Eleven City Diner | April 15 & 17, 2011

1112 S. Wabash,

Chicago, Illinois

http://www.elevencitydiner.com/

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.8 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 5.0 Buckeyes

Service | 5.0 Buckeyes

Eleven City French Toast | $11.79

Fresh Baked Challah, Strawberries, Bananas and Toasted Coconut

Name your Omelette | $10.99

Made with three eggs & served with house potatoes and toast.

Serious Bloody Marys & Mimosas

You can’t really call Eleven Diner in Chicago a well-kept secret because it’s booming with hungry Chicagoans and tourists from all over the world every day. With the typical wait around 20 minutes, Eleven Diner is a hip Jewish deli/diner on the south end of Michigan Avenue.

Stein and I became romantically acquainted with Eleven City Diner a year and a half ago when we received a recommendation from the concierge at our hotel. Our favorite meal at Eleven is breakfast/brunch. No matter where we stay in Chicago we make it a point to go at least once. We were a bit luck that it rained this weekend in Chicago, the rain deterred many walking Chicagoans from venturing out to get their Eleven fix.

We were seated within 8 minutes and admired, as we always do, the 1950’s decors splattered around the diner. The restaurant’s staff is definitely the younger crowd, potentially college-age kids that are full of enthusiasm and are happy to be working at Eleven which makes the experience that much more pleasant.

I decided to be a little wild and order a Bloody Mary for Stein and I to share. Eleven’s Bloody Mary is a REAL rendition; it was complete with meat, cheese, olives and a giant stalk of celery. The pepper flakes were visible in the bottom of the glass and spun around the glass with every sip. The tomato taste was a great way to wake you up in the morning, and the vodka wasn’t half bad either.

For our breakfast I went with the famous Eleven French toast. Prepared with Challah bread, fresh strawberries, bananas and tiny bits of coconut, the best part is drizzling the warm maple syrup yourself. I slathered the bread and fruit with the syrup and dug right in. The flavors are amazing, it’s like nothing I have EVER tasted. The sweetness of the each element makes the dish better than any French toast you can imagine.

Stein ordered the omelet with cheese and every veggie under the sun. The omelet came out piping hot and as stein stuck his fork in the cheese and veggies oozed (in a beautiful way) out of the egg. Stein and I both decided from the beginning that we would share our breakfast dishes with each other. Upon trying Stein’s omelet I felt as though my morning could not get any better; the two most incredible breakfast dishes prepared by a diner that uses fresh foods in our favorite city!

Stein and I were absolutely stuffed by the end of breakfast. Extremely satisfied, we thanked our waiter, who didn’t have to work too hard since we knew exactly what we wanted – our eyes were set on the prize! Full and happy Stein and I left and walked around a bit to digest our incredible breakfast. If you’re going to be in Chicago for one day and can only eat one meal, eat at Eleven and we promise you’ll never forget the awesomeness of this well known diner!

Friends Sushi Restaurant | April 16, 2011

710 N. Rush,

Chicago, Illinois

http://www.friendssushi.com/

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.7 Buckeyes

Quality | 5.0 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.0 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.5 Buckeyes

Service | 5.0 Buckeyes

Edamame | $4.00

Friends | $13.00

king crab, shrimp tempura, cream cheese, sriracha sauce, green apple topped with unagi, avocado, tempura crumb, red tobiko, creamy wasabi sauce, and unagi glaze.

Devil's tuna | $15.00

spicy tuna, avocado, scallion, cream cheese, chili oil wrap with soy paper and topped seared super white tuna, cilantro, hot sauce, ponzu sauce

Chicken Teriyaki |  $12.00

comes with miso soup and rice

Stein and I are coming to you from Chicago for two reviews. Lovingly named boyfriend appreciation weekend, Stein and I headed to Chicago for a weekend getaway. With our curiosity to experiment with sushi restaurants wherever we go, Stein and I “Urban Spooned It” to find this local joint. One stipulation – it had to be within walking distance of our hotel on Magnificent Mile. We came across Friends Sushi and after reading reviews we decided we had to check it out.

The walk took about 10 minutes but we were able to walk by some great shops and admire some of the Chicago fashions. Upon arrival we barely noticed there was a restaurant, it was hidden and up a few stairs. We walked in and were shock at how modern the place was – very trendy. We were quickly escorted to our seats and greeted by our waiter. Stein and I both just ordered diet cokes and took a few moments to review the menu. Unsure about the specialties we looked to our waiter for recommendations. He recommended two rolls the Friends roll and the Devil’s Tuna roll. We decided to share the rolls and also ordered chicken teriyaki to share.

The rolls arrived first and were very intriguing, like nothing we had ever tried before. Excited and nervous, Stein and I didn’t waste time. The flavors were very new and somewhat exotic. The fishiness didn’t overwhelm but complimented the spices in the rolls. The specific to each roll accompanying sauce drizzled overtop each one; and went together splendidly. The spice from the Devil’s Tuna roll resonated in our mouths in a fantastic way.

The chicken teriyaki was excellently prepared; it was well seasoned and was bathing in a sauce of deliciousness. The chicken came with miso soup and rice, which blended the dish well. The chicken was cooked perfectly and melted in our mouths.

We thanked our waiter many times for his great recommendations, he was so helpful. Stein explained that this sushi rivaled with some of the best sushi he has ever had. I, on the other hand, declared that this was hands down the best sushi I have ever had.

