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 | Chicago Eating & Drinking Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 24 |  |
 | |  |  | Eating & Drinking: First 2006 VT Meeting in Chicago | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS Second Photo: Erik [Erik707] Third Photo: Ron [RonDace] and wife Kathy Fourth Photo: Martin [MJB123] Fifth Photo: Roy [Imaniac] Because Roy [Imaniac] from the Netherlands was visiting Chicago before flying to Springfield, Missouri, to attend school for a few months, we set up a VT Lunch date at the famous Bill Goat Tavern and Grill. Ron Dace [RonDace] and his wife, Kathy from Wadsworth; Kristi [Dabs] from Hammond, Indiana; Erik [Erik707]' Martin [MJB123]; and I [deecat] attended the meeting to meet Roy. It was Martin who did the organizing. Although I personally am not crazy about Billy Goat's as a great place to eat, it is a Chicago happening and was a fun [but difficult to find] place to meet. We all had either cheeseburger or double cheeseburger plus some chips with our Cokes. We moved tables together, making it easy to hear everyone. It was quite an interesting conversation with travel dominating the subject at hand [naturally!] Afterwards, Martin gave Roy, Erik, and I a tour to the north of the Tribune Building. We walked as far north as the Water Tower and west to Old Town. Along the way, we were able to see some great residential areas [some of the wealthiest in the city]. We stopped for a Starbuck's coffee and talked for at least an hour before we walked to the Elevated red line station at Clark/Division so that I could hop on to return to Andersonville where I had parked my car. All-in-all, it was a wonderful afternoon with great VT members, and we were all fortunate enough to meet Roy [Imaniac}. Leave a Comment Phone: (312) 222-1525Other Contact: 430 N. Michigan [lower]
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| | | | Eating & Drinking: Standing in Line for Garrett Popcorn Products | Tip Rating: | | | | |
For about 55 years people in Chicago area have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats. Many people, including myself, favor the Pecan Carmel Corn. It is to die for (and you might with all the calories)! For 21 years the location at 670 North Michigan Avenue has been open. People literally line up (up to an hour at times) to purchase their favorite popcorn. Today (June 16, 2004) I stood in line for half an hour relishing the thought of tasting the delicious Pecan Carmel Popcorn. When I finally made it up to the counter, it was all gone, so I had to settle for the delicious Carmel Corn. If the workers were as sweet as the Carmel Corn, it would be a much better experience. Every time I have been there, the girls who wait on me and all the other people are rather rude. Today, the girl said in a gruff voice, "So, what do you want?" When I told her, she said, "Too bad, we're out. So, what do you want?" It's all in the tone of voice. That's so discouraging to see all of the out of town guests being treated less than kindly. It's a good thing that the product is so wonderful. You can order on line. They have really "cool" tin canisters also. My favorite is the one with the Chicago Skyline on it. When in Chicago, visit a Garrett Popcorn Store. Leave a Comment Phone: (312)944-4739Website: www.garrettpopcorn.com Other Contact: toll-free (888)476-7267
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| | | | Eating & Drinking: 80+ Years of Ice Cream and Candy | Tip Rating: | | | | |
In a cramped space in Chicago's Bucktown area on North Western Avenue, we visited the famed Margie's Candies. Although Margie has passed, her tradition lives on. Peter Poulos Jr., the current owner, is the third generation to own Margie's. Not much has changed in the decades of this family-owned business. In 1921 Greek immigrant Peter George Poulos opened Margies where classic ice cream was served & candy was made by hand by George's wife, Margie. 18% butterfat ice cream is still served here, & the hot fudge, butterscotch, & carmel are still made. If you want spotless, fake retro, DON'T visit here. This place is the REAL deal. It's crowded, rather "musty" smelling, and jam-packed with Beatle mementos [from their visit in 1964], dolls, hundreds of boxes of candy, & lots of old newspaper clippings on the wall. I've heard that the service is poor; however, we did not experience that. It was not speedy, but I am not enamored with speedy. It's difficult to make decisions because of all the choices of ice cream treats. We all 3 had an ice cream sundae [we should have shared!] The sundae comes in a huge clam-shell dish, & the topping comes in a metal pouring dish. Jill & I each ordered The Turtle Sundae with 2 scoops of ice cream, carmel topping & hot fudge in the pouring dish. It has tons of whipped cream [which I scraped off & gave to Allan]. Each sundae comes with a vanilla waffer cookie. Since Allan loves REAL butterscotch, which he can never find, he was thrilled when he found a real homemade butterscotch sundae. There are only booths for seating, & each booth has its own coin-operated jukebox. We did not try any candy, but from what I've heard, it is really good, especially the chocolate-carmel pecan tarrapins. As we were leaving, I noticed a sign announcing that for children who make an "a" on a report card, a free cone is given. I find that quite refreshing & oh so Real Retro! Leave a Comment Phone: 773-384-1035Other Contact: 1960 N. Western Ave
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| | | | Eating & Drinking: Asian food in Chicago | Tip Rating:  | | | | |
Chicago is famous for food, but having moved here after many years on the west coast, my wife and I both feel we've yet to find a good Asian restaurant of any stripe, not even in Chinatown! Depending on what his or her expectations might be, the asian food lover could be very disappointed here. If there is hope, it lies on chowhound.com. Generally speaking, your typical Chicagoan doesn't really know good Asian food from bad, so going on recommendations has been disappointing. Fortunately, the E European, Italian, Greek, Latin-American and other cuisines are for the most part excellent. *update* We've managed to find some places that are passable. If you would like, I will share the names. Leave a Comment
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| | | | Eating & Drinking: Fast Food, Chicago Style | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Be aware that in Chicago, if someone mentions fast food, they might not be talking about one of the famous chains. We have our own homegrown, almost chain free version of fast food. And pizza is NOT fast food here. Most places will specialize in one or two of the following foods, and serve the rest. Italian Beef, Gyros, Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, Hot Dogs, Meatball Sandwiches, and a few other things. Generally speaking, its large, affordable (under $4), and tastes good, though the outside decor of some places will sometimes look so run down you'll want to cry. Leave a Comment
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on January 8, 2006![Kristi [Dabs] eating a cheeseburger at Billy Goats - Chicago](http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1/2541976-Eating_Drinking-Chicago.jpg)
Chicago
on November 22, 2004
on May 9, 2003
on October 19, 2004
on April 18, 2006
on October 27, 2005
