Here’s the latest info on February’s tour of Des Plaines:
I approached the boys at Paradise Pup about giving us a private “party” for the start of the tour. They normally open at 11:00am. I proposed both opening a half hour late and letting us have the place all to ourselves from 11-11:30, or letting us in at 10:30 and we’d be out by 11:00. They declined on both counts. They did say, however, that they’re usually pretty light when they first open on a Saturday and we should have no problem fitting our group in.
I have my doubts. But I know there are folks in the
Contingent who have never been to Paradise Pup and really, really, REALLY want to go there. So I will leave this one up to the group. We’d need to be standing outside The Pup no later than 10:45 so we can assure a peaceful takeover of the joint. Once inside it will be cramped quarters, depending on how many people show up.
Taking all that into account, they do serve one of Chicago’s
best Chesseburgers, making it a worthwhile stop. So what do you think
Contingencies (my new word for
Contingent members); do we make Paradise Pup our first stop or skip it in favor of something else (not necessarily a Cheeseburger)?
Other firm eating stops on the tour include Rand Red Hots for Dogs and Maxwell Street Style Polish, the local Pupuseria for, well, pupusas, a tamale shop serving banana leaf wrapped tamales, and our grand finale, Mehanata for a Bulgarian feast. I’m still researching, looking for one or two more eating stops.
Along the way, I’m planning some non-eating shopping stops and other activities to fill out the day. In Des Plaines we have Shop N Save; an international market with a focus on Eastern European foods. We’re talking about dozens of different kinds of honey from every conceivable flower, a well-stocked deli with rows of beautiful smoked sausages hanging along the back wall, plus a half dozen different kinds of bacon in the cooler, ready to be sliced to your desired thickness. There are barrel pickles, dozens of different jarred pickles, ajvar up the wazoo, European candies and chocolates, feta cheeses from all over the continent and the U.S.
After that there are several options in nearby suburbs. New York Bagel & Bialy (because I know a certain Lover of Milwaukeefoods who’s crazy for good bagels), and at least three different giant Asian markets within minutes of our core eating area. I’m even researching a stop at Pop’s Slot Cars for a little racing action—loser picks up the tab at Mehanata. I’m looking into other fun, non-eating options for the day.
The beauty of this trip, is because the stops will be so close to each other, we can improvise and change gears instantly, based on the whims of the group.
So now I need some commitments. The number of people who attend could influence where we go and at what point in the tour. So please sign up with the usual “I’m in” along with a head count for your party. Also, don’t forget to weigh in on the Paradise Pup issue.
I’m looking forward to seeing everybody on Saturday, February 23
rd.
Buddy
<message edited by BuddyRoadhouse on Sat, 01/19/13 2:46 PM>
