Breaking Bread

Documenting different types of food. From fast food to fancy food

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Wrigley BBQ

I don’t have a lot of barbecue food. I have only had barbecue related food at family barbecues; the food is limited to burgers and hot dogs, so I can hardly really call that “BBQ” food. Since I have very little to compare the food to, I can’t say I’m going to be an expert at it since I’m sure there are people out there that have had a lot of barbecue food. I will also say that I was starving when Justin and I went here and everyone knows that any food tastes amazing when you’re hungry. A lot of the time, Justin and I decide to do something different and just kind of wander aimlessly and stop to eat somewhere that just looks good to us. This never works. We end up wandering for at least 30 minutes and we just give up. Luckily, we found a place we wanted to try called Wrigley BBQ.

Wrigley BBQ is a few blocks away from the Wrigley Field. The restaurant itself is nothing special, but upon looking at the menu, my mouth started watering (a mix of how good the food sounded, the smell of barbecue, and how hungry I was). 

The menu consists of platters of barbecue, your choice between: brisket, smoked turkey breast, pulled pork, smoked pulled chicken, rib tips, or baby back ribs. They also serve burgers, and sandwiches with those various meat options. I got the pulled pork sandwich which comes with pickles on the side and cole slaw. I also got a side of baked smoked beans.

This was AMAZING. The cole slaw was great, the way cole slaw usually is for me, the pickles were clearly fresh and homemade (you can even tell in the picture). Justin usually hates pickles, but he actually loved them. Don’t even get me started on the pulled pork sandwich.

I have never had such a great pulled pork sandwich and the grill marks on the bread made it so much better. The pulled pork was juicy, and flavored to perfection. I thought it couldn’t get better. I was wrong.

Yes. These are various sauces that are available to try: Memphis Sweet, Wrigley Fire, Carolina Vinegar, and Texas Habanero. I couldn’t even decide on one to put the whole time so I kept alternating between all of them. I did particularly like Carolina Vinegar.

I want to go back right now. Overall, this was such a good choice, I will definitely go back and I recommend it to anyone who is a meat lover, or likes barbecue in general.

Wrigley BBQ 3555 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60657 Phone: [phone]BBQ (1227)

-Stacey

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Green Chile in Chicago

I’m skeptical about eating green chile anywhere except New Mexico, so I was very surprised when I actually found a place that advertised that they were a New Mexico based restaurant and spelled chile the proper way and not like Texas chili. It was ACTUALLY green chile and it pains me to admit, that I would choose Devil Dawgs green chile cheeseburger over some cheeseburgers in New Mexico.

There are only two locations in Chicago and both are very small. Justin and I went to the larger location of the two, where we could actually sit in-doors. Devil Dawgs is right in the middle of the city on State street. A very busy, very popular street in Chicago with many other eating options. I am happy that we chose to come here, I’d rather have this authentic green chile cheeseburger over everything else around the restaurant any day.

This is basically the entire restaurant. The walls are full of reviews of the restaurant, praising various items on their menu. 

Based on the name of the restaurant, you would wonder why anyone would get anything except for a hot dog. I haven’t tried any of the hot dogs, but the first one I will try will be the Hot Green Chile Cheddar Dog. I have been here at least 4 times and not once have I been disappointed. The cheeseburgers are fairly small, so I recommend getting at least two and getting the double rather than the single patty. My mouth is watering just thinking about these burgers. Here is Devil Dawgs Kick Ass Burger (yes, the real name) and it is definitely kick ass.

The menu description of the green chile is “Grown out of the Devil’s garden green chiles.” Its messy and delicious. You can tell just how juicy the cheeseburger is. Being from New Mexico and living in Chicago makes me appreciate the green chile so much more. It’s not easy to find authentic green chile, prepared the right way. This burger has green chile, grilled onions, ketchup, mayo and cheese.  Just to put the size into perspective:

For someone with a big appetite, I’d recommend three. The french fries are no ordinary french fries, at least not to me. They also have french fries with cheese and green chile, why I haven’t tried these, I have no idea. I WILL be having them next. The french fries I had are the regular hand cut fries. Imagine the best part of any fry. The crunchy, usually small, fried-for-a-little-too-long fry. That is ALL the french fries here at Devil Dawgs.

