Spinzer Halal Fast Food

-The Sammy's of Chi

Today's post should have come alot sooner than it has. I first learned about Hunter Beef, a popular Pakistani eat, from my buddy Peter Engler who posts as Rene G on LTHforum. He had learned about this dish from another poster on the board and went out to Devon avenue to investigate. Hunter Beef is basically corned beef cured with South Asian spices. It's typically served shredded with sides but there's a popular locals stop on Devon that's doing their own Hunter Beef sandwich which Peter recommends in his original piece.

Popular Locals Stop on Devon

Spinzer Fast Food looks like most other casual eating stops on this block. They offer an array of favorites including samosas, wraps and some wonderful looking shaved ice treats I saw a couple young girls getting down on. On my visit I saw two locals eating a Hunter Beef sandwich which is what I was there for. I placed my order and the friendly man behind the counter told me to take a seat and he'd bring it to me when ready.

A Pakistani Hunter Beef Sandwich

This was a really good eat in my book. I could hear them sizzling the corned beef on a skillet in back and what came out was as appealing to the eye as it was the nose. Along with the shredded bits of spiced corned beef they add in diced onions and jalapeno peppers while cooking. A slather of mayo goes onto a toasted sub roll and it all works in perfect harmony. If you pay the $1 for fries on the side you get a nice helping of seasoned spuds to go with the sandwich. I noticed a local eating his with a side of some sort of yogurt based sauce and decided to ask for one, still not sure what it was but it helped as the meat was a tad dry. The sandwich and fries and a water were around $8 and made for a very filling meal. I wont wait so long to return.

The insides

Spinzer Halal Fast Food
2331 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 338-9804

Gyros on the Spit

--Got Beef? (and lamb)
KingT's gyro-tron

An old Chicago favorite has returned. Gyros on the Spit used to be located on Broadway in Lakeview up until 2000 when they were forced to close do to a landlord bullying them out. Since 1973 it was a favorite of many Chicagoan's who enjoyed the homemade gyros as well as steam trays full of old Greek favorites that sat in the window. Those that never forgot about them were very happy to hear the news they've made a return to the neighborhood over on the 2800 block of North Lincoln just past Diversey. I decided to stop by and see what all the buzz was about as I don't recall ever trying the food at the original.

An old Favorite has Returned to Lakeview 

The new location is much more elegant than the old one. It's more like a restaurant than carry out but I saw plenty calling orders in. They have a bar with booze and quite a few tables to sit groups. I dined in solo on my first trip in and knew I would be getting a gyros dinner. For $11 you get a nice helping of their family recipe gyros as well as a choice of two sides. Dino's potatoes and some rice are a good way to go. I've been back since this visit and the fries just aren't as good.

Rice and Potatoes on the Side

As mentioned the gyros are a longtime family recipe that are still being made by the dad, the son is in charge of the new spot but papa still comes in a few times a week to make the gyro meat. With Chicago's strangle hold on mass produced gyro meat you don't see many places taking the time and effort to make their own. The only decision restauranteurs need to make is what company to use. We have a handful of suppliers. I'm not totally opposed to a nice thinly sliced well crisped gyro from one of these purveyors but the stuff at Gyros on a Spit shows what you're missing when it's not homemade. My first visit I was served with what might of been the best plate of gyro meat I've ever eaten. It was sensational, well crisped, nicely seasoned and anything but dry which allows for thicker slices. It wasn't quite as perfect the second time around but still better than most any spots I've ate at. The only weird thing for me is the homemade tzatziki which comes loaded with slivered onions. Not really necessary when they load the onions up underneath all the meat. That's a minor complaint, I now have a go-to spot for gyros when the urge for some hits. I look forward to further exploring the menu as there's quite a few Greek favorites to be had.

Homemade Gyros Plate

Rating Scale: 5/5

Gyro meat: 5
tzatziki: 4
fries: 3
freshness of pita and toppings: 4

Score: 16/20

Gyros on a Spit
2826 N Lincoln ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 698-7999
Website

Doña Torta

-Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

Massive Torta's on 26th Street in Little Village

Check this weeks South Side Eats column over at Serious Eats featuring the always reliable Doña Torta Click HERE for the feature. 

Doña Torta
3331 W 26th St
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 257-0000

State Fair

-Got beef?
The Burgers of Chi

So I finally tried State Fair in Logan Square. Despite knowing it was going to open since last winter a barrage of things prevented me from trying this small spot specializing in state fair foods. Lets start with those said foods. State Fair has a small menu with such county favorites as the corn dog, the pork tenderloin, the funnel cake and so on. My teammates over at Serious Eats did a review where they tried every item on the menu and you can check that out HERE. I'd wanted to try them but they have ridiculous hours (Open at 4p) and the couple times I tried over winter, they were closed because it was too cold. That makes me not want to stop back, every other business was open and you're closing despite erratic hours to begin with. I got lots of spots to try, I dont wait on one.

