DENVER

The Buckhorn Exchange

Denver’s original steakhouse, The Buckhorn Exchange is located in the city’s oldest neighborhood, just 5-minutes from downtown Denver -- with a light-rail stop right across the street. This National Historic Landmark and Western Museum has been serving the finest in Old West fare since 1893.

Prime grade beef steaks, buffalo prime rib, elk, salmon, quail, game hen, and baby-back pork ribs are just some of the marvelous offerings on the Buckhorn menu. Exotic appetizers such as alligator tail, rattlesnake and buffalo sausage are available as well as Rocky Mountain Oysters.

The Buckhorn Exchange / 1000 Osage St / Denver, CO 80204 / 303.534.9505 / www.buckhorn.com

Washington, D.C.

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

Dukem (pronounced DUK-em) named after a small city south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. The name "Dukem" brings nostalgic memories of the best 'Tire Siga' ( fresh red meat ) -a delicacy; it also brings up memories of leisure weekend travel as most families, friends that travel to the resort areas of Nazareth, Sodere, Langano and Awasa stop by Dukem on the way back to Addis Ababa.

It is with this tradition of Dukem city that Dukem Restaurant is founded in Washington DC. For most Ethiopians when they are at Dukem Restaurant they feel like they are back in Ethiopia as they meet and see old friends, catch up on family and friends separated by the Career focused busy American way of life. It's this reason why most out of towners stop by Dukem first as they arrive to DC and why they make Dukem their last stop on their departure from the city.


Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant / 1114 - 1118 U Street (12th Street NW) / Washington D.C. 20009 / 202-667-8735 / www.dukemrestaurant.com

Hours of Operation
We serve all 365 days:
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 2am
Friday - Saturday 11am - 3am
(Kitchen closes 1hr before closing time)
Carry Out: 9am - Midnight




Ben's Chili Bowl

Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has become a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C. Located at 1213 U Street, N.W., Ben's sits next to the historic Lincoln Theatre on one side, and a new Ben's owned restaurant & bar called Next Door on the other.
Known locally and nationally for their famous chili half-smokes, chili dogs, milkshakes, and rich history. Locals, politicians, celebrities and tourists all flock to Ben's for the great food, service and family atmosphere.










The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl (since 1958) / 1213 U Street, NW / Washington, D.C.20009 / 202-667-0909 / www.benschilibowl.com

Flagstaff, Arizona

Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery

Great food (watch video below for details) and a great coffee bar as well as 12-time "Best of Flagstaff" award winner, including...
BEST BREAKFAST & LUNCH 2008

I think i tried everything you see in this video:


Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery / 1500 E Cedar Ave. / Flagstaff, AZ 86004 / 928.779.2187 / www.brandysrestaurant.com / link to menu



Macy's European Coffee House

Skip Starbuck's when in Flagstaff and head immediately to Macy's instead. Opened by native Californian Tim Macy in downtown Flagstaff in 1980, Macy’s was the first commercial coffee roaster in Arizona. On any given visit you’ll find a random mix of students, professionals, tourists, skiers and rafters enjoying good food and great coffee.

Currently fourty people comprise the Macy’s team. Their Bakers use the finest, freshest ingredients they can find and take great pride in creating classic baked goods like pies, tarts, layer cakes, cheese cakes, brownies and cookies (with an all-vegetarian menu featuring an assortment of wheat-free, dairy-free and vegan options).


Macy's European Coffee House / 14 S Beaver St. / Flagstaff, AZ 86001 / 928.774.2243 / www.macyscoffee.net



Navajo Tacos @ Cameron Trading Post

Cameron Trading Post / 466 HWY 89 / Cameron, AZ 86020 / 877-608-3491 / www.camerontradingpost.com


Flagstaff was Featured in Esquire's
Great Places to Discover on a Last-Minute Summer Road Trip

Flagstaff, Arizona
Nearest highway: I-17
You're bringing: Friends
Suggested length of stay: Three days

