Going Rogue in Chicago Foodie Land

I am fortunate to have colleagues in a number of cities who appreciate food and enjoy eating out. If I breeze into town, there’s a good chance of a nice dinner with friends. That means I’m usually not forced to watch “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” alone in my hotel room, and for that I am truly grateful.

My colleagues in Chicago are a particularly hospitable bunch, but there’s also a friendly competition simmering there. A while back, they established a smart, sophisticated dining out club. And, they were just a little peeved when my colleague, Hal2010 and I established a competing club in New York. The result is that every time I pass through Chicago, they try to lure me to the dark side. Fortunately, the dark side in Chicago is truly delicious. Our recent culinary adventure is a good example.

No sooner have I arrived in the Windy City when I get an email from my friend Miss Tera. “Dinner plans?” she asked. Miss Tera has this kind of uncanny radar. I hadn’t even announced my arrival. I am amazed that all of this transpires via Blackberry and ESP and it takes me mere seconds to confirm. I am feeling virtuous and request a vegetarian menu. I have been going through withdrawal since Restoration Farm began hibernating in November.

Crazy Cook Liz Barrett (not a blood relation, although perhaps we are related by gastronomy) suggests the spot – Uncommon Ground at 1401 West Devon in Chicago. Here, locally grown is indeed on the menu, as Uncommon Ground boasts Chicago’s first certified organic rooftop garden. They’ve even got a collection of beehives and salad greens grown in the parking lot. Now, those greens are local.

With minimal preparation we are on our way. Apparently, it doesn’t take much for a group of hungry Chicago foodies to organize a dinner brigade.

Our cast includes Miss Tera, (right) a goat cheese guru and queen of the buckles and Hope (left) who favors underground dinners and is always ready to photograph food and share it on Facebook. Hope is a dyed-in-the-wool Chicago foodie and keeps pushing me to make a formal declaration of war against all New York gourmands.

Here I am with Crazy Cook Chef Liz who stars in a tasty vlog with a lazy, but brainy colleague who hates to cook. You should check it out. Someday I want to do a guest appearance.

We start with the Sweet Potato Fries and Goat Cheese Fondue …

And, then I move onto the White Bean and Butternut Squash Ragout …

Liz is crazy over the calamari, and Hope’s mussels are hot and spicy …

When it comes time for the entree, my carnivorous instincts kick in and I brazenly select the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, slathered with caramelized onions. So much for my virtue. Well, there are carrots on the plate. “Nobody’s judging you,” Miss Tera assures me.

Miss Tera’s fish and risotto dish is decorated with tender green asparagus and sprouts and signals Spring …

And, as if we haven’t eaten enough already, there’s still room for shortbread cobbler and s’mores pie. The charred marshmallow topping is sublime.

Miss Tera can’t resist texting Hal2010 and letting him know where I am. She even sends a taunting photo. My cover is blown and his surly response is unprintable.

But, going rogue never tasted so good.

©2010 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved