Bob Chinn's + Plum Tart

LTH,

Ellen and I had the pleasure of accompanying MAG, Thor and Thor's Personal Assistant to ABT Electronics in their search for the perfect stove, though I am of the opinion MAG could easily prepare the best meal most of us have ever had with a book of matches and a broken coffee cup.

After being dazzled by plasma tv's, high output stoves and gas grills the size of small cars we decided sustenance, in the form of King Crab at Bob Chinn's was in order. Now I realize some are of the opinion Bob Chinn's is to crowded, too casual for the price, too this, too that, me, I love the King Crab, adore the absolutely pristine sashimi and have a bit of love/hate going on with the garlic rolls. Tonight was love, mainly due to dunking in the surprisingly good Clam's Casino pan juice.

We started out with very good, and reasonably priced, oysters and an order of mixed sashimi. I especially liked the scallop on the half shell, but, everything was delicious, with the ahi being just about perfect, both flavor and temperature wise. I often think sashimi is served too cold.


We also ordered straight ahi sashimi, but somehow there was a mix up and we got two orders of ahi, both delicious, one of which we were not charged for.


The clams casino were excellent, rich with a nice hit of bacon, what's not to like. They must have been good, I forgot to take a picture of them.

We also opted for eggrolls, quite good, made with real crab, not krab.


The star of the show, aside from Thor, who enjoyed a bottle


was the King Crab, tasting of the sea, fresh, meaty, pure crab flavor. I prefer steaming, I've found simple with fresh seafood is the best way to go.


MAG went with Kona crab, light, delicate with good flavor, but possibly best suited as, at least to my taste, an ingredient, as opposed to standing alone.


We were also, briefly, served Jonah crab, though our server realized it was an error as soon as she put it on the table and brought the Kona. I will say the Jonah looked quite good.


We did not have dessert at the restaurant as MAG had brought over a plum tart.


Not only plum tart but homemade lemon verbena ice cream, Thor and Thor's Personal Assistant are two very lucky guys. I feel a gush about the plum tart and lemon verbena ice cream coming on, suffice to say it was a flavor combination made in heaven.


All in all a very pleasant way spend one of the last days of summer.

Enjoy,
Gary

Bob Chinn's Crabhouse
393 S. Milwaukee Ave
Wheeling IL 60090
847-520-3633

This is the first time that I ever tried to lick the computer monitor---------

I love Bob Chinn's. Granted, you are not going to go there for cutting edge cuisine but nevertheless, you will walk away feeling that you have had truly fresh seafood in our Midwestern burg.

I happen to enjoy the Kona crab-garlic style. Although it is a much larger crab, it reminds me ( taste and texture-wise ) of the garlic blue crabs served at Rustic Inn in Florida.

I am also a big fan of Chinn's salad bar---Avocados,Anchovies,Olives etc.--Yeah boy!!

Thanks for the post!

My favorite thing at Chinn's, when they have it, is the black grouper. What a fine fish! And I love those greasy, garlicky rolls.

But Chinn's is definitely a place to stick to simple preparations. The fish is pristine; have it grilled simply. (Or, like Gary & co., raw). I warn you, do not -- ever -- order anything "Bob's Version."

It is also best to visit Chinn's early or late on weeknights, when you can be seated quite quickly, rather than at prime dinner hour or on weekends, when you'll spend a lot of time in line, guzzling mai tais.

i have only eaten at chins a few times, but one of the things i love is the 3.99(?) dozen oysters with an entree deal. When i expressed concern about my 9 year old eating them for safety reasons, the waiter said not to worry, that they are all flash pasturised. I am still not sure about how they do this without wrecking them. Perhaps they quickly radiate them. I would think that the effects of heat would be easily detectable. They did seem a bit firmer than other places, but I dont think that I would have noticed if I wasnt looking for changes. They were still very good, big, meaty, fresh tasting oysters.
-Will

Chinn's Pier 34 in Lisle, which is owned by a cousin but pretty much follows the formula, offers a wondeful selection of oysters around this time of year. Thanks for the reminder.