Semi New Spot on Diversey in Logan Square

Well as luck would have it I was driving by recently and it was after 4 and there was a spot off Diversey. Yes they open at 4p which is when you cant park in front on the street. Convenience isn't their thing. What caught my eye from that SE review was the fact they serve sliders. These aren't so readily available in Chicago aside from the many White Castles around town. But at the same time these are different than WC. These are old school sliders like those found at Powers Hamburgers in Fort Wayne or also the Hoagie Hut in Waukegan. They're small balls of beef that are smashed with slivers of onions and then placed on a small bakery bun. They come in singles and an order of three is $5.50. While they were a tasty snack they lacked something and I'm not sure what it was. Maybe the fact they're only open a few hours a day thus it's going to take time to get some flavor seeped into the flattop? I don't know but I wish them luck.

Slider with Cheese 

State Fair
3152 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 267-1776

Kabul House

-Grubbing in Chicago  (land)  
Where's the Afghan Food at?

Believe it or not there are quite a few LTHforum 'Great Neighborhood Restaurants' I have never been to. For those unfamiliar a GNR as they're called is one of the many awards popular Chicagoland restaurants are presented with. It's not the most prestigious but it's certainly something restaurants take great joy in being rewarded with. If for anything because they speak for the people. Well those that post on the site anyway. Either way there's countless amazing places that are listed on this informative list. Despite the fact I'm a pretty regular contributor over there I don't get too into the GNR process but I do think it's a great tool not just for tourists but locals as well. It's not limited to specific areas so you'll find plenty of places outside the norm. One of them being Kabul House. I recently got to try the cityscapes only Afghan restaurant for the first time.

Complimentary Soup

The menu items here have a history going back a long time. It's homestyle cooking for those who grew upeating Afghanistan food or have parents who did. I knew what to expect because I've read about the place many of times but I didn't know it was so nice inside, white tablecloth dining in Skokie to be exact. We started with complimentary soups while we waited. Both a split pea with a tomato base and then a veggie with a nice blend of Middle Eastern spicing in it were a nice welcome on a cold winter day. The veggie was better from what I remember. Next up was an order of their Mantoo Beef Dumplings which I had on my radar long before I looked at the menu. I love dumplings and these seemed to have similar ingredients to Tibetan Momo with a little Middle Eastern twist so I was excited to see what was up. Unfortunately they fell a little short.  The stewed tomato sauce paired with the beef dumplings gave it a strange resemblance to Chef Boyardee Ravioli.

Beef Mantoo Appetizer

Next item out was the Qorma Sabzee which was described as "Chunks of lamb stew on a bed of sautéed spinach that is flavored with garlic and onions served with a side of white rice". This was also very comforting but again somewhat lacing in spice. Maybe this is prototypical of Afghan cooking but it tasted normal which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was all eaten but could of been spiced a little more potently.

Qorma Sabzee

The star of the show at Kabul House are their Marinated Grilled Meats. You can smell these upon entering and it can be hard not to want them once you do. Your best option is to go for the combo which gives you three meats. You get a half skewer of their most popular Murgh Kebab which is made with chunks of chicken thigh. This was probably my favorite bite of the lunch, along with some rice. The lamb and sirloin were tasty too but it's the chicken I'll be back for.

Kebab Platter

Kabul House
4949 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 674-3830
Website

Steve's Lounge

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where the locals eat and drink.

 

a longtime locals favorite in Hegewisch

This week over on Serious Eats I go check out a traditional Midwest Friday Fish Fry at the beautiful Steve's Lounge. Check it out HERE.

Steve's Lounge
13200 S Baltimore Ave
Chicago, IL 60633
(773) 646-1071

Ozzie's Food Store Liquor and Deli

-The Sammy's of Chi (land)

We're going to stick with the theme of the last post and visit another favorite of Chicago's underground elite. I remember my first visit to Ozzie's like it was yesterday. When I worked summers with the Sheriffs Department we stopped in here a few times while on the road. One of the two sheriffs I worked with frequented this place as he was from around the way. It's a combination of a grocery, deli, liquor store and lotto super shop. One of a few places you might have the law to your right and the other side of it to your left when waiting at the counter. Though most folks are just regular Joe's like you and me.

A Melrose Park Favorite 

Ozzie's has been in business since 1971 and they're sandwiches are a staple for many from around this way. Over the years the menu has grown and nowadays they offer almost every sandwich you can think of and then some. Both hot and cold.

Deli Counter

With Lent season in Full swing they have the traditional pepper and egg on Friday's. The pepper and egg sandwich is an Italian-American thing that is big in communities where there's many of them. Since you're not supposed to eat meat on Friday's during Lent this is a staple of many who practice it. When it's not Friday they make a Italian scrambler sandwich that includes the pepper and eggs with onions and Italian Sausage included too.

Pepper and Egg Sandwich 

I haven't been able to try too many other options because I really like their Italian sub. These are a little different than the italian sub sandwiches found at places like JP Graziano and Bari which are both mentioned regularly when the topic of who has the best is discussed. Ozzie's Sandwiches are more like Al & Joe's but I think their bread is a little better here, at least of late. The other essential element to this Western suburb style of Italian sub sandwich is the oil. They squirt it on to the point where I'd recommend eating one like you would an Italian beef. You don't want it dripping down your arm onto your shirt. They offer both a old country Italian and an American version and they're always made to order. It's too bad we don't have Ozzie's all over the city like there are 7-11's.

