“We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.”

Ray Bradbury

This travel piece marks my return to writing an occasional (at minimum) food and travel blog. I have taken a few years off to write my asset protection retail theft and fraud book that has been a labor of love for the past five years. With it being complete (unpublished) I was motivated to return to writing about food, beverage, and travel. I often considered how much some of my friends and family had enjoyed these blogs, and I looked forward to having the time to share them again. Nobody was a bigger fan and enthusiastic about reading and viewing my latest food and travel explorations than my Uncle Pete. In fact, whenever I was out dining and sending photos of the cuisine in real time Uncle Pete would frequently be firing back texts with enthusiastic questions regarding the names of the dishes and the specific ingredients.

Sadly, we lost Uncle Pete suddenly in late September so I will be unable to share this trip with him, excluding the images I had already sent prior to his passing. This loss was a major gut punch for all of his family and friends, but especially for my father (Butch). They were literally “birds of a feather”. My dad lost his little bro, golf buddy, and best friend — all at once. My brother’s family and I attended the wake, and the funeral and somehow, some way, we survived it. As we all must do, in our own individual way. Uncle Pete had an effortless appealing personality, and warmth. I cannot comprehend that that man is no longer present and accounted for. It does not compute very well with me. I will miss the warm Italiano embraces, entertaining comical rounds of golf, wise cracks, or humorous conversations shared over a glass of vino.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Queen Elizabeth II

True to our Italian heritage, Uncle Pete had been making wine out of his basements since 2013. In 2018, my dad and Pete began making salami in the basement as well. Our passion for great food and remarkable wine was one thing Pete and I shared. I admired and related well to Uncle Pete with him being the youngest brother, funny, well-educated, very intelligent, worldly, witty, and similar to me in that he had a reclusive side. We never discussed it, but I sensed that like me, he valued his alone time. In spite of that, he liked being social, and similar to most of the Evangelisti’s he enjoyed telling funny stories, and entertaining others through his use of sarcasm and biting humor. My dad is the constant joker, my brother is the witty intellectual, and I am the “King of Sarcasm” (started a slang dictionary at age 10). Pete would periodically be “cornfused” with humorous texts I would send with my off-the-wall random slang incorporated into the content. Pete would frequently text Butch for the “David to English” translation.

As a youngster (junior high) I recall him taking us to the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, where my brother and I saw our first blue lobster. Later we spent the night at his house where we observed that he had a VHS VCR, and my father did not. Dad and Pete were always competing on who obtained new technology (or anything for that matter) first, and would often go out and buy something better upon discovering that one had temporarily gained an upper hand in their “Tech Supremacy Wars”. Pete’s movie collection was extensive, and of course Uncle Pete being the coolest uncle we opted to watch a couple of R-rated (plenty of nudity for adolescent young men) hospital comedy movies, and he signed off on it without hesitation. One was “Young Doctor’s in Love” (1982), and the other was “Night Shift” (1982). Yes, good times were always had with Uncle Pete.

I am dedicating this piece as a tribute to Uncle Pete, and I hope he is looking down and salivating over the food and beverage photos, dining with us in spirit, and Googling with his smart phone to educate himself on the dishes he is unfamiliar with. With much love, let us get started on this journey into unexplored territory where Bella and I observe, sniff, and indulge in all Chicago has to offer.

“The gladdest moment in human life, methinks, is a departure into unknowns lands.”

Sir Richard Burton

As our Uber drives us into the city I can immediately understand why others have said Chicago has both a Midwestern look as well as an East Coast look.

Our “king bed room with sofa bed” features nice city views, an L-shaped sofa, quality noise blocking windows, blackout curtains, and a very comfortable medium-firm mattress.

Upon arrival Bella and I enjoyed the Northwestern (Chicago) versus Nebraska college football game while enjoying a cup of hotel coffee, and complimentary caramel Stroopwafel’s I kept from the airplane.

Thankfully the airline provides something other than a mini sack of pretzels, or a Lotus biscoff biscuit.

The hotel has a boutique hotel vibe, look, and feel. This trendy restaurant was the site for our included breakfasts. The breakfast includes items such as: donut holes; french toast sticks; bagels; fresh fruit; sausage links; scrambled eggs; yogurt; oatmeal; milk; juice, coffee etc.

After watching the Northwestern game we hit the bricks to explore and enjoy the city views, and Chicago’s Riverwalk.

Skyscrapers run rampant in this city.

Bella immediately notices that the abundance of trees and planter boxes have her feeling right at home via reminding her of a similar look in Taipei city.

Modern architecture is on display often…

In high school, this would have been a dream job for me after fantasizing of attending Northwestern’s journalism school, and going on to work for the Tribune. Of course Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel, and I would have occasionally lunched together to discuss the cinema. Yes, I was a dreamer type.

