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  • Post #1201 - April 30th, 2013, 7:48 pm
    Post #1201 - April 30th, 2013, 7:48 pm Post #1201 - April 30th, 2013, 7:48 pm
    d4v3 wrote:The fact that this was described as a sour confused me since sours are generally higher in alcohol (but still relatively light, since a great deal of the sugars are digested by non-alcohol producing bacteria). I wonder if the "sour" comes from lemon? That would make it a pretty typical Belgian summer table beer, meant to refresh not inebriate. Still, an odd choice.


    Alcohol is just a stopping point on Sugar's journey towards Acid. Sours were originally lower in alcohol for precisely this reason, actually. Eventually some of the alcohols turn into acids, via lactobacillus, acetobacter, and various other bugs. Sours (and other 'rustic' styles like saisons) have risen in alcoholic strength as our desire grew for something other than safe, clean refreshment from our beers.
  • Post #1202 - April 30th, 2013, 7:53 pm
    Post #1202 - April 30th, 2013, 7:53 pm Post #1202 - April 30th, 2013, 7:53 pm
    I would guess this is the beer:

    http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/revolution-midi/203082/

    Can't say that I've had it or would expect much based on the commercial description and it does seem like an odd pairing with substantial food such as a burger.
  • Post #1203 - April 30th, 2013, 8:33 pm
    Post #1203 - April 30th, 2013, 8:33 pm Post #1203 - April 30th, 2013, 8:33 pm
    Probably enough sidetracking for this thread. We should start a thread in the beverage forum for LA and RA (low and reduced alcohol) beers, but I just noticed that Midi beer is actually only 2% ABV and 60 calories per serving. Legally, that still makes this a Reduced Alcohol or "light" beer and not an LA beer (as I mistakenly labelled it upstream). Turns out that Low Alcohol beers can't be more than 1.2% ABV. That is probably why it is called Midi. It is about midway in the Reduced Alcohol category.
  • Post #1204 - April 30th, 2013, 9:01 pm
    Post #1204 - April 30th, 2013, 9:01 pm Post #1204 - April 30th, 2013, 9:01 pm
    mtgl wrote:I'd be careful judging a beer whose style and details you can't quite remember.


    thanks for the lecture about what I should be "careful" about but i do remember the characteristics and details--just forgot the NAME. And I wasn't really looking to critique the beer--I just said I didn't like it. Last time I checked, this was a perfectly reasonable use of this forum.

    And it was the Revolution Midi. And TO ME (only perspective for which I can vouch), it tasted like a sour Miller Lite. I was not looking for anything in particular--I do enjoy sours and I also occasionally enjoy something as banal as Krankshaft, particularly when I'm eating a burger with a shot. Just want something that tastes good. This did not.

    And now, back to bashing Kuma's :P
    "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Miles Kington
  • Post #1205 - April 30th, 2013, 10:23 pm
    Post #1205 - April 30th, 2013, 10:23 pm Post #1205 - April 30th, 2013, 10:23 pm
    And just to clarify, the bartender was the one disparaging the Krankshaft. I like Krankshaft and don't consider it banal at all :)
    "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Miles Kington
  • Post #1206 - May 1st, 2013, 3:14 pm
    Post #1206 - May 1st, 2013, 3:14 pm Post #1206 - May 1st, 2013, 3:14 pm
    I just found out that may is national session beer month. I guess that explains the unexpected BBB selection.
    Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

    -Mark Twain
  • Post #1207 - May 23rd, 2013, 2:58 pm
    Post #1207 - May 23rd, 2013, 2:58 pm Post #1207 - May 23rd, 2013, 2:58 pm
    valgalder wrote:

    also last time I was there Travel Channel was shooting something at the bar next to me.. like they need any more publicity :lol:


    That will be airing June 24th if anyone is interested
  • Post #1208 - August 24th, 2013, 10:30 am
    Post #1208 - August 24th, 2013, 10:30 am Post #1208 - August 24th, 2013, 10:30 am
    First time at Kuma's yesterday. Have been to Kuma Too's and was not particularly impressed with the quality of the beef so I was not expecting greatness; yet that was exactly what I experienced with my "custom" merkts cheddar and caramelized onions medium rare burger. The burger was juicy and the onions were properly done, combining with the sharp saltiness of the merkts to create a mosh pit of delicious in my mouth. I have not been so pleased with a burger in quite some time, a true delight. 11/10, would eat again
  • Post #1209 - September 5th, 2013, 1:54 pm
    Post #1209 - September 5th, 2013, 1:54 pm Post #1209 - September 5th, 2013, 1:54 pm
    Two trips to Kuma's Corner this week, both with no waiting. Not sure if it's normal, but last night (Wed after Labor Day) we arrived at 6:30pm and the place was nearly empty. Outside seating was full, with approx 15 min wait, but there were plenty of inside tables and bar seats. When we left (maybe 8:30-45) it was full, but there didn't seem to be a wait. Sunday of Labor Day weekend we also had no wait for bar seats, though there was a wait for tables. Our friend visiting from No. Cal. thought the food was great, and liked the beer selection (though he was sad they were out of the Snaggletooth, which he had never tried).
    Leek

