The Foodie Thread

All right, we've got pizza and hot dog threads, but we lack a thread for foodies.

This is it.

I'll start if off. I'm super excited for Friday night's dinner.

I've written on other threads about the guy that started a meatball sandwich truck. Well, he used to be the chef at the fancy restaurant at the Palmer House Hilton here in town.

His meatball business is doing well. He's got three trucks now and he has people working for him.

So, he's decided to do some fancy dinners 3 nights a week in the small space he has to cook his meatballs.

It's not in a good part of town, and it only fits 10 people, but it looks awesome.

It's strictly a tasting menu -- something like 12 courses.

There are some great pictures on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/elideaschi#!/elideaschi?sk=wall

And this review is pretty extensive and has a ton of pictures: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=32383&p=383249

Yelp also has a few glowing reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-ideas-chicago-2

It's $125.00 per person and, since they don't have a liquor license, it's BYOB. They suggested a sparkling wine.

I was able to get the reservation yesterday because someone canceled and they tweeted that they had an opening.

And then in a small world coincidence, I had a meeting this morning at the coffee bar in the Whole Foods down the street. I ended up running into the chef who was on his way out after doing some shopping. I let him know that I was coming in on Friday and that I was looking forward to it.

Who's next?

 

So what's the point of this thread? Anything food related? Upcoming restaurant trips? What you're currently eating? Recipes? Any? All?

 

Yeah, basically.

I think "Foodies" know who they are.

So, if you've tried something new, spotted a trend, went to an awesome meal, let us know.

 

Hopefully it doesn't get too sweaty in there.

 

$125 sans alcohol? Seems steep.

 

Actually, a place for recipes and such would be great. I know we have the what's for supper thread, but some new blood might get the food-obsessed among us to share their secrets. TBF, I'm looking at you.

Also, YF can post stuff about new fancy restaurants which I can then mock.

 

You'll appreciate his sense of humor.

His Shweddy Balls are made with Tunisian-style lamb, chicken, and a spicy tomato sauce.

http://www.meatyballsmobile.com/MB/Our_Menu.html

 

Yeah. But Alinea is $210 and Next, which is the Alinea guy's new place is usually around $165. (They sell pre-paid "tickets" through their website, and it's impossible to get into.)

http://www.alinea-restaurant.com/pages/menus/menu.html

But, this should be pretty cool. The guy's a good chef. I've gotten to know him a little bit, and he's a good guy too, so that makes it easier.

And, since it's BYOB, that'll save a little money.

 

And, I knew YGBFKM would be along to mock me well before I started this thread.

 

It's just weird the thought of spending that much on meatballs and such, no matter how delicious.

If I'm spending that, I'm going to Morton's or Gibson's or Ruth's Chris and getting a porterhouse the size of my head.

But let us know how it goes.

 

I'd actually love to check out some of that stuff, but I have trouble buying clothes for myself, much less dropping two bills on a meal.

 

No, no, no.

Meatballs is his day to day business. Sold off of a truck downtown. 8 bucks a sandwich.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday is fine dining. Sit down, 12 course tasting menu.

Totally modern stuff -- no meatballs.