“Spilling a glass of wine is the adult equivalent of letting go of a balloon.”

Anonymous

Per the menu, this non-alcoholic beverage consists of orange, chinotto, and lemon.

Chinotto is a type of carbonated soft drink produced from the juice of the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree (Citrus myrtifolia).

This carbonated “Orange Julius” type orange-lemon refreshing summer beverage has loads of orange citrus flavor with clear notes of lemon.

“In dog wine I have only had two glasses.”

Anonymous

Bella enjoyed this slightly bitter, crisp, non-sweet wine spritzer. The menu describes it as being “crisp, pleasant and orange”, and it is just that. It features a house apertivo blend, soda, and Prosecco.

“Beer is made by men, wine by God.”

Martin Luther

I call this “build-your-own Italiano prosciutto burrata herb sandies”.

The peach apple fig relish was what made this next level! It was my favorite dish of the night. The soft bread with fantastic prosciutto, prosciutto truffle butter, fresh herb, delectable burrata cheese, and the relish closed the deal. The soft and amazing bread equated most closely to a morph of English muffin meets crumpet.

Per the menu, mancini bucatini, pecorino medoro, ricotta whey, four peppercorn blend. Bella was fully vested in this pasta.

The flavor is lemony, creamy, peppery, with perfect al dente texture.

“Spaghetti can be eaten most successfully if you inhale it like a vacuum cleaner.”

Sophia Loren

This pasta consisted of house made ricotta, basil, tuscan pine nuts and Sardinian pecorino cheese.

Again, there is perfect al dente texture featuring superbly fresh aromatic basil via the oily pesto sauce, and it even had fresh basil leaves. This photo is the “after” photo after I stirred everything together.

NOTE: You will want to make reservations well (weeks) in advance if you want to get into Monteverde.

Per the menu, vanilla ice cream, Sparrow coffee roastery espresso, toasted coconut dark chocolate meringue “forgotten cookie”.

One of Bella’s favorite simple desserts of all time was a touch fancier here.

I love the urban rustic look beneath “The L” subway line. The design reminds me of NYC and I think of “The French Connection” movie with Gene Hackman. And of course Harrison Ford starring in “The Fugitive” which was filmed in Chicago.

Per some locals we spoke with it was only within the past few years that they really built up and beautified the riverwalk via cafes, bars, and tasty beverage shops. This is a perfect evening hang out spot in the summer.

For more information:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/chicagoriverwalk/home.html

When I see Marina City I think of Steve McQueen starring in his last movie, “The Hunter” where he portrayed a real-life bounty hunter named Ralph “Papa” Thorson. In the movie a car launches off the parking garage, and into the Chicago River.

At $3.50 it is fairly priced at Midwestern prices. It is medium-sized and the ricotta cream is of a loose consistency likely due to being pre-made (not filled after ordering), and not resting in a refrigerated case. I am assuming they strained the ricotta with cheese cloth because if you do not the ricotta will be watery. It has above average sweetness, which is too much for my Asian palate (by marriage only), but I love the loaded pistachios in each end. The lack of a firm cream, no sour tang taste, and the over-the-top sweetness made it not for me.

To date, my favorite cannoli came from Villabate Alba Bakery in Brooklyn, NY. And Cafe Zucchero in San Diego’s Little Italy.

We took the Ferris wheel with indoor cabs, quality air conditioning, and a view of the Navy Pier and city. What is not to like? As long as you are not scared of heights.

It is a warm day so it is nice to be on the water.

There are phenomenal views from up here. They send you on a few laps, and they pause at times for better photo taking opportunities.

Surprisingly this does not make me too nervous.

This shot has great perspective of the area, and city.

Navy facilities.

After reaching the end of the pier we walk back to the shops to get a tasty beverage.

It is in the upper 80s’ today, and Bella is loving her hand-shaken blueberry rooibos tea cooler.

My hand-shaken jasmine green tea orange citrus tea cooler was excellent. It is so refreshing after walking under the hot sun.

“One of the reasons Arnold Palmer is playing so well is that, before each final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them. Oh my God, what have I just said?”

U.S. Open Commentator

This Edward B. Dearie Jr. designed nine-hole golf course has been around since 1932. On the ride to the course I observe that locals love their exercise during summer months. Along the lake there are loads of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and Rollerbladers.

“If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.”

Dean Martin

It is located on Lake Michigan, and will at times leave you feeling like you are golfing an imaginary golf course located in New York City’s Central Park with these views and fancy apartment buildings along the road.