    SAVING ONE DOG may not change the world,
    but it CHANGES THE WORLD for that one dog.
    American Brittany Rescue always needs foster homes. Please think about helping that one dog. http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org
  • Post #1210 - October 3rd, 2013, 2:54 pm
    Post #1210 - October 3rd, 2013, 2:54 pm Post #1210 - October 3rd, 2013, 2:54 pm
    Now with red wine reduction and not-quite-Eucharist.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/0 ... 37596.html
  • Post #1211 - October 3rd, 2013, 10:23 pm
    Post #1211 - October 3rd, 2013, 10:23 pm Post #1211 - October 3rd, 2013, 10:23 pm
    Santander wrote:Now with red wine reduction and not-quite-Eucharist.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/0 ... 37596.html


    It's nothing you wouldn't come to expect from a place like Kuma's Corner. They are getting some good publicity out of it.
  • Post #1212 - October 4th, 2013, 5:26 pm
    Post #1212 - October 4th, 2013, 5:26 pm Post #1212 - October 4th, 2013, 5:26 pm
    I was at Kuma's this past Saturday. All three burgers were overcooked, but still just juicy enough to enjoy. 20 minute wait for a table at 1:00pm, not bad. We all ordered medium. I've been creeping back to my roots and ordering medium rare more and more, but I don't like it when it's a rare burger so I sometimes make a game time decision.
  • Post #1213 - October 7th, 2013, 10:14 am
    Post #1213 - October 7th, 2013, 10:14 am Post #1213 - October 7th, 2013, 10:14 am
    saulgood wrote:
    Santander wrote:Now with red wine reduction and not-quite-Eucharist.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/0 ... 37596.html


    It's nothing you wouldn't come to expect from a place like Kuma's Corner. They are getting some good publicity out of it.

    I'd have no problem eating that. I worry more about how spicy that sauce is.
    I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert. ~ Jason Love

    There is no pie in Nighthawks, which is why it's such a desolate image. ~ Happy Stomach

    I write stuff.
  • Post #1214 - December 16th, 2013, 3:15 pm
    Post #1214 - December 16th, 2013, 3:15 pm Post #1214 - December 16th, 2013, 3:15 pm
    Ghost in October was decent. The goat on it was good. Otherwise it could've used more flavor. It was not very spicy at all, and most was just the goat and burger. For $17 (!!!!) it should've had a more lasting flavor, IMO.

    Sleep in Nov was good as always.

    We don't go all that often but I remember their burgers maxing out around $10-11. Now it seems like all are $13+ (except original which is $12) with the monthlies being around $15-17. That's pretty outrageous for a burger. I like it there but prices got ridiculous.
  • Post #1215 - February 13th, 2015, 10:41 am
    Post #1215 - February 13th, 2015, 10:41 am Post #1215 - February 13th, 2015, 10:41 am
    From chicago.everyblock.com:

    http://chicago.everyblock.com/food-insp ... n-6677727/
  • Post #1216 - February 13th, 2015, 11:17 am
    Post #1216 - February 13th, 2015, 11:17 am Post #1216 - February 13th, 2015, 11:17 am
    You know if you were really focused on finding restaurants that fail inspection you could fill your day reading all about them.
    It's going to happen time from time. The question is how does the business respond to a failed inspection? Do they take ownership and full responsibility for the problem found. Do they retrain their employees to correct the failed procedure and have new policy in place to check on a daily basis its being followed so not to fail next inspection. To me its the reaction of the owner, manager and the employees I look at when this happens, that's what determines if I will ever return to a restaurant that fail a health inspection.
    I'm sure Kuma's Corner will correct the issues taking full responsibility for their failures from the inspection

    It's the reaction like we got from Sun Wah's owner Kelly that makes it so I'll never go back to a restaurant that I used to love. Even with their past failed inspections at Sun Wah, it was love that blinded me and had me coming back for more. Well there was only so much abuse and not caring about me(the customer) you can take before you break it off. Not taking ownership of a health concern problem and then deflecting it away to blame others that she thinks are out to get her ended our relationship.
    Rif
  • Post #1217 - February 13th, 2015, 11:51 am
    Post #1217 - February 13th, 2015, 11:51 am Post #1217 - February 13th, 2015, 11:51 am
    alisonmackenzie wrote:From chicago.everyblock.com:

    http://chicago.everyblock.com/food-insp ... n-6677727/


    Note the inspection date was Feb. 5. It's unclear if Kuma's was forced to close because of this failed inspection. I suspect we would have heard about it here if that was the case.

