Little Mexico in the Burbs

In the relatively remote suburbs of Northlake, IL ( yea even I haven't heard of it, and I live 15 miles from there ), on the corner of grand and wolf road, lies a hidden secret that even Indiana Jones couldn't un-cover...the shack known as "El Pollo Vagabundo", the vagabond chicken.

Three years ago, the place only had bar stools and about 2 tables, and barely any heat. Now, they still have the barstools, and about 8 tables, and still barely any heat during the cold days of winter. It's in a strip mall, where parking is limited and not known. So why this place?

Two words: "The Chicken". It's marinated, and char grilled fresh. They make the usuals, burritos and tacos, or you could just order the chicken by it self with a side of rice, beans and tortillas. On that note, their tortillas... freshly made. You see them make it in front of you too and not behind closed doors. They run their kitchen, which is also fully visible, by one philosophy; one skillet per customer. No mass production, no scooping from some big pot to serve you. One skillet, per order. They make it fresh, just for you. That is a rarity in days where there are so many "cost cutting" measures.

To accompany you're meal, is a small humble spread of salsas, just about 14 different types. I bet if he had a little more space, he could have easily increased that amount. There are salsa's ranging from the mildest form, of cilantro and avocado to the daring yet flavorful habanero salsa, for those who want to venture . Either way, you can never go wrong with freshness.

So if you're ever that way, and have a craving for a hot mexican meal, or just itching for flavor and boldness, El Pollo Vagabundo is the place to be.

Hot Doug's ?

The first time I heard the name of this Hot Dog joint, sounded just like any other place that serves you're regular hot dog's and fries, and burgers and sandwiches... wait, I thought they are a hot dog joint?

Hot Doug's does one thing, and one thing only, Hot Dogs. This is the one time when putting all you're eggs in one basket has actually paid off. Once you stop thinking of the beautiful Keira Knightley, formerly known as Jennifer Garner and Britney Spears, (Name's of hot Dogs), you need to take the time to actually decide what hot dog you want to try. They stay true to the basics, the good ol Chicago style, or the chili dog. Now, the more adventurous could always venture into the unknown, by trying the cognac-infused lamb/pork sausage or the Foie Gras and duck sausage. But at the end of the day, whatever route you decide to take, the path most taken or the path least taken...the final destination is always the same, "Pure Bliss".

They even have a bonus system attached to all this. If you happen to stumble into this place on a Friday or Saturday, well you're in for a treat. For just those 2 days, they serve fresh cut french fries deep fried in duck fat. Now I don't know about you, but when I read, "fat", "fried" and "duck" in one line, I have the same reaction that Ivan Pavlov's dog had when he rang the bell. The fries are crisp on the outside, flavorful and tender on the inside, just the way they were meant to be. The duck fat gives it that extra kick, which it's been begging for, since they realized how to make a starchy potato even more un-healthier.

So if you're in the mood for some gourmet street food, Doug's the place to go. :)

Kuma's Corner

Its a small shack to say the least, with tables almost touching each other, one of those places, you probably would drive by and would miss it in a blink. Located in the corner of Belmont and Francisco Ave, this hidden gem is one that I feel every burger lover has to go to.

If your looking for your regular all american burger, or your regular cheeseburger, this is definitely not the place for you. But if you want a place that names their burgers after hard rock and metal groups, and their only purpose is to make a burger so creative it blows you away in more ways than one, oh yea, you just found your Graceland.

So once you've done waiting for your seat for about 40 mins, and taken down a few of their grand selection of micro brews from across the country and Canada, and just happy to get a seat, your probably gonna do what most do; bypass the salads, appetizer and sandwiches. Your time, effort and hunger generated by the 3 pints taken down is going to take you to "The Page"... "Best Burgers in Chicago".

Once you've gotten your laugh with the Burger names, such as Metallica, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden... and 19 others, take your time to read through the build of the burgers. Don't forget to ask the monthly specials, it's a creation special to the month, that sometimes is not on their regular menu. The quality of the ingredients are nothing but the best, from prosciutto and pancetta, to andouille and sheboygan bratwurst, to a list of cheese that can top it all off, that will only leave you breathless...don't bother trying that list.

The staff which is ever so friendly are always great at recommending a good burger for the first comers. I do suggest you take their advice, at least for the first time. To wash it all down, how about their micro-brew list, which does the impossible. It surpasses their magnificent list of creative burgers.

So if your in the neighborhood, or have to drive 45 mins from the suburbs (yours truly), and just want to have a good burger...with a crazy and impressive twist, Kuma's Corner is the way to go. Trust me, it is worth the wait.

Lincoln Park's Hidden Secret

Chicago is known for its famous deep dish pizza. There are the main contenders, Giordano, Uno's, Gino's East...and so on. But what most don't know is the hidden secret that lies on 2121 N.Clark Street, also known as "Chicago Pizzeria and Oven Grinder Co.". it's a small restaurant, cramped up... OR cozy, however you want to look at it (glass is always half full i say). It's located in the ground floor, and very easily missed, unless you there during weekend lunch or dinner, where a crowd of people waiting to get seated would definitely get you're attention.

You can't go wrong in this place. From their salads and appetizers to their pizza and grinders and finishing off at their desserts. Nevertheless, if you do have the patience to wait, and end up getting a booth, you deserve the best: "The Mediterranean Bread"; an appetizer you won't forget. It's a warm crisped pizza base, topped with olive oil, Mediterranean seasonings, roasted garlic, and cheese, and filled with flavored goodness. It's great when you go with a good group, when everyone competes to get the last piece, and just as the appetizer plate is as close to as being licked clean, comes the highlight of the meal...

The Main Course: Pizza Pot Pie. It's a twist on the famous Chicago deep dish pizza. It's a personal deep dish pizza pot pie. Comes in 2 sizes, the 1/2 lb or the 1lb. If you've taken my advice and enjoyed the scrumptious Mediterranean bread, you'll be smart to order the 1/2 lb. It contains a delicious homemade style pizza sauce with peppers, onions, tomatoes, Italian season, fresh whole button mushroom, and an aroma that would make you think they have a garden in the back. The dough is always freshly baked, buttered and never overdone or over seasoned. And of course, how could I miss the ever so delicious fresh mozzarella cheese that they generously melted on the top.

They do have some phenomenal grinders too. Grinders are essentially grilled subs, but again, with a twist. The italian loaf is basted with garlic butter and toasted with select italian meats or vegs, served with a side of italian peppers. I would definitely suggest this for the return visitor.

Last but not least. They accept only cash. So be prepared if you're coming here, unless you want to pay the surcharge for the ATM in the restaurant. All in all, if you are in Lincoln Park, craving for some delicious and unique pizza, which you won't get anywhere else and probably willing to wait a while, The Chicago Pizzeria and Oven Grinder Co. is the place to go. The friendly staff, with the huge portions would definitely have you leaving with a smile, a full stomach and a craving that would make you come back for more.

I'm almost certain you wouldn't be disappointed, but theres only 1 way to find out I guess...