The Contingent's Late Winter/Early Spring 2010 Outing- Tell Your Friends!

Thoughts of the next outing were being mentioned in the Hagan's Fish Market thread, and not wanting to further contaminate that thread with our planning, we can talk about it here.

Obviously, Hagan's was on the list of suggestions, as were Puerto Rican and Cuban street food in Humboldt Park, Nhu Lan (a new banh mi place) and a suggestion to end the day at Burt's.

Sounds like we're leaning towards February or March, with Super Bowl Sunday (February 7th) being out and the end of March is no good because of the Roadfood Festival in NOLA.

So, where else do we want to go and when do we want to do it?

I'm free pretty much anytime in Feb and March, except the days already mentioned.

Although it might be too soon for some to get it together- I (and maybe others) have Monday Feb 15th off from work, so maybe the the weekend of Feb 13th/14th would be a good one, if folks were not compelled to have big celebrations for that other holiday....

and as I mentioned on the other thread, I think we could try to end up the evening at Burts...which some of the Milwaukee group have wanted to try and haven't had a chance yet.

I'll be hitting the road on Feb. 6th heading for Charleston SC ( via Oklahoma and Texas ), and won't be back until the 18th, so that rules out mid-Feb. for me.

Well, it looks like I'm forced to discuss this long before the dates I had in mind.  And by my own child.  How like a serpent's tooth...

Okay, as long as I'm in this position I might as well reveal my thoughts.  First off, the tour I have in mind would involve a majority of outdoor eating which would put us into the warmer months; June, July, or August.  The stops I'm pitching are (in no particular order at this point) Hagen's Fish Market (suggested by Brad Olson) for smoked and fried fish, Nhu Lan (suggested by MilwFoodlovers) for banh mi, the Puerto Rican and Cuban street food carts located in Humboldt Park, Delicias Mexicanas for Sonoran hot dogs (recently written about in several reviews here at Roadfood.  The places discussed here were all in the Southwest U.S..  Delicias Mexicanas is located right down on 26th Street!), and finally, a return trip to La Palapa for Mexican seafood.

A visit to Burt's as part of any tour is a bad idea for a number of reasons.  First, ordering a pizza at Burt's is like making an appointment.  You're expected to show up 15 minutes early so you can be seated and situated with drinks, apps, salads, etc.  When you order a pizza from Burt's for a specific time, that pizza will be on the table at that time whether you're sitting there or not.  Given that our tours have a very loose timetable, a prompt arrival at Burt's is not realistic.

Secondly, Burt's is a very small restaurant with limited seating.  Their goal is to serve as many customers per night as possible.  As such, they want to hustle you in and hustle you out as quickly as they can.  This is not a place where a group of our size can linger and enjoy each other's company.

If we really wany to schedule a night at Burt's we should just do it as a stand alone event.  Further, we should look toward a summer date when we can utilize the outdoor beer garden with out taking up valuable seating inside.  If the group is serious about visiting Burt's we should pick a date.  I'll coordinate the pre-order and make all necessary arrangements.  But this should be a one stop trip (okay, maybe a dessert stop afterward) so we can be there on time and enjoy the pizza at its optimum temperature and quality.

Buddy

Isn't it possible to have TWO outings? It's not like we're planning the very last one ever!
We could have one now, and one in the warmer months. I don't know about anyone else, but I was, in my head, looking forward to at least 2 Chicago outings this summer!

I agree with the Burt's assessment. That's a stand-alone thing.

Also, just to add yet another thing, we've been talking about going (again, as a stand-alone thing) to dinner at Mykonos in Niles, IL. 

At least 2, if not more!!!!! I have off February 15 as well. I hear they have deep fried bacon in Evanston, irisarbor!!!!!! MUAHAHAHA

We can plan as many trips as you'd like and I will participate in all of them.  The one mentioned above is the one I had in mind when writing in the Hagen's Fish market thread.

As for Mykonos, I'm ready any Sunday starting with the very next one.  Let's pick a date and do it.

Buddy

The very next one...meaning this Sunday?

BuddyRoadhouse


... First off, the tour I have in mind would involve a majority of outdoor eating ...

... Secondly, Burt's is a very small restaurant with limited seating.  Their goal is to serve as many customers per night as possible ...

Buddy

Why not Burt's ala Trunk?

We are no good until March.  There's that trip to NOLA and the cruise we are going on.

Jim

Depending on the location, my party can make it this Sunday. Several places are out because someone in my party cannot access Burt's or WASC( I assume WASC is the fried bacon place mentioned above). Neither are wheelchair accessible I've been told.

