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Casa de Samuel is up for a Great Neighborhood Restaurant renewal:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=8847

and, more importantly, is a cozy spot with great food that I haven't explored enough. I was last there in Spring '07 and ordered very unimaginatively. While I don't think bull testicles are in my immediate future, I'm not saying no alligator, deer, snake, or goat. And beefsteaks all around for the non-offal / non-critter crowd.

7 PM on Monday, March 10 looks to be the magic time; thank you for your patience with the date change. We should pick up quite a few additions (I'll post the list below).

La Casa de Samuel
2834 W. Cermak (Little Village)

(not to be confused with the defunct La Casa de Don Andres further west on Cermak, if you remember that place)

I'll try to make it - want to try the rattlesnake, but I doubt I can get there before 7 or 7:30.

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Chicago Craft Beer Week!

I was a little disappointed by the rattler -- much bone, little meat, and overwhelming sauce. Still, if the whole table wants to try it, it might be a bragging-rights-worthy novelty to try.

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“We all have to stand before the kitchen gods.” Chef Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni

I'll be there. Just so I don't get lost, the South Side is "South" of the North Side (aka Chicago).

Correct.

And I think we'll shoot for 7 to accommodate Tom and anyone else coming from a long distance unless there are objections.

If you happen to get other requests to make it a week later, and decide to make such a change, I'm in. Since that seems unlikely, I look forward to seeing the group's report about this place that I have had on my "go" list for quite some time.

Please put me down as a "maybe." The drive down to Little Village from Evanston on a weekday is pretty daunting, but my appetite has inspired greater adventures. Barring a snowstorm, I'll likely be there.

Hmm... I'm a maybe depending on work. I'm not big on the offal or the critters, but I'm sure I can find something else interesting.

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"You may not want to take its picture, but you really want to eat it." - Nigella Lawson

Santander, Antonius and I won't be able to make this dinner, unfortunately, but I'm really glad you are organizing it. I think you'll enjoy the charales appetizer, along with the other classics like cecina de venado and cabrito al horno. I like the "ajusco" (I think that's what it's called), with carne asada and chorizo, too. Has anyone tried the rabbit there?

Buen provecho and have fun,
Amata

I've had 3 separate PM requests asking for Monday instead (better traffic, fewer conflicts). Tom and Gary, would Monday 3/10 be a possibility? Amata, would that open things up for you?

Edit: I just noticed the three other "maybes" for Tuesday; I don't want to rock the boat too much, as it looks like we'll have a good crowd either day. Post your thoughts here; I'll make this Friday the cutoff for finalizing the date.

You can count me in.

I'm flexible re: date; I may be hosting a carpool for others coming from the north.

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Chicago Craft Beer Week!

I can do either date as well.

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"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch." ~James Beard

Please add me to the list....

I think, at this point, Tuesday 3/11 is slightly better for me than Monday 3/10, but ultimately I could do either date.

Thanks!

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"Life is a combination of magic and pasta." -- Federico Fellini

Sadly, I'll have to miss this dinner as I will be traveling for work. But enjoy -- LCdS is one of my favorites and I hope that there are some first timers in the crowd . . . you'll be in for a great treat.

Very tentative list for the new Monday date:

nr706
GAF
Kennyz (+1)
Gumbo Gal
tarte tatin
happy_stomach
the chapulins (back to 2)
Santander
dicksond


That would be 11 with everyone currently, very manageable. The place is open on Mondays and I will give them a heads-up that some of us may order a la Guerrerense so they'll have the alligator fresh. As Smoove B says, there will also be corn. And normal menu items. We'll figure it out there.

Yes, I still plan to be there!

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"Life is a combination of magic and pasta." -- Federico Fellini

Count me in for 1. Will discuss with the bride and see if she wants to join us, but I suspect it will just be me solo.

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d
Retired, gone fishing, and exploring my curmudgeon within

I'm in for the 10th. Thanks.

I'm afraid I can't make the 10th, it's the first night of Orthodox Lent so my food choices will be greatly diminished.

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"You may not want to take its picture, but you really want to eat it." - Nigella Lawson

We're on for Monday at 7 PM. They had to put their fresh game order in today so it arrives in time, so I promised them at least one vibora (rattlesnake), jabali (boar), and lagarto (alligator). I think we can handle one order of each between the ten of us even if most folks are having steak - if I'm being overconfident, I'll eat them (literally and figuratively). We can decide that night if we want them en salsa, en mole, or simply grilled with garlic and oil to let the natural flavors come through.

I did not promise any bull-ball orders, but they usually have that on hand anyway, along with the deer, goat, cactus, etc that form the house specialities category.

I have a 10-top right now - please keep me posted if there are additions (all are welcome).

I love boar, and though I've never had snake or gator meat that I loved, my experience is limited and I'd be very happy to sample more. Is the place byob?

No, they have a full bar. You can see part of it in the background of this photo by GWiv of Sergio flambeeing our dessert during the GNR dinner (Nov 2006):

Thank you, Amata. That picture makes me think I better take Tuesday off. Could be a looooooong night.

Room for 1 more?

Jyoti

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Jyoti
A meal, with bread and wine, shared with friends and family is among the most essential and important of all human rituals.
Ruhlman

Claro que si, amiga!

We plan to bring a couple of friends, so we will probably be a party of 4.

Our friends won't be able to make it, so we are back to 2 again.

I'll jump on one of chapulin's openings. I'll be +1 this evening.

Alas, I will not be able to avail myself of this opportunity to indulge in the specially ordered game dishes but it is after all Lent and today is not a Sunday... kein Fleisch für mich... Buen provecho, muchachos y muchachas...

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Alle Nerven exzitiert von dem gewürzten Wein -- Anwandlung von Todesahndungen -- Doppeltgänger --
- aus dem Tagebuch E.T.A. Hoffmanns, 6. Januar 1804.
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Na sir is na seachain an cath.