THE CHICAGO'S CULINARY MUSEUM CHEF'S HALL OF FAME EVENT

Nadirah’s Perspective:

On Thursday, October 15, hubby and I were excited to attend the 2015 Chicago Culinary Museum and Chef’s Hall of Fame Event.  The objective of the annual event is to “promote and celebrate Chicago as a Culinary Mecca” by honoring and presenting innovative chefs and restaurateurs with culinary awards. Food for thought, the first recipient of this award was the late Chef Charlie Trotter.

This was our first time attending this event that was hosted within Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens Room.  The décor is reminiscence of an indoor floral/jungle conservatory encased by humongous panes of glass windows. I’ve been in this room before for previous events but the plethora of individual restaurant tables of food took it to another level.  Think of it as a milder Taste of Chicago with more high-end varieties.  With over 10 participating restaurants, this event had tastings ranging from simplistic charcuterie boards of prosciutto to French dessert pastries.  Now let’s get to my favorite topic of all my reviews, the descriptions of all the glorious food.

I will list all the participating restaurants below but I am limited to time and space, so I will bring emphasis to our top picks. Our ultimate favorites were: Miller’s Pub (Sea Scallop BLT), Hugo’s Frog Bar (Steak with Truffled Fingerling Potatoes and King Crab Béarnaise), Chicago’s Dog House (Apple Brandy Duck Sausage & Smoked Alligator Sausage), Spiaggia (Roasted Pumpkin Seed Gelato), and Bittersweet (Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ginger Tuile).

The Sea Scallop BLT that was showcased by Miller’s Pub was a Seared Japanese Sea Scallop cut in half with the filling consisting of Bacon Aioli, Heirloom Tomatoes, Brioche Crostini Disk, and Micro Bull’s Blood (Baby Beet). This creation was original and very delicious.  Sea Scallops have never been my favorite seafood craves but Executive Chef Paul Morrison managed to bring an innovative idea to the everyday version of a BLT.  Troy and I went to this table about 4 times throughout the night, so that should tell you something.

SEA SCALLOP BLT

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House provided USDA Strip Steak with Truffled Fingerling Potatoes and King Crab Béarnaise. I have always been a meat and potatoes type of gal with a serious vice for seafood, so I was overly excited when I saw this opulent concoction. The steak was tender and flavorful and the crab bearnaise topping was decadently divine over the entrée. The only con was that the tasting portion had turned a bit cool but the dish was so good, that I didn’t mind the temperature.

USDA STRIP STEAK WITH TRUFFLED FINGERLING POTATOES AND KING CRAB BEARNAISE 

Bittersweet’s Pastry Chef Mindy showcased a Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Salted Caramel Sauce and a Ginger Tuile.  Before you asked, a Tuile (pronounced Twill) is a thinly baked cookie with similar look and texture of a wafer.  Besides the newfound knowledge, this dessert was deliciously sweet, creamy and I dipped my ginger tuile in the caramel for the extra sugary bite.

PUMPKIN PANNA COTTA WITH SALTED CARAMEL AND GINGER TUILE

The Participating Restaurants: Bittersweet, Chicago’s Dog House, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, Heaven on Seven, Kiki’s Bistro, La Scarola Restaurant, Lettuce Entertain You, Miller’s Pub, Pita Inn, 437 Rush/Riva Crab House, Spiaggia, and I’m apologizing ahead of time if I missed any other restaurants.

Troy’s Perspective:

The Chicago Culinary Museum at Chicago Navy Pier was a night filled with fun, food & laughter. The free flowing drinks from the open bar definitely added to the celebratory time. The moment was captured in the great atmosphere of the Navy Pier Crystal Gardens that added to the ceremony and ambiance of the great chefs and their creations. It was a night distinguished with an award ceremony into the Chef’s Hall of Fame, complemented by succulent dishes, and a photo booth equipped with various props. After a few drinks, the photo booth really added to the thrill of the night.

THE LUGGS ARE ALWAYS READY TO PARTY

TROY FINALLY HAS A MUSTACHE 

Miller’s Pub with Chef Paul stealing the show with his original and most creative Sea Scallop BLT, that really excited and overwhelmed our tastebuds. This authentic BLT was truly unexpected and far exceeded expectations. The BLT was an explosion of flavor that  left me yearning for more. We felt obligated to not only take a picture with Chef Paul, but inform him of what great amazement his creation made on us. We look forward to savoring others creations by Chef Paul and we will complete a food review at Miller's Pub in the near future.