There is a reason my parents wouldn't let me go to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff: They would've had to peel me off the hundred-year-old bar floors of Monte Vista or Charley's, former Wild West saloons created back when men knew how to fight and fuck and kill people and look for gold. Or they would have found me using the city as a base camp for plundering the surrounding country; in Sedona, sitting with the mystics in the Red Rocks, or at the Grand Canyon, watching that massive hole in the ground, or heading toward southern Utah along Route 89, where the road curves and wedges between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. It's maybe forty miles of zigzags, but with the red and pink canyons and arches and mesas goading you at every corner. It's the last great road in America. Then it's back to Charley's. —TYLER CABOT

NEW YORK - May 2009

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey opened in New York in January 2000 and is located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Entrance is by referral and appointment only. Many New Yorkers assume that M&H is an urban myth but access is easy for London members seven nights a week until 4am. The place itself is owner Sasha's personal retaliation against celebrity-obsessed nightlife. One of the bar's rules prohibits "name-dropping and starfucking"; only mellow, non-famous folk receive the unlisted address; and all must call ahead to be buzzed in through the surveillance system-equipped door. The space encompasses a candlelit lounge, a four-seat bar and a few reservation-only booths. Sasha himself meticulously prepares each expensive cocktail, with blood oranges for screwdrivers and fresh mint for mojitos. Drinks often arrive with complimentary warm nuts or honey-drizzled sliced fruit. The intended effect is achieved—even a nice nobody can feel like royalty. That is, if you can get on the guest list.

Extra
Despite the fact that everybody's in the same club, groups at Milk and Honey don't tend to mingle. And don't even think of scoring phone numbers: Sasha has ordained that, "Gentleman will not introduce themselves to ladies."


From citysearch - http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11351686/

* Once buzzed through the unmarked door of this "tailor shop," the lucky few enter a sanctum of hushed reverence. The dimly lit space, which feels trapped in time, has several deep, cozy banquettes and a small bar. A single waiter gently whisks drinks on a candle-lit platter to and from the bar. The only sounds are the murmur of voices and the shaking of cocktails. It's not about being famous, and patrons range wildly in age, dress and social status. The drinks, guided by owner and cocktail celebrity Sasha Petraske's impeccable taste, are renowned for their inventiveness and nuance. There's no drink list; guests can ask for a specific concoction or make general requests about flavors and liquors and wait for the creative returns.

Milk & Honey / 134 Eldridge St. / New York, NY 10002 / 212.625.3397 / http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/newyork.php




Lupa Osteria Romana




Review
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lupa-osteria-romana/

Lupa Osteria Romana / 170 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 / 212-982-5089 / http://www.luparestaurant.com/


Bread

A stylish, pint-size panini parlor in SoHo that serves more than just paninis. Neighboring Balthazar supplies the ciabatta rolls and baguettes—the crusty building blocks for a dozen or so terrific, beautifully presented Italian sandwiches. Sandwich standouts include: Sicilian sardines with tomato and "Thai-pepper mayonnaise" on a baguette with a hot and crispy crust but a soft, moist crumb; aged Genoa salami with nutty Taleggio and a swipe of olive tapenade on ciabatta; and rich Italian tuna with lemon dressing on ciabatta.

At night, candles glow against this restaurant's silvery interior. A metallic bar and burnished open kitchen contrast the white-washed brick walls hung with local art, and ethereal indie music enhances the intimate mood. Though the name refers to goods procured from renowned bakery Balthazar down the block, Bread makes a name for itself with fresh and honest Italian fare. The bread stands out in signature sandwiches, but even loaf-less dishes exceed expectations. Don't overlook the ever-popular, marinara-rich tomato soup, thickened with seasonings and Parmesan cheese.


Bread / 20 Spring St. / New York, NY 10012 / 212.334.1015

BOSTON

The third stop on The GRAMMY Concert Tour, Boston...


Trattoria Il Panino

Voted the best pasta in Bosoton by Cosmopolitan Magazine and said to be the city's first original Trattoria, Trattoria Il Panino is as much an experience as it is a truly great place to eat. Located in the heart of Boston's North End (Boston's Little Italy) you feel like you've just stepped off the streets of Italy and into a neighborhood cafe.