HAHA
I have no plans this Sunday either....
Mykonos would be indoors, and we could sit and chat.

X1


The very next one...meaning this Sunday?

Yup, this very Sunday, January 31st.  If y'all are available, let's get a headcount and call in a reservation.

Buddy

BuddyRoadhouse

X1


The very next one...meaning this Sunday?

Yup, this very Sunday, January 31st.  If y'all are available, let's get a headcount and call in a reservation.

Buddy

What?

Where?

When?

I think someone mentioned Mykonos. My vote is for Poochies but depending on the number of people that might be too small.

I had another thought-
If we're at Mykonos in Niles- (maybe lunch-ish)
would anyone be interested in a floating sushi bar later on? Mt. Prospect- they open at 5 on Sunday (no reservations...)

http://www.kampaisteakandsushi.com/sushibar.html

JRPfeff

What?

Where?

When?

JRP, X1 has been pushing for an evening at Mykonos, a Greek restaurant in Niles, Illinois, about a mile east of the Golf Road exit on I-294.  Mykonos is a classic Greek restaurant in the Chicago tradition.  They can easily accommodate a big group like ours and their menu selection is perfect for sharing so everyone gets a little taste of everything.  Obviously we'd like to include as many Contingent members as possible, so look at your calendar and pick some available Sundays when you wouldn't mind driving south of the border.

irisarbor

If we're at Mykonos in Niles- (maybe lunch-ish)
would anyone be interested in a floating sushi bar later on? Mt. Prospect- they open at 5 on Sunday (no reservations...)

iris, I think the goal on this particular trip is to meet at one place and have a leisurely evening where we can socialize without worrying about moving from place to place.  I would love to do a sushi trip sometime (that might be a good tour for you to organize-all sushi, or perhaps a pan-Asian tour), but I think once we get to Mykonos and start devouring big plates of lamb, moussaka, and octopus (not to mention a bottle or two of Roditis wine) we're not going to want to move until it's time to go home.

So, how about it Contingent folks, any takers for Greek food anytime in the near future, maybe even this Sunday, January 31st???

Buddy

I can make it this Sunday.

I'm pretty sure I can make it this Sunday...let me double-check.

As far as a Sushi tour...it would be fun to include H-Mart (the Korean grocery) in Niles and/or Mitsuwa (the Japanese supermarket) in Mt. Prospect. 

As a matter of fact, I think Kampai is in the same parking lot as Mitsuwa.

I can do this Sunday @ Mykonos.

Well, that's a good crowd so far...5...8 w/the rest of the Roadhouse family...9 - ? with the Iris clan...

Should we just say YES, and work on a time?

Lets say yes- how does 5:30  or 6 sound-
for the Irisarbor clan looks like me +3, but I'll have to check with the boys

(BTW- Mitsuwa is awesome, but not in the same lot w/Kampai- it's in Arlington Hts-and it would make a great pair up trip w Kampai some day since it's open earlier in the day- I LOVE the Hippo house breads....and the boys love the Gabutto burger with an egg on top)
 

 

iris - I agree - Hippo is an AWESOME bakery! I love the bacon bread twists!
Love their food court, too. Mitsuwa is also in Arlington Heights.

I'd say the earlier the better; an afternoon thing; the WI lot will want to be back early, as it's a "school night". Almost a..well, what would you call between lunch and dinner? Lunner? heehee

So...I was thinking more along the lines of 3.30 or 4.30 at the latest. That way, if we stay til 7, we'll still be home by 8 or 8.30.

Anybody else want to chime in?

The speed at which this is coming together leads me to believe that some of you might be suffering from a little cabin fever!

I already have plans for this Sunday and will be unable to attend.

Brad

I'm still good for this Sunday afternoon. Anytime, just pick an hour and I'll be there. 

That's too short of notice for me to be able to make it. Have fun though & I expect pictures!!!!!

I wish I could go, but have a bit of work to do this weekend. I'll think of you when I'm chowing down on whatever leftovers I can find in the fridge.

So far, based on responses here and from PMs, we've got the following crowd:

Roadhouses:2
X1 and ChuckL50:2
nocarolina:1
irisarbor:4
ChiTownDiner:1 (+?)

At his point we are 10 with room to grow.  We've got a "maybe" above from Tastytoo, who would be a new and welcome member.  Still haven't heard back from the JRPfeffs or the chicagostyledogs.  If there are any other newer members whom I have forgotten, I apologize and urge you to post here if you're interested in joining us at Mykonos.  All are welcome, just let us know so we can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

Buddy

We won't be around this weekend to attend. Keep us in mind for the next get together. The Parthenon is our favorite Chicago Greek restaurant and I've been dining there since the day they opened their doors.