Bella thought she left one of her rental clubs at a prior hole, so after racing around backtracking we hurry back to this nice looking par three hole where I run up to the tee box, and somehow fire off my best drive of the day. I “stuck that pig” with an iron shot landing, and staying put approximately 15 feet from the hole leaving me a pretty easy par putt which I made.

Bella has become a good sport enduring having 101 cute or funny nicknames via being married to a freelance writer. “The Golfing Squirrel” is one of my favorites when out on the links.

“While playing golf today I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake.”

Henny Youngman

There are only three Starbuck’s Reserve Roastery locations in the United States.

I hate to admit it, but these cannoli are better than the ones I had at 5-star restaurants in Chicago, or old skool Italian deli/bakeries.

Their medium-sized cannolo is dense with firmer ricotta cheese, a mostly crunchy shell (not as good as D’Amato’s), light sweetness, and orange rind and semi-sweet chocolate chips stuffed into each end. It would benefit from more chocolate chips, and a touch of sour tang on the tongue, but otherwise it is on point.

This cold brew coffee is wonderful with light sweetness via a touch of vanilla syrup, and a pronounced oaked bourbon nose, and the same flavor in the mouth.

I have bourbon whiskey infused coffee beans (Don Pablo) at home, and I created a cold brew coffee in my Takeya cold brew coffee maker. It tasted different than this, but similarly it had an oaky bourbon sniff, and taste. I added some whole milk, and a few splashes of organic 365 brand Canadian dark maple syrup to complete the tasty java beverage.

This floor features coffee beverages, pastries, and cool coffee related fancy gifts. The 3rd floor features the artistry of coffee where they dig deep in creating coffee drinks, and there is a bakery as well.

This floor features a cocktail bar with specialized coffee cocktails.

The rooftop deck is small, but it has partial city views.

The view from above inside the roastery makes sense in this architecturally rich city. Bella is more of a fan of Starbuck’s than I, but there are numerous drinks I enjoy there, but this offering is special, and we could see spending several hours here in comfortable chairs.

NOTE: I strongly recommend you visit on a week day on off hours (ex. later morning, mid-day etc.).

We are excited to dine at The Goat and the Girl restaurant knowing that Iron Chef winner Stephanie Izard is a co-owner and executive chef here. My wife’s local musician friend (travels the world) is very dialed in on cuisine, and beverage, and gave us all of our restaurant picks on this trip. As a result, we are dining slightly more upscale than we usually might. It is very loud inside, so do not plan on having intimate dinner conversation here with your party unless you are “hand-holding close” in proximity or better.

Rustic but hip.

They have aesthetically pleasing to the eye modern seating off of the bar. You do have to hunch over which resembles eating on the sofa at home, but obviously with award winning exciting cuisine in a trendy setting. We opt for this seating versus waiting longer for a standard table. Again, you will want to make reservations weeks in advance if possible.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”

Harriet Van Horne

Per the menu, woodfire sprouted caulilini pickled peppers, pine nuts, parmesan, and garlic crunch.

For some it will seem bizarre to get “fired up” (pun intended) over a bowl of veggies, but the vegetable dishes here are loaded with flavor, contrasting texture, and are cooked to perfection with well thought out ingredients.

Per the menu, sautéed green beans, fish sauce vinaigrette, and cashews. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

A very nicely prepared piece of halibut makes for pleasing healthy eating.

Per the menu, wood oven roasted pig face, sunny side egg, tamarind, cilantro, red wine-maple, and potato stix.

After eating one of these Bella and I are about to eat two more pig’s faces off — we love it that much. Crispy potato sticks, gooey egg, creamy sauce, tangy sweet sauce. It was a flavor texture bomb of a dish with mega contrast in texture, and flavor from bite to bite. But then we remember there is a dessert menu.

“People who love to eat are always the best people.”

Julia Child

Per the menu, cheesy butter cake, strawberry sumac jam, popcorn ice cream, and caramel corn.

Bella nearly tears this up on her own, but I utilize my “long arms of the law” to sneak in a few bites. This salty sweet push-pull contest is won by neither, but it wins “Best in Show” on our dessert table. It is visually stunning as well as being utterly fantastic. Neither dessert are too sweet, and we have recently seen these salty-sweet desserts at innovative restaurants which equate to a wild, and fantastic ride that you will not soon forget.

“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.”

Alan D. Wolfelt

The brown butter blondie is backed up by toasted sesame ice cream with brittle. Another salty sweet exploration with a really good blondie lying under a lot of delicious shrapnel. The cherry factor is the right companion with the other perfectly combined elements.

“Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.”

Ernestine Ulmer

I had to take a few images of the downtown Chicago “Nordy” for my AP colleagues back in Cali.

A very nice photo in spite of the eye sore font on the building on the right (ironically).

