Spring Fling for the Milwaukee/Chicago Contingent (and anyone else who want to join in)

X1



(I)f you're going to be contacting these places to "warn" them we're coming (excellent idea)....perhaps there's a way you can wheedle Hot Doug's into an early opening, reserved just for us, or a reserved place at the head of the line? Probably won't happen, but might be worth a try, especially if we're a big group. If my count is right, I think we're at least 15, if not 20+.

Exactly why I'm trying to get an accurate (semi) head count.  If I can get some special treatment at any of these places, I don't want to promise twenty and show up with ten.

Buddy

me for sure
twins are a maybe (they might go Boy Scout camping- will know by Thurs for sure)
Hubby a maybe for the earlier stops- has a job later that nite-would need to leave no later than mid-afternoon

I know that's not super helpful sorry...

Mrs MFL is now wavering and may yet join us. Our firm contingent is myself, quijote and X1. Let me know if anyone wants any bagels from Kaufmans? I know I want an onion, a garlic, a sesame and a pumpernickle.

Yep, heading down with MFL and X1. Looking forward to it.

The Froemans will be a party of at least three.  I'm waiting for two more people to reply. 

As of now, Weather.com is saying high of 56 with rain showers on and off throughout the day.
Ugh.
Bundle up, wear your Wellies, and bring an umbrella.

Two days ago our local weather guru, Tom Skilling, who, by the way, though I am loathe to admit it, tends to be more accurate than the National Weather Service, was predicting in his seven day outlook that Saturday would be 56 degrees and rainy all day.  As of today he has modified that view to be 60 degrees with a chance of rain in the evening.  By tomorrow he could be telling us 70 and sunny.

The point is, I've learned with these "long range" forecasts that they can change much for the better (or worse, I suppose) as you draw up on the actual date.  I'll put more weight on the Saturday forecast as soon as Friday's newspaper lands on my front sidewalk.

Buddy

Tom Skilling was our weatherman. He inherited a puppet sidekick named Albert The Alley Cat. The Meteorological Society threatened to take his credentials away unless the station (TV6-WITI) 86'd the cat which they refused to do and so Chicago got our man.
 

Man, you Milwaukee guys always did know how to have waaaay more fun than us Chicago losers.  Albert the Alley Cat, eh?  I am so jealous.

Buddy

Buddy, have you determined yet where we are all going to meet up Saturday morning, and what time? 

Sure wish I could join you all, but I am taking on extra hours at work during the weekend to make up for the cut during the week. I am laughing hardily at MFL's referral to Albert The Alley Cat-grew up with that #### puppet, but sure made us kids watch the news. I remember Tom Skilling, but more appropriately, Ward Allen was the puppets best sidekick.I met him as a 6th grader and thought I was in love...

nocarolina
Buddy, have you determined yet where we are all going to meet up Saturday morning, and what time?

nocarolina, I think the easiest thing would be to meet at Hot Doug's by 10:00am.  Parking is tight around that neighborhood, but not impossible.  After eating at Hot Doug's we can all head over to a nearby, fully secured parking lot where we can consolidate cars if we have a notion to do so.

On Friday, here on this thread, I will give full directions to Hot Doug's, approaching both from the north and the south.  I will hand out sheets with directions to each of our other destinations when we meet up at Doug's.

More details to come as they develop.

Buddy

annpeeples


Sure wish I could join you all, but I am taking on extra hours at work during the weekend to make up for the cut during the week. I am laughing hardily at MFL's referral to Albert The Alley Cat-grew up with that #### puppet, but sure made us kids watch the news. I remember Tom Skilling, but more appropriately, Ward Allen was the puppets best sidekick.I met him as a 6th grader and thought I was in love...

Well, I'll never pass up a chance to bring a smile to our lovely Miss Ann.
 

O.M.G.!  I can just picture the young Tom Skilling verbal sparring with Albert the Alley Cat.  Talk about your classic Twilight Zone episode...too, too funny!