Trattoria Il Panino / 11 Parmenter Street / Boston, MA 02113 / 617-720-1336 / www.TrattoriaIlPanino.com



Modern Pastry


The award winning Modern Pastry is located on Hannover Street in the heart of Boston's historic North End and specializes in authentic, old world, Italian confections. The pastries, cakes, pies, cookies and candies, are fresh and handmade with time honored traditions using the finest ingredients. When we went it was all about the Cannolis. Available in a plain or chocolate dipped shell and filled with your choice of vanilla custard, chocolate creme or the only one that really matters, Ricotta. Some of the best I've ever tasted.


Modern Pastry / 257 Hanover Street / Boston, MA 02113 / 617-523-3783 / www.modernpastry.com

SAN FRANCISCO

My goal again this year is to do a culinarty post from my stops along the GRAMMY Concert Tour like a did last year in Chicago and New York. First stop was LA, so I'm starting with our 2nd stop in SanFran.



Rose's Cafe - local cafe

Rose's is the local cafe at it's best. Quaint, friendly and warm. Great food, great coffee. A great place for breakfast or lunch with friends. My friend Elwood raved about the breakfast pizza, and though it wasn't served during lunch when I arrived, the maitre d' was quick to suggest a work around by ordering the Margherita pizza and adding a few items to make more or less the same thing. It was delicious. My party also shared the Grilled Chicken-Tarragon Sausage, Organic Poached Eggs, Polenta & Spicy Tomato Sauce dish. Another winner.

I want to try their other restaurants - Rose Pistola and Terzo - next time I'm in town

Rose's Cafe / 2298 Union St / San Francisco, CA 94123 / 415.775.2200 / www.rosescafesf.com




Perbacco - Italian

The website will tell you that “Perbacco” is an Italian word to accentuate positive comments. It can also be an expression of pleasure and surprise, as well as a reference to Bacchus, God of Wine and “good times.” A fitting name for a restaurant steeped in the traditions of Italy with a refreshingly modern feel and attitude. Perbacco introduces urban San Francisco to the full range of flavors found in the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria, with a touch of France by way of Provence.

The appetizers were all lovely and the Herb Agnolotti filled with roasted rabbit and truffled sugo d’arrosto was so good I’m considering flying back next weekend for another plate.

Perbacco / 230 California Street / San Francisco, CA 94111 / 415.955.0663 / www.perbaccosf.com





City View Restaurant - Dim Sum

Located in San Francisco's Chinatown, City View serves some of the best Dim Sum I've had in a long time and it's still served table side from push carts unlike many modern Dim Sum restaurants.

City View Restaurant / 662 Commercial St / San Francisco, CA 94111 / 415.398.2838 / www.cityviewrestaurant.reachlocal.com




Bread and Cocoa - coffee shop


For great coffee in the city, skip Starbucks and hit Bread and Cocoa.

Bread and Cocoa / 199 Sutter St (between Kearny St & Lick Pl) / San Francisco, CA 94104 / 415.956.7200 / www.breadandcocoa.com




Mercury Lounge‎





Mercury Lounge‎ / 1582 Folsom St. / San Francisco, CA 94103 /‎ 415.551.1582‎ / www.mercurysf.com




Clift Hotel

From the website:

Hotel Overview
An inspired fusion of old-world hotel elegance with distinctly contemporary energy and glamour, the nearly century-old Clift’s modern and daring sense of diversity perfectly captures the city’s spirit. Steps from Union Square shopping and the legendary Nob Hill, Clift is perfectly located for sightseeing, shopping and socializing. Clift’s classic stone exterior opens onto a glowing purple entryway that prepares guests for the wonderland within. Designed by Philippe Starck, the soaring lobby contains one of the most eclectic furniture collections in all of California, with chairs from Ray and Charles Eames, a coffee table by Salvador Dali, a surreal stool by Renee Marguerite, and a sculpture custom made by William Sawaya. The centerpiece is a thirty-five-foot fireplace with a Bronze chimney sculpture by Gerard Garouste. The thrilling monumental scale and fantastical furnishings create a dream-like composition that is the cornerstone of Clift’s magic.

