Zippy's

-Got Beef? Italian Beef

I was out in the not so interesting parts of Chicagoland last week and found myself in Schaumburg. After discovering a place long on my list to visit was now closed down I was left with limited options as far as food. I'm sure there's some good spots around there but the problem is everything is in a strip mall so if it good theres no way you can tell. I wasn't starving and needed something small and quick and then I drove by Zippy's. The "Home of the Cheezy Beef" slogan is what got me into this Pizza/Beef place. Zippy's is like so many other better than average fast food places around Chicagoland as far as both looks and menu. You find places like Zippy's in each and every suburb. The long running family ran joints that have been a part of a few generations from the suburbs they serve.


Zippy's in Schaumburg

I walked in and it reminded me of the old Byron's Hot Dogs on Clybourn. There were quite a few booths and you walked up to the ordering area to look at the menu. They offered their cheesy beef in both mini and regular sizes and since I wasn't too hungry I went with a mini which was six inches long. I ordered it with hot peppers and it was ready in no time. I opened up and saw that they melt the cheese, which is mozzarella, on top of the sandwich. This can sometimes make the cheese itself a little rubbery from the cooking time and I prefer the cheese melted on the bread. I'm not big on cheesy beefs but this was better than I expected, on all levels too. I was very happy with the gravy which had a rich flavor and deep color as well as the beef which I wasn't expecting much from. It was sliced right and tender enough to make me eat the whole thing in less than three minutes along with the soft Turano bread roll they used, not the best bread but it worked with the cheese and beef and held up well with the gravy. In the end, alot better than I thought. I wont score this beef since it had cheese on it and all beefs scored have been strictly beef's with hot.


Cheezy Beef from Zippy's

Zippy's
90 N. Barrington Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(847) 798-9797

Johnson's Fish & Shrimp

-Exploring NW Indiana

Today were heading back into NW Indiana to check out one of my favorite fried fish shacks in the area. The Johnson Family Fish and Shrimp house became a "must stop" on trips to Michigan a few summers back for its amazing fried foods. It all came about when The Johnson family emigrated from Sweden in the late 1800's. They settled at the northern tip of Wisconsin after a brief stay in Chicago. Soon thereafter the entire family followed from Sweden and they all got into the commercial fishing business in the waters around them. As the years passed on the entire family became commercial fisherman with the exception of the oldest son, Arnold, who decided he preferred dry land and moved to Northern Indiana. Arnold settled in and started a family and he and his wife had two sons. Arnold worked in the meat packing business for a while and then in 1947 he opened up Johnson's Fish & Shrimp in Lake Station, Indiana.


a locals favorite in NW Indiana

Unless you are from the area or randomly drive by it looking for a gem (how I stumbled upon it) you wouldn't know it existed. When coming from Chicago and going to NW Indiana or Michigan I always use the Skyway and Johnson's is the Lake Station exit right toward the end. Instead of taking the Detroit lane that takes you to Michigan you just take the Lake Station exit and you will drive up on it to your left. Johnson's is one of those spots that you drive by and immediately know you need to try it. It's a classic fish shack that is carry out only due to it's limited space inside. The original smokehouse was lost in a fire during the mid 80's when the shack burnt down and the store was closed for a couple years until it was rebuilt with the classic looks still intact but much better equipment for their use. It's all about fried foods here which is all they do. The menu includes fish and chicken with most of the usual suspects and a few you don't find everywhere.


Since 1947

Small fish shacks like Johnson's are found throughout Chicagoland and other Great Lakes areas but few do it like they do. On my first visit a couple summers back they were out of fish since it was later on a Sunday evening and they are closed on Monday's and everything is fresh as far as lake fish, so I went with some shrimp. Johnson's offers their jumbo fried Gulf shrimp in two ways. The first visit I just ordered the fried shrimp not realizing until after I ordered that you can also for a little extra get the shrimp lightly battered. The regular jumbo's are more like a Chicago style shrimp shack batch and come with a heavy breading seasoned with spices. As far as Chicago style goes these were pretty damn good but I was excited to try the lightly breaded ones on my next visit. As it became tradition to stop at Johnson's when not far, it only got better with each visit. The lightly breaded shrimps they serve are some of the best fried shrimps in Chicagoland if not the best. They come with a perfect coating, expertly prepared each time.


