I was running around the Gold Coast and hunger struck. I had only a little time so I needed to stay in the area before a meeting. Although it's been many years, an old and delicious stand bye, once a Wiener Circle - Poochies clone, was the obvious choice. A smaller version than the original Downtown Dogs is now located at 804 N. Rush street.
What a mistake. I should have turned around as soon as I saw the dreaded brown bag of frozen fries hoisted over the fryer. Things have certainly changed and much for the worse. It was no longer a bastion of great Chicago style food, but a shining example typical of many of today's Hot Dog joints, no soul or motivation for putting out a great tasting product. After a observing what was going on food wise behind the service counter I opted for a Dog and fries instead of a Burger.
My food unfortunately arrives within seconds, another ominous sign. I sit in one of the stools lining the counter in this tight space, and notice the tortuous sound of an untuned radio station playing mainly static on their so called sound system.
Dog and fries arrive. Although the place was not busy it was slapped together in seconds. Limp fries a pale white color and tasteless after sitting in the fry tray under lights for who knows how long. The dog was sad with all our famous condiments strewn on top and puddled in the middle. I have not seen tomato's sliced that thin ever. A big disappointment and waste of calories!
Downtown Dogs is a shining example of why I have taken on this assignment. These mundane, sad places need to be avoided at all cost.
The Damage:
Hot Dog $ 3.15
French Fries 1.90
Ratings: ( out of 4****)
0*
Showing posts with label Fries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fries. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Return to Kuma's..........2010
Having declared Kuma's Corner the best Chicago Burger for 2009, I thought I better swing by to see how 2010 is shaping up.
I had hopes that by going in mid afternoon I could avoid the wait; think again. As I rolled up Belmont the site I sought to avoid, appeared. People waiting outside of Kuma's. Oh well, at least I found a parking spot quickly.
Pushing my way thru the crowds at the door, I tried scoping a single seat at the bar, as the wait for a table was still over an hour. No luck, and I was then outmaneuvered when the first seats opened up. Thankfully, a seat opened up for me about 15 minutes later.
As I sat down it two things struck, people don't appear to eat and run here, and it is in fact a Tavern as much as a restaurant. Despite being so crowded, it has a pretty mellow vibe and I'm far from a heavy metal enthusiast. My spirits began to lift a bit, on yet another dreary Chicago winter day.
I was given a menu by the bartender, and after a quick chat, she recommended one of the Draft Beer's, which I enjoyed. Now to peruse the menu, all the choices of combinations and creations. What I really like is at the bottom of the menu, it plainly states what their cooking temps are setting the standard's beyond a question of doubt. My favorite, Medium rare is clearly stated as being, pink and a little red in the center.
For the purposes of Chicago Burger and Fries, I will limit my selections to a cheese burger and onions, adding a couple of condiments only (mainly ketchup). I want the burger to be the star, to make my judgements more focused.
I order a burger with cheddar cheese and raw onion. The bartender responded with a pout, encouraging me to build the burger from their generous array of additional ingredients available, however I resist. I also order the waffle fries, as no french fries are on the menu.
The burger arrives about 15 minutes later, a tall, huge 10 ounce affair, hot and literally dripping cheddar cheese. I think when it lands in front of me "worth the wait". I add some ketchup and the slice of raw red onion, and take my first bite. Delicious, I continue eating at a fast clip, because I'm really hungry and it's really good. I force myself to slow down and survey the situation. I hold the burger at eye level and just as stated, perfectly medium rare. I continue eating it, savoring the moment. Big meaty, beefy flavor, mixed with just a little fatty juice trickling out. From the first bite to the last, this burger is pure enjoyment, almost sensual. Upon finishing I was both seriously stuffed and happy.
The waffle fries are a different story. I am not a huge fan of the waffle fry to begin with, however Kuma's are decent. Not undercooked, but not completely golden brown either. The portion of fries is average, and I ate them all. It easy to say that the waffle fries, unfortunately, do not measure up to the lofty position of the burger.
The Damage:
Cheese Burger and waffle fries $10.00
1 Alpha King Beer $ 5.00
Not cheap, but great value for both the food and experience!
Ratings:( out of 4****)
Burger 4**** Fries 2**
I had hopes that by going in mid afternoon I could avoid the wait; think again. As I rolled up Belmont the site I sought to avoid, appeared. People waiting outside of Kuma's. Oh well, at least I found a parking spot quickly.
Pushing my way thru the crowds at the door, I tried scoping a single seat at the bar, as the wait for a table was still over an hour. No luck, and I was then outmaneuvered when the first seats opened up. Thankfully, a seat opened up for me about 15 minutes later.
As I sat down it two things struck, people don't appear to eat and run here, and it is in fact a Tavern as much as a restaurant. Despite being so crowded, it has a pretty mellow vibe and I'm far from a heavy metal enthusiast. My spirits began to lift a bit, on yet another dreary Chicago winter day.
I was given a menu by the bartender, and after a quick chat, she recommended one of the Draft Beer's, which I enjoyed. Now to peruse the menu, all the choices of combinations and creations. What I really like is at the bottom of the menu, it plainly states what their cooking temps are setting the standard's beyond a question of doubt. My favorite, Medium rare is clearly stated as being, pink and a little red in the center.
For the purposes of Chicago Burger and Fries, I will limit my selections to a cheese burger and onions, adding a couple of condiments only (mainly ketchup). I want the burger to be the star, to make my judgements more focused.
I order a burger with cheddar cheese and raw onion. The bartender responded with a pout, encouraging me to build the burger from their generous array of additional ingredients available, however I resist. I also order the waffle fries, as no french fries are on the menu.
The burger arrives about 15 minutes later, a tall, huge 10 ounce affair, hot and literally dripping cheddar cheese. I think when it lands in front of me "worth the wait". I add some ketchup and the slice of raw red onion, and take my first bite. Delicious, I continue eating at a fast clip, because I'm really hungry and it's really good. I force myself to slow down and survey the situation. I hold the burger at eye level and just as stated, perfectly medium rare. I continue eating it, savoring the moment. Big meaty, beefy flavor, mixed with just a little fatty juice trickling out. From the first bite to the last, this burger is pure enjoyment, almost sensual. Upon finishing I was both seriously stuffed and happy.
The Damage:
Cheese Burger and waffle fries $10.00
1 Alpha King Beer $ 5.00
Not cheap, but great value for both the food and experience!
Ratings:( out of 4****)
Burger 4**** Fries 2**
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