Redwood Room
A cherished San Francisco landmark, Clift's famous and historic Redwood Room has been restored and reinvented as an elegant and modern San Francisco bar. The interior features the original redwood paneling and enormous bar, which, legend has, was carved from a single redwood tree, as well as Starck-designed lounge furniture and an ever-changing array of digital artwork displayed on plasma television screens hung throughout the room.

Clift / 495 Geary Street / San Francisco, CA 94102 / 415.775.4700 /
www.clifthotel.com

MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL - THE TWIN CITIES

A big Thank You to Ken Abdo
for taking me to all these wonderful places...


Nye's Polonaise Room
Named Esquire's Best Bar in America (read the Esquire article to really get a feel for it), Nye's has occupied the same spot in the Twin Cities since 1950. I read online that if they made a sequel to Fargo, the first scene would be set here, and that truly paints a proper picture of the place. The shiny gold vinyl booths and sing-along piano bar made this place the epitome of cool for the generations of Polish-Americans who populated northeast Minneapolis ("Nordeast" to locals). Thankfully, the old-timers are still hanging around.


Most of the pleasures to be had at Nye's are joyously lowbrow, and Twin Citian's know them well: The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, with Ruth Adams, the band's toothless accordion player (Documentary Short on TWMDPB); Sweet Lou, who has lead the piano bar for over 30 years; the formica tables and glittery plastic booths. Everybody says that stepping into Nye's Polonaise is like stepping back in time, and, for once, it's true.


Nye's Polonaise Room / Northeast Minneapolis / 112 East Hennepin Avenue / Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 / 612.379.2021 / www.nyespolonaise.com / Google Map


Manny's Steakhouse
"Life Is Good At The Top Of The Food Chain"
This award-winning local steak house (one of the Top 10 in the country) got a serious makeover in 2008 and a sister location in Miami, Florida. Now in the beautiful, historic Foshay Tower, Manny's is still thick with all of the meaty, traditional fare and atmosphere that would make The Rat Pack proud: juicy and generous steaks, lobsters and side dishes. But the new Manny's puts a unique twist on the steaks-and-chops joint by sprucing it up with healthier dishes and modern black-and-white décor that's as tantalizing as the marbleized cuts of beef.

Manny’s serves USDA-certified, dry-aged, center-cut beef, hand trimmed by master butchers. The menus reflect the availability of locally sourced ingredients but always offer chops, chicken and live cold-water lobster. Count on stone crab claws and fresh Alaskan King Crab legs when they’re available, along with specialty cuts of steak.

Side dishes and appetizers easily accommodate two or more. Hashbrowns serve up to five people (though the portion I was served seemed double that), and for dessert the whiskey bread pudding, freshly doused with Maker's Mark, fills a 25-ounce goblet. The hot fudge and caramel-covered macadamia nut brownie a la mode will satisfy at least 4 to 6 people.

The wine list: in addition to a 300-bottle regular list, there is also an extensive reserve list with deeper vintages.

Manny’s does not observe a dress code. There’s no charge for plate sharing. Just come as you are – and eat like never before.

Manny's Steakhouse / 825 Marquette Ave S / Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.9900 / www.mannyssteakhouse.com




Murray's Steakhouse
"Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak"
For an authentic Minneapolis dining experience, don't miss Murray's Steak House on 6th Street. It was established in 1946 by Art and Marie Murray. The famous steak house was called the "Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak" by Mr. Maurice Dreicer, world traveler and author of the book "The Diner's Companion." This is where Jimmy Jam eats every time he's in town.


Murray's / 26 S. Sixth St / Downtown Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.0909 / www.murraysrestaurant.com



Emily's Lebanese Deli

Emily herself can often be found working the main room, which is comforting, but the atmosphere and decor are not the reason to visit Emily's Lebanese Deli; diners sit at uncovered to-close-together tables next to out of date oversized refrigerators, but the food itself is reason enough. The Tabouli is some of the best I've ever had and the RAW Kibbe is delicous. First timers can opt to have the Kibbe, a blend of cracked wheat, raw ground beef and spices, baked; but to do so would be a shame because the texture and flavor of the more traditional raw version is something to be savored. This is the kind of food your mom would have made, if your mom was Lebanese and cooked amazing Lebanese food.