Spiaggia offerd a Roasted Pumpkin Seed Gelato that remarkably had the illustrious taste of chocolate. It was quite enchanting to taste a Gelato that was so light, flavorful and pleasing to the pallet. The Pastry Chef Melanie Diamond-Manlusoc and her assistant Lisa were such a pleasure to meet.  Melanie gave us the full tour of the restaurant without us being there. With her warm personality and charming gelato, my wife and I can’t wait to experience what Spiaggia has to offer.

PASTRY CHEF MELANIE DIAMOND-MANLUSOC & ASSISTANT LISA (ROASTED PUMPKIN SEED GELATO)

Chicago’s Dog House owner Aaron Wolfson served Smoked Alligator Sausage and Apple Brandy Duck Sausage that was succulent, well seasoned and full of flavor. Being our first time, we were excited and ambitious to try the Alligator Sausage. It was a pleasing experience. The chef/owner and his mom, Gloria truly created a lively atmosphere and offered great conversation. If their personality goes into their food, we are guaranteed to enjoy. We look forward to giving an exclusive to the restaurant and other tasty delicacies that The Chicago Dog House has to offer.

CHICAGO'S DOG HOUSE OWNER AARON WOLFSON
(SMOKED ALLIGATOR AND APPLE BRANDY DUCK SAUSAGE "Please Excuse Not Using Flash")

With the Chicago Culinary Museum’s Chef’s Hall of Fame being an annual event, we encourage all to attend and enjoy. You are sure to enjoy fantastic dishes, up-close conversation with Chicago’s best chefs and have an overall great time. Even if you can't make it, we encourage all to go and patronize our Chicago restaurants. Besides what the event has to offer, you never know who you may meet. We were able to capture a moment with Chef and Restauranteur Graham Elliot and fellow blogger Erika Kubick of CheeseSexDeath.  For more photos, check out TheLuggs.com and we hope to see you there next year!!!

CHEF/RESTAURANTEUR GRAHAM ELLIOT 

BLOGGER/PHOTOGRAPHER ERIKA KUBICK

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Nadirah’s Perspective: 

In August, hubby and I took a trip to California to visit Los Angeles and San Diego. I will be a Chi-Town gal till I die but I must admit that I can see why more people head to the sunny weather of the West Coast.  This blog entry will be focusing on the best way to travel, what eateries we tried and was recommended, and our choice of hotels.  Hopefully, our travels adventures will help you with all your future travel ideas.

If you are visiting Cali for a length of time, I would suggest having your own mode of transportation by renting a car.  California is number 1 for traffic for a reason. You will be sitting in traffic, so have a car you can feel comfortable in and can drive with ease.  Avoid making your search for a great deal a chore by using search engines like Hotwire or Priceline to help search different rental car places to bid on what you want.  We used Atwest Rental and I will NOT be using them again… long story and I won’t give them my energy by reliving the problems.

To find a hotel, try using Trip Advisor or Booking.com for the same reason.  We were lucky to find a hidden gem but I will admit that it was in an area that locals considered the “hood.” Coming from the Chi, it was like staying in the Pilsen neighborhood, so we wasn’t scared.  The hotel’s name is the El Rancho Hotel.  The layout is like a studio apartment with a microwave and refrigerator. The pros were: cleanliness, the huge bathroom shower, the digital cable, the location from the main expressway, and the distance from downtown. The only cons were: it didn’t a closet or closet space, no ironing board or iron, and limited parking spaces if you come in late after partying.  Overall, this place was pretty nice, budget friendly, and close to late night eateries.

The hotel we stayed in San Diego was the Ramada Inn San Diego Airport. I fell in love with this hotel. The pros were: it was spacious, clean, had closet space, surrounded by various restaurants, and it was walking distance to a health food grocery store. The cons were: a foul odor from the bathroom sink faucet and very minimal continental breakfast choices, but again, various restaurants are in close proximity.  We would definitely go back.

No trip would be complete without the topic of eating. Starting with L.A., the best places to eat would be Candela Taco Bar & Lounge (Shrimp & Fish Tacos), Grub (Crack Bacon), Coles (Lamb Sandwiches), Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffle (only if you never had the experience) and Waba Grill.  In San Diego, Rockin Baja Lobster Grill, Mitch Seafood (Monchong Fish Tacos), Las Hadas (Steak & Shrimp Quesadilla), Night & Day Café on Coronado Island (fish & beef tacos).  If you can stop by San Clemente, you HAVE TO VISIT Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar (Ceviche, Crab Cakes & Killer Margaritas).