There is the perfect amount of salt, and a perfect side too an awesome green chile cheeseburger.

Overall, Devil Dawgs is one of my favorite places to eat in Chicago, it’s a delicious reminder of home.

Devil Dawgs 312-583-9100 767 S. State St.Chicago, IL 60605

-Stacey

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Reeeeeeed Robin! Yuuuuummmmm!

I had a $25.00 gift card that I won at work. I haven’t been here in a few years, so I thought we give it a shot.

It was dead when we got there, so perfect! We were seated immediately. Great! Then we waited, and waited, aaaaaand waited. Why did we wait 15 minuets for someone to acknowledge us and take our drink orders when the place was dead? Saw some higher up (different colored shirts gave it away) talking and laughing while we stood by and waited. So finally she came around. By then we ordered everything in one go. Drinks, appetizer and entree.

I ordered the Nacho Crunch Tavern Double. The burger comes with onions, tomatoes, pepper jack cheese, crunchy tortilla chips and a cheddar cheese made with lime, chile and cool ranch, creamy ranch. I also ordered some sweet potato fries instead of regular fries.

My wife ordered The Prime Rib Dip. The sandwich consists of tender sliced prime rib with caramelized onions, horseradish sauce, provolone, and au jus. served with coleslaw and steak fries.

The food didn’t take long to come out, when it did, I didn’t get my sweet potato fries. I didn’t make a fuss about it, so I let it go. The burger was awesome! Loved it. The crunchy tortilla strips made it awesome as well. It was well made and had great flavor! Loved it!

My wife thought it was okay. She liked the bread because it was very crispy and didn’t get soggy with the au jus. She didn’t think it had much flavor and thought it to be very bland.

We would come again. The food was good. I didn’t noticed that I was charged for sweet potato fries that I didn’t get until I left with the receipt and was at home writing this. 10009 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

- Eric

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Bubbas 33 Pizza, Burgers and Beer

We decided to try another new restaurant in town. As the name suggest, this one promises pizza, burgers and beer. The wait time was a little big long, but it’s expected from an up and coming restaurant on a weekend night.

I was pretty entertained with a local basketball game so I didn’t really get to choose what I wanted from the menu. Which I didn’t mind since I like trying new things. I left it up to my wife to choose for me. The room is full of TVs with sports game on 90% of them the other 10% have music videos going.

We first started with fried pickles. You get a choice of sauce. Ranch or bubba sauce. Never tried bubba sauce before. So we got both. The bubba sauce is a tangy sweet bbq sauce. To be honest, I didn’t like it. Although my mother in law did. So obviously a taste preference here.

My wife and I ordered their Hawaiian pizza. It came with Canadian bacon, Bubbas smoked bacon and of course pineapple. The pizza had a great garlic smell to it when it came out. I was disappointed that it didn’t taste as great as it smelled. It was bland. No flavor. I had to order a side of ranch to make it up for the lack of taste m. The pineapple had no flavor. Although the Bubba bacon was good.

My father in law had a burger and said it was great. Next time I visit I will try the burger instead.

http://www.bubbas33.com/

4861 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

- Eric

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Mexican food! What can I say? It’s hard to get it wrong. I love Mexican food. So when I start hearing about a certain place from many people it immediately catches my attention. Heard the same thing from my parents and in laws. I finally decided to give it a shot.

Lindo Mexico Grill & Seafood is great authentic Mexican food. First you get a bowl of chips, salsa and queso. The salsa was really spicy. It’s one of those things that you just can’t stop eating though! The queso was full of favor. Although, my wife didn’t enjoy the queso.

