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JWags85

#525
June 25, 2025, 03:13:05 PM
Quote from: JakeBarnes on June 25, 2025, 02:38:31 PMWent to North Pond in Chicago this weekend.

Absolutely blown away by the experience. Pricey meal, but the service and food made it feel on par. I really love the ambiance there as well.

Scallop dish was the winner. Completely bizarre and blew me away with how creative it was.

Funny that you say that and spot on considering their head chef just went deep on Top Chef this past season and he was a MADMAN.  Some huge hits, some huge swings and misses, but the way he was pairing flavors or creating dishes was crazy.

North Pond is such a unique success story in such a brutal and competitive restaurant landscape like Chicago.  Been around for almost 30 years, changed and developed a bunch, bunch of chefs, but always manages to deliver.  I went twice, almost 10 years apart, and both times were excellent.

JakeBarnes

#526
June 25, 2025, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: JWags85 on June 25, 2025, 03:13:05 PMFunny that you say that and spot on considering their head chef just went deep on Top Chef this past season and he was a MADMAN.  Some huge hits, some huge swings and misses, but the way he was pairing flavors or creating dishes was crazy.

North Pond is such a unique success story in such a brutal and competitive restaurant landscape like Chicago.  Been around for almost 30 years, changed and developed a bunch, bunch of chefs, but always manages to deliver.  I went twice, almost 10 years apart, and both times were excellent.

Actually got to chat with him briefly about the dish. His philosophy is definitely in the "make it fun/weird/tasty and leave an impression"

The scallop involved a crepe with a mushroom puree inside along with some pickled banana. Probably other things, but i kinda blanked during the dish. Again, blew me away.
Assume what I say should be in teal if it doesn't pass the smell test for you.

"We all carry within us our places of exile, our crimes and our ravages. But our task is not to unleash them on the world; it is to fight them in ourselves and in others." -Camus, The Rebel

Skatastrophy

#527
June 25, 2025, 05:29:29 PM
I've never been to North Pond. I had a res canceled when the staff got sick as we were pulling out of the pandemic. I should make another reservation to check it out.

Galway Eagle

#528
June 25, 2025, 09:46:35 PM
Do you think it warrants a star still?
Retire Terry Rand's jersey!

Galway Eagle

#529
June 25, 2025, 09:47:55 PM
Went to Galit for my bday in April and gotta say, a little let down. Don't get me wrong it's outstanding and the wine was unique and fantastic but for the courses I don't feel like I got a starred meal let alone my moneys worth now that they've upped the price to be closer to sepia or el ideas.
Retire Terry Rand's jersey!

TAMU, Knower of Ball

#530
June 25, 2025, 10:34:42 PM
Quote from: Galway Eagle on June 25, 2025, 09:47:55 PMWent to Galit for my bday in April and gotta say, a little let down. Don't get me wrong it's outstanding and the wine was unique and fantastic but for the courses I don't feel like I got a starred meal let alone my moneys worth now that they've upped the price to be closer to sepia or el ideas.

So you were gaslit at Galit?
Quote from: Goose on January 15, 2023, 08:43:46 PM
TAMU

I do know, Newsie is right on you knowing ball.

Skatastrophy

#531
June 26, 2025, 09:02:52 AM
Quote from: Galway Eagle on June 25, 2025, 09:47:55 PMWent to Galit for my bday in April and gotta say, a little let down. Don't get me wrong it's outstanding and the wine was unique and fantastic but for the courses I don't feel like I got a starred meal let alone my moneys worth now that they've upped the price to be closer to sepia or el ideas.
Good to know.

Same neighborhood: The Gundis has wonderful food and wine. Kurdish food. Cute enough for a date, but we went with another couple which allowed us to order a big percentage of the menu. We haven't been there for a year, but I won't be surprised when they get a Michelin mention. $30 entrees, so not exactly cheap.

https://g.co/kgs/AUVbZLK

Galway Eagle

#532
June 26, 2025, 09:10:43 AM
Quote from: Skatastrophy on June 26, 2025, 09:02:52 AMGood to know.

Same neighborhood: The Gundis has wonderful food and wine. Kurdish food. Cute enough for a date, but we went with another couple which allowed us to order a big percentage of the menu. We haven't been there for a year, but I won't be surprised when they get a Michelin mention. $30 entrees, so not exactly cheap.

https://g.co/kgs/AUVbZLK


Thanks, actually lived around the corner from there about 10yrs back and remember it opening. Only have gone for brunch though (incredibly unique and flavorful!) Will give it a shot for dinner!
Retire Terry Rand's jersey!

JakeBarnes

#533
June 26, 2025, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: Galway Eagle on June 25, 2025, 09:46:35 PMDo you think it warrants a star still?

I think it was on par with if not better than the times I went there and it was maintaining the star.

YMMV, but I found it to be a really great start to finish meal. Boka-esque service, unique food that tasted good.
Assume what I say should be in teal if it doesn't pass the smell test for you.

"We all carry within us our places of exile, our crimes and our ravages. But our task is not to unleash them on the world; it is to fight them in ourselves and in others." -Camus, The Rebel

MU1in77

#534
June 26, 2025, 12:44:59 PM
Went to Webbs for breakfast on Sunday & it never disappoints. The over easy eggs were perfect & the hash browns just the right crispness

warriorchick

#537
June 26, 2025, 02:28:05 PM
Quote from: MU1in77 on June 26, 2025, 12:44:59 PMWent to Webbs for breakfast on Sunday & it never disappoints. The over easy eggs were perfect & the hash browns just the right crispness

Meh, it's no Waffle House.

