restaurant review: boka in chicago

Boka.

This most recent trip to Chicago had not been the epicurean delight Mr. Sazy Rock and I expected it to be. In addition to a disappointing meal at Tru, other restaurants we tried left us wanting more. The only ones we enjoyed were Weiner's Circle in Lincoln Park and Athena in Greek town. Luckily, our last meal in the City did not suck. Indeed, we were pleasantly surprised about our experience at Boka.

The Scene 

The scene.

I would describe this Michelin starred restaurant as casual high end in that the level of cooking was high but the dishes were served on a table without cloth.

When we arrived for our 7 pm reservation, the place was full and buzzy. Diners were dressed from business casual to downright casual - a gentleman on the table next to ours was wearing shorts. To be fair, he was the exception and not the rule.

restaurant review: tru in chicago

Tru.

I really wanted to like Tru. It has been around for a long time and has received many accolades. Although I have visited Chicago many times, this visit was my first at Tru. It was not Mr. Sazy Rock's first visit. I think his last visit was about a decade ago and he found it decadent, memorable and very good. So, he wanted to revisit the restaurant to see how it has changed through the years. And, I came with plenty of expectations. Sadly, I left with most of them unfulfilled.

detroit eats: coney island hotdog

Detroit gave me a pleasant surprise when I first visited the city during a business related road trip with Mr. Sazy Rock. One of those surprises was finding all sorts of Coney Island restaurants in town. Even more of a surprise was realizing that they were all different and separate entities. Apparently, someone did not trademark the name so other businesses also named theirs Coney Island. Each Coney Island restaurant may be distinguished by additional identifiers in their name.

Coney Island restaurants specialized in hot dogs. Mr. SR and I liked hot dogs. So we thought to compare and contrast all the many different Coney Island hot dogs we could fit in our belly during our all too brief stay in the Motor City. We did it so you do not have to.

summer picnic at millenium park

Cloud Gate (aka the "bean") at Millennium Park.

(Chicago, Illinois).  If you have the time between visiting the Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and taking an architectural boat tour of Chicago - all worthwhile tourist attractions - try to have a leisurely picnic at Millennium Park, which is located in the Loop community area of Chicago.  Check out their events calendar when you visit because there's always something fun going on - art & design showcases, free concerts, etc.  Then pick up some food and have a picnic at the park with the locals (or other visitors).  It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon and just enjoy the city flowing around you.

When we went, we picked up a selection of tortas, guacamole and chips, and churros from Xoco (a Rick Bayless restaurant) and wine and cheese from Pastoral on our way towards the park.  The food at Xoco was wonderful (way better than Red O in Los Angeles which has consistently disappointed) and the selection of cheese and breads was truly impressive at Pastoral.  With our feast in hand, we lounged on the grassy lawn and listened to a range of hip hop and world music.  (Perhaps one day you will be lucky enough to see sazy rock perform her world music dance - it's quite a sight.)

Sometimes it's better not to be rushing from one tourist attraction to the next so you can literally stop to smell the roses (or in this case, delicious churros).

good bye hot doug's!

(Chicago, Illinois).  One of my best experiences in Chicago was eating at Hot Doug's – the self-proclaimed Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium.  I remember dragging my now-husband out of bed so we could get into line before the restaurant opened at 10:30 a.m., and listening to him grumble until he saw the massive line already forming when we arrived around 10:00 a.m.  His annoyance lingered as we waited for over an hour, but the moment he took one bite all of his annoyance and frustration disappeared.  It was like magic!  

In front of Hot Doug's.

We shared The Dog (Chicago-style), the Elvis (pork polish sausage) and the Foie Gras and Duck Sauterne Sausage Dog with a heaping serving of Duck Fat Fries.  Everything was mouth-wateringly delicious.  I particularly remember how well the soft, bouncy buns complimented the delicious sausages.  And the fries!  Unhealthy – yes.  A bit greasy – yes.  Worth it – double yes!

However, I’m saddened to report that Hot Doug’s is planning to close – permanently – on October 3, 2014.  When I read the news, I have to admit I teared up a little bit.  It was such a wonderful place – great food and great vibe – owned and run by the nicest guy, Doug.  I hope after he takes a well-deserved vacation and rests up that he will be tempted to start another delicious venture with equal success.

For anyone in or visiting Chicago before the closing date – go to Hot Doug’s!  It may be your last chance!

I will miss you Hot Doug’s (sniff).   R.I.P.