    I second Rif's comments. I read this same post on Every Block and was tempted to post, then noticed the date and realized I wouldn't really be doing anybody any good by posting. I also think the Sun Wah situation is pitiable. Their record looks pretty bad and Kelly's response to the latest inspection is sadly off base. Yeah, the GNR should be pulled, but that's a topic for a different post.
    There are some secrets which do not permit themselves to be told. (Poe)
  • Post #1218 - February 13th, 2015, 2:17 pm
    Post #1218 - February 13th, 2015, 2:17 pm Post #1218 - February 13th, 2015, 2:17 pm
    It should be noted that failing a health inspection without closing is probably a lot more common than we think. The issues listed in the Kuma's report are all things that can be fixed fairly easily and passed on the follow-up inspection. Nowhere is there evidence of a rodent/bug infestation or a worker splashing cleaning solution on food, which would warrant an actual shutdown like Sun Wah got.
  • Post #1219 - February 13th, 2015, 4:20 pm
    Post #1219 - February 13th, 2015, 4:20 pm Post #1219 - February 13th, 2015, 4:20 pm
    If you go to the database for health inspections Kuma's doesn't look too good either. Pass Fail Pass Fail.


    https://data.cityofchicago.org/Health-H ... /4ijn-s7e5
    Reading is a right. Censorship is not.
  • Post #1220 - February 13th, 2015, 4:59 pm
    Post #1220 - February 13th, 2015, 4:59 pm Post #1220 - February 13th, 2015, 4:59 pm
    Food Nut wrote:If you go to the database for health inspections Kuma's doesn't look too good either. Pass Fail Pass Fail.


    https://data.cityofchicago.org/Health-H ... /4ijn-s7e5



    The article linked in alisonmackenzie's post contains full reports of the "other known inspections" (July 2012 fail, July 2012 pass, August 2013 fail, August 2013 pass, April 2014 fail, May 2014 pass). The Pass inspections all came approximately one week after the Fails.

    Among the violations cited in the Fail reports are: employees not wearing hair restraints, absence of a place where employee belongings could be stored "nice and neatly", failure to keep ice scoop in a separate container, 1/4" gap at bottom of rear door ....

    If people are trying some kind of "Sun Wah's not so bad, look at [name of restaurant]" argument, Kuma's is probably not the name to pick.
    Last edited by Roger Ramjet on February 13th, 2015, 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
    fine words butter no parsnips
  • Post #1221 - February 13th, 2015, 5:42 pm
    Post #1221 - February 13th, 2015, 5:42 pm Post #1221 - February 13th, 2015, 5:42 pm
    Kumas Corner failed 4 of the last 7 inspections. This is not good. The critical violations that would drop your score enough to fail inspection besides the dreaded rodent/bug infestation is not having coolers and cooking equipment at proper temperatures. Most of the time it's a cooling issue. If coolers aren't below 40% spores start to grow and food spoils much faster. It's not unusual for a cooler to break down occasionally but management has to recognize the problem immediately and fix it. To fail 4 out of the last 7 inspections is unacceptable.
    The inspection was not random someone filed a complaint. Hopefully it wasn't someone on the way to the ER with a heavy dose of food poisoning.
  • Post #1222 - February 13th, 2015, 7:39 pm
    Post #1222 - February 13th, 2015, 7:39 pm Post #1222 - February 13th, 2015, 7:39 pm
    I'm sorry-- mold in the ice container. Clean it before the inspector's arrive and someone complains~! Case in point: many non-lth favorites have no issues passing basic inspections...Mercadito, Cafe Iberico, and so on. Haven't been to Kuma's since I had to wait for a table.... :)
    Reading is a right. Censorship is not.
  • Post #1223 - February 13th, 2015, 7:52 pm
    Post #1223 - February 13th, 2015, 7:52 pm Post #1223 - February 13th, 2015, 7:52 pm
    I'm no expert on inspections and standards but i find it interesting that folks are excusing Kuma's record and recent violations - the black slimy substance it the ice is rather distressing.

