Monteism: "Off the Eatin' Path with Monte"

Why I love/push BROCCOLI so much.

2009-12-31T06:36:00.003-06:00

Why I love/push Broccoli so much.

I call it, Broccoli, the “Super Food” at the end of each and every one of my shows. And for a very good reason, it is!! Broccoli is single handedly one of the best things you can put into your body. Next to a candy bar or a hot dog from “jimmy’s.”
Broccoli is literally loaded with over 20 different varieties of nutrients combining all together to make it the “Super Food!”
Broccoli is best for you when eaten raw, that way you get everything out of it that it has to offer. But most people say they hate raw broccoli, and for those, I have two fixes:
1. Since it is best for you raw, my first tip keeps it raw. I suggest cut up into very small, really incredibly small pieces, and toss it in yer favorite salad. When it’s cut up super tiny like that, and mixed in with a salad and the dressing, you will barely taste it, and you will get all of it’s goodness in yer belly. And the more you can eat, the better.
2. Steam it. If you must cook it, steaming it is the best. I recommend no longer than 2 to 2 ½ minutes. No longer. Seriously. And I recommend a pinch of salt in the water, just a pinch. I hear it helps to keep the nutrients in the broccoli as best as possible while being steamed. You don’t wanna see super green water. The greener the water, the more you lost.
Another important thing to know is to eat the stalk. The stalk is very stringy, and fully of fiber. You will have the best movements after eating a good amount of stalk.
I have to mention another, and probably one of the best and most important things about broccoli: Gas. It will probably give you a good case of bad gas, which is great! It is especially great for parties, or any other social event. My wife knows, when we gotta go public, I eat lots of broccoli. Nothing says “hello” like some good quality stinkers at a party. And I am the king of droppin’ out some stealthy bombs at social events.
So remember, eat yer broccoli! It’s the “Super food” and it’s loaded with all sorts of stuff like B vitamins, potassium, and fiber just to name a few. I once read that Michael Phelps eats broccoli by the truckload, and look at him. 8 gold medals! Broccoli!

Meatless for a year?!!! Wha, wha, what?!!

2009-12-29T16:11:00.003-06:00

Meatless for a year?!!!

Who me? H E double hockey stick No!!! but my friend, and fellow comic book reader Jason Czernich is doin’ it.
I met Jason years ago through doin my foodie show at “The Lincoln Lodge.” We worked on a project together, found out we both loved comics and eating, and well… The rest is history.
Now I see he has gone meatless for a year! What?!! The man who once ordered 3 steak tacos, and a steak burrito, all on my dime, has gone meatless! ...I commend him on it. I don’t believe it is the toughest thing in the world to do, especially since my dad once told me: "Boy, I went vegetarian once for over seven years, easy. I only ate one piece a meat a day. The rest of the day was all vegetables!" "Thanks dad!" It is definitely not easy, and not for a guy, like Jason, who loves to eat meat!
He has just begun this endeavor not less than 60 days ago, and keeps a blog about it. You can link to his blog here:

http://ameatlessyear.blogspot.com/

I think this is great! He is basically tracking his day to day experiences of eating, getting in shape, and creating a healthier version of himself. I believe it is an inspirational journey, and you should try to follow him along for the ride. See how many days you can go with out eating meat! Me? So far I once did almost a week, and I only ate one piece of meat each day!

Mac Arthur’s fine southern cuisine for meatloaf!!!

2009-12-22T07:04:00.003-06:00

spot: Mac Arthur’s
food type: Fine Southern Cuisine/Soul Food
address/info.: 5412 W. Madison Street 1-773-261-2316
neighborhood: Austin, Baby! West Siiiiiide!!!!!

Mac Arthur’s fine southern cuisine for meatloaf!!!

