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

3,400,000 Margaritas and Still Going Strong!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Everyone has a Mama, but not everyone has a "Mama" like Fernando's Tequila Bar and Restaurant. That's because Executive Chef Carmen Gonzalez is the matriarch of the twenty-five year old Mexican joint and has been in the industry for forty-five years. Carmen, affectionately known as "Mama" by the regulars and her kitchen staff, is married to husband Fernando and together have made their restaurant a mainstay for authentic Mexican regional cuisine.

Like most Mexican restaurants, Fernando's menu consists of traditional items such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and fajitas. Two dishes that are special to Fernando's are the Chicken Oaxaca (a boneless chicken breast cooked in a paper bag) and Grilled Rainbow Trout (topped with garlic and cucumber). The ceviche ixtapa appetizer stood out, but the queso fundido needs some work. What really makes Fernando's hop are their signature hand-blended margaritas specially prepared by Fernando himself. Fresh fruits and their secret family recipe may have contributed to Fernando's selling more than 3,400,000 margaritas over the past twenty-five years. The atmosphere definitely feels like a friendly neighborhood spot and is great for families.

Fernando's, located at 3450 N. Lincoln Ave in the Lakeview area, will celebrate 25 years on July 22nd. Food samplings, a mariachi band, and tequlia samplings will highlight some of the festivities. For more information call (773) 477-6930. Also check out www.efete.net for more dining options and watch Fete Select TV to get an inside look at the newest and hottes restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: authentic cuisine, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, Fernando's, fete select tv, lakeview, mexican cuisine, tequila bar

A Little Taste of Italian in Lakeview

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Chicago has some great neighborhoods with excellent restaurants. The major "hoods" that I frequent are Bucktown, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, River West, River North and the South Loop. My neighborhood in Lakeview has some pretty darn good restaurants as well. Recently I had the pleasure of dining at another Lakeview standout on North Broadway, Angelina Ristorante.

Arguably one of the best Italian meals that I had in the city, Angelina Ristorante has an intimate vibe with a small authentic Italian restaurant feel. What most surprised me most about the restaurant was their small kitchen, after Executive Chef Fred Ramos gave me a quick peek inside. However, the tight space allows the former Gioco and Room 21 Chef to create tasty dishes from the fall menu that will leave you salivating.

I was fortunate to have Chef Ramos provide a tasting for us, as we started with antipasti dishes like "Antipasti Freddo", a selection of assorted cured meats, pates and cheese, and "Ripieno di Funghi", consisting of jumbo mushroom caps stuffed with baby spinach and crabmeat. Our insalte choices were "Carpaccio di Barbaietole" and "Caprese Autunno". My favorite pasta dish was their "Garganelli con Piselli & Pancetta", a hand rolled penne, crispy pancetta, peas and parmesan cream sauce. You would think that I had enough, but I had to try their signature dish "Brasati di Carne", braised short ribs on creamy polenta. All of my dishes were delectable and provided me flashbacks of my trip to Italy.

Their wine list is extensive and the tiramasu was a treat. The house made limoncello is a guest favorite and and a must try. Ristorante Angelina also has a $20 champagne brunch and a few special dinner specials during the week, which are:

Monday - Half of Bottle of Wine Night

Tuesday - Prixe Fixe (any three courses for $27)

Wednesday - Neighborhood Night (20% off Lakeview Residents)

The restaurant is also available for private parties from 10 - 100 guests.

The next time you're in my "hood" (Lakeview), you might want to stop by Angelina Ristorante to get a little taste of Italy.

Angelina Ristorante, 3561 N. Broadway Chicago, (773) 935-5933. www.angelinaristorante.com

As always, check out Fete Select TV to get an inside look at the newest and best restaurants around the globe.

Labels: angelina ristorante, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fred ramos, italian food, lakeview, nbc 5 chicago