Tac Quick in my TUMMY!

They've done it again. The apparently delusional people at Chicagoist think my writing is good enough to be published! Read my review of my recent trip to Tac Quick, but be warned there's no mention of Neighbor J in this write-up!

Still in disbelief that people read my writing!
♡M

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

waiting for the weekend (part. 2)

Still seeking: a neighborhood Thai place to call my own. A place that knows my love for Pad Thai and the like, and can satisfy instant needs on a whim. I continue my search through Asia-land of the Northside, known as Argyle Street.

Thai Pastry Restaurant
4925 N. Broadway (Just south of Argyle)

The restaurants on Argyle always surprise me. They appear so small and quaint from the front, but as you approach and enter, it's a ballroom of a restaurant with bright colors and festive decor to welcome both you and your taste buds.

I love Thai food. As "plain" and as "non-cultured" it may be to order either Pad Thai or Pad See Eiw wherever I go, it's the one indicator I have to determine whether or not I can make this "MY" go-to Thai place. After I determine which will be "MINE", then I'll venture further into the menu, veering off path to see what other spices can delight my taste buds.

This is why you take a +1, someone who doesn't mind when you pick and grab at their food as much as you are from your own. This is why I probably am a glut with a GUT... because meals are taken from all ends of the table, and no friend's dish is safe from my eager fork.

Thai Pastry is BYOB!

Pad See Eiw... a great dish, but I'm still searching!

Remember: Always bring an adventurous dinner with you....

We brought our wine and ordered our meals,
Me: Pad See Eiw, my process for determining good Thai
+1: Red Snapper with Hot Peppers, the special for the day

The Pad See Eiw was decent, but I don't think it was my favorite, as I seem to have DRENCHED it in hot sauce by the end of the meal. The Red Snapper with Hot Peppers, on the other hand, has me drooling in my seat as I type these words.

The red snapper was grilled to perfection, and had been fried with it's skin in what I assume was a flour batter. It was crispy, but not overtly so and DEFINITELY not oily, a good combination for a fish. The hot peppers were hot, the sauce was saucy and the dish was infused with basil throughout.

Next time, I'm skimping on the noodles and headed straight for whatever is on their "specials" menu... but ofcourse leaving room (this time) for the immense number of pastries in their glass counter in front.

Still seeking tasty Thai,
♡M

Ravishing Ravenswood

Belated Update of dates in Ravenswood!

Mee Dee Cafe
4805 N. Damen Ave.

Run to Mee Dee!

Mee Dee Cafe is so adorable, but definitely not a place for large groups of friends! I would say bring one person along, there's only so much room! This bright and friendly interior was totally welcoming and quiet enough, and small enough to make this place intimate, but not cramped. Their website... is adorable!

Thai Heaven

We ordered the Lava Calamari, the Almond (what?) Pad Thai, and the Mee Dee Signature Curry. The Calamari was decent, nothing spectacular and not super impressive. The Pad Thai left me longing. Ever since I moved away from the walking distance of Noodles in the Pot in Lincoln Park, I've been looking for a new neighborhood Pad Thai to call me own. Unfortunately, the search continues.

The Mee Dee signature, on the other hand, is a dish not to miss! Both sweet and tart, savory and light, this dish was the best one we ordered.

Mee Dee Signature: Pan Fried Fresh Salmon with spicy and nutty flavor condense curry sauce, pepper, kaffir lime leaves.
Oh man. We ate every single last drop of the curry... so good! Did I mention? MeeDee is BYOB! I'm not sure I'll be hurrying back, but I'd venture here if I were in the area.

trees!

doves!

Apparently, a new community art place will soon be showcased in the Ravenswood walkway near Berwyn. I don't go through here often, but will make a mental note to come back and photograph the final product. I love local art!

I also love:

MACAROONs!

MAX! The puppy that loves me.... and I him.

Waterlogged Weekend

Oh my.. what a weekend!

I began my weekend with an special invitation to view "Thunder from Down Under" at Joe's Bar on weed street. I had no idea what to expect, and had an awesome time. Thanks to the courteous and gracious hosting of my dear friend L.F., we were able to enjoy the show from a private front row table with bottomless bottles of champagne :)

Unfortunately videos/photos were not allowed, so I'll leave you with this tidbit a la youtube:

The next day, S and I made the terrible mistake of attempting to head back to the suburbs. In the flurry of our fun night out, we hadn't realized the insane amounts of rain that had dropped. Traffic was a disaster, we had no idea how we were going to make it home seeing how every highway was closed and underwater, and all local roads leading out of the city were gridlocked with back-to-back traffic. Had a zombie apocalypse taken place the night before? Everything was MAYHEM, and although we had left my apartment at 10:30 a.m., we didn't reach my parents house in the west suburbs until 3:00 p.m.

Some of this was due to a much needed stop. The car was over-heating and traffic unbearable, S and I randomly chose to pull the car over and stop in somewhere to eat. This is when we discovered the lovely Bodhi Thai Bistro in Berwyn, IL.

Now isn't this some of the most lovely interior you've seen? It's simple light woods with a very simple chandelier. But what I loved most is the sliding door separating the main dining area from the party room. (**Note to self: Bring this idea to my future fictional home...)

Bodhi Thai Bistro

Bodhi has a peaceful interior, and the harmony of the dining area reflects the atmosphere of the kitchen. I peeked inside the kitchen, and to my surprise saw that it was run by a bunch of tiny Thai ladies. The waitress was incredibly nice and patient and I loved that the entire kitchen/FOH crew were working together. The food tasted authentic and bold, un-afraid to use strong citrus leaves and paunchy spices to round out the dishes.

Pad Thai Noodles

I wish I had an upcoming event, because I would love the opportunity to showcase the party room venue!