Everyone always wants to know; where can I find a good meatloaf? And the answer is: Mac Arthurs!!!
No joke, Mac Arthur’s, hands down, has some of the best meatloaf you can find. Ya see, my mom loves meatloaf, but me, I used to hate it when I was a kid. I hated meatloaf!!! Can you believe that?! Probably because I never had good meatloaf. Anyway, I was looking for a great meatloaf for my mother, and for years, I am ashamed to say, I was getting meatloaf from “Boston Market” for my mom. It’s actually not that bad, I shouldn’t be ashamed.
During my search, I never even considered Mac Arthur’s, and I had been goin’ there for years. I was caught up in the smothered chicken, and smothered pork chops for a loooong time. And believe me, the chops are simply “Monte-licious!” But the other reason was that they serve different meals on different days, so I must’ve just been missin’ the meatloaf days. Let me explain, it’s a soup kitchen style spot, so all the food is prepared for you before you get there, sitting in steam trays and ready to go for you immediately. All you do is point and pay.
So for years I was just missin’ meatloaf day. And how could I? Meatloaf day is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. How in the world did I miss that?! Well, I did. Until one day I showed up on a Monday. And that was it. There has been no turning back since.
The meatloaf at Mac Arthur’s is Superb!! It is super delicious, I mean it is really full of flavor , and you get a huge portion! Plus, you get yer choice of two sides, and with soul food, the options are endless and “Monte-riffic!” They have everything from mac n’ cheese to lima beans, to collard greens, and mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, etc. the list goes on, and on. And every one of them is as tasty as the next, but I must recommend the mac n’ cheese and the lima beans. Or the mashed potatoes, yams, black beans, etc. and I better not forget, two of the best desserts ever; Banana Pudding (with vanilla wafers), and the Peach Cobbler!!!! I could kiss you!
Now as far as the neighborhood, not necessarily the safest, it’s out on the west side, but it’s safe at Mac Arthur’s, and it genuinely has a family feel.

Kuma’s Corner for the metal head in all of us.

2009-12-14T15:25:00.001-06:00

spot: Kuma’s Corner
address/info.: 2900 W. Belmont / 1-773-604-8769
food type: Burgers/Sandwiches (heavy Metal Music! \m/)
neighborhood: Avondale

Kuma’s Corner for the metal head in all of us.

This place has had a buzz around it for a few good years now, and there is always a line to get into the place. And with good reason, the food is “Monte-licious!”
This is seriously one of the better burger places in the city. It’s a bit gimmicky, but it’s an honest gimmick.
The gimmick is all heavy metal, all the time. They play heavy metal music non-stop (and loudly), the waitresses are hot tattooed woman, and the cooks are cool. They come off a bit curmudgeonly, but the place isn’t too jerky at all.
Everything on the menu is titled after a heavy metal band (I have a pic. of the menu attached), which I love, since I am, and have been a metal head all of my life. And the side dishes are delicious, I recommend the “Make yer own mac n’ cheese.”
Now for the burger!
I get the “Kuma Burger,” which is a 10 oz. burger topped with, bacon, egg, and cheddar cheese. The burger is so good it needs not a single condiment, and the egg on top….. like my buddy Miro says “you like steak n’ eggs right? Why not eggs on a burger?” and he’s right, it is soooooo stinkin’ good!
As far as waiting in the line, to me no place is really worth waiting in a long time to get into. I mean c’mon, we live in Chicago, there’s another good meal 10 feet away from where ever yer standing. But, if you get there 15 minutes before they open, you’ll get seated immediately when they open. And it’ll be totally worth it. Now if it’s cold, or raining, forget it, come back another day. And the waitresses really are sexy, and I mean that in the best way possible.
So even if yer not a metal head, you’ll love the food, and you’ll be happy you ate there. Oh shoot…. I almost forgot.. you don’t only have to get a burger at Kuma’s, they have chicken, garden burgers, or chicken tenders. Something for everyone.

Let's go to "Chinese Friend" for Mexican!

2009-12-07T18:22:00.001-06:00

spot: Amigo Chino (Chinese Friend!)
food type: Mexican Homey!
address/info.: 5601 W. Irving Pk. 1-773-685-4374
neighborhood: Portage Pk.

Chinese Friend for Mexican!!!

Ok, if you haven’t noticed it by now, Mexican food is probably my favorite, most regularly eaten food type. It’s usually inexpensive and it’s usually really good, if not great at most spots in the city. And Amigo Chino is one of the best!
I got turned on to this spot by a buddy of mine who said to me: “ Monte, you gotta try the chilaquiles at this place on Irving by Portage Park, it’s the bomb yo!!” With a recommendation like that, how could I not go?
Well I did, and boy was he right! The chilaquiles there are the bomb yo!!! Monte-licious! 100% And they may be largest order of chilaquiles I have ever seen/eaten in my life!!! No joke, one order can feed at least, and I mean at least, 2 adults and 2-3 children. For real!! And one order is under $7.00 total!
Now if yer not familiar with “Chilaquiles”, which are pretty simple, yer about to be. They are just corn chips, and not Fritos, but the kind you get at a Mexican restaurant, smothered and stewed in a red or green sauce. Then they are topped with loads of cheese, typically queso freso, and they are also served with eggs and some rice n’ beans and sour cream. Doesn’t that sound delicious?!!!!! And at Amigo Chino, they are super “Monte-riffic!”
The order is so huge, that is served on a huge cast iron tray/skillet on top of a plank of wood! It even looks impressive. And every other meal I have had there is ridiculously huge and inexpensive. And the waitresses aren’t bad lookin’ at all. My one friend is actually in “love” with one of the waitresses that works there. Check it yo!
Oh.. they also have stuffed animal heads all over the place, goats, alligators, etc.

