Famous Dave's Bar.B.Que

Famous Daves Bar.B.Que, 1631 W Lake St Addison, IL 60101(630) 261-0100

This is a chain restaurant located pretty close to Eric’s office. Their BBQ has won over 200 awards. We stopped here for a Monday dinner. Monday used to be slow, so we did not have to wait for the tables.

I love every pieces of antique they use to decorate the restaurant. It feels southern and nostalgic.

All the staffs we met were upbeat and friendly. When the server learned that we were there for the first time, he made a detail explanation on the menu and described the taste. He also pointed out his favorite on the menu. We could see his enthusiastic at work. The manager stopped at our table at the middle of our meal. She brought us a bottle of BBQ sauce as a welcome gift.

Eric ordered the famous margarita. It was so good. It tasted like the lime/sour plum juice.

He also ordered half baby ribs that served with the muffin. The rib was perfect with the succulent meat and savory sauce just like its advertised.

I had the Georgia Chopped Pork. It was deeply seasoned with the rib rub and BBQ sauce. Delicious! It came with the side order. I chose the creamy coleslaw, which was unexpectedly good. I love the rich and buttery muffin too. It was the best muffin that I ever had.

I favor the six different kinds of BBQ sauce on the table. (Mild, Spicy, Sweet etc) I tried each of them on my fries. All of them were unique and tasty. This place really surprised me, as it was really good. I would highly recommend to those who are looking for BBQ on summer.

Penang Malaysian Cuisine

2201 S Wentworth Ave Chicago, IL 60616 (between 22nd Pl & Cermak Rd)

Penang is the most popular Malaysia restaurant in the United States. We had tried other chains located in New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta. We think Philadelphia is the BEST. We had visited the Penang in Chicago for couple times. I loved their décor when I first came here 4 years ago. Now, they are a bit old and dirty. Also, they do not keep the same quality and taste of foods at all time. Though, they are still the best Malaysia cuisine in town. Last week, we had a great experience in Penang for a weekday lunch.

I ordered the Penang Char Keow Tiao. It is a popular Malaysian Chinese dish, stir fried rice noodles with bean sprout, green onion, egg and seafood. It was so delicious. The authentic flavor really satisfied my craving. It would make it perfect to substitute the squid by the cockles.

Eric ordered the Prawn (shrimp) noodle. It was a dish with egg noodles, shrimps, hard-boil egg, kangkung (water spinach) and deep fried shallots in a fragrant shrimp stock. Traditionally, the stock is made from shrimp shells, dried shrimps and chicken. Some people will tell you it is made from fresh shrimps. In fact, those hawkers in Malaysia will not use the fresh shrimp to make the stock, as it is too expensive. The shrimp shells work well for the fragrant and sweetness. And, it taste equally good as fresh shrimp. Eric finished it all in minutes. I could only taste some of the soup. It was excellent! I love kangkung so much. How good if they could have more kangkung on this dish.

I wish I could have more room for others. But, we could only have a dessert for sharing. We had the traditional dessert, Cendol. Basically, it consists of shaved ice, coconut milk, red bean, palm sugar and green starch noodle. I always judge Cendol by its palm sugar. Malacca (one of the states in Malaysia) produced the best palm sugar in the nation named sugar Malacca or coconut sugar. Therefore, they have the best Cendol in Malaysia with rich and savory taste. I would say Penang made a good Cendol as it tasted very similar to Cendol Malacca.

Tay Do Vietnamese Cuisine

1232 Bloomingdale Rd, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 (630) 462-8888

This hidden Vietnamese restaurant is located at the corner of the strip mall. If it is not recommended by Say Ing, we will not walk in to this restaurant. The exterior of the restaurant is neither attractive nor inviting. But, the interior is totally different. It is airy and comfortable.

To me, Vietnamese food is all about noodle. It is mild in flavor. And, they use a lot of pork and beef. Tay Do has an extensive menu. There are more than 200 selections, which is really hard to choose.