Emily's Lebanese Deli / 641 University Ave NE / Minneapolis, MN 55413 / 612.379.4069 / Reviews on Yelp


Cool Hotels in Minneapolis:

Chambers - The Luxury Art Hotel of Minneapolis
901 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
P 612.767.6900
www.chambersminneapolis.com




The Hotel Minneapolis
215 4th Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.thehotelminneapolis.com

CINCINNATI

Aglamesis Bros.

Aglamesis has been making some of the best gourmet chocolates and the best premium ice cream for the last century. Founded in Cincinnati in 1908, the nostalgic ice cream parlor, candy kitchen and ice cream plant are family-owned and operated and they are celebrating their 100th birthday with a special on the History Channel.  I have been visiting the ice cream parlor since i was a kid growing up in Cincinnati and to this day have never tasted better ice cream.

Original location since 1913:
Oakley Square / 3046 Madison Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45209

Montgomery location since childhood:
Montgomery Square / 9899 Montgomery Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 / 513.531.5196 / www.aglamesis.com

Skyline Chili

www.skylinechili.com

Established in 1949 by a Greek immigrant using family recipes handed down from generation to generation, Skyline’s chili is not the thick chunky version that typically comes to mind. The sauce itself is thin with ground beef and family secret seasonings that are rumored to include a pinch of chocolate. The popular 3-way is a plate of spaghetti topped with chili and mounds of finely grated cheddar cheese. The other signature item is the chili cheese Coney, a hot dog on a bun covered with chili, cheese, onions and mustard.

Montgomery Inn - Ribs King
www.montgomeryinn.com

The Original Montgomery Inn
9440 Montgomery Rd.
Montgomery, OH 45242
513.791.3482

Half Day Cafe
This neighborhood restaurant operated by a neighborhood family is open for breakfast and lunch, literally a half day cafe. The coffee and espresso drinks are made from locally-roasted beans and the breakfast is excellent with the mango-butter rum French Toast, sweet potato pancakes, broiled grapefruit with vanilla-ginger sugar and egg strata baked in its own crock as standouts.


Half Day Cafe / 1 Wyoming Ave. / Cincinnati, OH 45215 / 513.821.2323 / www.halfdaycafe.org

Honey

Doug and Shoshannah Hafner dreamed of owning their own restaurant for years. Cooking and dining together, they developed their vision.

Opening in in 2005 in the heart of Northside, Cincinnati's most eclectic community, Honey appeals to a wide variety of tastes and personalities. Having concepts of fine dining with a casual dining feel The Hafners have established a restaurant focused on the highest quality and innovation of cuisine, showcased in a friendly, unpretentious environment.

honey fries: Sweet, Yukon, and Idaho with chili lime honey
braised beef short ribs served over wasabi and ginger mashed Yukon potatoes, seasonal
vegetable, and Amaretti fortified braising jus reduction



Honey / 4034 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 / 513.541.4300 / www.honeynorthside.com

NEW YORK

The Waverly Inn and Garden

Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s semi-private, revamped Waverly Inn is rumored to only take reservations via a special private phone number and/or e-mail address unless you show up on the restaurant’s doorstep in person two days prior to your desired dinner date. Luckily for me, I went with a friend who knows Doug, bartender extrordinare, and in my opinion, assuming he likes you, one of the best reasons to go to The Waverly in the first place (though the ever present paparazzi and star crazed patrons may not all necessarily agree).

We started with Doug’s latest concoction, the Cherry Blossom, a spring-minded martini of muddled cherrys and various other tasty ingredients. He recommended a great red I wish I could remember and by the end of the night let me try the homemade fresh garlic tomato water that was the base of his tomato martini, no longer on the menu but I bet must have been great. We ordered the tuna tartare, some version of which seems to be on everyone's menu the last few years, made of finely mashed tuna and a layer of avacado. I enjoyed it, but still think Magnolia’s version in LA is my favorite. Next we tried the Grilled Veggie and Country salads, the latter topped with a poached egg. Then we ordered the infamous $60 black truffle mac and cheese that was $85 when we were there because truffles were almost out of season. Though I don’t think it justifies the price, it is truly delicious; fresh grated black truffles on creamy Vermont cheddar covered macaroni. Doug insisted on either the apple crumble or bananas Foster for dessert and we obliged and ordered the Foster.

