Korean Kalbi Tacos

I'd had some beef ribs in the freezer that I needed to make use of, and decided to go with Korean Kalbi Tacos.  Beef spareribs are so darn cheap.  It's like, I buy them just because.  I've made these tacos before, using short ribs, but beef spareribs are a fraction of the price and pretty much came out the same as short ribs.  If you're feeling fancy and rich, go ahead and use the short ribs.  


I'd had an amazing kalbi sauce at Byerly's in Minneapolis two years ago, and I've gotten pretty good at replicating it at home.  I've used it for stir-fry and grilling, but using it for a taco is a nod to the infamous Roy Choi and his Kogi food truck.  I add chopped cilantro, scallions, and red cabbage (not shown, because I forgot to buy some) and it amounts to something really amazeballs.


Korean Kalbi Tacos:


12 white corn tortillas, warmed
5 lbs. beef spareribs (or 3 lbs. of boneless beef short ribs)
Two cans beef broth

One can Korean beer (or any dark beer)
Two tablespoons kalbi sauce


Kalbi Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon red chili paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Two sprigs of green onion, minced
Chopped cilantro, green onion, red cabbage to garnish


Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Place ribs, broth, and beer into a dutch oven (or deep, oven-proof pot with handles).  Mix ingredients for kalbi sauce, add two tablespoons to the pot, and refrigerate the rest.  Let ribs braise for three hours, until tender and falling off the bone.  Let cool, and remove meat from bones, and discard fat.  Pour out marinade from pot, and add meat back to the pot, and stir in kalbi sauce.  Simmer on low heat atop stove for 10 minutes, or until meat starts to caramelize, and serve.  

Grande. Dark. Roast.

Photo courtesy of thecord.com.

It's a tumultuous, absurd 90⁰ at 9:40am.  Anybody that knows me, knows that I hate heat, despite being an August-born baby.  At any rate, I mosey along the bustling streets of Downtown Chicago.  Hot as death. 


An ice-cold Mocha Chai from Starbucks must commence.  Must.  


It was a typical visit:  me pulling out my Starbucks gold card, me realizing I have no money on the gold card, me asking the barista to add a measly $5 to the gold card so I can get my fix for something Starbuckish.  It's a no-fail situation with me and this card.  Seriously.  Anyway, my drink was perfectly made.  I damn near percolated my way out of the cafe when I was approached by a man, who appeared to be down on his luck, asking for a few cents to buy a coffee. 


Tan-skinned.  Dingy Carolina-blue polo.  Weathered jeans.  Beige baseball cap.  Old school Sony Walkman.  


I told the truth.  I did not have a few cents.  I did not have any paper money or coins.  I told him "I bought my drink on my card...sorry."


He looked me in the eye and asked if I could bother to buy him a coffee on the card, too.  A strong brew.  To stay awake in the library.  If he fell asleep in there again, he'd be kicked out.


There is something about the homeless and panhandlers, or whatever someone may call them, that is immediately ignored.  Assumptions that money given will go towards a pint or a vial of crack, or, assumptions that this person is not as in need as they may appear.


My grandmother says not to ever worry about what the homeless man does with your money.  Be uplifted that you did what was good for the soul, for mankind, and helped a person that asked for help. The rest will be taken up with God.  


Be pleased with the fact that you have it to give.


I appreciate this man.  His need was coffee.  His need was not the $1.65 that paid for it.  And once you understand that, you've surpassed millions.

Nellcôte: More Than Meets the Eye

Photo courtesy of GapersBlock.com,

Nellcôte

833 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312.432.0500


Based on its unromantic curb appeal and plainly written, lackluster website, one might think the same of the Nellcôte experience.   Perusing Nellcôte via the internet or strolling past the venue to gain introspective may not lead you to the best impressions. 

Perched at the corner of Randolph and Green, in Chicago’s infamous Meat Packing District, the most noticeable thing about Nellcôte is its bright, tangerine-colored awnings.  Entering Nellcôte offers much more for the eye to behold.  Immediately noticeable is the entryway, tiered with what appears to be a hundred strategically placed, mini-vases filled with sprigs of lavender, and a beautiful wrought-iron canopy leading into the venue.   The ceilings were adorned with dainty chandeliers, complimenting the melodramatic lighting, and accented by pearl and marble tones throughout.  In addition to finely-crafted dishes for the prime palate, Nellcôte also boasts a mile-long wine list to compliment its mile-long wet bar.