Polish Buffet, All Freakin’ Day!!!!!!! Plus beauty queen waitresses!

2009-12-02T06:53:00.002-06:00

Polish Buffet, All Freakin’ Day!!!!!!!

spot: Red Apple or “Czerwone Jabluszko”
address/info.: 3123 N. Milwaukee Ave. 1-773-588-5781
food type: POLISH!!!!!!!
neighborhood: Avondale yo!

Well, well, well, what can I say about the polish buffet? You can eat everything, and anything, all day and all night as much as you want! I know this is typical of every buffet, but there is something different about the polish buffet, there is something sexier about them. And I can’t explain that, but I feel you will notice it when you get there.
Now if yer not familiar with polish food, this is obviously the best way to try it! By sampling it piece by piece. I treat the buffet like a tapas bar, and just take little bits at a time. This way I get to try bits of everything, and I get to eat several plates of food!
What they have available: stuffed cabbage (one of my faves. Monte-Licious!), kielbasa, schnitzel, potato pancakes, pierogis, bigos, roasted chicken, ribs, fried rice (can you believe that?), baked salmon, steamed veggies, salad fixins, and desserts!
There are way to many things to explain it all away, but like I mentioned earlier, just get in there and try bit’s and pieces of everything! No worries, if you don’t like it, spit it out and try the next item; you’ll find something you love. And most everything is refreshed every 10-15 minutes so it’s always fresh!
With buffets I always recommend getting there for lunch, right when they open, this way you get it the freshest, and first, before any one else. And I can’t forget, the polish buffets have some of thee most beautiful waitresses I have ever seen. I have offered citizenship to many a waitress in the past.
Plus they have a free parking lot behind the spot, and they have another location several miles north on Milwaukee ave. that is just as good! Did I mention the beautiful waitresses? They are super!

B&G at the Sunrise Cafe

2009-09-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

Here's your hero eating at a great little breakfast spot in Warren, Illinois.

FaceBook Fan Page is up!!

2009-11-24T07:47:00.001-06:00

here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Off-the-Eatin-Path-with-Monte/189444601178?ref=ts

thanks for joining. if you join that is, if not, thanks for stopping by.

Take it in the chin at "Pita Inn!"

2009-11-23T12:04:00.003-06:00

spot: Pita Inn
address/info.: 3910 Dempster St. (1-847) 677-0211
food type: Mediterranean Cuisine
neighborhood: Skokie, Illinois safe suburb just north of Chicago

Pitas Inns!!!!

I love me some Pita Inn yo! This place is as tasty as it gets! They have delicious chicken shwarma (like a gyro, but with chicken meat), kefta kabob (ground beef kabob), falafel etc. you get the picture.
They have a "Business Special" lunch for just $4.95 that comes with enough food for two people. Not people my size, but Two normal size people with a healthy B.M.I. unlike me. 42% B.M.I. I should be gone by next week.
I recommend the "Chicken Shawarma" entree, it's "Monte-Riffic!" It comes with a healthy amount of absolutely delicious chicken shwarma, which is puled chicken, seasoned and slow cooked on a spit. So darn good! With some yellow rice, and a side salad. I also suggest you get some tahini sauce to spill all over yer food.
Tahini sauce is basically just sesame seeds ground into a smooth sauce. So not only is it tasty, but it's not bad for you.
There is not one cute waitress at "Pita Inn", it's all dudes workin there. Bummer! But the food is good, and the dessert, Kinaffa, which is a custard sweetened cheese, topped with shredded wheat and honey. And it is "Monte-Licious!"
Hope to see you there one day!

ISSS time to go to FREDDIE'S Yo!!!!!!

2009-11-20T06:40:00.004-06:00

spot: Freddie's!
address/info.: 701 W 31st street 1-312-808-0147
food type: Italian/American
neighborhood: Bridgeport SOUTH SIDE!!!!! Soxxies!!

Freddie's is one of the best spots to get a really huge sandwich at reasonable price with a mountain of flavor. Freddie's is a little family-run, sandwich stand on the southwest corner of 31st. and Union in lovely Bridgeport.

Freddie's is my favorite place to get a breaded steak sandwich. What is a breaded steak sandwich? Good question. At Freddie's it's a massive piece of rib eye steak breaded in Italian breadcrumbs and seasonings. Then it's deep fried to a wonderfully crispy golden brown where it is then placed into a soft 8-to-12 inch bun and then smothered in Freddie's own marinara sauce.

It is so good, you will want to hug me!.