Johnson's lightly breaded shrimp


Regular jumbo shrimp

But as good as their shrimps are at Johnson's I find myself going there for the fish whenever I'm around. Johnson's does two species very well and one of them is Canadian Walleye Pike which you just don't find at too many places around us. I first tried the Walleye when they were out of my other favorite fish and I was happy I did. Although it does make my ordering decision on visits since alot harder.


Fried Canadian Walleye

If I had to pick one fish as my favorite as far as fried goes, it would have to be lake perch. Back before my time when there were 100's of commercial fisherman out on the lakes, perch was the big catch in the Great Lakes and everyone had it on their menu in the region. You can still find it today but not nearly as many places serve the real stuff from the lake not too far from where they are. It's sad to say but many places will list perch on the menu and either lie about where its from or just leave that out on purpose since it's ocean perch and not the succulent local stuff. Well at Johnson's you need not worry. As someone who pretty much orders lake perch every time I see it on the menu, I can promise they do it right, and I mean perfectly right. All the fish and shrimp is sold by the pound and as dinner and lunch plates. They also have the option for a sandwich which is one fantastic sammy when choosing perch. The soft airy bun from a local bakery and three nice pieces of perch make this the best fish sandwich in the Midwest that I know of.


Lake Perch sandwich from Johnson's

Johnson's is a great summertime stop when cruising back from Michigan if you ever need a place to eat at along the way. As I said it's right off the highway at the Detroit/Lake Station exit and since they have no seats inside summertime is a great time to visit and eat at the picnic tables outside. I stopped in at Johnson's a little while back and got some of their famous lake perch for lunch. It was fantastic and still my favorite fried fish. I don't know exactly what they do but the Johnson's take pride in their product which is also the real deal, no ocean perch or pre-frozen perch patty's from here and I gotta feeling that's the key to why their is so good. The Johnson's fry it up right. If your ever out in Northern Illinois they also have a location in Lombard on Roosevelt Road that is both dine in and carry out. They don't make 'em like Johnson's anymore.


Perfectly fried Lake Perch from Johnson's

Johnson's Fish & Shrimp
2619 Central Ave
Lake Station, IN 46405
(219) 962-1956
*Always call ahead

Johnny O's

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

The start of baseball season signifies so much including summer being near, the smell of fresh air and of course here in Chicago we eat hot dog's from everywhere outside in that fresh air. Last weekend were by a popular hot dog stand near Wrigley for the Cubs home opener, this week we head south for the White Sox. Located not far from the stadium on 35th street in Bridgeport is Johnny O's, a classic southside Chicago hot dog stand. Actually the stretch of 35th street from US Cellular Field all the way down to Morgan street has three top notch Chicago hot dog stands with 35th Street Red Hots and Morrie O'Malley's also along that way. But today we head to Johnny O's which is a hot dog stand that occupies the back end of a liquor store. Unless it's bone chillingly cold outside customers walk up to the window outside and place their orders with the people inside behind the sliding window.


a longtime White Sox fan favorite in Bridgeport


Johnny O's is vintage southside Chi

Despite it's small size the menu is large at Johnny O's. In true southside style the prices are dirt cheap too and you can always count on a few city trucks parked near there as the city workers munch on lunch. The liquor store/bar's actual entrance is on Morgan street but you order food on 35th street outside in the back off the menu that extends along the block. It's a popular stop for people from the area on gameday. White Sox fans will roll up to the window and order some hot dogs and such to eat as they walk to the stadium a few blocks down.


