Picky Pizza-Chicago Style



While in Chicago, it was absolutely necessary to try as many pizza places as I could without making myself sick. So off I went to the first stop, the original  Pizza Uno. Since their first opening in 1943, the team at Pizza Uno has stayed true to their famous Chicago style deep dish pizza recipe that I am sure they are proud of, but I must say I left Uno's hoping the next stop would be more enjoyable.



When we walked into the small area where the hostess booth is stationed, we ordered our pizza before sitting to cut down on the waiting time as it takes 45 mins from the oven to plate. The dining room was remarkably cramped and the tables were no different. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive compared to the hostess. We ordered the lunch special that includes a soup or salad. The salad was just some lettuce (iceberg at that) and onions thrown in a bowl, paired with some flavorless vinaigrette dressing. I was more than ready to move on to the next course. Bring on the Veggie Pizza.

Finally, out came my pizza, from the looks of things, my dining experience was about to take a turn for the better. I cut a piece of pie, which looked quite watery, and started noshing. The crust was very hard almost like forgotten cornbread in the oven. The cheese was not  melted all the way and the quality of it was not impressive either. The tomato sauce was watery and lacked zest. I took another bite, just to try to make myself like it since there are so many positive reviews out there. Nope, still bland. The best part of our meal was the beer I had and us getting the check.

Pizzeria Uno = Pizzeria Oh No

Deliciously Yours,
The Culinary Cutie

29 E Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-1000

EATT- Chicago



At the suggestion of our concierge we ran (literally) over to EATT to have breakfast. The atmosphere at EATT reminded me of a shiny new pub with high gloss wood and lamps. A few booths are sprinkled throughout. My waitress was decent, nothing to write home about, but no complaints either.


Crab Benidict

 In true Culinary Cutie form, the most expensive thing on the menu sounded the tastiest to me. Crab cake Benedict. If you have been following me for a while, you know that I am a lover of the crab cake. I consider myself a crab cake connoisseur if you will. I requested that my egg be poached hard with no jiggle. I do this because one, I don't like the yolk swimming everywhere, and two people usually don't get it right the first time, so I like to test them. Low and behold my eggs came out perfectly. The crab cake was a 5 on a scale from 1-10. This crab cake had bread crumbs on it, and it seemed as though it could have come out of a box from Costco or Sams. Not that that's horrible, because I wasn't expecting it to knock my socks off anyway.
A good location and moderate price points are this eateries draws.

I would "Eatt" there again.

Deliciously yours,

The Culinary Cutie

EATT
6 W Hubbard
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(312) 494-3288

Victory at Victor Tangos- Dallas Editon

 

On an impromptu trip to Dallas to visit some of my favorite peeps, I thought I would knock out two of my requirements every time I stay in a different city other than my own: great food and a good time. The restaurant Victor Tangos is where the party begins.

Victor Tango's is an eclectic spot full of energy

especially on the weekends. Even though we arrived during the busiest time of dinner service we were promptly seated. The atmosphere is more hustle and bustle than a romantic evening with your pumpkin. VT is a place for you and your friends to hang out and enjoy made from scratch cocktails and urban fare with a twist.

After calling the restaurant and speaking to the manager Liz, I was able to chat with Chef Greg for a few moments. I asked Chef Greg what he would suggest that I order, and was pleasantly surprised with almost all of his recommendations.

His first recommendation as was the Ahi Tuna Nachos, these were my absolute favorite. The addition of the fresh jalapeño slice and cilantro was a refreshing treat. I enjoyed all of the textures in this dish. I figured that from this point on, things could only get better.

I was almost right. The seasonal Burratta Mozzarella showed up to the party next and perhaps should have been uninvited. I found it to be a tad gummy. The concept was there with the diced peaches on top, but it missed the mark.

The Lamb Chop Lollipops and the creamy Crab Mac and Cheese are a must have.

Do yourself a solid and order dessert. The Warm Sticky Toffee cake was so delicious and large enough to share.

This is a place I would definitely make a stop at on my next visit.

Cha cha cha over to Victor Tangos…

Deliciously yours,

The Culinary Cutie

3001 North Henderson Avenue

Dallas, TX 75206

(214) 252-8595