Sibling Weekend: Chicago

Me-Nancy-Patty-Judy-Gloria; brother Paul and his wife,
Tracie in white. At Le Pain Quotidien.

Oldest sister, Judy, turned 70 years in January, so her daughter LG and son TL put together and hosted this rare sibling get-together. We DO get together, but mainly in very large groups. There's the occasional lunch, but we're scattered over 3 states (including Washington State), so having all 6 of us together for a weekend is very special.

Thursday
Lou Malnati's pizza at LG's condo, and then The Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater. We loved the musical about Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. I overnighted at Hotel Lincoln (due to some nagging auto-immune issues), but EVERYONE else stayed with LG's family in their 3-bedroom condo.

Friday
LG and her husband had to work; the effervescent Sophie (9-1/2) and the indomitable Rhys (4-1/2) had school. But, LG left us homemade granola (excellent!), Greek yogurt, and fruit. And, did I mention coffee?!!
We hung around some; a few went for a walk in a nearby small enclave of very large and beautiful Chicago-style homes.

Buena Park-Lakeview neighborhoods. Specifically,
Cullom and Hutchinson Streets' lovely homes.

I did the research for a luncheon location and happened on a listing for Le Pain Quotidien. Success! Perfect menu, as there was an early dinner planned by LG for 5:30pm.

Everyone totally enjoyed Le Pain Quotidien. Some had pot pies, salads or soup. We shared a charcuterie board. JL and I had eaten in one LPQ twice in NYC a number of years ago: CA and I have eaten in the LPQ closeby the Place Vendôme in Paris; and, I've eaten in one in another European city--possibly London.??

We spent the afternoon at the shops on North Avenue, and then drove to West Randolph Street for dinner at Little Goat Diner. Excellent!

The big surprise was that JL's son flew in from Austin, TX and surprised her at Little Goat Diner. We were all surprised she was surprised as there were multiple verbal slip-ups. The end result is that TL was with us for dinner and the remainder of the weekend. His happiness was magnified when his friend managed to procur for him a last minute ticket to the Michigan State playoff game at the United Center. (They won!)

Little Goat Diner, Chicago.

LG and EG shared this monster.

My excellent gluten-free option. Moco Loco Burger
on Jasmine rice with vegetables; topped with a
Fried Egg. Havarti Cheese added.

Just a normal cheeseburger.

TL's shocking Mahi entree.

After dinner we did cake and presents at LG's condo, and talked (a lot) until late. I drove home, arriving @1:00am, not realizing I'd forgotten to tell CA that I was coming. (I'd originally reserved 2 nights at the Lincoln Hotel). Scared him when the garage door opened and woke him up.


Saturday
By 8:30am I was in my car headed back to Chicago for brunch at LG's condo. After lots more talking and laughing, some took walks, some headed to Bar on Buena to watch the broadcast of the Michigan State game (they won!). My Seattle sister and I walked a long way down Broadway to Pastoral to buy some Vermont Creamery cheeses. We each had a small bite in the cafe and a refreshing beverage, then opting for a short cab ride north to the condo.

The Peoria, IL group of 4 left a bit after 4:00pm, and the after some quiet moments we talked over dinner plans. EG secured an 8:00pm reservation at one of my favorites--Mixteco Grill, on the corner of Ashland and Montrose. Wonderful Mexican food! Great guacamole, with chips, Jicama, and cucumber slices.

Pork chops.

Pulled pork.

Rack of baby lamb in mole.

Another late night for me--arrived home just after midnight. No worries.

We had a memorable weekend, JL was well celebrated, and we got a chance to spend time with our new sister-in-law. Lovely.

Guacs I Have Known

-photo from website-

The family favorite recipe is from the Two Hot Tamales: Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken at Border Grill in Santa Monica. We make it all the time--no tomatoes, salsa, or cutsey ingredients. It's wonderful.

 

-photo from here-

Then, I discovered Guacamole at Hub 51 in Chicago. At one time, maybe not now as I peruse the menu, they hid grilled or roasted corn under their Guacamole. Ah-h-h... A treat, and you could make a meal of it. At home I roasted some corn and layered it beneath the Border Grill Guac. Divine.

 

-photo from here-

And, a great discovery in Scottsdale, AZ was Guacamole with Pomegranate seeds. I could find the restaurant again, but have no idea of it's name or the exact combination of ingredients. PM and I loved it. We were in Scottsdale April of 2012 for a family funeral and happened upon the restaurant by chance. The local cousins were interested in our discovery and took note for their own dining future. The recipe could be similar to this, but I don't remember mango...

This past week I enjoyed the Guacamole at Mixteco. Their version is chunky with finely-diced cucumber added and a garnish of finely julienned radish.

Ah, Guacamole, your perfection in simplicity, but you also shine in a tux.