Ozzie's Original Italian Sub

Ozzie's Food Store Liquor and Deli
11158 W Grand Ave
Melrose Park, IL 60164
(847) 455-0845
Website

Villa Nova Pizza

-The other Chicago-style pizza: Tavern Style

Wow, I hadn't realized it but it's been quite a while since we took a look at one of the many spots offering the real deal Chicago style pizza, tavern thin cut in squares. This is the style I grew up on and this is what most regular city folks eat. Its not that those from here don't eat deep dish, it's just we don't eat it often. It's more of a celebration thing enjoyed with the company of others. When people just want a pizza to enjoy while watching the Blackhawks game, usually it's a tavern thin variety being consumed. One of the places most commonly mentioned amongst locals favorites for this style is Villa Nova Pizza in Stickney.

Longtime Locals Favorite

I believe this location is and was the first. The recipe dates back to 1955 and there's quite a few locations scattered throughout nowadays but I don't think they're all connected. They all have a history together but different people own different locations. We wont get into any of the colorful history behind this place as I've discussed it enough and it really doesn't matter. Its all about the pizza here. Villa Nova takes the craft very seriously. This is evident from the fact you will get at least one piece of their excellent homemade Italian sausage on every last square. Aside from the sausage they get everything else that makes a good tavern style pizza down pat. It's basically takeout but with warm weather en route I wouldn't put it off just because you don't live near them. Throw the box on the hood of your trunk and get down to business.

Large Sausage Pizza

Rating Scale 5/5

crust: 4
sauce: 5
toppings: 5
Crispness: 4

Score: 18/20

Villa Nova
6821 Pershing Rd
Stickney, IL 60402
(708) 443-4880
Webpage 

Big Frank's Sausage

-Exploring NW Indiana

It's been a minute since we continued on with our exploration of old Northwest Indiana. About a stones throw from deep fried tacos at Adrian's is Big Frank's Sausage where the sign outside proclaims "Best Homemade Polish Sausage Around" They make for a nice 1-2 punch followed by a fill up at Speedway a few blocks away. If  coming from the city it's about a 25 min ride via the Skyway.

Locals favorite in East Chicago, IN

You might not be able to catch it in the sign outside but Big Frank's also doubles as a bar. 20 oz drafts of Okocim are $3.50 everyday. If you wanna get the party started a little bit quicker they also sell "Polish Bombs" which is a Okocim draft served with a shot of Nalewka Babuni cherry wine. I didn't try one so I'm not sure if you're supposed to drop the shot in the beer or not but I would assume so since it's a bomb. We did sample the house specialty as well as some potato pancakes with a couple pierogi and an order of beef Uszka (Mini Polish Dumplings). Another Northwest Indiana gem.

Mini Meat Dumplings - I loved the fact you can order these by the piece ($.25/each) as they make for a great beer snack. These, the pierogi and sausage are sold ready to cook or frozen too.

Pierogi and Potato Pancakes - Both decent versions, although the pancakes were a bit greasy, not all that different from Cavalier Inn one town over.

Polish Sausage - Links are fresh (not smoked) and have nice hints of garlic and pepper. I thought it was quite tasty. All this food and three Okocim came out to less than $20. Nice neighborhood place.

Big Frank's Sausage
1417 Carroll St
East Chicago, IN 46312
(219) 378-9556
Website

Pitaville

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

Life has been bringing me to the Fox River Valley area more often than ever before. Some days in order to avoid traffic I'll just take Indian Trail Road from the river up until it turns into different streets to start heading back. One day while doing so I noticed a place called Pitaville in a strip mall out in Naperville. Being hungry for something other than Mexican food I decided to stop in and give it a try. After all this is an area where ethnic eats of all types are found and most all of them sit in a strip mall.

Popular Locals joint in a strip mall in Naperville

I got a nice welcoming upon entry as I spied a spit of chicken shawarma being made and the place smelled great so I was happy with my decision to stop before I even ate. I wanted something quick for there and also something I could eat later in the evening and for lunch the next day. The grill was packed with meats for other peoples orders and the smell of Kafta patties (beef) was too much to pass up. I tried it in a wrap and enjoyed my quick snack. This was a nice change of pace from my beloved burger while still getting a taste of grilled beef. Everything comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hummus and most importantly...pickles.

Kafta Kebab Wrap

With the chicken shawarma in full rotation I had a hard time passing up on it. I went with a dinner and came away pleased but not overly impressed. My biggest gripe is that they were cutting large chunks off the spit off and finishing them in a skillet. Just like most every Mexican place does with it's al pastor which just pisses me off. I want thin crispy well charred slices. There's no point in going thru the troubles of layering a spit with meat and cooking it only to hack off large pieces that might as well be chicken that was chopped while raw and then cooked in said skillet. The spicing was alright while the rice was very good, really fragrant and downright addicting. I just wish they sliced thin.

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Pitaville
1552 N Aurora Rd #106
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 717-5200
Website