If you like cheese -- which I do, but my stomach won't have it -- you can order melted mozzarella cheese on top of the entire sandwich.

This sandwich is so huge that the bag actually has some weight to it; so you'll need to work out a little before you go.

Freddie's offers more than a great menu. They open their patio during warm months - which attracts cute girls -- an exquisite perk.

Freddie's also makes an awesome Italian beef sandwich and a great Italian sausage sandwich. The Italian sausage is so long when they put it in the bun they have to cut it in half. It's like two sandwiches in one. Score. It's char grilled to perfection.

Did I mention Freddie's has a char grill? Everything tastes good on a grill. They make a superb grilled burger and a plain -- not breaded -- grilled rib eye steak sandwich. Sound good? I'm not done.

For the peeps watching their figures, Freddie's makes half-size sandwiches at half the price -- perfect for the tight budget.

Even though my intolerant stomach, I have to mention they make pizza slices. A slice is the way to go, because they're already cooked. Instant gratification. Seriously, they're the size of a small pizza and cost only $2.66 for cheese and $2.88 for sausage. That beat's spending $10 for an entire pizza.

Now for a little something sweet to whet your pallet & At Freddie's they make some of the best lemon-flavored Italian ice in the city -- better than Mario's on Taylor Street in my opinion. Freddie's is the spot for ice.

Freddie's has tons of other stuff from hot dogs to salads, appetizers, tamales, soup, chili and one of my childhood favorites: GRAVY BREAD. Gravy bread is a sliced piece of Italian bread soaked in beef gravy and then eaten with a fork. MONTE-RIFFIC!

Check out this place. It's a Chicago treasure. Almost all their sandwiches clock in at around $5 a piece. You can't beat the price, because unless you're an animal like I am, you're sure to have leftovers.

Enjoy.

some of the prices have changed since i wrote this, but not by to much, it is still really inexpensive.

Jimmy's Hot Dog!!! [[said like a gang slogan]]

2009-11-19T06:20:00.004-06:00

spot: Jimmy's Hot Dogs
address/info.: 4000 W. Grand Ave. 1-773-384-9513
food type: HOT DOGS!!!! [said like a gang slogan]
neighborhood: Humboldt Park/Logan Square

All right, for me I love a skinny hot dog so I am gonna tell you about one of my favorite childhood hot dog stands in the city. Jimmy's Red Hots (that’s right the one and only Jimmy's) on the corner of Grand Ave. & Pulaski(kinda crappy neighborhood but safe hot dog stand).
Jimmy's is a Chicago classic and has been in the same location serving nothing but hot dogs , polish's, fries and tamales and no ketchup ever since March 1954. If you like what I like than get ready you are gonna like Jimmy's a lot.
First, lets start with the hot dog shall we(actually that’s all I’m gonna talk about). Jimmy's serves nothing but the best hot dogs from Chicago's very own Vienna Beef. They use dogs in the case(I love hot dogs in the case, that's what gives em’ that snap when you bite into em).
The hot dogs are prepared by being dropped into huge ceramic crocks filled with hot water and as soon as they rise to the top which only takes a matter of minutes vwaa laa they are done.
After that they are gently placed into a steamed plain bun then topped with your choice of mustard, onions, relish and or sport peppers and as I said before No Ketchup Ever! They also come with a massive amount of fresh cut fries, but you gotta get em’ well done or they will sag like a wet noodle(gross).
I get the dog plain and put the little crispy crunchy pieces of fries on top of it for that extra crunch and flavor.
They also have great tamales and polish sausage and that’s it, well they have soda pop and lemon ade too but...
Now how much does all this splendor cost? The dogs are under $2.00(still), with the fries! Usually there is a line but it moves very quickly and the only place to eat is at a counter by the window where you can only stand and it’s only 3 feet away from the line, Boooo!(I usually just eat on my car, even in the winter).
After you pay the if you get any coins for change they will feel very warm because the cash register is by the hot dog crocks. So go check Jimmy's Red Hots out it’s Monte-Riffic! Also after you eat, get the hell outta that neighborhood!

Here is the clip from my foodie segment on "You & Me This Morning" WCIU Chicago

2009-11-18T15:25:00.001-06:00

http://www.wciu.com/youandme.php?section=monte&assetID=10000604

please share this with as many people as possible

Monte on Wciu, in a U.S. Cellular commercial, and a map for all my spots!!!!!

2009-11-18T07:47:00.002-06:00

Check it out everybody, my foodie segment airs/aired today on WCIU as part of their new morning show, "You & Me This Morning." Plus today my new U.S. Cellular commercial airs on t.v. stations all over the Chicago land area!! And I have attached a link in my "links" section just over to the left that will show you where all my spots are!!!!