My wife and I had the same thing, The Plato Mexicano. It comes with a red chile cheese enchilada, chile relleno, faluta (beef taquito), beans and rice.

The Enchilada was great, what made it really good is the cheese. The red chile wasn’t spicy but it was full of flavor. Chile rellonos are a very well know New Mexican food. They use chiles from Hatch New Mexico and stuff them with cheese. They are then dipped in batter and fried to give it a crunchy or soft outside texture. Really well made and really good as well. The flauta was good as well. The beans and rice reminded me of my moms home cooking which is why I enjoyed it so much.

I really enjoyed this place. Everyone speaks Spanish (and English of course) so ordering in Spanish was nice. Don’t really get to that much anymore. The atmosphere is very family oriented. The Mexican music brings me back to my childhood days as well. I will definitely be coming back several more times.

7209 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 [phone]

http://www.lindomexicogrill.com/menu/menu.html

- Eric

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Taste of Peru

The last thing I wanted to do today was go outside. If there is anything Chicago is known for is the cold temperatures in the winter and I did not want to get out of bed. However, the thought of Peruvian food was enough to get me out of bed, into the snow and freezing temperatures. Before coming to Chicago, I had never tried Peruvian food. I couldn't even tell you exactly what Peruvian food consisted of, but there's a little place that my boyfriend and I found that has us hooked. We've been there at least 6-8 times since we moved here back in June 2014.

The Taste of Peru is located on Clark in Rogers Park and lucky for us, it is a 10 minute walk from our apartment. If it was summer, we would welcome the chance to take a stroll, but at this time of the year, we are trying to quicken our pace, slipping on snow and ice and trying not to face-plant it onto the concrete. 

Taste of Peru is a very small location. My complaint is really only about the small space. On the weekends, it is incredibly packed with barely any room to move between tables. 

The walls are decorated with pictures of Cesar Izquierdas' (owner) family and times growing up in Peru. I'm not kidding when I say that at least half the people in the restaurant talked with Cesar like if he was family. You could immediately tell that the people there are regulars and that many may come back not only for the food, but for the very friendly staff. 

Taste of Peru is BYOB and will provide you with glasses if you choose to bring wine or beer. Unlike New Mexico, the DWI rate here is very low due to the great public transportation. Most restaurants in Chicago are BYOB. 

Taste of Peru was also featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. My boyfriend and I have a goal to try and visit as many places in Chicago that have been featured on DDD. Let's just say, this is definitely one of our absolute favorite places in Chicago.

Upon sitting, you receive bread and a sort of spicy guacamole-looking substance. It is NOT guacamole. You have been warned. I'm glad that I decided to taste it before I took a huge scoop of it, because it is VERY spicy. Delicious, but spicy.

We also got a Peruvian soda called Inca Cola. It has a gold color and the taste reminds me of cream soda, just ten times better. It is sweet, a bit fruity (but not too much), and a little lemony. 

My boyfriend and I ordered the same thing -- Pollo al Vino. It is basically the BEST, super juicy white meat chicken in a stew made with red wine, peas, raisins, tomatoes, onions, and olives. The best part for me is that it's served over rice and a potato. The red wine broth is amazing! It's almost dripping off the edge of the plate, but sometimes I still want more.

If anyone is looking for a Peruvian restaurant in Chicago, this is the place to go.

Taste of Peru 6545 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626 [phone] 

-Stacey

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This is a great sandwich

This sandwich comes from Al’s Big Dipper downtown. This turkey sandwich dubbed Al’s Going Green includes greens chile and cheese simple yet so tasty. The location has a variety of other sandwiches, obviously because this one has green chile, was a no brainer.

501 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 

- Eric

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Turkey Caprese

fresh roasted turkey, pesto-marinated mozzerella, red bell peppers, fresh basil and balsamic reduction on ciabatta.