There's a reason why they only have half the locations they had at its peak.
Have some patience, FFS.

MU1in77

#538
June 26, 2025, 06:56:15 PM
Quote from: warriorchick on June 26, 2025, 02:28:05 PMMeh, it's no Waffle House.

There's a reason why they only have half the locations they had at its peak.
Since the closest Waffle House to me is 280 miles away (Indianapolis I think) pretty sure I'm sticking with Webbs for my basic bacon & eggs

JakeBarnes

#539
July 10, 2025, 08:51:24 PM
Dear Margaret in Chicago can still get it. Well deserved writeup from NYT.

They do things with veggies that others wish they could. Last nights bites:

Escargot- models, snap peas, basil, precarious

Steelhead Trout- smoked. had a cabbage "crepe" (like an okonomiyaki), sorrel, caraway and a "hollandaise" that was super bright (this was the standout)

Pork Chop- cooked perfectly. lived in a ham/onion jus that also soaked the collards, and topped with a variety of pickled veggies. Perfection.

As always, their wine selection is great. And the people watching on the patio was amusing as there is apparently some movie filming nearby with the guy from The Bear.
Assume what I say should be in teal if it doesn't pass the smell test for you.

"We all carry within us our places of exile, our crimes and our ravages. But our task is not to unleash them on the world; it is to fight them in ourselves and in others." -Camus, The Rebel

swoopem

#540
July 11, 2025, 09:55:52 AM
Quote from: wadesworld on June 26, 2025, 02:14:30 PMAte there once and don't regret never eating there again.

I think I only ate there once also. I drank there quite a bit my freshman year when it was The Corner but never frequented AJ Bombers
Bring back FFP!!!

Dish

#541
September 23, 2025, 04:48:25 PM
I vaguely remember a Portillo's thread from a while back (maybe it was in this restaurant thread?).

Anyway, their CEO is out. The nationwide expansion has not gone well at all.

I've thought since Dick sold to PE years ago, the quality of the product had gone downhill since. In the 11 years since the sale, 55 new locations opened, and company value is basically flat.

The breakfast experiment failed (they've announced it'll be cancelled altogether). My guess is they will continue the trend of opening new locations that are drive up only (like Rosemont).

Uncle Rico

#542
September 23, 2025, 05:01:53 PM
Quote from: Dish on September 23, 2025, 04:48:25 PMI vaguely remember a Portillo's thread from a while back (maybe it was in this restaurant thread?).

Anyway, their CEO is out. The nationwide expansion has not gone well at all.

I've thought since Dick sold to PE years ago, the quality of the product had gone downhill since. In the 11 years since the sale, 55 new locations opened, and company value is basically flat.

The breakfast experiment failed (they've announced it'll be cancelled altogether). My guess is they will continue the trend of opening new locations that are drive up only (like Rosemont).

Three words to turn sales around:

"Manatee hot dogs"
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.

tower912

#543
September 23, 2025, 05:30:32 PM
With clubbed baby seal bacon.
Luke 6:45   ...A good man produces goodness from the good in his heart; an evil man produces evil out of his store of evil.   Each man speaks from his heart's abundance...

It is better to be fearless and cheerful than cheerless and fearful.

MU82

#544
September 23, 2025, 05:44:29 PM
Loved Portillos when we lived in Chicago. Been back a couple times on visits and agree it's not as good. A shame.

Time to call The Bear, chef!
"It's not how white men fight." - Tucker Carlson

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism." - George Washington

"In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell

Skatastrophy

#545
September 23, 2025, 06:29:24 PM
Quote from: MU82 on September 23, 2025, 05:44:29 PMLoved Portillos when we lived in Chicago. Been back a couple times on visits and agree it's not as good. A shame.
Yeah, it's the same with Culver's though the Culver's fall off hasn't been quite as bad. It's hard to scale your supply chain cross country.

MuggsyB

#546
September 23, 2025, 06:31:09 PM
Quote from: MU82 on September 23, 2025, 05:44:29 PMLoved Portillos when we lived in Chicago. Been back a couple times on visits and agree it's not as good. A shame.

Time to call The Bear, chef!

It's abysmal. And they've never been particularly good. 

MuggsyB

#547
September 23, 2025, 06:32:21 PM
Quote from: MU82 on September 23, 2025, 05:44:29 PMLoved Portillos when we lived in Chicago. Been back a couple times on visits and agree it's not as good. A shame.

Time to call The Bear, chef!

It's abysmal. And they've never been particularly good. 
Quote from: Skatastrophy on September 23, 2025, 06:29:24 PMYeah, it's the same with Culver's though the Culver's fall off hasn't been quite as bad. It's hard to scale your supply chain cross country.


That's unfortunate. 

Skatastrophy

#548
September 23, 2025, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 23, 2025, 06:32:21 PMThat's unfortunate. 
Culver's custard used to be very good. And with chunks of Suzy's Cream Cheesecake? Sublime.

I don't know how you scale something so wonderful tbh.

MuggsyB

#549
September 23, 2025, 06:39:48 PM
Quote from: Skatastrophy on September 23, 2025, 06:34:50 PMCulver's custard used to be very good. And with chunks of Suzy's Cream Cheesecake? Sublime.

I don't know how you scale something so wonderful tbh.

Ya...I would think that's part of the problem.  I never ate their burgers but did enjoy their custard options. 
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