Also, post yer suggestions in my comments for places you think I should be eating at! I can use all the help you can give.

offtheeatinpathwithmonte@yahoo.com such a long email address!

Your introduction to Indian/Pakistani food!!!!!!

2009-11-16T08:05:00.003-06:00

spot: Shera Punjab
address info.: 2525 W. Devon Ave. 773-262-2080
food type: Indian/Pakistani
neighborhood: West Ridge

i love buffets, and Shera punjab is one of my all time favorite indian buffets! you may or may not be familiar with indian food, and if yer not, buffet is the way to go. and if you are, buffet is the way to go.
i love em for the obvious reason of unlimited eating, and unlimited food choices. and like i mentioned before, if you are new to indian food, this is the best way to go, you get to try a little of everything to find out what you like best. and indian food is nothing to be scared of, it's made up of all the same things you love in other food types like mexican or italian (meats, rice, bread).
indian food consists of all the basics; chicken, beef, lamb, rice, veggies and tasty sauces and seasonings like curry and cumin. and if you love it spicy you will love indian.
in my opinion, the safe way to start is with either chicken biryani (chicken and rice), samosas (basically a deep fried empanada), butter chicken (chicken in a slightly spicy butter n' tomatoe sauce, soooo good!)and tandoori chicken (seasoned and baked chicken). these are easy foods to start with, they give you a good introduction into the flavors and spices of indian/pakistani food.
i especially love the tandoori chicken at shera punjab, and the chana masala (chick peas in a spicy sauce), "Monte-licious!"
go check it out, and have a good time eating some indian specialties. i hope to see you there one day.

My Bacon Girl!

2009-10-30T06:55:00.002-05:00

Cuban goodness!!!!!

2009-11-12T09:33:00.005-06:00

Cuban Goodness! (photos from spot no. 1)
spot: Marianao no.1 & no.2
address: no.1 2246 n. Milwaukee, no.2 4825 w. Armitage
type of food: cuban
neighborhood(s): Spot 1 is in Logan Square, spot 2 is in Hermosa both can be a bit, ya know...
i went to meet some buddies for lunch the other day at marianaos no.2. now i have been to going to marianaos since i was a kid at it’s original location on armitage near kedzie(which burned down in the early 90’s then relocated to milwaukee ave.) for the best cuban sandwiches in the city. i now frequent no.1 on milwaukee ave. but i have never been to the their newest location no.2 back on armitage nor have i ever tried the cuban steak sandwich. so this was a first for me, the cuban steak sandwich and the new location.
let me tell ya’ when i first walked in i was a little worried cause it did’nt look as authentic as marianaos no.1 , which is filthy and always packed with thug types(like the original when i was a kid). this spot(marianaos no.2) was clean and had stools to sit on and the clientele appeared not ready to kill people at the drop of a dime, so of course i was worried.
but i have faith cause as far as the cuban sandwiches go they have never once let me down in over 15 years. so i ordered a steak sandwich with only grilled onions.
wow! it was awesome. it is thinly sliced skirt steak that is deep fried, that’s right deep fried. i did’nt say it was good for your health but i do admit it is good for your taste buds. so while they’re deep frying your steak they are toasting your bun, 6-8 inches of fresh french bread on a grill. as soon as the steak is ready they slap on the grilled bun, lightly salt it and smother it with maxwell street style grilled onions, tomatoes and cheese(which i skip the cheese and tomatoes, lactose problems & i’m not a big tomatoe fan).
the steak and onion juice absorb into the bun making it mushy on the inside and crunchy from the grill on the outside MONTE-RIFFIC! this sandwich will kill you with joy like i will kill you if you say anything bad about it.
you gotta check this spot out on that one day you allow yourself to eat whatever you want to. they have two spots no.1 on milwaukee ave. just southeast of armitage and no.2 on armitage just west of cicero so it’s kinda convenient.
last but not least, of course it’s a good meal at good deal, the cuban steak sandwich clock’s in under $4.00 even for the double stuffed(which i recommend) enjoy.

Thin n' Greasy!!!