Buddy

The Froeman's will just be a party of three.  Just like the movie.

"Don't think twice. It's understanding that makes it possible for people like us to tolerate a person like yourself."

Our family headcount stands at one (1).  Bobbi will be driving down with Stricken.  There is room for additional riders it someone else would like to carpool with them.

I will be at home with the tile guy. 

Enjoy, and send home lots of leftovers.

Jim

What?!?  No Jim???  I mean we love Bobbi just fine, but it seems wrong that you have to stay at home for the tile guy while we're out sampling Chicago's best Roadfood eats.  Maybe see if the tile guy wants to come along for the ride.

We'll make sure Bobbi brings home the leftovers, but I'm not sure how well Gertie's ice cream will hold up between here and Pewaukee.

Buddy

The game sausage of the week at Hot Doug's:

Brown Ale Buffalo Sausage with Bacon-Garlic Mayonnaise and Serendipity Cheese

YUM!  They'd better have that through Saturday!

^^^OMFG!!!!! I will be there, sinus infection or no sinus infection!!!!!

Nobody wants bagels?

ROFL, my friend MFL!!!!!!!

MilwFoodlovers
Nobody wants bagels?

Two possibilities:

1. Everybody is fully aware of just how much food we are going to eat during the course of the day and are smart enough to avoid the extra calories at the beginning of the day.

-OR-

2. Everybody is fully aware of just how much food we are going to eat during the course of the day; they still want the bagels but are just too embarrassed to ask.  Oh wait..what am I talking about?  With this group, if they want bagels they'll ask for bagels, no matter what.

Why not pick up a couple dozen with some shmear on the side and we'll all chip in.  Anything that doesn't get eaten Saturday morning will travel well back to Milwaukee for Sunday breakfast.

Buddy

MilwFoodlovers


Nobody wants bagels?

 
Bagels are great, but I'm really angling for some smoked sable....

Buddy,

I was thinking ....

Is the Sunday gathering at Burt's still going to happen?

Jim

It is with heavy heart and many tears in my eyes I have to cancel.  I got to spend Monday - today at the hospital trying to convince my body that it wants to act properly so need time to regain strength and $$$.  I'm much better!  I had problems with anemia and sure some great food and better conversation would have perked me right back up.  Have some good stuff for me and I'm going to make it up to see you again some how some when!

Alice

Alice, get well. There'll be other meet-ups but only one pcdiva.
You'll be here in spirit and maybe some pictures will lift yours.
Mike

JRPfeff
Is the Sunday gathering at Burt's still going to happen?

Jim, Since I'm taking Saturday off to be with my Roadfood pals, I've made plans to work at Burt's on Sunday.  If y'all want to arrange your own gathering I would be happy to be your waiter.  Of course, you'll need to call in an order either on Saturday or very early Sunday.  Since that Anthony Bourdain thing ran folks have been calling in two and three days in advance.  If there are enough people interested in going to Burt's on Sunday, I'll help you put together an order and call it in.

Really?  The tile guy?  You're not going to be there because of the tile guy?  I thought I knew you Jim, but now I just don't know...

We'll miss you,

Buddy

Alice,  I'm not sure how we'll carry on without our "Number One Groupie", but it's more important that you get healthy for the next get together and not worry about missing just this one.

I hope you were just a little overworked during tax season and there's nothing serious going on with you.

Best wishes from everyone here at the Roadhouse residence.

Buddy

MFL-

OMG, of course I want bagels. I pretty much ALWAYS want bagels. But like Buddy said, I have to pace myself, think these things through, make sure I am making the right choices & have enough room for everything I want to try. That being said, it's a ROADFOOD gathering, there is going to be plenty of sharing.

http://www.kaufmansdeli.com/Bakery.htm

mmmm, can I get a garlic bagel with scallion cream cheese, please? (it's the breakfast of champions) And some ruggelach? Please???

-S_D, who is looking very much forward to Green River soda. Thanks, CSD!!!!

