More Chicago 2008
I took advantage of the metro system in Chicago because we don’t have that back in Los Angeles. There were far less people riding the train vs. New York. Less creeps too.
I think it rained 50% of the time I was there but that didn’t stop me from traversing the streets for good food. I was armed with a list from superfoodie/friend Erik M. of Chicago. He’s never let me down.
Apparently, this little teddy bear was in a rut. Looks like he had fun though. Don’t give up little man.
I met some people the night before at Blackbird and they were nice enough to take me to a Chicago hot dog favorite called Hot Doug’s. We needed a pre-game snack. Right when I got here, I immediately thought of LA’s Pink’s and didn’t know what to think of it. I don’t care for Pink’s at all.
This is Doug, the owner. One look at him and you know he’s not fucking around w/ his sausages. His menu ranges from the local favorites to the bizarre game menu. Sign me up please.
And I think I know what I’m having.
And I’ll have this to wash it down as well. Celery??? Hey, there’s a market for everything.
Rattlesnake Sausage with Smoked Gouda Cheese. I split this w/ the two guys I came here with. We finished it and were pretty much full! The rattlesnake was extremely RICH and if I didn’t tell you what it was, it could’ve passed for pork. Very tasty though.
On the weekends, Hot Doug’s offers a free boost in cholesterol as a thanks for your patronage. Fries fried in duck fat. Awesome. I only ate 7 pieces though. I’d like to live a little longer you know.
As a kid, I grew up watching the Dodgers, Mets and Cubs. I told myself, one day, I’ll get to see the beautiful and historical Wrigley Field. Thanks to my company!
The energy level in Wrigley Field is extremely high. I’ve never heard such a loud crowd throughout the whole game. The Cubs were down 8-1 and yet I didn’t see herds of people leaving, as Dodger and Laker fans would do. True support. As I left the game at 7th inning, I heard 4-5 homeruns being hit. They came back 9-8 that game. That’s alright, because I had food to eat.
A grilled sausage Chicago-style freshly made in Wrigley Field.
Erik M. told me about a Jaliscan-style place that serves something known as carne en su jugo, which means ‘beef cooked in its own juices in Spanish. I had to try this.
But when the waitress brought my food to the table, I was a bit surprised I saw. In a bowl was carne asada SWIMMING in a pool of fatty juice with onions, beans, bacon and for a health kick, 2 pieces of radish/avocado and cilantro.
I ordered some grilled onions (cebollitas asadas) to go with this. I didn’t expect them to look like this. I tried a piece and man was it delicious. I asked the waitress if they were marinated in soy sauce (salsa de soya) and oil. Yes! These were very good.
I took a scoop of the CESJ surpise and added it to a tortilla w/ the grilled onions. I have to say this is one of the tastiest tacos I’ve ever had. It had everything I could ever want in a ‘taco’.
I asked them for a box to take the CESJ bag and they gave me a cup. God, if i was drunk I might actually take a sip of beef juice.
Just kidding, I didn’t try it.
Found a cool designer toy shop in the Wicker Park area. Similar to Giant Robot.
I was stoked to find the largest Domokun ever.
Wow I can own the Axis of Evil for $120? I’d think $120 billion.
These were neat as well. They were keychains with miniature taiwanese snacks, including cuttlefish, red bean rice balls and beef jerky.
Just South of Wicker Park is the Ukrainain Village. Sure, why not.
I walked into a deli Erik M. had recommended. I came across this load of Polish/Ukrainian beer. I tried to ask some employees for their recommendation. No one spoke a lick of English, so I just left.
Imitation Maggi seasoning brand called Winiary.
Polish beer at a nearby tavern.
After the two polish beers, I came across this street festival called the Do Division in Wicker Park. Sure, why not.
I immediately befriended some people sporting some Colt 45 forty-ounces for $8 each. Bag included for that authentic experience. I had two of these and wasn’t feeling very good after eating that CESJ surprise.
There was a long line for this Serbian/Croatian joint serving something called chevapcheechee. As you can see in the banner, chevapcheechee is a sausage made of beef, pork, lamb, garlic and S&P. It smelled excellent.
Man, this was so good. Served on pita bread with a zesty eggplant/red bell pepper sauce and freshly chopped onions.
I do too.
