Chicago Holidays: Day #3: DDD

3 Target runs.. and still unsuccessful in finding those boots!


Continuing with our Chicago tradition, we touring the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. This time it's Vito and Nick's Pizzeria.

Located in a predominated black neighborhood, this restaurant was 99% dominated by Italians... we walked in as the 1% Asians.




Pizza does not look like much. Super thin... a little greasy, but, man ... was it SO GOOD! It may look like you can finish the entire pie yourself, but it was really filling.

Signature Guy poster in the back

Triple D in Chicago: Nana Organics

The revisit! Nana Organics. Apparently, the breakfast menu is the one to try. Next time.

Anthony's/Lina's Guy's special... Po Boy sandwich:
"Grilled laughing bird shrimp and fried oyster po' boy: cajun mayo, giardiniera, arugula, duck fat-roasted potatoes"

YUMM!

Tonee's Pork Shoulder:
"Wood-smoked pork shoulder: Poblano-chedder grits, bacon-braised greens, peach marmalade, natural jus"

SO SO GOOD! YUMMM!!!

Sephie's Chicken Fingers:
Great deal @ $5!

Happy Birthday, Ant!

Triple D in Chicago: Smoque BBQ

When it comes to BBQ Ribs, I hold Barnelli Ribs as my gold standard. It's cheap, fast, tender meat that falls off the bone, with great BBQ sauce. After a visit to Smoque, I think I've found an equal! YUM!!!



We ordered 1 full slab of Baby Back ribs, 1 full slab of St. Louis ribs, and one Pulled Pork sandwich. Each comes with 2 sides. (we got fries, mac and cheese, peach cobbler, coleslaws) ALL YUMM!!!

Triple D in Chicago: White Palace

Round 3 of our food network run. Actually it's Round 3, 4, and 5... because our first 2 attempts at DDD failed.

First one we hit was HonkeyTonk BBQ in the depths of a Mexican neighborhood. (Go figure that one yourself). The menu seemed good, too bad they were closed for unknown reasons. From the outside, it was a hole in the wall.



Second one was Nala Organic. This one was in Bridgeport.. an Italian district. Upon arrival, a small crowd was waiting outside. Good sign of good eats. But. the 45 minute wait was a turnoff as we had plans. Too bad.. things look pretty good in there. (We might try this one again at another date)



Third attempt of the day is White Palace. The place was crowded again! But. the wait was tolerable. The decor was definitely "diner"





Side of soup and salad. Salad was as plain as you can get. Meh.

Chicken Fingers: Very tender. With a good BBQ sauce.

Greek Chicken. Cooked tenderly. Good rice.

Kris' Denver Omlette. "It's good"


Overall.. White Palace is a good place to eat. Not sure if I would recommend this place on any other day other than Saturday. Where the signature dishes that Guy had tasted on the show was featured are available. Short Ribs and another Chicken dish.

There's that 'Guy' again...

Triple D in Chicago: Panozzo's

Round 2 of the Triple D adventure. Panozzo's on Michigan Avenue. It's a small upscale Italian market/deli with a wide selection of meats and cheeses.


Kris' sandwich. It's good. No roaches.

A salad with rolled oats and veggies/fruit.


The lasagna that made this place famous. It's got all the right texture you'd expect from a lasagna. The beef and pork are super YUM! And there's something about the cheese and binds it all together so nicely. One of the best lasagnas I've ever tasted. Just wished I had more.. Sephie ate my portion.

Lillian's something-something wrapped in something. It was REALLY good. Wish I remember what was it called or what was in it. I really need to order this next time. YUMM!


The 'ol signature:

Triple D in Chicago: Taste of Peru

After watching many episodes of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (aka Triple D), we set out to taste test some of the fine diners during our Chicago trip. This one definitely didn't disappoint.


Peruvian Tamales: Soft and mushy. Not a texture that would inspire anything great let alone good. I have no idea what Aji is. But.. it tastes great still! YUM!



Papa Rellena: I love mashed potatoe.. but, deep fried?!? You kidding me? Then you stuff it with all sorts of good ingredients too?!?! Wow...YUMM!!



Estofado de Carne o Pollo: Best stew ever! HUGE chunks of tenderly cooked beef. Potatoes with something I would usually dislike as an ingredient in anything.. olives.. but... still...YUMMM!!!



The "Guy" that brought us here!