Tasty Thai Treasure at Tac Quick

Last night, I asked Neighbor J to join me for dinner. Although we live only 1.5 blocks away from each other, we hardly see each other these days, as we've both become consumed amidst work, school and etc.

Being the dictator I am, I gave Neighbor J three options: Falafel (my favorite), Ethopian, or Thai. Neighbor J loves Thai, so it came as no surprise when we began heading on over to a well known Thai staple.

Tac Quick's sleek interior

Tac Quick is pretty well-known amongst Chicago foodies, although I hadn't had a chance to visit until now. I was taken aback when we walked in, to see the upscale interior where most of Chicago's Thai places are bare minimum decor. Our waitress was super friendly as she beckoned us to our table.

Crab Rangoon

I usually don't order crab rangoon. I feel like a traitor Asian, for choosing a menu item that has become so Westernized. I read in many reviews, though, that this was the appetizer to get, so we ordered it. OH MAN, it was good. Tac Quick makes their crab rangoon with, get this... REAL CRAB. Not to mention, there was a subtle kick of black pepper adorning the gloop inside.

Gyoza

This picture was taken after Neighbor J quickly each ate one, as they came to the table pipping hot. The dipping sauce was the star of this dish, as it was thicker than just plain soy sauce, and had pepper afloat.

Pad See Eiw

Neighbor J got this crowd favorite, which was presented in the most artful manner I've ever seen for a Thai place.

Kuay Teaw Tom Yum Muu Sab

Now this is the key to really enjoying your Tac Quick experience, order from the secret menu. I ordered the Kuay Teaw Tom Yum Muu Sab, a delicious spicy and bitter soup filled to the brim with rice noodles, veggies and pork on pork madness.

Just because I liked it so much, a close up

Portions were huge for this $7.25 dish, I barely finished half!

And because I'm sure you're wondering what my dear friend Neighbor J looks like, 

Neighbor J

Tac Quick is located on the border between Wrigleyville/Lakeview and Buena Park, just a quick three steps south of the Sheridan redline stop. It's BYOB, so make sure you stop at Sheridan L Liquors first!


A Tasty Thursday Treat for YOU,
♡M

HOT DATE

I had a hot date with a sexy, single man.... now only if I didn't love him like a brother and if he was more into my gender.. but small potatoes.

Jor and I go way back (as aforementioned in this blog!), having lived the poor student life. "Poor student life" mostly entailed drinking out dinner (cheap wine for dinner) and scrappy social hour ($1 drinks on Wednesdays at SPIN). It was tough times, but we made it work... and our livers apparently survivied.

Well Jor and I were separated after college, as I finished out my senior year as a workaholic (and not so much school-aholic) and Jor left for fabulous adventures abroad. He recently returned after two years trotting this vast globe and we met up to share in conversation and catch up on the many things that have happened!

Both having close ties to Korean-ness, we trekked to the new Korean fusion taco stand, Del Seoul in Lincoln Park. Hello hype! Del Seoul had been getting lots of attention from all sources across the Web and newspapers, and I was ready to hop aboard the trend train.

sacsac! i haven't had that in a while!

Shrimp and Pork Tacos

Gamja Fries... I accidentally ordered the wrong ones!

Spicy Pork Bah Mi

While both of us agreed that the whole idea of a fusion Korean-Latin taco thang was interesting. Something seemed... missing.

The tacos were great, but there was a lot more salad than there was meat (my shrimp taco had only two pieces of shrimp, one for each tortilla) and didn't have enough spice/kick. I wish there had been an option to include a hot sauce, or to choose a spicier option.

I had mistakenly ordered the gamja fries rather than the kimchi fries... a decision I regret to this moment. The fries were (temperature) hot, and packed a paunchy garlic pow... garlic ties all Korean food together.

I'm ready to head back and choose different items from their menu, but I think I've ruled out the tacos for now.

Trying to be a trending taco taker,
♡M

date night

Last night, I went on a much-needed, long awaited date with my crazy friend Jor. It was fun to catch up, since we hadn't seen each other for more than 5 seconds the past few months he's been back in Chicago!

Jorge and I go way back, to when we were both living the poor student lifestyle in our respective decrepit 1920s apartment just two blocks away from each other. This bonded us in our friendship, as we shared cheap wine over shared dinners.

So much has changed for both of us now, having to go down different paths, but still sharing a common friendship despite the years and the change!

Since we met up in the Lakeview neighborhood, we decided to check out the newly opened Del Seoul restaurant, a Korean fusion fast-food-esque joint.

Del Seoul now open at 2568 N. Clark

I again (being the bad blogger I am) took photos on my Olympus which I haven't been able to upload yet :( but I must say. It was a delight getting to be one of the first ones to try out Del Seoul in their opening days and can't wait to go back and try the other dishes they have!

Photos and reviews to come.

Your lazy, lagging, photo-procrastinating Glut with Guts,
♡M