The Burger Fiend Strikes Again: Jack's On Halsted

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

“Please won’t you be…my neighbor?”

In a somewhat creepy way, that’s the song that kept running through my head as I eagerly pulled my chair up to the bar last week. Honestly, how could Freddie’s immortal song not be running on repeat, if you consider the insanely close proximity the Fiend lives to the quaint Lakeview gastropub.

Having visited Jack’s a few times in the past, I couldn’t help my enthusiasm when I learned the bar’s renovation during the winter would also include a slight menu revamp…with (GASP) a full line of burgers!

And while the swanky atmosphere typically would immediately conjure images of high-end beef choices, such as Niman Ranch or kobe, this bistro offers no-frills selections with an emphasis on unique options for toppings, a la the Kuma’s Corners of the world.

The Fiend opted for the Jack’s Burger, a hefty 9oz patty topped with barbeque pulled pork, sharp cheddar and shredded jalapeno. Ordered rare as per usual, the meat was cooked as desired inside while also keeping a well-seasoned crust on the exterior.

Two other burgers also caught my eye for further exploration: the Spicy Hot, which is brushed with a touch of Chipotle and features roasted Poblano peppers, pepper jack and bacon, as well as the Halsted Street Burger, topped with Maytag blue cheese and apple smoked bacon.

And though I did not have a chance to talk to the chef about the source and grade of the beef, the Fiend could definitely detect the quality in both the taste and texture.

This could get dangerous, as I fear rainy days and Mondays will definitely get me down…the street.

So the answer is, yes. Yes, I am proud to be your neighbor, Jack’s. And I promise not to be a crazy Marcy D’Arcy along the way either.

Tru Rating:
Palate – TTt
Assist Me – TTT
Buzz Factor – TTt
Pretty People – TTt
Pocket Change, Checking or Savings – Change (Checking, with wine)
I’ll Be Back – TTT

Jack’s On Halsted
3201 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657-3413
(773) 244-9191
www.jacksonhalsted.com

Labels: Jack's On Halsted, kobe beef, lakeview, Niman Ranch

"Wish" Upon A Sushi Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The song “When You Wish Upon A Star” was made famous in the Walt Disney movie Pinocchio and includes the lyrics “Anything that your heart desires will come to you”. The song has some other inspirational lyrics such as, “If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme. When you wish upon a star as dreamers do”. Well the folks at Nozumi Japanese Cuisine must have sang that song a few times, because their “wish” has come true. Nozumi is the newest Japanese restaurant to open in the North Western suburbs, but the 45 minute drive out to South Barrington is well worth the trip.

The literal translation of Nozumi is “wish”. Their wish is to take you on a journey of the five senses while exploring their Japanese cuisine. Nozumi’s culinary team consists of world travelers that give their own interpretation of the menu items, therefore they soar above the traditional approach to sushi. Nozumi is all about sharing and Executive Chef Andy Park created the menu with that in mind. Even the Nozumi Menu Box – a collection of five books, or menus, are meant to be shared. This new approach is distinctly separated into a beverage menu, plates menu, sushi menu, sweets and treats menu, and a chefs daily special menu. I had numerous favorites out the fourteen dishes that were shared, but the following were at the top of the list.

Scallop Ebisu – seared scallops, saffron cream couscous, asparagus, tomato confit, soy balsamic reduction.

Shinju Crab Cake – Shiso remoulade, scallop puree, sawgani, haricort vert, shitake vinaigrette.

Chef’s Special Signature Roll – Roasted pepper seasoned spicy tuna, cucumber wrapped in nori topped with Japanese sea bream in ponzu sauce.

Nozumi doesn’t only serve sushi, but meat and pasta dishes. Don’t leave the table without trying their tender Taiyou Short Ribs. The Kobe Steak melts in your mouth and the Togarashi Mauro Penne Pasta has a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and big eye tuna combination that will have you biting your fork. Dessert is a must with the Shokura Dream chocolate layered cake and the Natsuki Apple Brulee.

Nozumi is simple yet stylish. The sushi bar area is upbeat and vibrant, but a separate dining area appears to be more relaxed and chilled. The bar area is roomy enough to enjoy a cocktail and an entree without being too crowded. Owner Fred Hong was certain to hire a staff that was knowledgeable about their cuisine and serious about their service.

Yes, Nozumi appears to have had their wish fulfilled, but the true test will come from the wish of their customers. Nozumi is located at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington. For more information log onto www.nozumirestaurant.com. Also check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: andy park, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fred hong, kobe beef, nozumi japanese cuisine, south barrington illinois, sushi

Max Out in Glencoe

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Finding the time to play golf is a challenge on many different levels, especially while living in the city. The first challenge is making the tee time early enough to avoid being on the course the entire day. Secondly, the location must not be too far from the city and should have easy access away from major traffic. Thirdly, the golf course itself must be void of a lot of water, trees and brush that will limit the number of balls that I lose. Lastly, but most importantly is the club house food, which should be good enough to make up for bad shots and a high score. The Glencoe Golf Club seems to have at least the latter locked down with their newly renovated restaurant Max’s on the Green.

Larry Estes, President and founder of Catering by Max’s, opened Max’s on the Green with the intentions of making it more than a food venue for golfers. His hopes are to attract locals to dine at Max’s on the Green throughout the week, regardless of golfing. The menu consists of breakfast and lunch, but the dinner menu deserves the most attention. Atypical of most club house options dinner entrees include dishes such as the Salmon Filet, Lobster Ravioli, Pork Chop and Skirt Steak. The Greg Norman Kobe Burger was delicious and consists of an 8 oz beef burger grilled to your liking and served on a pretzel bun. Be sure to complement the burger with cheese fries or onion strings. Although Max’s is known for their Italian Beef the Grilled Chicken sandwich topped with your choice of BBQ sauce or honey mustard is the way to go. They still have the traditional golf course grub, including sandwiches, salads and wraps and a few dessert menu items. All meals can be enjoyed inside the restaurant or on the outside deck overlooking the ninth hole. Max’s transforms into a traditional restaurant setting with waiters and servers only during dinner hours.

The Glencoe Golf Club is located on the North Shore at 621 Westly Rd and is not too far from the city. The public golf course is gorgeous and scenic. For more information about Max’s on the Green and the Glencoe Golf Club log onto www.cateringbymaxs.com or www.glencoegolfclub.com. Check out Fete Select TV for a review of the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: catering, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, glencoe, glencoe golf club. max's on the green, italian beef, kobe beef, larry estes, north shore