarola.com

SWEET LOU!!

Only 4 day 19 hours until spring training


OH YEAH!!

Your Old italian meal looks awesome

I really wanted your cupcake place to work out, too. I was disappointed that on all those pretty little frostings, not one of them was marshmallows on top of a chocolate cupcake, with chocolate chunks & marshmallow filling & graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top.

The other places look really great. How was the ravioli? Mmmmm, chicken vesuvio!

HEY CHICAGO WHADDAYA SAY? THE CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY!

ChiTownDiner, I finally went to Kevin's Hamburger Heaven for lunch last week, and I'm afraid that I was pretty disappointed with my meal. While my hamburger was obviously hand-pattied, it appeared to have spent too much time on the grill. It wasn't the least bit juicy, and there was relatively little flavor. I opted for hashbrowns instead of fries, and they were okay, but nothing special. I wish that I had liked the place, "atmosphere" and all, but it was quite a letdown.             

Those shrimp look wonderful, and the chicken chow fun above looks pretty good too.

We got back to our hotel and spent the night watching movies, searching for autographs and enjoying snacks from our assorted collection.  We were up early on Sunday and headed out for breakfast to a popular Roadfod spot...the Tempo Cafe.
 
The line was long but thankfully with the windchill still below zero, we were inside the door.  As a two, we got seated in less than 15 minutes. 
 

I was hoping to start with a Triple Berry Sensation Smoothie, but I was unfamiliar with the no smoothie in the winter rule.  Instead, I opted for the often photographed...
 

...Casablanca...a refreshing mix of strawberry, cantaloupe and orange juices whipped to a frothy peak!
 

My choice, from the large selection at this 24-hour diner style restaurant was The State Street.  All omelets are served in a pan on top of a layer of breakfast potatoes.  The State Street included ham, mushrooms, broccoli and tomato folded into three eggs.  It almost seems the omelets are cooked in the pan, then the omelet is lifted up on one side and the potatoes dropped in with the omelet nestled back down.
 

Here's a shot of the potatoes on that half of the skillet.
 

Perfect accompaniments included the corned beef hash, ordered crispy...
 

...and the toast, which came with a delicious orange marmalade which I mixed with some strawberry.
 

Breakfast all day, every day, 24-hours a day...
 
 
Tempo Cafe
6 East Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel:312-943-4373
 
www.tempocafechicago.com
 
We're in the home stretch with just one stop remaining...

What a pretty breakfast.

Nancypalooza


What a pretty breakfast.

 
Nancy -
 
And really tasty!

reat photos and a well written report. Thanks for sharing.