One of today's special sausages at Hot Doug's is:

Sauternes and Foie Gras Duck Sausage with Truffle Sauce Moutarde, Foie Gras Mousse, and Sel Gris!

There's also a white wine and dijon rabbit sausage for today, among others. Sounds wonderful.

Buddy -
You weren't kidding about the forecast!
Weather.com is now saying 70, mostly cloudy, no rain!

BTW - I count about 10, now - is that the count you have?
ChuckL might be able to sneak away and join us later in the afternoon, but don't count him in, officially.

JRPfeff
Is the Sunday gathering at Burt's still going to happen?

Well, my plans have changed yet again--I will not be working at Burt's on Sunday!  So if anybody wants to make a second trip down (or up, as the case may be), I will be happy to lead the charge for dinner at Burt's.  We can decide at the end of the day on Saturday.

Point of order number two--our Saturday headcount.  So far, this is the (edited-again! 4/17, 2:05pm) list I've compiled:

stricken detective-1
JRPfeff & Bobbi-2 (I musta got under Jim's skin with all the tile guy teasing)
X1-1
MilwFoodlovers-1 (maybe 2 if Beth decides to jump in the car at the last minute)
quijote-1
nocarolina-1
irisarbor-2 (with a possibility of 1-2 more)
abe foeman-3
BuddyRoadhouse-2
Brad Olson-2 for the early part of the day

That gives us 14 16 for sure with the possibility of an additional 2-3 more.  In addition, ChuckL may join us later in the tour, depending on what time he wraps up work.  Also, we have the possibility of three surprise guests joining us along the way.  Don't ask, I won't tell.  I don't want to spoil the surprise if it happens, and I don't want to unnecessarily raise expectations if it doesn't.

As for the weather, it just keeps getting better.  If the trend continues through Saturday, we could be eating our Jibarito sandwiches overlooking the lagoon in Humboldt Park.  Trust me, that's a nice view.

I will issue the final schedule tomorrow, with approximate times for anyone who might be joining us in progress.  I'll also include directions to our first stop, Hot Doug's.  As I've indicated in earlier posts, we'll have an opportunity to condense the number of cars we're driving, so if anyone has a minivan or comparable vehicle that they are willing to drive, that could make life easier.  We'll have a secured lot near Hot Doug's where we can leave any unnecessary cars before venturing out for the rest of the day.

Buddy

I'm back in.  And Buddy get's all of the credit (whether he deserves it or not).

See you Saturday morning.

It looks like at least one of the twins is in, and maybe the hubby.
So I'm up to 2 for sure, maybe 3, definitely not 4.

And of course I'll have the minivan (mommyvan)

I was just looking at the pics of Lem's ribs and hot links on the LTHForum... man, they look soooo good! I'm really looking forward to Saturday.

JRPfeff
I'm back in.  And Buddy get's all of the credit (whether he deserves it or not).See you Saturday morning.

Well now I'm feeling a little guilty...taking money right out of that tile guy's pocket.

But if I get to hang with my buddy Jim, I can live with that.

See ya Saturday.

Buddy

P.S. Just got an email reply from Doug Sohn, owner of Hot Doug's.  He advises that we're going about this just the right way; show up early and get in right when they open the doors.  He also expressed a tiny bit of jealousy and wished he could join us for the rest of the tour.  I told him if he wants to play hooky for the rest of the day, we'd find room for him in someone's car.

B.

Okay, here’s what you need to know to get started on Saturday:

To get to Hot Doug’s:
From the north: Take I-94 south to the Addison Street exit.  Make a left (east) at the end of the exit ramp and head to California Street (2800 west).  Make a right (south).  Hot Doug’s is one full block south at the corner of Roscoe and California.  Park wherever you can find a space on the street.
From the south: Take I-94 north to the Addison Street exit.  Make a right (east) at the end of the exit ramp and head to California Street (2800 west).  Make a right (south).  Hot Doug’s is one full block south at the corner of Roscoe and California.  Park wherever you can find a space on the street.