I’m not sure the food is as unbelievable as the hype surrounding this place, but it was quite good. Its one of those places that just feels good when you're there. The décor is dramatic, cozy and inviting and Doug is superb.

The Waverly Inn and Garden / 16 Bank St / New York, NY 10014 / 212.243.7900 / Cross: Between 4th St & Waverly St / Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave

BURGERS - NYC

Shake Shack

This alfresco burger joint sits in the middle of Manhattan’s Madison Square Park (at Madison Avenue and 23rd Street). The urban-retro “shack” rests beneath the park’s canopy of trees recalling 1950s chic to New Yorkers who have made the place so popular the line can sometimes stretch to the park's southeast entrance. I would advise going off peak hours (an hour or two before or after lunch) if you want to minimize your wait.
The Shake Shack burger taste is unique to some of NY’s other favorites (Corner Bistro and Burger Joint, both mentioned below) due to the sirloin-brisket combination used in their patties. And did I mention the Chicago-style dogs and St. Louis-style frozen custards? Simply delicious.

Shake Shack / Madison Square Park / New York, NY 10010 / 212.889.6600 / Cross: Madison Avenue and 23rd Street / Directions: N, R, W at 23rd St; 6 at 23rd St. / http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/




Corner Bistro
If you call yourself a New Yorker, chances are you’ve eaten at this classic tavern in West Greenwich Village at least once. And if you’re really a New Yorker, you'll know that the best time to do that is a weekday afternoon, when Corner Bistro is mellow and charming. Regardless of the time you visit, the real reason everyone goes is the Bistro Burger: an eight-ounce thick slab of juicy grilled beef piled several inches high with melted cheese, bacon and raw onions, served on a paper plate. And at $6.75, it’s not only delicious; it’s one of the cheapest eats you'll find in NYC.

Corner Bistro / 331 W 4th St. / New York, NY 10014 / Cross: Jane Street and 8th Avenue / Directions: A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave / 212.242.9502 / http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/

Burger Joint
Inside the posh Le Parker Meridien, a lone neon burger sign points around a curtained corner to the city's "secret" hole-in-the-wall burger obsession.

Burger Joint / Le Parker Meridien / 118 W 57th St / New York, NY 10019 / 212.245.5000 / www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php

CHICAGO

Carmine's - A Rosebud Restaurant

With heaping portions of mouthwatering Italian cuisine, a decent wine list and live music Monday through Saturday, Carmine's sets quite a stage. Seasonal seating outside on the canopied patio provides great Rush Street/Gold Coast people watching while inside features two levels of seating; conversation-friendly dining upstairs and a clubby, dark bar/dining area downstairs. A rotating menu of seafood, chops, and renowned signature pasta dishes epitomize the Rosebud experience of good food and generous portions that live up to the motto, "...the food is the star."

When I was a guest the service was incredible. General Manager Donny Greco and 2-3 waiters were ever-conscious that all our needs were met. That night the dinner menu featured Beef Brasato - Slow braised beef pot roast simmered with vine tomatoes, basil and red wine tossed with homemade egg noodles (I substituted the house special Square Noodles) and topped with whipped ricotta. A pasta dish unlike anything I'd ever had and so good I'll be back to have it again.

Carmine's / 1043 North Rush Street / Chicago, IL 60611 / 312.988.7676 / http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest2.php

Yolk - Breakfast & Lunch

Whenever I’m in a new city it is my custom to seek out a great breakfast spot. In Chicago, the buzz was all about Yolk, and with good reason. On par with The Griddle in L.A. and Hash House a go go in San Diego, Yolk serves up breakfast with the best of them. With over 40 different egg dishes (not including several build your own options) and almost as many cakes, crepes and French toast selections, the biggest challenge is choosing what to order.

Excited to see a benedict made with corned beef hash (the Irish Benny) I made my choice faster than usual. I should start by saying that everything else I saw and tried looked and tasted delicious, but I was pretty disappointed to find that with a menu full of so many unique, homemade dishes, the corned beef hash was canned. I’ll be sure to try another egg dish on my next visit.