I decided to try the pan fried noodle with shrimp that I was told it is very good. It was so delicious with lots of shrimp. But, it was a bit too oily.

Eric had the noodle soup with pork and shrimp. It also served with fresh bean sprout and lime. The big portion really satisfied our hunger.

And, the full cost of the meal was only USD15.00. This was the best part of all - CHEAP!

RT Lounge

The Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave,Wheeling, IL 60090

We stopped at this restaurant for dinner after a stressful work day. We were pleasantly surprised when we found out this comfortable place was serving sushi. I would highly recommend if you are looking for a cozy and romantic place for sushi.

We were sitting at the bar. The bartender was attentive and helpful. I had the kirin beer and Eric had the orange martini.

We started with the spider roll that filled with fried soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado and mayo. It was delicious and beautifully presented.

Then, we ordered the spicy tuna RT style that recommended by the bartender. It was unique. It was top with deep fried shrimp which was so great.

We ordered the rock shrimp from the menu. It was served in a red square plate which clearly projecting the color of the shrimp. The shrimp was garnished by a chopped red pepper and chives. The first bite impressed me; it was moist, sweet and a bit spicy. It tasted perfect.

The sashimi plate came after the rock shrimp. I should have asked them to serve the sashimi at the beginning so that it would not overpower the subtle taste of raw fish. The bartender advised us to take the salmon at the last. This sashimi plate consisted of five different kind of seasonal sashimi that serves with assorted sauce. I loved the way they created the beautiful and elegance vegetable garnish. I enjoyed the lovely presentation with the excellent taste and freshness. I especially liked the sweet basting sauce of the eel on this plate.

We were recommended the banana sundae and lemon pie for the dessert. We decided to share the banana sundae. The banana sundae was extraordinary good. The combination of banana, melted butter and ice cream was outstanding. Some salty nuts and chocolate fudge were at the bottom of the dessert. The whole dessert was sweet and tasty. It was the perfect end to the meal.

Alhambra Palace Restaurant

It was a Saturday night out. We went to this newly open restaurant located at downtown because they have a belly dance performance. It was the 10th day they were in business.

When we entered the restaurant, we were stun by their decoration. It looks like a real palace. the interior of this restaurant features beautiful mosaics and lantern that highlight the art of Moroccan.

It was unbelievable crowded. We immediately joined the long queue at the hostess stand. Unfortunately, they told us it was over booked. (In fact, when we called for reservation, they told us it was first come first serve basic :-( )Luckily, our friendly and charming bartender, Miro made us enjoyed the rest of the day sitting at the bar.

The professional belly dancer went around the room from tables to tables for the whole night. What a fabulous night out with daddy on Mother's day. I will definitely come back for the hookah and reserve a seat at balcany. Here are what we had for tonight.

I ordered their signature drink, Alhambra Martini. It tasted sweet and slightly sour. Although the appearance did not look good but it was smooth and relaxing.

We ordered the grill sea scallop with tangy citrus jam ad aged balsamic reduction. It was fresh, mild and sweet.

It also served with some pita, a flatbread. I don't really like the pita. It was too hard and thick.

But, I love the cone shape reed basket they used to serve the pita. It looks cool. Overall, it was a bit pricey. The 3 scallops cost USD14.00.

Caffe Gelato

Caffe Gelato is located at 2034 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622. This is one of the best places you must go for gelato (Italian ice cream) in Chicago.

I read all the good reviews about this place. Actually we visited this place once when Fen visited us from Malaysia. We wanted her to try some gelato, which I think we can hardly find in Malaysia. But, they were closed on winter. We went there again with Say Ing when they reopen on spring. When I first step in, I really can’t wait to try that out. They offer over 30 flavors of gelato from the classic to the creative. I know that will be too much to decide. But don’t worry, they will let you sample as many as you want.

