Travel: Chicago Eats

      The night was still young. Earlier I had spied a ramen shop right across the street from Chipotle. It was too late then as I already had my fill. But now, now after getting lost in Chicago, I go for it at full speed. On the way there, to Tanaka Ramen, another restaurant grabs my attention. It had some sort of a super hero decorating its walls. Very interesting I thought. I must give it a go. Though my mouth was watery with the thought of having ramen for a few weeks now. I couldn't possibly just forgo the opportunity!

      I was welcomed by a polite young gentleman and asked where to sit. The clientele consisted mostly of young folks. Some were chatting away as if they knew each other for quite some time, and maybe they did. Others were clearly just getting acquainted. Their soft voice, their nervous chuckles, and glassy eyes gave them away. The dimmed lights provided a chill atmosphere.
      The menu had so many tempting options. My desire to have some beef got the better of me. Instead of having ramen, I ended up with rice! Beef Sukiyaki Don it is called. It was amazing. The tender texture of the beef, the stickiness of the rice, and the unexpected savory sweet onions came together in an unbelievable experience. To my surprise the chef was young and did not look Japanese. He must have some wicked culinary sense!
      I think I ate faster than Taz-Mania! Of course, I swallowed every last bit, as is customary in Japan. Before I had the last few bites, the check came swooping. It was brought to the table by a waitress. I suspect this is a family run stop. If I can, I'd totally do it again.

      The next day, I found myself a Mediterranean restaurant in Downtown Chicago. An idea I developed after recalling a most enjoyable meal at Washington D.C. a few months earlier (arguably because of how tired I was). This one goes by Kurah Mediterranean. The photo on the left is me getting real comfortable in there. Ignore the poker face. I'm new to selfies.
      Whoever did the interior ornamentation to this place, took their time. Life was given to the two pillars through painted vegetation. The back wall was glimmering with decoration often seen in movies behind kings: some gold, a lot of red. No wonder most customers were really dressed up in here. A good place to grab your spouse, I'd say. Buuut...
      It will not take long for your brain reward center to light up the moment their food splatters your palate. Soon after, your company will realize food is more important to you than their company. You have my condolences in advance.
      I'm not going to tell you exactly what I ate that day, because I've overdone it. Just know this: their food is worth its salt. A little interesting note: the restaurant has a very laid back name. It translates to ball in Arabic. A word of advice: if you are not used to Mediterranean cuisine avoid kubbeh. The concept of rare meat is nonexistent. What did I think? I loved it! The sourness of the added ranch felt like they were made for each other.

      It is now Friday, the Muslim equivalent of the Jewish Saturday or the Christian Sunday. I'd like to get a quick bite before prayer. I've never had bao dumplings before. What luck! There is a shop right down the street from the hotel.
      When I walked in, I was welcomed by self help screens like the ones at Panera. I ordered so many different dumplings. Look they are hexaplets! How do I tell them apart!? The little paper at the bottom of the dumplings has them labeled. Don't know which one is Thai, and which is curry? Wow Bao got your back. I was so consumed by the baos' allure I forgot my Thai Herb Bone Broth. I know how it sounds, but the aroma of the lemon grass and lime make it feel like a breezy summer day. And how hot it is, make it even closer than originally imagined. This is a tiny casual place with a big heart.

      Yes, I've taken a few bites before I realized I didn't take any pictures of dishes on this trip. Can you really blame me though? This was the big finale I patiently held back on enjoying until the very end.
      At the counter, a very friendly girl greeted me and asked me for my order. After some contemplation, I settled on the Soujouk Panini. It's been ages since I've had soujouk. The courteous staff member assured me it was made out of beef (hmm, I'm seeing a pattern here). Over at the other counter, another girl, I think they are sisters, was manning the beverages station. You can actually buy Turkish coffee here. A well sought out grind by coffee fanatics like myself. Or, if your heart desires, some other packaged desert imported by yours truly: Turkitch!
      As I'm indulging in the smokey taste of my sandwich and swallowing the cucumber slices like there is no tomorrow (hmm, I'm seeing a pattern here), I overhear the girl at the cashier share with another customer that the place has just opened three weeks ago! I must say, with courtesy, and food like this, this place is likely to attract many just hanging out buddies for years to come.

Comments? Leave them for me below or email me. Until next time...