My cousin, his wife and I were about to share the Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Yolk’s large fresh baked iced cinnamon rolls... sliced, dipped in their special batter, and grilled just enough to melt the icing) when our waiter strongly suggested his favorite, Orange Bread French Toast - sweet orange bread, sliced, dipped in the same special batter, grilled and topped with fresh sliced strawberries and drizzled with a homemade orange sauce. I’m not normally drawn to orange flavored baked goods, but this French toast was definitely an exception. So good.

And I would be remiss not to mention the fresh-squeezed strawberry-orange juice with which we started our meal. I would return for another glass of it alone.

Yolk / 1120 S Michigan Avenue / Chicago, IL 60605 (half block N. of Roosevelt Rd. on Michigan Ave.) / 312.789-YOLK (9655) / http://www.yolk-online.com/

Gene & Georgetti Restaurant

I asked my friend to show me the perfect Old Chicago evening, which to me meant dinner at a quintessential Chi-Town steak house followed by drinks and live music at The Green Mill. Gene & Georgetti fit the bill as the quintessential Chicago Steakhouse, and fit it to perfection. From the time you enter the family run Italian steakhouse established in 1941, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Many of the waiters have been working there for decades and no doubt serving some of the same patrons since they started. My friend Neil Tesser knew a guy that had a “guy” (i.e. Tommy) at G&G, so despite the always over booked Saturday night crowd we were seated immediately at a prime table in the nicest of the three private dining rooms that seat 20, 40 and 60, respectively.

I started the meal with a well-made gin martini and the three of us (Neil, his girl and I) shared the Sliced Tomatoes, Onions & Anchovies Salad, which proved to be the perfect appetizer for the steaks to come. I ordered the 8oz Broiled Filet Mignon, bloody rare (is there any other way), accompanied by a fine glass of Pinot Noir while Neil and Jeanie shared the gigantic Broiled T-Bone. Both steaks arrived cooked to perfection with cottage fried potatoes. For dessert we had 2 coffees, a macchiato and one of the best bits of Spumoni Ice Cream I have ever tasted.

The only thing better than the company, steaks and dessert was greasing Tommy for the table on our way out the door.

Gene & Georgetti's Restaurant / 500 N Franklin Street / Chicago, IL 60610/ 312.527.3718/ http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/

The Green Mill Jazz Club

Throughout its uproarious history, The Green Mill Jazz Club has played host to a number of famous - and often infamous - celebrities. Opened in 1907 as Pop Morse's Roadhouse, the "Mill" was a stopping place for mourners to celebrate the passing of a friend before proceeding to St. Boniface's Cemetery. By 1910, new owners had converted the roadhouse into the Green Mill Gardens, complete with lantern-lit outdoor dancing and drinking areas, and boasting such headliners as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker. Actors Wallace Beery and Bronco Billy Anderson also visited the Gardens, hitching their horses to the outdoor post and settling down for a drink after a days work filming westerns at nearby Spoor and Anderson Studios.

As the twenties roared, The Green Mill became mobster territory when Al Capone's henchman, "Machinegun" Jack McGurn, gained a 25% ownership of the club. Manager Danny Cohen had given McGurn the 25% stake to "persuade" comedian/singer Joe E. Lewis from moving his act south to the New Rendezvous Café at Clark and Diversey. McGurn managed to convince Lewis by slitting his throat and cutting off his tongue. Miraculously, Lewis recovered, but his songs never regained their lush sound. The incident was later immortalized in the movie The Joker is Wild, with Frank Sinatra as Joe E. Lewis and a Hollywood soundstage as The Green Mill. Of course, his interest piqued, Sinatra had to visit the club.

Throughout the 1930s, '40s, and 50s, The Green Mill continued to pack 'em in with a heady mix of swing, dance and jazz music. Uptown crowds from the Aragon Ballroom or Uptown and Riviera Theaters would "stop in for one" before or after shows. Business began to slip in the mid-seventies, and in 1986, present owner Dave Jemilo bought The Green Mill and restored it to its prohibition-era, speakeasy décor.

The Green Mill / 4802 N Broadway St / Chicago, IL 60640-3667 / 773.878.5552 / www.greenmilljazz.com