I had a cup of small café mocha. It has a smooth, fine and silky texture. I am so happy to know that it is less fat and calorie than traditional American ice cream. Though, it is more dense and creamier. It costs USD3.50. Say Ing had the big cup of double flavor, can’t really remember what’s the greenish flavor is. And, Eric had the white one.

I also had a latte to go.

Also, there are some nice imported cookies and snacks on the wall rack, if you would like a nice little addition to serve with your coffee. Pictures hanging all around the restaurant bring out the taste of Italy. This place is one of our top lists to visit especially on summer.

Mrs. Murphy and Sons

This Irish Bistro is located at 3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

We drive all the way down to Lincoln Square from the burb for this Irish bar that recommended by Metromix. It’s not easy to find an Irish bar in Chicago. We were there for Sunday brunch.

Murphy Law’s – The best things are said after someone else wants the check. Bulleit bourbon, espresso and crème de cacao swerved chilled and straight up.
Eric ordered the Murphy Law. The intense bittersweet coffee flavor reminds me the traditional black coffee in Malaysia. (Kopi O)

Irish beer – Kinsale Irish LagerI ordered Irish beer. It’s 50% off on Sunday brunch. Cost only USD2.50. But, they do not have much selection for imported beer. Though, I can’t really differentiate them.

Grilled Chicken & Apple – Grilled chicken breast, apple, cashed bleu cheese, walnuts, dried cherries, mixed greens, and bleu cheese dressing. This nutty apple salad is really delicious. It’s a great way to have fruit and green in a dish to fulfill the nutritional requirement. It’s wealthy, healthy and satisfying salad with only USD9.50. What a bargain! I will give it 4 out of 5.

Irish Smoked Salmon Benedict - Toasted crumpets topped with two poached eggs, Irish smoked salmon, and a lemon herb hollandaise sauce. I ordered the salmon benedict as this is the only seafood dish on the menu. It served hot. It’s relatively same as the egg benedicts but serve with salmon rather than bacon. Smoked salmon is a little too salty. And, it’s not as good as it looks.

Grilled Chicken Breast – Grilled chicken, Irish cheddar, red onion marmalade, & roasted garlic mayo.This is a very big portion especially for the Sunday brunch. Finishing the whole dish will probably exceeded the recommended fat intake for the entire day. But, it really taste good, especially with the tangy Irish cheddar cheese that melted in a soft and fresh bread. I definitely recommend this to any sandwich lovers.

Alt Thai

We have been dinning at more than 10 Thai restaurant around Chicago area since we moved here.

In fact, I wanted to try Latino food at a salsa club but ended up in this Thai restaurant because it is close to the plant nursery that we are visiting (can't wait to bring those fresh & colorful flowers back to brighten up the house). This contemparary and cozy restaurant is right next to the Arlington Heights theatre.

I had the Pad Kee Mao and requested it to be spicy. The server advice me to order the medium spicy. I really doubt it will be spicy especially for a Malaysian spicy lover like me. But, I still change to medium, as I know Eric can’t really take spicy food. And, he might try some of mine. Luckily we only had the medium. I finished the whole dish with sweats and tears. (the first time ever) I can’t tell if it was good as HOT was overwhelm my sense of taste. But, it was too much veggie with only 20% of noodle.

Eric ordered the “Big Plate” for his entrée – Combination of alt Thai’s popular appetizer & rolls: Fresh asparagus & shrimp rolls, Crispy salmon rolls, Shrimp dumplings, Pork on skewers & satay chicken. Eric love the salmon rolls that comes with Thai basil makes it a unique and tangy combination. I think it’s inappropriate to have the asparagus & shrimp roll (Vietnam) and shrimp dumpling (dim sum) in this sampling plate – too variety. But, I do like their assorted dipping sauce for every single appertizer.

Thai iced tea is the best of all. Overall, I think their foods are overpriced compared to other Thai in the area. But, the presentation is outstanding.