After Hot Doug’s, if we need to, we can consolidate into fewer cars and leave the remaining vehicles at a nearby free parking lot that will be guarded all day.

Some tips for the day:
Bring some old newspaper.  We may be eating on the hood or trunk of someone’s car and the newspaper will make a fine makeshift tablecloth that we can roll up and dispose of when finished.

Might not be a bad idea if some folks bring some paper plates, plastic forks and knives, etc.  Mrs. Roadhouse and I will bring some sharp knives and cutting boards to better facilitate sharing.

As of right now the prediction is for 74 degrees and partly cloudy.  That’s during the day, of course.  They’re also predicting a drastic drop in temperature once the sun goes down.  Bring a jacket.

For those wondering, here is an approximate itinerary for the day.  A lot depends on how quickly we can get through Hot Doug’s.  I’ll have a handout with the full schedule for everyone when we meet at Doug’s, including directions to each location.

10:00am arrive at
Hot Doug’s
3324 North California Avenue
(773) 279-9550
Leave Doug’s 11:30-Noon

Noon-12:30pm arrive at
Borinquen Restaurant
1720 North California Avenue
(773) 227-6038
Leave Borinquen 1:30-2:00pm

2:00-2:30 arrive at
Ed’s Potsticker House
3139 South Halsted Street
(312) 326-6898
Leave Ed’s 3:30-4:00pm

4:00-4:30pm arrive at
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
311 East 75^th Street
(773) 994-2428
Leave Lem’s 5:00-5:30pm

5:45-6:15 arrive at
Calumet Fisheries
3259 East 95^th Street
(773) 933-9855
Leave Calumet Fisheries 6:30-7:00pm

7:15-7:45 arrive at
Lindy’s Chili & Gertie’s Ice Cream
3685 South Archer Avenue
(773) 927-7807
Leave Gertie’s whenever the heck we feel like it!

Keep in mind these times reflect what I hope will be worst case scenarios, time-wise.  We could make it through Hot Doug’s a lot quicker than expected.  Travel times could be considerably less.  Time spent at some of our stops could be lessened.  Better to plan for the long haul and, with any luck, get through it quicker.

That’s all I’ve got for now.  If something else occurs to me, I’ll post again.  If anyone else thinks of anything, put it out there.  Otherwise, see you all tomorrow morning; 10:00am out front of Hot Doug’s.  Bring an appetite and a sense of adventure!

Buddy

I'll bring a roll of paper toweling, hand sanitizer and hand wipes ("moist towellettes").

See y'all tomorrow!

And I'll bring the plastic knives and forks.

I'm bringing a cooler and cold packs for leftovers or on purpose overbuys (smoked shrimps mmmmmmmmmmmmmm)

I'll bring a fistful of paper plates. I'll also have dental floss with me, just in case.

Kathy and I are in for Hot Doug's and possibly Borinquen, but will have to head home after that.  Once the party moves southeast we're 3-3-1/2 hours from home and that makes for a long day, and with a road trip scheduled for next weekend we have things to take car of this weekend.

Doug's looks pretty easy to reach via I-90/94, Kedzie, and Roscoe but if anybody has any travel advisories I'd appreciate a heads-up.  Thanks!

Brad

Brad,

This sounds more like a fear of the Southside to me.  Another closet Cubbie fan?

Jim

JRPfeff


Brad,

This sounds more like a fear of the Southside to me.  Another closet Cubbie fan?

Jim

Since a Chicago-themed thread calls for a Chicago-themed reply:

You're gonna look pretty funny tryin' to eat corn on the cob with no f****n' teeth...

Brad

That's the stuff we like to see!  Yeah!!!

Now, Brad, was THAT nice??? Go to your room, young man...   :~)

BuddyRoadhouse


Take I-94 south to the Addison Street exit.  Make a left (east) at the end of the exit ramp and head to California Street (2800 west).  Make a right (south).  Hot Doug’s is one full block south at the corner of Roscoe and California.  Park wherever you can find a space on the street.