2009-11-10T06:03:00.002-06:00

spot: Diner Grill
food type: Diner/Basic American
address/info.: 1635 W. Irving Pk. Rd. 773-248-2030
neighborhood: Lakeview/but not really the nice part

Why I love the burger at the Diner Grill

I love skinny hot dogs, very thin pizza crust and thin greasy bacon hamburgers. The Diner Grill on Irving near Ashland is probably the best place for the the thinnest greasiest bacon burger around. First they have a nice flat grill with what appears to be a tiny coffee pot that sits on the grill filled with lard so it can stay hot and fluid long enough to be placed on the hash browns or grilled onions or whatever they need to lather in grease. which later will coagulate in your veins.
I like to order a bacon hamburger no cheese with grilled onions. Since they only have a counter, I like to sit right in front of the grill and watch them prepare my burger. Watchin the burger gand bacon n’ onions grill up is almost orgasmic. but we all know nothing really beats a babe!
Anyway, they place two pieces of bacon on the grill beneath an old school iron presser to keep the bacon from curling up. Then they put a bunch of onions on the grill lather them in the lard from the coffee pot (that’s where the flavor is) then they place the hamburger bun on top of the onions while they cook, oh boy is that the best, it steams the bun with greasy onion goodness. Monte-licious! Finally after a few moments they place the thinnest most wonderful round, ground burger on the grill, which because they are so thin, they grill up quickly and perfectly.
Soon after that comes the bottom of the bun on the grill for a quick toasting, and then you know your burgers almost done.
They put the bottom of the bun on the plate next to the cold lettuce, tomato and pickle. Then they scoop up the onions with the top of the bun on them and place that on top of the burger then slip it on the bottom bun. After that they lift the iron press where your bacon sits so cute and crispy lookin’, sittin in it’s own grease. Then they use a spatula to lift the bacon and apply it immediately to the burger where they don’t even drain the grease off. So good!
After all that they serve it to ya’ hot and ready to eat. I like to put the lettuce and pickle on with ketchup & mustard. It only takes me a few minutes to eat one of these, so sometimes I have to order another one halfway through the first.
From the first bite to the last bite, it drips with onion, bacon, ketchup, mustard and greasy goodness all around your face and on the plate. This is fun to lick off the corners of your mouth, plus I like to wipe my burger into the stuff that makes it onto the plate, there is alotta good taste in those drippings.
All this tasty goodness comes at under five bucks. This is why I love the burger at the diner grill. Well now I’m hungry so I gotta go get a burger. Oh shoot I almost forgot they serve you water in the “to go” cups which I love, it means I don’t have to worry about it being dirty.
And of cousre, they serve the world famous “Slinger.” Don’t ask, just eat! And if you do eat one, you get a certificate to prove that you ate one. Cool.

Steak n' Eggs Benedict at it's finest!!!

2009-11-07T19:18:00.005-06:00

Spot: Orange
Food type: Contempary Brunch
Address info.: 2011 W. Roscoe 773-248-0999
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village/Hipster area

A breakfast for champions!

Ok, Orange is not the typical place I usually dine, it’s a bit pricier than the places I hit, and it’s a very hip crowd. And me, I’m not a hip person. But let me tell ya, Orange is the sh*t homey!!!!

So far everything I have had there is excellent! But the meal I have been getting the last three times I was there is the Steak n’ Eggs Benedict, and as the menu describes it:

Thick sliced brioche bread topped with char-grilled beef tenderloin, poached eggs, hollandaise and drizzled with balsamic reduction.
They forget to mention in the menu that it comes with mashed potatoes!

And seriously, this is one the best eggs benedict dishes I have ever eatin, every bite is “Monte-licious!” till the last bites of mashed potatoes soaked in all the remaining steak, egg, and hollandaise juices/sauce on the plate. This meal is a total plate licker!

They also have excellent freshly squeezed juices, orange infused coffee, and one their most special treats: Fruishi! A fruit sushi, it is frickin amazing!!!! And as I like to mention, super cute waitresses. Super cute. And I always see a lot of “Cougars” there. ; )

El Potosi? Si!

2009-11-06T07:58:00.003-06:00

spot: El Potosi
food type: mexican, duh!!!
address/info.: 3710 N. Elston Ave. 773-463-2517

I love El Potosi! Outdoor seating, run by two women, cool stuff strewn about, it looks like a gallery of sorts, and excellent mexican food!! What more can you ask for? Bikini waitresses maybe, but it would ruin the appeal.
This is a one of a kind spot. Genuine owners/employees, with good food at great prices. All that's left for me to say is: I'll see you there!
The featured food here are the enchiladas, which i got with no cheese. and it was still "Monte-riffic!"

Pastichio!!! If you don't know, it's time you do!!!

2009-11-03T14:45:00.005-06:00

spot: Mythos
food type: Greek
address/info.: 2030 W. Montrose Ave. 773-334-2000
neighborhood: Lincoln Square/North center

"Mythos!" The best Pastichio I have had next to my buddy Andy's mom's.

In case you don't know, Pastichio is a Greek version of lasagna, which I'm sure you know what that is. And if you don't... consider us acquaintances only. In my opinion pastichio is better than lasagna. And I'm Italian!