CSD

A definate no for us this time. But hopefully soon. Did I mention Poochie's?

Would next sunday (Jan 31) be substantially better for for the many folks who are nos?

Jan 31st is THIS Sunday - the Sunday we're talking about.

We won't make this Sunday, sounds like a great time.  Enjoy the company and be sure to share the food visuals.

Now about that Late Winter/Early Spring 2010 Outing ...

Tastytoo


A definate no for us this time. But hopefully soon. Did I mention Poochie's?

Sorry you can't join us this time around.  And yup, you mentioned Poochie's.  I think most of us have visited Poochie's and like it just fine.  It was even part of a chicagostyledog arranged tour a couple years ago that also included Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston, fRedhots in Glenview, Portillo's in Skokie, and Stash's n Highland Park.

While most of our get togethers take the form of tours, driving from place to place, often with a central theme, the point of this Eat & Greet is to stay in one place, share a lovely meal, enjoy some good conversation, and generally act like grown-ups.  We love Poochie's but I don't think the atmosphere there will lend itself to our desired goals this time around.

Again, sorry you can't make it.  Keep your eyes peeled for future events.  As I stated on the previous page, I'm planning a tour for sometime in the late spring/early summer, and I'm sure someone out there will get a bug in their ear to arrange something before then.

Buddy

So, did we decided on a time?
Buddy - are you going to make the call?

"Act like grown-ups"??? Gee whiz, Buddy, now you've gone and ruined all of our fun!!

X1


So, did we decided on a time?
Buddy - are you going to make the call?

Sounds like earlier is better than later.  I saw one bid for 4:30pm.  How does that work for everyone?

Buddy

Great

4:30 is fine for me, too

ChiTownDiner is in for one and checking with sub-contingent members for additional riff-raff!

4:30 works for me.

I'll make a reservation at Mykonos for 10 people at 4:30pm unless I hear otherwise from the interested parties.

Everyone know where it is and how to get there?

Buddy

Sure do.

I'm already craving Saganaki...Greek Salad...Souvlakia...Ryzogalo...keftethes...tiropita and spanakopita...a dozen other things....

Can ya get a cheeseburger....

I sure hope so. That's what I'm planning to order....

Now Bob, I know for a fact that you can be a more adventurous eater when you want to be.  You went forkful for forkful with me when we went to that Korean street festival last summer.  You ate things that even I wasn't sure about.  Granted, you didn't eat too much of some of the stranger items, but you at least got up the gumption to try everything at least once (frankly, some of it wasn't worth having a second bite).

Trust me buddy, there will be a wide variety of things to try today.  You are bound to find something that will make you happy that isn't made from a ground up cow.

Buddy

some of the good things are made from a ground up cow...

moussaka
pastichio

DARN I missed it! I didn't see this thread until now and it is too late Would have loved to join you guys today. Still only one Contingent outing under my belt. Oh well, my fault, I have GOT to check this forum more often.

Besides, I'm making a pretty good dinner myself - Jalapeno & cheese stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in bacon and a jicama sunchoke salad with honey-mustard dressing and lots of veggies. That will make me feel better! Hee Hee.

As far as the Late Winter/Early Spring outing, the only time I am unavailable that I know of is the week of Feb 21st. I'll be out of town.

What a wonderful evening...ten brave souls (Mr & Mrs Buddy Roadhouse, Mr & Mrs irisarbor, Big Ugly and Big Beautiful Michigan, X1, ChuckL, nocarolina and the ChiTownDiner)and food for an army!  I'll let nocarolina add the photos, but we started with lots of appetizers, GREAT bread and some wine.  The apps included....

Saganaki (2 orders), Kolokythakia - lightly battered and fried zuchini with a garlic spread (fantastic and my favorite of the night), Taramosalataa - a creamy fish roe spread, Skordalia - a creamy garlic spread, Baby Octopus marinated in vinigarette.  With the crusty seasame covered bread, all were winners.

Dinner included - Spanakotiropite - a classic spinach filled puff, Loukanika - a greek sausage served with feta and tomatoes, Beef Kabobs, Moussaka - eggplant, ground beef, potatoes and cheese baked in a casserole with a Bechamel Sauce, Pastitio - baked macaroni with Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops ala Mykonos which combined the shellfish with tomatoes, onions, feta and peppers and then was baked.

Lots of sharing....lots of laughing...great to be with friends!

It was great seeing everyone! Our meal was fantastic. I don't think there was one clinker in the bunch. Everything was really, really good. 

CTD - You've never looked better - you need to change your FB profile pic to reflect "the new you".  