Coles (Lamb Sandwich - Protein Style)

Candela (Garlic Shrimp & Fish Tacos)

Grub (Crack Bacon)

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (Obama Special & Sunrise Drink)

Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar
(Ceviche, Crab Cakes & Margarita)

Night and Day Cafe
(Beer Battered Cod, Beef, and Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos)

Las Hadas (Steak and Shrimp Quesadilla) 
& Gas Lamp District

Mitch's Seafood (Monchong Fish Tacos & Grilled Monchong)

Overall, I will admit that I fell in love with San Diego relaxed environment and cooler temperatures but I had to hurry up and get out of L.A. The traffic alone would drive a sane person crazy.  A place that is 2.5 miles would literally take 25-30 minutes before arrival. FYI, make sure you have Waze or any other GPS app downloaded to your smartphone. It will help you find alternate routes and shorter travel times.  Also, have a phone charger with you at all times. I had to learn the hard way on that importance.

Troy's Perspective:

Our trip along the West Coast was exciting and fun filled. Although, averaging 3 hours a day in traffic was depressing and the 100-degree temps only intensified the irritation; I still thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the fullest.

The trip began at The Grove. Catering to Californians, this outdoor market proved to be a mecca for a health fanatic like myself.  This open-air marketplace has various restaurants ranging from seafood to BBQ.  Make sure to check on which stalls have Happy Hours.  They provide quality drinks for a discounted deal. F.Y.I., there is a Whole Foods right across the main street if you are looking for something specific.

For an inexpensive place to lay your head, The El Rancho Hotel served its purpose. The El rancho had easy, efficient check-in, a clean room and wasn’t far away from the nightlife of LA. The main thing I did not like was the limited amenities provided, i.e. no soap, ironing board, and shelf space. I would not recommend this place for extended stays.

For great drinks and a place to meet with friends, Coles located in downtown LA proved to be the perfect place. The Italian dip sandwich (Lamb) held up to its name and over exceeded its expectations. It is a must try when visiting the area.

Venice Beach was a sight for sore eyes. I’ve been there plenty of times and it is always exciting to see the famous Californian landmark. Beautiful beach, great eateries, bars, and novelty shops.  You will find great artistry along the walk. Some of the artists were creating various art pieces on the spot.

Venice Beach

Waba Grill was my go to in LA. This franchise restaurant was the healthiest thing that I could find at short notice.  Located 5 minutes away within a strip mall from the Rancho Hotel, this meal had great flavor, very fresh veggies, and is a good bang for your buck.

Waba Grill
(Steak/Chicken and Salmon Grills with Avocado)

San Diego was phenomenal. The weather was perfect because it brought a cool, but comfortable ocean breeze across the atmosphere.  We settled at the Ramada across from the shore. It was a great location, close to a supermarket, the room was clean with all the necessary amenities that you would need in a great stay. It was a pleasantly quaint stay that I definitely would recommend to anyone. The Pearl Hotel is right across the street and The Pearl’s Bar/Lounge area kept a party going.

When in San Diego visit The Gas Lamp District for a great place to party, eat, and have a good time.  Drink specials are everywhere, so pick your poison. Coronado Island was a great place to experience. It was great to see the “golf cart lifestyle” (people driving golf carts on the street.)

Overall, LA was great but I would like to spend more time in San Diego for a more relaxing environment.

I'm A Hungry Woman (I'm Every Woman) Funny Video

FOODIE REVIEW: FLAVOR RESTAURANT

Nadirah’s Perspective:

Two weeks ago, hubby and I ventured to a restaurant named Flavor for a birthday brunch. This restaurant is located in the South Suburban area of Flossmoor at 3315 Vollmer Rd., IL 60422, within a mini mall.   Although the menu reads with Southern/Cajun style flair, this place also offers great breakfast options.  This was hubby’s first visit but this was my third time here and I will share some photos from my current and past visits. 

During this recent visit, I indulged in an entrée of Turkey Meatloaf ladled with Cajun style gravy of tomato, peppers, and spices that was served with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, consisting of carrots and broccoli.  The portions served at this place are always plentiful and flavor was definitely present.  I was a little leery about the Cajun style sauce atop of my meatloaf but I will admit that it complemented the dish very well.  The vegetables weren’t spectacular due to the lack of seasoning but I did enjoy the fact that they were steamed to perfection (not mushy).  The mashed potatoes were ok but again, with the Cajun sauce, everything melded well together in this dish. 

TURKEY MEATLOAF WITH MASHED POTATOES AND STEAMED VEGGIES 

Honestly, the stars at this restaurant are the variety of dessert-like breakfast pancakes/waffles: Red-Velvet, Georgia Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato and Banana Foster.  All I can say is, “Ummmm, Ummmm, Oh my goodness, this is SOOOOO GOOD!!!” I am not exaggerating when I say it is like eating dessert as your main meal. Syrup or san syrup, you can eat these decadent pancakes/waffles with pure enjoyment over the sweetness and whopping size of your plate. 