There are many things one can criticize the place for - it's not cheap, the atmosphere and wait people are striving for a sort of disney seafood-land in Chicago effect, and it can get way too crowded - but the seafood is very fresh and usually simply and well-prepared. So, for what is on the plate, it is a winner for me.

WillG wrote:i have only eaten at chins a few times, but one of the things i love is the 3.99(?) dozen oysters with an entree deal. When i expressed concern about my 9 year old eating them for safety reasons, the waiter said not to worry, that they are all flash pasturised. -Will

Will,

We typically go to the Wheeling Bob Chinn's, no $3.99 oyster deal with the meal that I can remember. Also, though I will call later, I am pretty sure the oysters at Bob Chinn's Wheeling are not pasteurized, though, if they are, they do not seem to suffer loss of flavor.

Enjoy,
Gary

Bob Chinn's Crabhouse
393 S. Milwaukee Ave
Wheeling IL 60090
847-520-3633

the Chinns that I go to is the one in Wheeling. They definitely had (as of a year ago), a deal that any entree ordered by 5:30 or 6 could be accompanied by a dozen oysters for 3.99. The waiter claimed that they were flash pasturized (whatever that means) and were safe for my 9 year old to eat. I agree that they didnt taste like they were anyting but very fresh. -Will

Hi,

I pass Chinn's in Wheeling all the time, but never have visited. I heard when Chinn's opened downtown, the Wheeling location was transferred to another family member who is running it independently of Chinn's downtown. If this is true, I really don't know, has anyone noticed a difference in service or quality since the downtown location opened?

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I pass Chinn's in Wheeling all the time, but never have visited. I heard when Chinn's opened downtown, the Wheeling location was transferred to another family member who is running it independently of Chinn's downtown. If this is true, I really don't know, has anyone noticed a difference in service or quality since the downtown location opened?

Regards,

Cathy,

I do not think this is true as when I called the Wheeling Bob Chinn's a few weeks ago to ask a question I ended up having a 20-minute conversation with Bob Chinn himself.

In fact, I had heard just the opposite, that the Downtown location was another family member, not Bob Chinn, and was run independently.

The only thing I can say for certain is the downtown location has noticeably higher prices than the Wheeling Bob Chinn's.

Enjoy,
Gary

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I pass Chinn's in Wheeling all the time, but never have visited. I heard when Chinn's opened downtown, the Wheeling location was transferred to another family member who is running it independently of Chinn's downtown. If this is true, I really don't know, has anyone noticed a difference in service or quality since the downtown location opened?

Regards,

Actually, the opposite is true. The downtown location is not run by Bob Chinn, but his son instead. Despite the Father/Son relationship, it is being run as a completely separate business; joined in name only.

For those that like Bob Chinn's as much as I do (especially those addictive garlic rolls) please note the Wheeling Jaycees have an annual Lobsterfest dinner special for the entire month of September that is valid every night except Saturdays:

Lobsterfest is here! Enjoy a surf and turf dinner at Bob Chinn's Crab House in Wheeling, IL during the month of September for just $19!

Your meal comes with:

~ a choice of a 1 lb. Maine lobster or 10 oz. fried medium shrimp

and

~ a choice of an 8 oz. prime strip steak or a teriyaki chicken breast

Also included are parsley potatoes, coleslaw and their famous garlic rolls.

Beverages, tax and tip are not included.

This deal is good for dinner only, Sunday through Friday, throughout the month of September 2006.

To order tickets:

~ mail a check made out to the Wheeling Jaycees for $19 per ticket and a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope to:

Wheeling Jaycees
P.O. Box 7
Wheeling, IL 60090

Or call their hotline - 847-604-2213

Or email Wheeling Jaycees President, Steve Schwartz (who I personally purchase my tix from) at thewheel@myway.com

Bring your family and friends! A $30 value for just $19! Don't miss this great deal!