 

Mixteco Grill

 

 

LA just got a big promotion which was announced yesterday. A well-deserved acknowledgement of her abilities and hard work--in the midst of dealing with her mom's health issues this year. And, she's a wife and mom to the irrespressible SG and irresistable RG. Since I'm in Chicago to help her mom (my sister JL), we decide to celebrate her accomplishments with a dinner out. LA knows I'll love Mixteco Grill--on the SW corner of Montrose and Ashland.

Haven't dined in Chicago since summer, because of various travels and then this winter's extreme snow and cold. And unlike years ago, we have many great restaurants closer. Tonight I realize that CA and I need to expand our horizons now that winter is passing. (Yes, it's officially Spring, but we still look out at this.)

 

The chef owner, Raul Aurreola, trained at one of our long-time favorites, Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill. He explains Mixteco on their website:

"Thank you, for taking the time to check our website. It’s a pleasure for us to share our dishes and recipes to you. In my 20 year experience in the kitchen, in particular, Mexican cuisine that is recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage, and my work experience in one of the best Mexican restaurants in the U.S., Frontera Grill; made me realize my passion up for food. That’s why I took the opportunity to open this restaurant and named it “Mixteco Grill.” Many of you would wonder or ask the meaning of Mixteco? To me, it was very important to find an easy meaningful name. Mixteco is a Oaxacan region and most an ethnic group. In my opinion, Oaxaca has the most delicious food of all Mexico, because it’s 100% authentic food that doesn’t have any other cuisine influences."

(directions and menu)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love our meal, the ambience, and artwork.

 

This guy was above our table in the second room.

 

The Guacamole is particularly good and well presented--avocado chunks with tomato, cucumber, serrano peppers, cilantro, onion, and lime juice. The fine julienne of radish garnish is a fresh touch.

 

CRAVING MEXICAN... STILL

Our cravings for Mexican continue. Tonight we made some dynamite guacamole. Can't mess with those Two Hot Tamale/Border Grill girls. I follow their recipe completely. No tomatoes. No garlic. Just avocado, lime juice, red onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. Marvelous!

We also made some chicken quesadillas, garnished with red and green salsas, sour cream, and shredded Romaine lettuce. Yum.

COOKING TOGETHER

Since DM is home from Europe for a few days, we decide the three of us will cook together our favorite cuisine--New Mexican. And, since one of my favorite bloggers recently won the Whole Foods Market Budget Recipe Challenge with one of our favorite recipes, we head for Joseph's to gather the ingredients for Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas from Karina Allrich's Karina's Kitchen.

And, no New Mexican meal would be complete without Border Grill's Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger's guacamole recipe.

3 ripe avocados, preferably Haas
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 med. red onion, diced finely
3 jalapeños, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
3 T. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp. salt (or less)
1/2 tsp. pepper

1. Halve avocados; remove seeds. Scrape avocado into mixing bowl--sprinkle with lime juice.
2. Dice red onion and jalapeño; chop cilantro.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Serve immediately.

Technique: The simplest and best way to remove the avocado from it's skin is to cut cross-hatches through the meat of each half without piercing the skin. Then, squeeze the avocado by holding the outside skin in the palm of your hand. The good stuff comes out with just the right combination or mashed and chunks.

These are standout recipes--better than you can expect to get in most restaurants. Share the fun and draft a sous chef or two to bring this meal together in less than 30 minutes. It always goes faster if you take the time to prep--squeeze the limes, chop the onions and jalapenos, mince the garlic and cilantro. Then, call in the troops. Everyone feels they have had a part and too many cooks don't really spoil anything!

Just for fun we roasted some sweet corn in a dry skillet on top of the stove and put it in the bowl before scooping the guac on top. We all agreed the corn is a great addition. Think "complete" protein. Fresh, filling, and satisfying. It doesn't get much better.

EATING IN THE CITY

Week 2 of the current temp assignment means two more overnights in Chicago. The first night my sister and I met up for dinner at Hub 51, the great new restaurant that Rich Mellman's [Lettuce Entertain You] two sons have created at 51 W. Hubbard.

Oh, the guacamole! As good as what I make--with some creative flourishes! I will grate some fresh radish on top of my next batch, and what do you think we found beneath the guac in it's rustic mortar & pestal presentation? Roasted corn! What a treat! And, you need to serve it just that way--not mixed in, but as a surprise, an unexpected treasure. you need to gradually stir it in, serving by serving. Who needs an entree? Just keep the Margaritas coming!

The next night we meet up with a friend who lives in a high rise overlooking Navy Pier, the Chicago River, Chicago Yacht Club, and Millennium Park. Yes, she has spectacular taste! She also loves divey bars and good burgers, so we meet at Bar on Buena. A fun evening and B.O.B. gets a thumbs up from Maria.

After dinner we walk over to Hutchison & Clarendon and stroll through the surprising neighborhood. Such houses! We want to go back in daylight. The landscaping, the architecture; the houses and gardens! Are they single-family? Who lives there?

Maria suggests we check out the one block expanse of Alta Vista just off Grace--gorgeous row houses line just the one block. Next time.