SO SORRY BUT I WAS EXCITED AND  FORGOT TO TAKE THE PIC FIRST ... RED VELVET PANCAKE!!!

Overall, throughout my three visits, I have experienced some hit and misses over particular dishes and it was probably due to our time of going … Father’s Day Rush.  However, I can confidently suggest to you all my main staples when I get there: Fried Green Tomatoes with Grit Cakes, Mini Salmon Croquettes, any of the breakfast skillets (Eggs, Smothered Potatoes, your choice of meat and veggies), and without a doubt, the Red Velvet Pancake or Waffle.

Enjoy your meal and pleasant wait staff at Flavor!

Troy’s Perspective:

Veggie Omelet with Spinach and Bacon

The omelet that I ordered at Flavor had just that … flavor. The light, fluffy omelet really excited my pallet and was thoroughly enjoyable. I ordered the veggie omelet due to the mix of vegetables that were offered and I added the complement of spinach and bacon for additional taste factors. The small cut potatoes that accompanied the meal were well seasoned, cooked to perfection and gratifying.  The meal was pleasing and I would recommend it to anyone. The restaurant seems to be a family-owned restaurant that was very accommodating to the large group that I was a part of that afternoon. Our waiter Matthew was very hospitable and systematically helped out our party to enjoy our experience.

VEGGIE OMELET WITH SPINACH AND BACON AND SEASONED POTATOES 

Being the greedy person I am (on the weekends), I left the restaurant with a Jerk Chicken Skillet with Scrambled Eggs. This was something that I really took a chance on because I never order jerk chicken from a place that does not specialize in Caribbean cuisine. As I mentioned earlier, being a bit greedy on the weekends, I was very intrigued with the ingredients of the skillet and the element of jerk chicken as an option. I cannot say anything negative about the meal at all!  The jerk chicken was perfectly seasoned, the eggs were fluffy and not overcooked, the veggies in the skillet were prepared to perfection and the potatoes were just as good with the skillet as they were with my omelet. This was a meal that I ate at home and did not heat up. I enjoyed the meal so much that I ate the entire meal without taking a picture or asking my wife to try. If you like something with spice and ingredients that are nice, the Jerk Chicken Skillet is awesome and a must try.

BREAKFAST SKILLET WITH TURKEY SAUSAGE  
(FIRST VIEW)

SECOND VIEW

CHICKEN AND WAFFLE

MAC AND CHEESE  (STOVE TOP TASTE)

SHRIMP AND GRITS LOADED WITH GREEN ONION, BACON, AND CHEDDAR CHEESE

2014 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW'S FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY

MFF REPRESENTING AT THE AUTO SHOW

Nadirah’s Perspective: On February 7, 2014, hubby, my brother, and I (MFF) had the pleasure of attending the 2014 Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity located at McCormick Place.  The tickets were $250.00 but please understand that portions of the money go to a charity or charities of your choice that are previously selected as participates.  We chose the Jesse White Tumbling Team and were invited to a pre-event reception hosted by Secretary of State, Jesse White.   Oh, did I mention that the event provided a plethora of free food and drinks throughout the night, while you have the extending honor of sitting in the multitude of fabulous and expensive automobiles. So ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, let’s start with my favorite subject … FOOD! With over 30 venders in attendance, some of restaurant participants included: Andy’s Frozen Custard, Devon Seafood, Garrett Popcorn Shops, David Burke’s Primehouse, Real Urban Barbeque, Roy’s Restaurant, Savor Restaurant, Texas de Brazil, Union Sushi & Barbeque, ZED 451, etc.  I will admit that I almost had to be rolled out by the end of the night due to my gluttonous behavior.  Yes readers, I tried to eat at every vendor I saw and smelled.  From Slow Braised Beef Steak to Spicy Shrimp Dumplings, almost every entrée presented was delicious. However, the award-winning dish of the night was … wait for it … Maple Black Pepper Bacon Skewers presented by David Burke’s Primehouse.  Now before I receive comments asking, “YOU WERE EATING PORK?” YES, I WAS EATING BACON AND I ENJOYED EVERY SWEET, CARMELIZED, AND TENDER MOMENT OF IT ALL!!! It got so bad that I became a regular at the food station that the chefs offered to take pictures with us. So thank you Chef Rick Gresh and Chef Jeff Sauer for your hospitality, willingness to take pictures and enduring my bacon cravings.  YOU GUYS AND THE MENU WERE AWESOME!!!
 