Buddy, is there any reason not to take Elston southeast from Addison to Roscoe, and then Roscoe east to California?
 
 

nocarolina


Now, Brad, was THAT nice??? Go to your room, young man...   :~)

Compared to what I really wanted to say, yes.

Brad

Brad, that route will get you there for sure.  I don't know that it will save you any time or significant distance taking Elston.  Everything in that area is packed pretty close.  I chose the simplest, most direct route for folks who may not be familiar with the area.

Be nice to Jim.  He canceled an afternoon with the tile guy to be with us!

Buddy

BuddyRoadhouse

Be nice to Jim.  He canceled an afternoon with the tile guy to be with us!

Buddy

Be even nicer, the tile guy canceled on me. 

Oooooh, that's gotta hurt.

We'll take better care of you anyway.  Who needs the tile guy?

Buddy

Did anyone really truly want leftover Burts tomorrow morning?
I have some....

Wow, you got in.  I'm impressed.  How far in advance did you have to call?

Buddy

As of this writing, and barring any Windows inspired weirdness, I'm thinking that I should be able to link up with the group at Lem's.
I should be able to follow the Britekite/Twitter breadcrumbs left by X1.

See you all soon!

In the spirit of Buffetbuster, Bobbi and I went out for a pre-eating tour meal tonight. 

Amateur that I am, I did not bring my camera to dinner.  We also wimped out on consumption, I couldn't finish my American Waygu Ribeye and Bobbi only put a small dent in her shrimp scampi (that's 6 ounces of leftover shrimp there, folks).  But I think we are warmed up for Saturday.

 

Leftover Burts?  Yes, yes, yes ....

Oh Buddy,
you know my style,
I did take out....
besides my crew tonight numered 10, 2 of whom were my folks whose Karma I would NEVER wish on Burt and Sharon...

It's a long story....restaurant Karma....

Leftover Burts? Do dogs pee on brick walls?

I have everything packed, and can't sleep. Too excited, like a little kid waiting for Santa.

Well it is mid afternoon on Sat you should be at Borinquen and getting ready to head to Ed's.

I am jealous of the adventure you have before you.  Happy Travelling and Good Eats.  Can't wait to see the pictures

We only had time for the initial meal at Hot Doug's but I can say this about it:

Encased meats ROCK!!
 
Nocarolina arrived first followed by the JRPfeffs and Stricken_detective, and eventually MFL, Quijote, X1, and the Roadhouse and Irisarbor contingents showed up to give us about 17 total (my apologies if I forgot to mention anyone).  We were even joined by Peter, who's not a member here but very familiar with the Roadfood books and apparently checks the forum here.
 
Kathy and I had the rosemary chicken sausage with rosemary-garlic mustard and Caruchon cheese (the Celebrity Sausage of the day), brown ale buffalo sausage with bacon-garlic mayo and Serendipity cheese, and ribeye steak sausage with horseradish cream sauce, vintage farmhouse cheese, and crispy fried onions, and all 3 were very good although I preferred the more robust flavors of the buffalo and steak sausages.  The buffalo sausage came had a little kick, so I don't know if "buffalo" refers to the meat (my first impression) or the seasonings.  Either way, it was good.
 
A basket of duck-fat fries is $3.50 and is well worth it in terms of both quantity and flavor.  They were hot, salty, crisp and more than enough for 2 or 3 people, but in hindsight we should've also ordered some regular fries for comparison.
 
No photos from me but there will be plenty from others...
 
Brad

Does anyone know what I did with the usb cord for my camera? lol

pics to follow. food coma commencing now.

Sorry, didn't see your USB, stricken.

My pictures are up!

Everyone should be able to see this, Facebook member or not.

Let me know if you can't. 

Also, if anyone has the proper names of those dishes at Potsticker House, let me know here and I'll edit the caption on the picture.