Johnny O's is an all day operation


As you can see the prices are cheap and the menu includes the classics


Once your ready to order you do so with the folks behind the window

I've made a few trips over to Johnny's for some grease grub and always enjoy my visit for what it is. Its an experience and brings you back to another time when this area was full with factories and warehouses which for the most part have closed down. The area has gotten better and a few of those old factories were turned into condos as the area around the ballpark continues to grow. Nonetheless Johnny O's has remained and their customer base remains loyal. My personal favorite on the menu here are the breakfast sandwiches which again are good for what they are. You or me could easily make the same bacon, egg and cheese on toast that Johnny O's does but sometimes it's just easier to let someone else do it and Johnny's doesn't overcharge so always feel full after and you didn't have to spend more than $4 doing so. The hot dogs at Johnny O's are good but nothing too special so I tend to order other stuff off their menu. It's not that they're bad, they're actually pretty damn good but that doesn't do it when you live in Chicago. Everything on their dogs includes mustard, onions, pickles and tomato.


Bacon and egg breakfast sandwich from Johnny O's


Johnny O's Hot Dog

Once or maybe twice a year I like to head over to Johnny O's for a famous southside food item that was introduced to the rest of the world by Peter Engler. The Mother in Law is found at quite a few southside hot dog stands and consists of a tamale with chili. Peter and Anthony Bourdain ate one of these on the Chicago episode of 'No Reservations' which gave the relatively unknown outside the southside sandwich some national publicity. Some stands choose to serve the cornmeal tamales with the chili on a bun while others serve it in a cup. Chicago hot stand style tamales are different than traditional Mexican tamals and are more like Delta Style tamales which they have a connection to from when blacks were leaving the south and coming to Chicago and bringing Blues music and tamales with them. They can now be found at most every Chicago fast food stand and are popular enough that there are a few different companies that have factories where they make them. Johnny O's serves their Mother in Law in a cup and that's actually how I prefer them since they can be real messy if your eating one on a bun.


Chili with a tamale from Johnny O's

Since I am born and raised city boy I have a love for Chicago style tamales. They're cheap and I always got one with my hot dog or would get a few to dine on for a snack and not spend more than $3 on them back in the day. Nowadays they're up to about $1.50 each but still worth it when hungry and as always best enjoyed when inebriated. When you throw one of these tamales in with some chili it's not a bad combo whatsoever and in fact turns average chili into pretty dang good stuff just like that. They also throw sport peppers into the cup and serve it with a few packs of oyster crackers on the side. Once you mush everything up it's actually quite good. The chili is homemade and it's a heavy tomato based brew so the spicy corn roll tamale really helps give it some flavor depth. Just like the White Sox, these might not be for everyone in Chicago but I do enjoy them a few times a year which is more than I can say about the Sox. If your wondering where the term MIL came from? Peter explained it on LTH as he was told. The owner of Johnny O's told him. “Sure,” they call it that “...because both kinds of Mothers in Law are known for giving you heartburn.” Haha pretty damn funny. Another known cause of heartburn on the southside is Oney Guillen and his Twitter account. Surely some drama this summer awaits. Due stay tuned.


The Mother in Law all mushed up

Johnny O's Hot Dogs
3465 S. Morgan (food served on 35th street)
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 927-1011

Freddy's Pizza & Grocery

-Grubbing in Chicago (land)
Where the locals eat.

Greetings my fellow foodies. I wanted to take the time today to showcase one of my favorite spots to eat at anywhere. So with that we head to Cicero, IL and the amazing Freddy's. I first found Freddy's, oh maybe 7-8 years ago, and from that very day forward I have absolutely loved it. It's like going over to your grandma's house to eat for Sunday night dinner. Freddy's is that special neighborhood place every 'hood deserves. How neighborhood is it? Well the owner met his wife inside when she was shopping. When first approaching Freddy's it might not look like much. Oh just another neighborhood deli is what you might think, but once you enter, you know. Freddy's is fantastic on each and every level. Its a throwback to another time.


a chibbqking/Chicagoland favorite in Cicero, IL

Inside the place isn't all that big, they have a dining room next door but I would say you can fit maybe 12-15 people inside there max. There are a few aisle of Italian groceries with all your needs to cook an Italian feast they got the pastas, oils, cookies etc..In the back of the room is the deli counter where they keep the fresh food coming and also carry an assortment of olives and dried meats. But that's not it, Freddy's also bakes some of the most fantastic bread in the city and they also make their own Italian sausage in a few different forms as well as hams made on site. This is the perfect example of a one stop shop, just so long as you like yourself some classic Italian cooking. I cant say enough good things about this place so lets just take a look instead. Here are some views as you wait in line down the aisle towards the food counter.