Mucho Grande Iced Chai

Location: Satellite Coffee on Alameda (ABQ)

I was surprised at how good this was. I can honestly say this was a lot better than I had expected. Although it WAS good, it doesn’t compare to the sandwiches from Jason’s Deli!

10700 Corrales Road Albuquerque, NM 87114

Stacey

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My Fiance (now wife) and I went to a food tasting for our wedding at the Hyatt hotels restaurant, Forque. At this location in downtown Albuquerque we had the privilege to try some very great food… we started with some drinks. Water and a cherry Pepsi. 1st we got a Chipotle Southwest salad. The salad dressing was a mix of greek dressing with a Chipolte dressing, it had just the right amount of spice.

Next up was the burgers. The bun made the burger enjoyable as well. The burgers are well done and as the photos show there was LOTS of condiments available for the burger. We also had a choice between regular fries or sweet potato fries…. both VERY awesome.

Overall this is meal that everyone will have for our dinner will be enjoyed.

Forque Kitchen and Bar

330 Tijeras Avenue Northwest Albuquerque, NM 87102 [phone]

- Eric

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Starting from top left:

Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks and served with cool, crisp lettuce cups.

Mouthwatering. That is all.

Sweet and Sour Pork: Tender pork loin stir-fried with pineapple, bell peppers, onions and candied ginger.

Well, I don’t like pork all the much, and I don’t like pineapples..or onions for that matter, so lets just say this was NOT my favorite…

Fried Rice!!!!!!!!!

Chang’s Spicy Chicken: Tender, diced chicken breast lightly dusted and stir-fried with a tangy sauce of sweet and spice.

SO GOOD. I definitely do recommend this. It was great :)  

Location: P.F. Chang’s - (ABQ) - 4440 The 25 Way NE, Albuquerque, NM [phone]

-Stacey

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The Blue Grasshopper is a brand new location in Rio Rancho. You can tell it's new since after we finished eating everyone seemed a bit confused on how much we owed. If I wouldn't have stood up to actually find someone to pay, I may as well have waited all night. That being said. The wood oven pizza was awesome! We tried to different personal size pizza and shared them. 

First the Margherita pizza. Tomato sauce, garlic, fresh basil, mozzarella, parmigianino, reggiano cheese. Basically a vegetarian pizza. While I personally like eating meat with my pizza, I was very surprised about how great this pizza was.

The next one is the Area 51 pizza. Pepperoni, chicken, mushrooms, black olives, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and of course hatch green chile. Another great pizza! The flavor and combinations of ingredients make this pizza great. 

I don't drink but my wife also tried a sampler of the local beers that they had. For a low price you actually get to have a good size of beer. 

The other odd thing about this place, the owner actually found me and my wife on Facebook. How? The only thing I can think about is my debit card. The owner has to be careful about this. I accepted his request. His wall is full of political opinions that may offend others. My wife refused his request and requested her several more times. Then I was also followed on vine. Weird.

4500 Arrowhead Ridge Drive Southeast, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

- Eric

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Doritos Locos Tacos… what can I say… when I heard you were officially released I just had to try you.

The Doritos flavor is toned down enough to not overwhelm the taco-ness. It did briefly me remind me of Doritos chips when I noticed the orange residue/dust on my fingers. It’s an awesome concept. But when you grow up with Doritos as a main course during Thanksgiving meals as you were growing up, it’s really not something you want to keep eating. I still prefer the Volcano Tacos over these. The Locos Tacos would be awesome if some Volcano Sauce was to be added. I’m wondering  if this will leave an opening to other flavor shells such the Salsa verde Doritos and Spicy Nacho Doritos. Only time will tell :D

Taco Bell Doritos Locos Taco • Price: $1.30 • Shell: Custom Doritos Chip • Fillings: Shredded cheese, some lettuce, a lot of sour cream, beef (?), possibly other chemical compounds.

241 US-550, Bernalillo, NM 87004

- Eric