It’s time for my annual trip to the US, which hasn’t happened the last two years because of some pesky little critter that’s become a political football of enormous proportions. This time, I decided not to go to New York – I wanted to see family in the Midwest, and even for the wrap-up at the end of the trip, NYC has just gotten too expensive. My two brothers proposed a barbecue tour across a section of the Midwest and South, and while not my favorite thing to eat, it sounded like fun and a good chance to spend time with them.
We started off in the northern ‘burbs of Chicago for a several day visit with them (one flew in from Sydney) and my sister who also lives north of the windy city. Mostly it was a lot of hanging out and catching up – the first time the four of us have been together in twenty nine years. And, we mixed it up with dining in and eating out, and didn’t go for anything fancy. I’m only going to hit the highlights here.
First off, a shout out to Astra Coffee Roasters, 477 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park, a few blocks from my one brother’s house – he doesn’t drink coffee, so we had to go elsewhere for that. No photos here, but great coffee and really friendly folk!
Au Cheval, 800 West Randolph St., Chicago – This one has been touted by various and sundry as one of, if not the best burger in the entire US of A. People line up and put their name in for a table, and then wait for up to two hours to be seated, rapidly served, and rushed out. We only had to wait 45 minutes. The one nice thing about the wait is you don’t have to stay there – they text you your status at various points during the wait. So, on to the burger….
It’s good. It’s actually a quite good burger. Two fairly thin patties stacked up for the “single” and three for the “double” – clearly their “maths” aren’t so hot. Nicely seasoned, reasonably juicy, as much as they can be with a thin patty. Good bun. Bread & butter pickles. Sandwich slice of american cheese – kind of meh for this burger. Especially when you have the options for a lovely perfectly fried gooey egg, and slab of thick cut peppered bacon. Good fries available separately, with a garlic aioli. Here’s the thing – good as it was, the fries and the bacon are the real standouts. The burger is one of those that I’d happily eat again, but wouldn’t line up for, not even for a mere 45 minute wait.
Wyler Road, 3581 W Belden Ave, Chicago – Brunch at this neighborhood sandwich shop and craft beer bar. Really excellent breakfast bagel – and everything bagel with a whopping amount of smoked ham, scrambled egg, and cheese, with a choice of sides. Good iced tea.
Hometown Coffee & Juice, 700 Vernon Ave, Glencoe – Excellent open faced sandwiches – here thick cut, toasted multi-grain bread topped with fresh tomatoes, avocado and one of the better tuna salads I’ve had.
Ten Mile House, 1700 Central St, Evanston – One of those spots that at first glance looks like they’re trying to hard to be creative and ought to stick to something simpler. Except, it all works. Focus is on lighter fare, and we were all in a vegetable and salad mood. Best dish of my time in the Chicago area – grilled romaine lettuce with shaved cheese, roasted corn, tomato, and an avocado vinaigrette. Surprisingly good. And caramelized cauliflower with pistachio gremolata and chilies. Yum all around.
Next up… the barbecue tour starts and we’re off to St. Louis, Missouri.