Each day is different as far as whats on display


Freddy's is a full service deli with fine meats and cheeses available


Everything from the pasta salads to the dried sausage is made on site


Fresh made family recipes are available for there or to go

Freddy's is the type of place I cant go to without spending at least a bill, sometimes I'm able to get in and out without spending too much but it's all good because when I spend like that there I eat well for a month or more. Rarely do I go to Freddy's and not get both something for eating right then and there but also some groceries to bring home for the fridge. The Italian sausage made on site is my favorite spicy version out there. But then the prepared food is so good that I often times find myself getting some of that to go for later on too. As you stand over the food counter you will see whats available that day on display. Everything comes fresh from the kitchen in back as Joe (the owner) and his wife pump it out. You browse at whats available, tell them what you want and they throw it on a paper plate and you pay and go to the dining room next door. So simple, so easy and oh so good.


The dining room

The selection is serious and you will have a hard time choosing what to go with. Freddy's is a great spot for a group of friends or family. The prices are very fair and your getting homemade family recipes that are rib sticking good. In the summertime Freddy's gets busy with customers coming in for their homemade gelato and Italian ice too. When someone tells you "everything is good" they mean it from their heart. Items available for chowing include chicken dishes, pastas, fried food, sub sandwiches like Italian beef or a meatball, a few types of pizza, soup and salad, sausage and so on. Its a decision deciding what to get. So instead I just go there often. Whenever someone asks me my favorite places to eat at around town, Freddy's is included. Here's a site of some of my favorites.


Just another meal at Freddy's...


Freddy's salads are good stuff


Some square sheet pizza with fried artichokes


Sausage pan pizza from Freddy's


Sheet pizza from Freddy's (cheese)


Sicilian sheet pizza


Fried Calamari


Handmade Gnocchi stuffed with asiago in a vodka cream sauce


Italian Sausage Patty, peppers, potatoes and onions


Chicken Parm from Freddy's


Lemon Chicken


Chicken Marsala


Dessert


The insides


Italian Ice in the summertime is a Chi tradition

Freddy's Pizzeria
1600 South 61st Avenue
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 863-9289
Website

Byron's Hot Dog Haus

-In Chicago: Every Dog Has it's Day

Hey, hey what da ya say, it's opening day on the Northside here in Chi. The Cubbies have a new look for 2011 but the local's favorite hot dog stand visited by many Cubs fans were headed too today has always remained the same. Byron's Hot Dog Haus has long been a favorite for a pre or post Cubs game meal and is a quintessential Chicagoland hot stand. Just like the rest of the best, it's all about the dogs at this tiny hot dog stand located just below the Sheridan El train stop on Irving Park road in Lakeview. Byron's is tiny and has no seating inside nor bathrooms but they do have a tent that sits about 30 people located outside next door seen in the pic below. The hope might only be around during May for Cubs fans but they can always rely on Byron's being there for them when they need something good in their summertime life, and this is from a lifelong Cub's fan...


a longtime Chicago Cubs fan's favorite


Byron's is always better at night...


They have always proudly packed aka loaded their hot dogs


The view as you enter

Byron's has been around since 1975 and started out in the little shack on Irving Park seen above. Eventually they became well known for their fully loaded Chicago style hot dogs and before you knew it they had multiple locations and were cementing themselves into Chicago hot dog culture lure. When I was a kid I remember we would go to the Byron's that was located at North and Clybourn. They had a huge structure that was this ball with neon spikes coming out of it. I loved that and the loaded hot dogs and lived for the fresh from the fountain Green River. Like alot of other old school long gone places in the city this location was demolished, for a Crate & Barrel !?!?WTF?!?! As the years passed locations opened up and some closed like the spot that used to share a building with the old Yum Yum Donuts on Clark street right next door to Wrigley Field. They are now so well known that they were chosen to make their famous hot dogs at the White House congressional picnic last June. They are also a member of the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame.