Besides the food selections, the cars were amazing too. I’m not a car connoisseur but I did enjoy sitting in a fully loaded Bentley and Rose Royce.  The leather was like (in a lovable Jewish mom voice) “butta.” My only dislike was the fact that there was one particular guy going around in that section of luxury cars asking us not to get in the cars with our drinks.  Keeping in mind that having drinks in hand is allowed everywhere else in the facility, I did find that to become quickly annoying. Granted that I didn’t see him give anyone else this directive but I didn’t spend the evening following him around just to make sure that he would. 

All in all, this Black Tie Affair is worth the money and the trip. Donned in tuxedos and after five attire, glamour is the aim and enjoyment is the game.  Food, drinks, music, and two car giveaways are just some of the perks of attending this phenomenal event. I promise you that once you attend the First Look Charity Auto Show, you will not want to go to the public option.

HUBBY, CHEF JEFF SAUER, ME, AND CHEF RICK GRESH

MAPLE BLACK PEPPER GLAZED BACON SKEWERS

I'M TAKING OVER THE BACON!!!

AND CHEF RICK GRESH IS GOING TO LET ME

Troy’s Perspective:

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity was nothing less than spectacular. The night was filled with fantastic food, exhibition of exquisite cars and lots of fun. Being my second time attending this affair, I was once again blown away by the black tie affair. “Dressed to impress,” everyone looked stunning in his or her formal attire.  We started with a gathering in the Jesse White reception suite where my brother fell in love with the mozzarella and tomato quiche provided. We were also graced with the presence of our Secretary of State, Jesse White and a living legend with the ladies, (brilliant lookalike) Fabio. Both were happy to take pictures with my wife, brother and I, which created a magnificent start to the night to come. As mentioned earlier, this was our second time attending this event, so my lovely wife came with her map and game plan not to see cars, but to taste the food … she was ready.

The Food

I would blog about all the food stations visited, but I know my wife will have that covered. I will only announce to you my favorite food station. David Burke’s Primehouse assembly line style food station was nothing short of spectacular. The tasting started with a green Cesar salad that was rather tasty and pleasing to the pallet. Next in line was a tasting of his renowned beef that the Prime House is famous for serving. The Guava BBQ Glazed Beef Short Rib was tender, juicy, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Then you move down to the bacon with maple syrup - WOW!!! The presentation alone was by far mouthwatering. The best part was watching my wife close her eyes and savor the moment of the sweet, salty and delectable flavor of the well-prepared bacon treat. My brother, wife and I went back at least four times. We just could not get enough. The executive chef of David Burke’s Rick Gresh noticed the repetition of us in line and was gracious enough to let us take a picture with him. By far David Burke’s Primehouse is a must go to if you are ever in the Chicago-land area.

The Cars

The First Look for Charity is always a great event to attend if you are a car enthusiast. My brother absolutely loves cars from how they are assembled, to the power of the engine, to the handling and drive of the vehicle. He really takes his cars seriously. The first look also gives you the opportunity to take a close look at the more high-end cars that the general public only view from a distance. I enjoyed the opportunity to physically sit in and admire the comfort and feel of the Rose Royce Wraith and Bentley Azure before I acquire my very own. It was a time that I thoroughly enjoyed with my family and look forward to next year.

Only Obstacle

There is only one downside that you have to ready to endure… the walking.  Attending this event requires you to walk a minimum of about 5 miles. This includes the walk from the parking lot, coat check, the charity reception, visiting various food/beverage stations, and viewing numerous cars of your choice. Don’t forget you have to do everything a second time as you leave the event. I felt so bad for all women in their high heels. My wife’s feet were scorching by the end of the night; but thanks to the Cadillac vendors providing pink slippers to the women, it did help to relieve some pressure. That was a lifesaver for me.

The night in itself was beautiful and I look forward to attending next year. If you ever have a chance to donate to a charity of your chose and attend the First Look for Charity Chicago Auto Show do so because you will not be disappointed.

WINNER AND STILL CHAMPION

SPICY SHIRMP DUMPLING,  BRAISED SHORT RIB,  AND BACON SKEWER

KICKING OFF THE NIGHT AT JESSE WHITE'S RECEPTION

CHICKEN SKEWERS, VEGETABLE BRUSCHETTA, MOZZARELLA/TOMATO QUICHE

FABIO'S LOOKALIKE ... GREAT GUY THOUGH

LOOKING HOLLYWOOD

I WOKE UP IN A NEW BUGGATTI

BENTLEY

LAMBORGHINI

HOTTI IN AN AUDI

JUST CHILLIN