The main differences are; instead of sheet like pasta, pastichio uses long hollow spaghetti like noodles. And instead of ricotta cheese and maybe mozzarella, pastichio is made with a delicious creamy bechamel sauce, which is actually french. Bechamel, is a creamy, cheesy sauce made from scolding hot milk and flour. So if you have gluten issues, this meal is not for you. Lactose issue people, bring yer lactaid pills and you'll be fine. This is meal is worth every lactaid pill I take while eating it. It is 100% "Monte-licious!" They also use black angus beef for the meat sauce in the pastchio. It just keeps getting better!

Mythos is a dinner spot. Except on Sunday, they open at noon. You need to know that this meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare, so order some appetizers. The saganaki is delicious, but they don't flame it up!!! But it is still some of the best I have ever had! Something I think worth mentioning; it's owned by two sisters, one is the chef, the other is the host, and in my opinion, one of the best restaurant combo. owners I have seen. And I genuinely enjoy the two of 'em. If I were single, I would make play for 'em. Both! ; ) And all of the waitresses I have seen there are super cute!! A bonus at any spot!

"Lime Chicken", so says the waitress!

2009-10-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

spot: Thai Pastry

food type: guess… Thai

address/info.: 4925 N. Broadway St. 773-784-5399

neighborhood: Uptowns! One of Chicago’s classic neighborhoods

Lime Chicken, so says the waitress.

I tried something new at one of my old spots that I haven’t been to in over a year, and I feel kinda bad about it. I have walked past Thai Pastry so many times goin to my new fave. “Tank”, that I almost forgot how much I used to love eating there.

I rotate through favorite spots like a whore rotates through Johns.

It has been so long since I have been to Thai Pastry, that it felt like a new spot to me. But since I already knew that all my staple meals there are great, I decided to ask the cute waitress what she really likes to eat there. And she told me that if she wasn’t working there, and came in as a customer, she would get the “Lime Chicken.” So I did.

Let me tell ya’, she made the right choice, it was “Monte-licious!” It’s 2 chicken breasts that are breaded and fried, and the breading is kinda like a heavier tempura breading. It’s placed on top of a bed of fried seaweed, which is strangely tasty, next to some shredded carrots. Then it's covered with a sweet lime sauce and tiny, thinly sliced pieces of lime. It is such an interesting taste explosion in yer mouth, that I can’t wait to get back there and order it again.

I almost forgot, they also have excellent sweets, pastries, desserts, and bubble teas. I got the watermelon bubble tea filled with tapioca, and we got honey, custard cake. "Monte-licious!"

Peanut butter, burger time, peanut butter, burger time, peanut butter, buger time.... (repeat till blue in the face)

2009-10-28T06:39:00.004-05:00

spot: Tina's Best Beef
food type: burgers n' stuff. thai too!
address/info.: 2415 W. Montrose Ave. 773-478-2055
neighborhood: on the edge of Lincoln Square, it's pretty decent over there

Come fer the burger, leave for the Thai!
Tina's! This is the spot for an excellent, thin, char grilled burger, or during the winter, soup! I live kinda near this place, and didn't even go to it for it a while. I remember always goin to the gas station next door to Tina's and thinkin, while I'm fillin up, that spot doesn't look to good. So I didn't go there for a long while.

One day I had this crackhead alley mechanic form my old neighborhood workin' on my car, and he was hungry. Like hell was I gonna make him any food, he just stole a cheapy tool set of mine two weeks previous. And I know what yer thinkin', but he did brakes for only $20, and changed a transmission out in one of my cars fer only $50!!! So he was hungry, and I wasn't cookin' him anything. Then, like a light bulb goin off, I was like "you want a hot dog or somethin from that little spot next to the gas station?" and with his usual speech impediment lisp, he said "yesth." I have no problem with people with speech problems either, just being descriptive, I actually like those things in people. It's unique to an individual.

Anyway, I ended goin' to Tina's for some inexpensive eats.

I was just getting the kid and his brother hot dogs, it was the cheapest thing on the menu. And F*ck him, he did steal my sh*t not to long ago. But I saw they had a char grill, which surprised me for this run down little hot dog stand. So I asked what they made on the grill, and it was only burgers. Perfect. I ordered one. And of course I sat there and ate before I brought the food back to my mechanic. The burger was so freakin good I couldn't believe it! So I ordered another one and took it back with me.

I actually remember my mechanic and his brother joking that it tasted like they just took the hot dogs right out of the refrigerator and put 'em in the bun. My hamburger had steam coming up from it. Yeah, keep my stealin my shit! Now fix my brakes!