Impressibly, Nellcôte mills its own flour, cultures its own butter, and crafts many of its own condiments.  This immaculate operation lends to a wide assortment of breads, spreads, and accoutrements like bran, or even buttermilk, which can be later made into a luscious panna cotta. 

Choosing the brunch at Nellcôte was genius, in that, one can have the best of both worlds.  The Jamon Charcuterie platter was the perfect precursor of courses to come.  Tea-soaked prunes, Serrano ham, and house-made lemon curd were the highlight of this showcase.  One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the Swan Creek Farm Sunnyside-Up Egg Pizza using organic eggs, fontina, and shaved Perigord black truffles.  Subpar at best, the egg paired with fontina was excellent, while the black truffle essence was lost and presented a more metallically flavor.  The Quiche Lorraine, moist, fluffy, and decorated with bits of smoky bacon and gentle gruyere, was without a shadow of a doubt, the star of the show.    The cloud-like eggs combined with the flaky, buttery crust was pure perfection.  Paired with crispy fingerling potatoes and spring onion salsa verde, this dish is one that cannot be overlooked.

After the quiche, Nellcôte was not a hard sell.  Signed, sealed, and delivered; a guaranteed return visit.  I lay back into the high, wingback tufted bench with delight.  Low and behold, the sweet ending to a lavish meal arrived - Pain Perdu topped with a rhubarb strawberry coulis and crème Chantilly.  If the quiche was not sufficient enough, the sweet, buttery, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on -the inside French toast earns Nellcôte all the fame it has amassed to date.  By far, the best French toast my lips have ever savored.  Praiseworthy from start to finish.


Overall, the Nellcôte experience was a joyous one.  More hits than misses, Nellcôte proves as one of Chicago's latest and greatest.

Tea Time in the City: The Argo Tea Experience

Photo courtesy of ItsAllFare.com.

ArgoTea

1 N. Dearborn

Chicago, Illinois

312.212.8032

The artful, ambiance of Argo Tea is always alluring.  On first encounter, I knew it would be a place of romance; it was love at first brew.  Whether iced or hot, Argo Tea has the perfect cup for every tea (or even non-tea) aficionado.  All of Argo Tea’s concoctions are free of artificial flavors, colorings, or additives, giving them a distinct, strong, tea essence.  Only real fruit, flowers, and other natural ingredients are added to infuse the tea varietals. 

Posted at the busy, bustling corner of Dearborn and Madison, entering this heavenly haven brings about a sense of calm.  The multi-hued walls of Argo Tea have a brightness and freshness akin to a funky museum or a posh hotel lobby, with its modern adornments and hip framed artworks.  Remaining consistent no matter the location, all Argo Teas boast shades of earthy brown, opulent orange and minty green, accompanied by pendant lighting that is perfect for people-watching, or finding a nook to read a good book. 

Baristas, just as vibrant as their esthetics, are readily available for all your tea desires.  Each visitor lined up, waiting to have that special morning sip, afternoon delight, or post-dinner spot of tea.  Immediately noticeable is the loose leaf tea bar.  Argo Tea offers some of the most flavorful red, white, green, and herbal teas I have ever experienced.  Favorites include the Fruit Sangria: an infusion of hibiscus petals, dried fruits and rosehips, and the Carolina Honey:  black tea blended with bits of lemon and notes of honey.  For those seeking the buzz and jolt of a typical café, Argo Tea satisfies with a coffee assortment.  Additionally, for the hungrier tea (or coffee) drinker, Argo Tea offers several accompaniments, such as granolas, salads, pastries, and miniature paninis - some of which are made using the flavors of the teas offered.

Whether you happen upon Argo Tea by mistake or by intent, it’s a guaranteed unique experience.  Its comfort and quiet in a city of hustle and flurry.  Choose a new favorite, or indulge in an old beloved during your next visit to this cozy little magnum opus.