peppercrane,
That tour was just one of many organized by a group of us like minded Roadfooders in the Milwaukee/Chicago area. We call ourselves
The Contingent, and we get together on a semi-regular basis in either city (and occasionally elsewhere--south central Wisconsin and Madison have also been
Contingent targets) and explore the hidden and lesser known culinary gems offered. Sometimes (usually) it involves a full day with multiple stops, sometimes it is more of a one stop gathering where we can sit and socialize for an afternoon or evening.
It just so happens I will soon be announcing a new tour to take place sometime this Spring. There will be five or six stops, all in the Chicago area, all places with little or no seating area. We take the food out to the street and dine "ala trunk", as in, "laid out on the trunk of someone's car". When we've finished sampling the wares of one spot, we move on to the next one. It's all very informal and great fun.
I see by your profile that you're located in LA. How often do you get into town to visit Irazu (also one of my favorites)? How much notice would you need to join our upcoming (but as yet unscheduled) Spring Tour? Although we're defined by our local members, we've hosted Roadfood visitors from all over the country. buffetbuster, The Travelin Man, wanderingjew, and Mayor Al, to name a few, have all been given honorary
Contingent status. We'd love to have you join us on one of our events--especially if you bring a suitcase full of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles with you!
Buddy