Back to the food. Seriously, the burger is excellent! If you like a thin, tasty, char grilled, burger this place is for you. Also, during the winter they make fresh soups, and they're really, really good. I especially love the mushroom barley soup, I'd go so far to say it's the best I've ever tasted. Maybe. They also make excellent chili. If you like it non-chunky. I hate chili that's loaded with huge, ridiculous chunks of stuff. Not here, just meat n' beans. Perfect for chili mac.

They also have Thai food, and it's all listed on a completely separate menu. Did I mention the owners are an older Asian couple? I didn't, cause it didn't matter till now. That being said, they have some Thai options. Well, one day I asked the dude, "Hey! How's the Thai food?" He kinda shrugged his shoulders, his voice had a bit of a higher a pitch and he said, "Eh... Not to good." And it's been only burgers and soup ever since.

See ya soon at Tina's, it's "Monte-riffic!"

"Patty's Diner!" Where ya gotta watch what yer charged, but the food is great!

2009-10-27T06:47:00.007-05:00

spot: Patty's Diner
food type: American Diner
address/info.: 3358 W. Main St. / closed Mondays and only open till like 3 or 4
neighborhood: it's Skokie, so it's pretty nice

"Nothing could be finer than eating at Patty's diner" (until she chisels you consistently out of money)

Patty's diner is one of my all time favorite breakfast spots. I have been goin there fer years for the Ham Hash, which is ham off the bone, onions, hashbrowns, and lots of pepper fried up together topped with an egg and a homemade bun. I actually discovered Patty's while I was a driver for an escort service, yes, I drove ladies of night for a short time. Boy do I miss that job! ; )

But that's not what I'm tellin you about today. After having only the breakfast for years, I decided to try a burger one day. And Holy Sh*t was it great!!! I couldn't believe it.

The burger is huge, which usually I don't like, but here, it's great! It's char grilled, and nothing tastes better than food on a char grill to me. The fries are fresh cut, and the bun is also made in house. She bakes her own bread!!!!! While grilling the burger, she repeatedly coats it in margarine, which makes all firey like the "Human Torch". Cool! I actually thought it was butter, but that's to flammable I for the grill I was told. And this is easily one of the tastiest burgers I have ever eatin'. It's "Monte-licious!"

But be careful, the prices are subject to change instantly somehow. The burger on the menu is $6.75, but I was consistently charged $9.00. I never even noticed the fact that she was chiseling me fer years. But recently I actually decided to look at the menu, and so I was being overcharged. I called it out to her waitress, and she just kinda folded and deferred it to Patty. I let it go, and haven't been back since. But the food is good, and you should go. Just watch what she charges you! And tell her Monte sent ya'.

Any recommendations? Drop me a line.

2009-10-27T10:31:00.002-05:00

I wanna hear from you, no matter where you live! Send me recommendations of some of yer favorite spots. Keep in mind that I'm always lookin' for "A good Meal at a Good Deal"

Contact me at: offtheeatinpathwithmonte@yahoo.com

First ever "Masticaing with Monte" a success!!!

2009-10-25T17:29:00.006-05:00

First "Masticating with Monte" a success!!!
We did it!!! A group of 15 of us met today, Sunday Roctober 25, 2009 at "Uncle Mike's Place" (1700 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago). We ate together as a motley crew, and it was a BLAST!!! We ate, laughed, cried, and made masticating history. Everything was delicious from the skirt steak n' eggs to one of my new favorites: Filipino Tocino. Which is a sweetened cured pork that tastes like the best ham you've ever eaten! And it was served with a garlic flavored rice and eggs!! A super delicious breakfast treat!!! I can't wait to go back for more.

The day was great, but almost didn't happen.

At 8 a.m. a friend of mine, John, sent me a text saying "Corosh", which was the original meeting place, was now closed on Sundays. But I wasn't sure because a few weeks ago they had a sign on the window saying they'd be closed on Sunday October 4th. so I assumed maybe the person who informed my friend had seen that sign too, and just assumed it was lasting. So to be safe I went there early to check it out. It was closed! Of course I panicked, called a friend in the hood, Rob, and he suggested "Uncle Mike's Place". I had completely forgot about this spot and I used to go there all the time for the steak n' eggs. So my wife and I went there, got them to put 4 tables together for us, and it ended up being the perfect spot for the event.

The only thing that could have made it better, was seeing the rest of you who couldn't make it out this time, but I'm sure we'll see you next time.

As a side note, my buddy who informed me of the closing, who was supposed to go, jumped ship immediately. 5 minutes after I received his text I called him back, and at 8:05 a.m., he was already at another restaurant having breakfast. That is not the friend you want around when the ship goes down. When yer looking fer him, he'll be by himself in the only row boat rowing away. But I love him anyway.