    I'm sure there are technicalities and problem inspectors that can lead to unfair fail's but just as SunWah's history has become a problem, Kuma's history of failures each round of inspections raises some red flags.
  • Post #1224 - February 14th, 2015, 8:13 am
    Post #1224 - February 14th, 2015, 8:13 am Post #1224 - February 14th, 2015, 8:13 am
    From a chef friend when I showed him the health inspection report:

    "It is very very hard to fail an inspection. It almost takes complete neglect."
  • Post #1225 - February 15th, 2015, 12:37 pm
    Post #1225 - February 15th, 2015, 12:37 pm Post #1225 - February 15th, 2015, 12:37 pm
    Yesterday, I had the "Frost": A monthly special consiting of a potato au gratin croquette atop a patty and covered with a cheese sauce. An insane take on a hamburger.
  • Post #1226 - February 15th, 2015, 2:28 pm
    Post #1226 - February 15th, 2015, 2:28 pm Post #1226 - February 15th, 2015, 2:28 pm
    ld111134 wrote:Yesterday, I had the "Frost": A monthly special consiting of a potato au gratin croquette atop a patty and covered with a cheese sauce. An insane take on a hamburger.


    I love "burgers" with stuff over them. Will want the vegetarian version of this.
    Ava-"If you get down and out, just get in the kitchen and bake a cake."- Jean Strickland

    Horto In Urbs- Falling in love with Urban Vegetable Gardening
  • Post #1227 - March 15th, 2015, 6:17 pm
    Post #1227 - March 15th, 2015, 6:17 pm Post #1227 - March 15th, 2015, 6:17 pm
    My friend Lou Bank, perhaps the Greatest Living North American (that includes Mexico) Mezcal Authority asked me to tell the LTH community about this Kuma-related auction:

    For the next year, when you go to Kuma's Corner, you get to SKIP THE LINE ... if you win this fantastic auction item being offered online at http://barknbid.org. The auction is a benefit for SitStayRead, a non-profit that brings dogs into Chicago Public Schools to help struggling young readers develop critical early literacy skills. So you get the best burger in Chicago without the wait, and kids get reading-assistance dogs in their classroom.


    Lou's company is called Ten Angry Pitbulls, so it seems fitting that he's working to bring doggies to school.
    "Don't you ever underestimate the power of a female." Bootsy Collins
  • Post #1228 - March 15th, 2015, 6:58 pm
    Post #1228 - March 15th, 2015, 6:58 pm Post #1228 - March 15th, 2015, 6:58 pm
    Done!
  • Post #1229 - March 15th, 2015, 7:39 pm
    Post #1229 - March 15th, 2015, 7:39 pm Post #1229 - March 15th, 2015, 7:39 pm
    DutchMuse wrote:From a chef friend when I showed him the health inspection report:

    "It is very very hard to fail an inspection. It almost takes complete neglect."



    Little Goat Diner had three Fails in 2014 alone. (They're "disputing" one of them.)

    Just in case people are getting bored with bashing Kuma's.

    Source - redeye.com Dec. 19 2014
    fine words butter no parsnips
  • Post #1230 - September 4th, 2015, 7:13 am
    Post #1230 - September 4th, 2015, 7:13 am Post #1230 - September 4th, 2015, 7:13 am
    Thanks to David Hammond's article (I'm sure there's a link around somewhere), I remembered that Kuma's had opened in Schaumburg, and SueF and I had too-much burgers.

    At about 6:30 on a Thursday, there was minimal line, seating outdoors (where the heavy metal will not make your ears bleed -- another feature shared with the original) was immediate. Service was friendly and attentive, better than i'd gotten on Belmont (just due to crowding). The food? Perfectly prepared over-the-top burgers.

    I had the Absu, with tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, avocado relish, deep-fried peppers and probably six or seven other things. SueF had the monthly special which featured bacon-wrapped dates (stealing from Avec's lunch menu), gouda, and pickled onions. Both perfectly cooked, and while there's too many things on the sandwich, they balance nicely. $3 upcharge for a salad instead of fries is probably just to discourage salads. Fries are nicely crisp skin-on, as expected.

    I had a pint of Seattle Dry Cider which was on tap, but I wasn't impressed with its dryness. Perhaps if it had been colder (cider should be served colder than beer, and the high-80s weather warmed it quickly). Nothing special about this one, unfortunately.


    So are there any negatives to eating Kuma's in the burbs? It's a little too sanitized-looking. The inside, except for the hair-flinging videos, could be a sports bar anywhere. Not much can be done about the exterior, but the signage is very bland: Big white serif letters spelling out "Kuma's Corner" (which could be a bakery, a sandwich shop, etc.) and their bear icon. Some color, some deformation of the letters would give this a bit more of the transgression of the heavy metal lifestyle. Here, all you get is the sound, and the wonderful, wonderful gluttony of 10oz of beef topped with, usually, more meat.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang

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