A great sushi restaurant in the heart of Chicago, Stein and I thoroughly recommend a visit to Friends Sushi!

North Market | April 10, 2011

59 Spruce Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.26 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.8 Buckeyes

Cost | 4.5 Buckeyes

Character | 5.0 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.0 Buckeyes

Service | 3.0 Buckeyes

Savory Crepe with spicy turkey, jack cheese, and salsa | 6.50

Curry with chickpeas | 6

A local hot spot in downtown Columbus, the North Market is a “must see” and a “must eat” for all Columbus natives and visitors. From bakery items to sushi, the North Market has something for everyone.

A little intimidating when you first walk it, it’s important to make sure to do a lap before you decide on one vendor. As you walk around you have to dodge other patrons but the experience more then makes up for the crowds.

After we made sure to see everything, Stein and I decided on two different vendors. Stein went with the Taste of Belgium, which sells crepes. Stein selected a lunch crepe which was made with spicy turkey, jack cheese and salsa all hand cooked. The guy that was preparing the crepes was off to the side so patrons could watch as he created your lunch masterpiece. The turkey, cheese and salsa all melted together and the flavor exploded.

Stein and I then headed over to the Indian food vendor, the Flavors of India, where we picked up my lunch. The dish I chose had a curry-like sauce with chickpeas. The plate came with rice and nan as well. The main part of the dish was great, the chickpeas and the sauce that they were smothered in were great. The rice, however, was a bit flavorless and didn’t really add much to the dish. Although the rice lacked in flavor, the nan was great! It was hot out of the oven, thick and fluffy.

A most exciting part of the North Market is not always the food, but the thrill of trying something new. If you’re claustrophobic Stein and I would not recommend the North Market on the weekend. You’re bound to feel a bit flustered by the number of people, but if you can muster the strength to fight the crowds you’re bound to try something new and perhaps find a new food genre you enjoy.

The sweetheart that he is, Stein suggested we check out the flower vendor at the North Market before we left. Stein told me to pick out a bouquet for us; I chose one that had both of our favorite colors, blue and purple.

Unique food, beautiful flowers, what a great way to spend a Sunday!

Cinco DE Mayo | April 1, 2011

3962 Powell Rd

Powell, OH 43065

Miller-Stein Ranking

Our food experience | 4.12 Buckeyes

Quality | 4.4 Buckeyes

Cost | 3.9 Buckeyes

Character | 4.3 Buckeyes

Beverages | 4.0 Buckeyes

Service | 4.0 Buckeyes

Combination dinner #1, One Taco, two enchiladas and rice | 7.99

Vegetarian combo #18, One chalupa, one cheese enchilada, and refried beans | 7.99

#36 El Molcajete with grilled shrimp | 15.95

Combination dinner #15, One burrito, one enchilada, refried beans and rice | 8.99

Stein and I were in the mood for some authentic Mexican food and we decided it was time to bring along Mom & Dad Miller. Dad Miller had heard rave reviews of a small Mexican restaurant in Powell Ohio so we decided to check it out.

We knew if we could get there early enough we could beat the crowds so we headed over right after work, 5:00 p.m. Stein and I arrived before Mom & Dad Miller so we grabbed a booth. There was only one other couple seated besides us. Shortly after sitting down we were pleasantly greeted by our waitress who took our drink order and brought us some warm and toasty chips. We each received our own dipping bowl, which is nice because then you don’t have to worry about double dipping. Mom and Dad Miller arrived a few moments later.

Mom Miller was the only one that ordered something other than Coke or water; she ordered a margarita. When it arrived Mom Miller made sure to offer sips to everyone. I took her up on her offer; the margarita had a rim of salt, which complimented the sourness of the mix very well.

We were thrilled to learn that there was a chip bar: endless hot chips, refried bean dip, and queso dip. We made sure to try everything, and it was all fantastic! Everything was well made and very fresh.

We were all starved so we went ahead and ordered. Dad Miller went with the shrimp mole. Stein and I didn’t know at the time, but mole means that it had a chocolate based sauce in the dish. Dad Miller loved it! He said the sweetness and creaminess of the mole was a perfect match for the shrimp. The dish was accompanied by tortillas to wrap and dip the elements of the plate. Mom Miller went with a combo plate: a burrito and enchilada both with ground beef. The plate came out hot and ready to eat. Mom Miller finds it to be vital that her Mexican food comes out hot – needless to say she was very pleased. Mom Miller also mentioned that she was very impressed with the spiciness and flavor of the meat.

Stein went with a taco and enchilada. Stein mentioned that he liked the melted cheese and how well it meshed with the fresh beef in the dish. I went with the vegetarian burrito and enchilada: veggies, cheese, guacamole, beans and rice. The sauce on the enchilada was great, it was good company to its friend, the cheese.

The decorations at Cinco DE Mayo were also very pleasing. The colors were beautiful, very authentic looking! Everyone that worked there had a big smile on their face which made us feel very welcome.

It was all of our favorite food mixed together in one dish. Mexican really hits the spot when your craving beans, meat and cheese. The four of us really enjoyed our meal. We had great service, our waitress checked in with us several times throughout the meal and made sure to refill our drinks as soon as they started to get low. We all highly recommend Cinco DE Mayo to meet your authentic Mexican craving!