WillG wrote:the Chinns that I go to is the one in Wheeling. They definitely had (as of a year ago), a deal that any entree ordered by 5:30 or 6 could be accompanied by a dozen oysters for 3.99. The waiter claimed that they were flash pasturized (whatever that means) and were safe for my 9 year old to eat. I agree that they didnt taste like they were anyting but very fresh. -Will

I'll second this oyster deal.They had that for years.Those pictures posted look too good!

grant wrote:

WillG wrote:the Chinns that I go to is the one in Wheeling. They definitely had (as of a year ago), a deal that any entree ordered by 5:30 or 6 could be accompanied by a dozen oysters for 3.99. The waiter claimed that they were flash pasturized (whatever that means) and were safe for my 9 year old to eat. I agree that they didnt taste like they were anyting but very fresh. -Will

I'll second this oyster deal.They had that for years.Those pictures posted look too good!

I was there a few weeks ago and the oyster special was off the menu. I am not sure if you can still get it if you ask, but it was no longer advertised on the menu anyways...

Count me among the "sheeple" who likes Bob Chinn's. It is what it is, and that is a great place to go if you dont care about hype, and just enjoy eating some no frills, but good shellfish , and crabs while having some beer.

Went last night solo, and had a great time. Arrived just before 6:00, and sat at a table in the bar area. There was already a wait for the restaurant that would only get longer. My vist here was sparked by my search of Florida Stone Crab Claws, one of my favorite things to eat. Bob Chinn's won out over Joe's downtown because I really didnt feel like paying for parking/valet, and the quick access Chinn's has to 294, and a direct route home. Chinn's stone crab did not disappoint, on par with any I have had anywhere(and I have eaten a few in my day). Came with a dipping sauce that I did not use, no need to dip this sweet crab claw meat in anything. (4) medium sized claws for $16, a great deal. Since I had been eating well allday I went with Miller lites to keep room for food. Next I ordered the Kona crab cooked in garlic. A load of this sweet crab which reminds me of a Dungeness crab, but meatier, sweeter, and with a thinner shell. By now had to call uncle, I was stuffed(this was my third stop of the day 1) Kuma's, 2) Toons), but decided I needed to order something to go. The November special is a 1# lobster with a variety of combo's. I ordered the 1# lobster steamed(no pics), the fried shrimp(for my daughter), and a potato dish side. This meal also came with garlic rolls, choice of soup or salad, and a1/2 piece of pumkin pie. The to go order was packaged perfectly, and I ate the clam chowder there while I waited(chowder was packed with flavor, but thicker than I like mine, it was just ok). By this time the bar was packed, the waiting are was packed, and the voulume of the restaurant was very high with folks enjoying their night out.

My overall tab was $91 plus a $19 tip. Worth every penny, and I have some leftover kona crab I will eat in a few minutes for breakfast cold from the fridge, and a whole lobster waiting for me to turn it into a lobster salad for a lobster roll for a snack later.


stone crabs:




Kona crab (garlic style):



Chowder:


Like I said above, count me as a fan of Bob Chinn's, if you know when to go, what to order, and love crab you cant go wrong. Cant begrudge their success imho.

jimswside wrote:Count me among the "sheeple" who likes Bob Chinn's. It is what it is, and that is a great place to go if you dont care about hype, and just enjoy eating some no frills, but good shellfish , and crabs while having some beer.

Totally agree with you Jim. If I lived closer I would be at Bob Chinn's all the time as few things make me happier than digging into some crab while drinking some cold beers. I'm a huge fan especially of that Kona crab cooked in garlic.

I try to go to Chinn's for lunch. The prices on the crab dishes are not discounted, but the fish dishes are. Plus, the crowds are all but non existent. Saturday is the day I go for lunch most often.

I grew up very close to Bob Chinn's and I've never been anything but thrilled with their shellfish selection. I can't comment on other seafood selections because the only items I've ever ordered there were shellfish, usually lobster. I also love the garlic bread they serve. If you're in the mood for lobster, crab and the like, I don't think you can go wrong here.

jesteinf wrote:. I'm a huge fan especially of that Kona crab cooked in garlic.

that Kona crab tasted even better the next morning when I did eat it cold straight from the fridge. I couldnt shell it fast enough for me and my daughter.

being my 40th b-day weekend(week), I could have gone anywhere in the city this weekend I even cancelled a reservation @ D. Burkes for tonight(didnt feel like coming into the city). instead I opted for the crawfish boil @ Toon's Saturday, a family day yesterday, & Shaws for oysters, and the Bob Chinns for dinner.