A well known White Sox fan has his photo inside this Cub's fans hot dog stand

Byron's has a pretty extensive menu including all the Chicago hot dog stand regulars. Along with the dogs and sausage they got burgers, gyros, beefs and a whole bunch of other stoner's delights. I've been going to different locations for ages and I'll tell you right now it's all about the hot dogs. It's impossible for someone like me who's been to all of them to name the best but Byron's does have a cult following and that's usually how you figure out which dogs are most beloved by city folk like myself. Once you walk into the tiny inside area you go straight ahead and place your order with the dude manning the grill. The employees here are pros at what they do and will take care you quickly and swiftly. They get alot done in the 12x4 foot workplace they work in.


The grill with dogs and sausages with the fryer to the left

After you've placed your order with the grill man you continue down the aisle a few feet and graze over the condiment stand. This is what elevated Byron's past many of the other 100's of hot dog stands around town. Byron's brought new meaning to the term "drag it thru the garden" as they literally put a small salad on top. Your topping options are mustard, onions, relish, lettuce, tomato, green peppers, pickles, cucumbers, sport peppers and celery salt. Hell I may be forgetting a few but that gives you an idea of just how stacked these dogs there get.


The overtop view for you of the condiment bar

As I was saying about the hot dogs, these are the way to go at Byron's. The only other option I would recommend is their Polish sausage. The other options arent bad but can be hit and miss unless your inebriated in which case it all tastes great. Nonetheless they still give you options when it comes to ordering yourself a hot dog. They come in three sizes and once made they are dressed up your way. Lets take a look at all three.


Byron's regular (small) hot dog

The small hot dog is my least favorite of the three, but it is what I eat when I want to feel healthy. The reason being is because it's more like a salad with a hot dog on top. They use Vienna Beef hot dogs at byron's and for the small dogs they take them out of the steamer so some people like the small ones due to the fact they are steamed. I like the steamed dog dragged thru da garden but just wish theirs was bigger.


Byron's Jumbo sized (medium) hot dog with cheese fries

I would say the jumbo size dog is the way to go at Byron's. This was my standard order as a youth, along with my much missed (It's still avail. but not the same as when I was a kid) Green River Pop. The jumbo dogs are grilled and have a nice crisp exterior that works well with all the veggies. I'm not a big fan of relish so I don't include that on my dog but I do get everything else and have them load it on. As is noted I'm more of a minimalist depression Chicago style hot dog guy but I like me a garden dog from time to time too. The fries at Byron's are alright, similar to McDonald's they are better than most places frozen fries which is what they are. They used to really hook you up when you ordered them (fries don't come with the dogs) but have held back the last few years. I like these fries when I'm really hungry (out of a sober mind) and will order them with the gooey neon orange cheese on the side. For some reason I love that stuff with their fries.


Godzilla Dog (large) from Byron's Hot Dog Haus

Then there is the Dogzilla. This half pound monster is specially made for Byron's by Vienna Beef and is a favorite of the nighttime crowd and all blue collar city employees. I have had a few Dogzilla's in my day and you really do need a knife and fork to eat this thing. Unless your a porn star it's not easy to eat. It's hard to swallow a small piece of this sausage that is cut up let alone the whole thing with the toppings on top. But that's half the fun and I imagine part of its attraction to the drunken customers. I look forward to a Byron's Hot Dog and Cubs game this summer. I wont get too much into the 2011 season here on the site but I have lifted my self imposed Wrigley Field ban. So I will attend a few games this year as I like the new start we Cubs fans are getting. But if you wanna get deep into some baseball talk come find me at one of da bars around town and we'll have a few and talk some Mike Quade and what else the future holds for those of us up north who've been patiently waiting since 1909.


The Dogzilla fully loaded is superfan food

Byron's Hot Dog Haus
1017 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-7474