We sniff in for a bourbon espresso coffee ice cream which features coffee flavor that is more like coffee, but lacks espresso boldness which is a bummer. It is easy to find coffee ice cream, but finding true espresso ice cream is more of a challenge. It is medium sweet with nice bourbon flavor on the finish.

The salted caramel ice cream is medium sweet, creamy, milky with adequate caramel flavor. I am given a free sample chocolate as well, and it is pretty nice. I would say the quality level is similar to See’s Candies.

Unfortunately, it begins raining while we wait in line to board, but the staff are great and allow us to board early.

Regrettably the rain impacts my ability to obtain quality images. Such is life.

The docent is exceptional and very knowledgeable giving us details on the Chicago Tribune and various architectural styles (Art Deco, Mission Craftsman, modern etc.). Although, it is not always easy to hear.

The boat is a standard older short-term cruise boat. We have done similar boat tours in Tahoe and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. These have nice restrooms, a bar and indoor and outdoor space with seating. I get some shots from underneath the overhang outside when the rain lightens up.

This could be calling for our next visit to the city.

This should be the other side of the Chicago Tribune building which is across the street from our lunch destination. This building with its Art Deco design, and gothic flair speaks to me, and instantly made me think of my buddy Paulie.

We are too busy searching for our restaurant to notice if this is the Chicago Tribune building.

Mushroom medley with truffle sauce. The creamy appealing sauce is delectable to the point you might wish it were a soup. There is nice truffle flavor without being offensive, rough or intrusive (some truffle dishes do not work for this reason). There is some tangy flavor to add diversity on the palate.

Octopus with salsa verde sauce. This creamy, smooth and herb rich (not tomato) sauce is a great rendition. It has a pleasant grassy herb heavy quality. The octopus does not taste grilled, or the pungent sauce overpowered a lightly grilled Cephalopoda. The texture is not chewy nor firm and snappy, but rather in between the two.

Pork belly with a thinner but flavorful lightly sweet BBQ sort of sauce. It has good fatty pork belly with some firmer char texture on the exterior. There is good contrast in composition from the exterior to the inner portions for variation.

Their Ricotta pie is not fluffy, or dense, but is closer to the fluffy side with light sweetness, cookie cannoli shell wafers on top to add differing texture. The passion fruit sauce is not traditional, but adds an interesting touch of tang (sour/sweet) which works for me since I like a orange citrus traditional cannolo with orange rind, or candied orange peel.

Thank goodness I ordered this as I briefly contemplated “being good” and vetoing ordering dessert. I would have been kicking my own ass for days for missing this opportunity. Bear in mind, I have created about a half a dozen cannoli pie recipes over the years.

“The main facts in human life are five: birth, FOOD, sleep, love, and death.”

E.M. Forster

We are able to pick up some cheesecake at O’Hare Airport, just like we did back in 2005. In a nutshell, “Chicago style” cheesecake uses cream cheese like New York cheesecake, but it is creamier, softer and Eli’s features a shortbread cookie crumb crust instead of the graham cracker crust typically used in New York cheesecake. Bella and I love ricotta cheesecake, and similarly, this cheesecake speaks to us more than New York cheesecake.

Cherry cheesecake has layered cherry blended in from the front tip to the back end. It has a shortbread cookie crust, a dense, smooth and creamy texture, with medium sweetness or a bit more. The continual tasty cherry flavor throughout each bite is quite pleasing.

Eli’s caramel cheesecake has chopped walnuts embedded into the the firm caramel layer on top. It is smooth, dense, and firm, but very creamy. For caramel, it is not crazy sweet which is surprising.

My favorite of the three slices of cheesecake is the plain cheesecake because it is the least sweet and I can drizzle a small amount of my 365 Organic Canadian Dark Maple Syrup on top of it. Yum!

The plain cheesecake has Madagascar vanilla bourbon used inside per their site. The cream cheese is smooth, creamy, dense, and delicious. There is clear light sweetness with a lean towards medium sweet with the vanilla taste prevailing. Even after I drizzle the maple syrup on part of it to add some delicious maple flavor it is still not too sweet considering maple syrup was added. Yes, sometimes “plain Jane”, or a slightly dressed up Jane is the best. Bella seconded my vote on this being the winner.

Well, it is time that I close out this food and travel voyage. And in the spirit of Uncle Pete, and looking up to Uncle Pete, I will borrow his standard greeting and say “Heeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyy” until we meet again my beloved uncle. And I will leave him with a couple of quotes for the next time we meet, and “chin-chin” is heard as we touch wine glasses, and toast being together again.

“I will drink milk when cows eat grapes.”

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.”

Mark Twain

I will close with this song for Uncle Pete…

THE END…