Food Notes

Now that I'm getting paid again, I've been able to try a few more Chicago restaurants. I'm still not blown away, but I've had a few good moments:

Hai Yen - After living in Houston for six years, I seriously crave good Vietnamese food. I tried this place up on Argyle street after reading some online recommendations. However, I was not blown away. The Vietnamese egg rolls were dripping with grease and didn't come with lettuce in which to wrap them. My entree, beef wrapped in rice crepes, was good, but when I ordered Vietnamese iced coffee, they brought it out already prepared rather than bringing the french press out to the table. Half the fun of Vietnamese coffee is watching it brew, stirring in the condensed milk, and pouring it over ice. I'll be trying a different place next.

Blue Water Grill - This seafood restaurant was good, if a bit pricey. The waiter was attentive and great at helping me choose oysters from the raw bar.

Sushi Wabi - I've heard great things about the sushi here and I wasn't disappointed. I'm not sure how I feel about the constant thumping techno in the background, however. Also, I ordered the Ecuador roll, which included jalapeno, and it was possibly the hottest pepper I've ever eaten. I couldn't finish the roll. As a Texan, it hurts me to say that. The rest of the sushi was excellent, though. I will definitely go back.

? - Tonight I ate at a new Mexican place in the South Loop. I can't remember the name, which should indicate what I thought of it. It was completely bland. No spices. When your ethnicity's food is based on rice, corn, and beans, spices are kind of important.

I'm still not that impressed with the food scene. Is Houston the only city in the US where great food can be found at mid-range prices?

Posted by bethdeth at August 27, 2006 08:01 PM