Some of us also had Avgolemono - a creamy egg lemon soup with rice.

I also ordered dessert to go for my nieces - 2 orders of Ryzogalo - rice pudding, and 2 orders of Galaktaboureco - a creamy custardy Phyllo dough and honey concoction. 

The evening was finished off with a stop at Village Creamery, a great little ice cream place with unusual flavors. I had Ube - Purple Yam, and Maiz - sweet corn.

I also took home a wide variety of flavors (they sell dry ice), and I'm pleased to report all made it home with no melting and are now safely tucked into my freezer.

In case anyone's wondering, I did not order a cheeseburger at Mykonos ( I'm not that much of a barbarian. )  

Yup, it was a great evening for one and all.  Excellent food served in abundance, great conversation with wonderful friends, and a coupon for 15% off the total bill at the end!  But the best part was seeing my good friend ChiTownDiner and barely recognizing him at first because he looked so dang healthy!

Gregg, you are an inspiration to all.  First a victim to throat cancer, then a positive, strong willed fighter of same, next a survivor, and now my friend, rebounding hard and looking better than ever!

Oh yeah, there was some food too.  The list is up above and here's my overall assessment.  One of the reasons I love Greek food is because of the intense flavors.  The Greeks make no apologies for their powerful use of garlic, lemons, and rosemary.  There is no sweeter tomato sauce than a Greek tomato sauce, no more tender, succulent lamb than one prepared in the Greek method; slow cooked and well seasoned.  The Greeks cook with the same enthusiasm they show for life in general and there is nothing they love more than to share it with an appreciative crowd.

Tonight, members of The Contingent were the beneficiaries of that gusto, and by golly we had a good time!

Apologies to those who were unable to make tonight because of short notice.  This was so successful, I promise you we will do it again and take a little more time to make sure all who wish to be are involved.

Buddy

P.S. BTW, I am planning a Chicago tour that will take place in the warmer months ahead.  This IS NOT the thread officially announcing that tour or where we will make our plans for same.  As we approach that time, and when I am darn good and ready, I will start a new thread to keep everyone in the loop and included in the proceedings.  Until then, if anyone else wants to use this thread to plan another, earlier tour, please feel free to do so.

B.

hey Buddy,

Thanks for summing this up. Wish I could have been there. As a former Chicagoan I do miss the food!  Mykonos is a gem. I used to schedule layovers at Ohare just to ho there. two questions. One is how do you compare Mykonos to the Parthenon? two, any chance of the summer excursion being early in June. I will be in Chicago to speak at panels at the Chicago Blues Festival and at a blues conference at Dominican University right before it and would love to meet everyone and share a meal. I will keep an eye out for a thread.

Sounds like a great time. Yeah, I wish I could've gone, but couldn't shuffle plans around. I'm craving Greek food, too, so I hope to try it someday soon. I'm glad to hear good news about CTD; I hope to see you all soon!

It was a lot of fun, and the Village Creamery was quite a discovery and only 5 min away from work from me!
I had Boku Pandan, made from pandan leaf, with shreds of young coconut-
it was bright green, and had sort of a citrusy green tea sweet taste- very good-
The other thing I tasted that was a real knockout was ChuckL's blood orange sorbet-really intense and completely delicious,
and X1's Maiz was sweet, and light, and very surprising...
I know I'm in for a return visit.

It was so nice to sit and visit with all my RF foods- very relaxing to do a two-fer instead of a tour- a great change of pace.

CTD, I would post the photos that I took last night, except that my $&%@# computer is acting up again; I haven't been able to post pictures since I moved a couple of months ago. I thought that switching from AT&T to Comcast as my high-speed provider would take care of the problem, but no such luck. After I get back from the Glee Club gathering in Charleston, I guess I'll have to spend some $$$ and get the blasted thing fixed so that I can do another of my infamous super-sized trip reports. BTW, I had a really good time last night; the food was great and the company was even better.

Darn...Just seen this thread.  Too bad I missed it.  Sunday is the only day I close early so it would of been fun to go out and eat and talk and catch up.

Next time.

Gus, we were short quite a few Contingent members on this meet up.  On the one hand, there is no reason for anyone to miss these activities; between the folks who follow the announcements here on Roadfood, and those who read Facebook, we should be reaching everyone who might be interested.  On the other hand, this was such short notice it's understandable that not everyone could make it.

Obviously, we don't want to exclude any Contingent members from any of our Eat  & Greets.  We'll try to give a little more advance notice in the future.  Plus, I'm adding more names to my contact list (including yours' Gus, cjucoder, and Big Ugly Mich) for more PMs whenever we plan an event.

See ya next time!

Buddy