Jan 22
Because I am a fan of lists, and have many in my personal notes, I thought I would share a few here from time to time. I am calling this ‘feature’ ‘Seven or So‘ because I don’t want to tie myself down to a set number. Some of my lists peter out at seven, some go beyond.
That said, let’s get started.
I was fortunate in the first part of my career to have been able to travel to most of the major cities in our country…and not for just a few days, but weeks and months. Because of that, I have complied a list of some of my favorite restaurants from those days.
To qualify for this list, I had to have eaten there at least five times. (I have another list of ‘Restaurants I Want To Visit Again’ for those ‘faves’ under five.)
Seven or So — Favorite Restaurants (In No Particular Order)
7. Portillo’s — Chicago, IL
In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called “The Dog House.” Years later, Portillo’s has become a brand synonymous with Chicago.
Portillos reminds me of Chicago’s version of ‘The Varsity’, similar but different. A bit more selection but still has a cool, funky vibe that highlights what I love about Chicago.
6. Old Ebbitt Grill — Washington, DC
I came to learn about Old Ebbitt Grill when I asked a colleague, a local, where we could go that was the epitome DC restaurants. She did not hesitate, or disappoint when she said, “Old Ebbitt Grill”.
The Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon, was founded in 1856 so the history is there. One of the things that makes this place special to me is their oyster bar. If you know me, you would know raw oysters are my favorite food and probably my second and third favorite as well.
5. Lou Malnati’s — Chicago
Lou Malnati got his start in the 1940’s working in Chicago’s first deep dish pizzeria. He took his pizza expertise to Lincolnwood, a northern suburb of Chicago, where he and his wife Jean opened the first Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria on March 17, 1971. Lou was known for his fun-loving character as well as making Chicago’s best pizza.
Now, Chicago-style pizza is pizza prepared according to several different styles developed in Chicago, widely referred to simply as deep dish pizza. However, the old ‘When in Rome…’ adage does not apply to me and Chicago pizza. I am not a fan of deep dish. (If I want lasagna, I will order lasagna.) I like thin crust and Lou’s is the best in my opinion.
4. The Buffet at Bellagio — Las Vegas
Yeah, I know…Vegas buffets, are you kidding me?
Leave your misconceptions of buffet dining at the door — The Buffet at Bellagio is an experience like no other. The history of the Bellagio makes for a great story and I remember my first visit there…it totally trumped anything in town. Alaskan King Crab, already ‘cracked’ (sawed in half, length-wise actually) is hard to beat.
3. Hana Haru — Los Angeles, CA
There is definitely nothing special about Hana Haru except that it is where I learned to love sushi. There was a time when I believed the only reason people said they liked sushi was because they were too embarrassed to admit, the ‘Emperor was not wearing clothes’. In other words, they couldn’t possibly really like raw fish.
I was so, so wrong.
If raw oysters are the number one, two and three favorite foods of mine, sushi/sashimi would be number four.
I have definitely had better sushi elsewhere but the good times this little restaurant, in the quaint LA burg of El Segundo, represents the halcyon days of the late 1980s for me.
2. Baker’s Square — Minneapolis, MN
Another restaurant that makes the list more so for representing a season of life than amazing food.
I traveled to Minneapolis for 18 months, starting in October, so I cycled through two winters…which are just a shade different than we have here in Georgia. Still, I loved my time there, love the people, loved the work we did and loved eating at Bakers Square.
In terms of food, think of Shoney’s but with more pies.
1. The Kettle — Manhattan Beach, CA
I know I said, ‘in no particular order’ but that does not ring true with The Kettle…it is definitely my favorite restaurant in America.
My very first business trip was to Los Angeles…as were my next 23 business trips. So I spent a lot of time out there and once I discovered ‘The Kettle’ I ate there at least two or three times each week.
It is open 24 hours a day, a couple blocks from the Pacific Ocean, on the main drag of one of the coolest little towns I have ever visited.