I have always enjoyed Bob Chinns in Wheeling, for what they do they do agreat job.

Started out in the bar for some stone crab claws, and couple other appetizers(shrip scampi, Bob's chicken wings). Stone crab were as good as ever. One of my favorite treats.




For 2 adults and our daughter we ate some food. Main courses in the dining room were egg rolls, strip steak and 1/2 2 # steamed lobster, shrimp and pasta alfredo, garlic kona crab. Egg rolls were good, steak was really good, rare, and the steamed lobster was excellent. Shrimp alfredo was ok, and the garlic kona crab was as good as ever. I also enjoyed the pork fried rice. All in all a great night, and meal.. had to take a nap ont he cruise home..

eggrolls:



shrimp alfredo:



kona crab:



surf and turf:



Bob Chinns count me as a big fan.

Sadly, Bob Chinn is losing it as he is well into his 80's. Enraged by the perceived threat of Superdawg next door, he's vowed to a long time friend that he's going open a hot dog stand in a cleared corner of his restaurant. He's not going to lose any business to them, and says he'll show them!

Also, has anybody else commented on the two huge Coca Cola banners (no doubt free, knowing Bob) in front of Chinn's, facing Milwaukee Ave. announcing Now Serving Breakfast?
Who ever thinks of seafood and loads of garlic for breakfast?

My husband and I were at Bob Chinn's earlier this month. As usual, great grab, no frills, good service. I've never had anything bad there the many time's we've visited through the years. I think that the flyer that we got regarding their breakfast service mentioned they were going to serve several varieties of pancakes. We hadn't been since the Superdawg moved in next door, I napped in the car on the ride up, and got out of the car confused I said to my husband "Wait, did we suddenly decide on hot dogs?"

I was just kidding about the seafood for breakfast, of course. How about garlic pancakes, anybody? This establishment literally reeks from decades of seafood and garlic in the street when you drive by, for crying out loud- who would ever want to go there as a breakfast destination?

sandman wrote:I was just kidding about the seafood for breakfast, of course.

You've obviously never seen the thread You eat WHAT for breakfast?

the Kona crab in garlic is probably better the next day cold from the fridge for breakfast the next day than it is the first time around.

Wonderful pre birthday Bob Chinn's Sunday lunch. King crab, crisp french fries, strong iced tea and, as it was a celebration and the bride was paying, I added on the terrific salad bar.

Much as I love Bob Chinn's it can be a bit Wham ! Bam ! Thank You Ma'am ! for the price point and level of deliciousness.

Bob Chinn passed away today at the age of 99. It really wasn't that long ago that we saw him still presiding over the restaurant.

RIP Bob.

Jasubar wrote:Bob Chinn passed away today at the age of 99. It really wasn't that long ago that we saw him still presiding over the restaurant.

RIP Bob.

Yes -- I just came here to see if his passing had been noted. I grew up in Wilmette, where Bob Chinn's first success was House of Chan, a take-out spot on Green Bay Road. We probably ate there once a week when I was a kid. He catered all my birthday parties.

Then he moved on to the Kahala Terrace, and finally the Crab House. Quite a contribution to dining in the suburbs. Sorry to lose him--but he definitely had a good run. And I believe relatives still run House of Chan in Wilmette.

Cynthia wrote:And I believe relatives still run House of Chan in Wilmette.

It closed approximately two years ago.

bweiny wrote:

Cynthia wrote:And I believe relatives still run House of Chan in Wilmette.

It closed approximately two years ago.

Interesting. That's one downside of the Internet -- things live online long after they are gone in reality. Still has a website that shows them open. Pity. I'd hoped to get back there, to celebrate Bob's life.

Cynthia wrote:

bweiny wrote:

Cynthia wrote:And I believe relatives still run House of Chan in Wilmette.

It closed approximately two years ago.

Interesting. That's one downside of the Internet -- things live online long after they are gone in reality. Still has a website that shows them open. Pity. I'd hoped to get back there, to celebrate Bob's life.

Chinn's 34th Street Fisheryin Lisle, which I believe was owned by Bob Chinn’s nephew, also closed two years ago.