Had forgotten that I signed up for the birthday club as La Tasca Tapas a few years back -- before COVID and while mom was still alive and going out to eat with me. But the email came a couple of weeks ago offering one free tapa up to $10, and it didn't take more encouragement than that.

I do think the tapas at Tapas Gitana in Northfield may be a bit better -- though the last visit there was pre-COVID, as well, so hard to know. But the Pincho de Solomillo was a yummy re-introduction to tapas after a few years away. It's beef tenderloin and mushrooms on a skewer, atop a pile of house-made shoestring potatoes, all drizzled with sour cream. Also had Champiñones Barcelona -- large mushroom caps stuffed with spinach, pine nuts, and manchego cheese in a saffron lemon butter. Tasty, but not quite as good as as the beef. But this definitely made for a delightful evening.

Cynthia wrote:Had forgotten that I signed up for the birthday club as La Tasca Tapas a few years back -- before COVID and while mom was still alive and going out to eat with me. But the email came a couple of weeks ago offering one free tapa up to $10, and it didn't take more encouragement than that.

Thanks for the reminder: we haven't been there in ages.
But after a (relatively) recent trip to Spain, there's something lacking in tapas that I've had here in the US, and I can't put my finger on it -- not as bright? Too safe? Pricing? Not crowded enough?

JoelF wrote:

Cynthia wrote:Had forgotten that I signed up for the birthday club as La Tasca Tapas a few years back -- before COVID and while mom was still alive and going out to eat with me. But the email came a couple of weeks ago offering one free tapa up to $10, and it didn't take more encouragement than that.

Thanks for the reminder: we haven't been there in ages.
But after a (relatively) recent trip to Spain, there's something lacking in tapas that I've had here in the US, and I can't put my finger on it -- not as bright? Too safe? Pricing? Not crowded enough?

Probably all of the above for most places. That said, a friend of mine who lived in Spain really loved Tapas Gitana in Northfield. But because tapas is not a way of life here, it will probably never have the energy of Spain. Plus these are sit-down restaurants, not the crowd up to the bar places. But still fun.

What a day.
Beer historian Ron Pattinson was in Chicago, and presenting history of a only-recently-deceased British beer style, at the Red Lion Pub on N. Lincoln Ave.
This was presented by the Chicago Brewseum. It attracted people who, even forgetting about the COVID-19 pandemic, I had not seen in years. (Ray Daniels - the creator of the Cicerone beer education program(me) )
It was an informative presentation. When it ended, I went back into the regular portion of the pub and noticed its Sunday special foodstuff offering was a roast beef dinner. I ordered it.
It was very good. It most certainly fit this thread's title.
The Red Lion's draft beer selections cover a wide range. I can gladly recommend it to you.

Crispy Fish with Jungle Salad @ In-On-Thai tonight.

Was our maiden voyage and I had seen some recommendations for it in the main thread. So glad I ordered it. Truly a perfect dish of food. Bonus that I have enough left for a light lunch tomorrow. On the downside, It will be extremely difficult for me to order anything else on subsequent visits!

LynnB wrote:Crispy Fish with Jungle Salad @ In-On-Thai tonight.

Was our maiden voyage and I had seen some recommendations for it in the main thread. So glad I ordered it. Truly a perfect dish of food. Bonus that I have enough left for a light lunch tomorrow. On the downside, It will be extremely difficult for me to order anything else on subsequent visits!

GREAT dish.

The italian beef sandwich from Mr. D's Shish-kabob. The sandwich, wet, with hot peppers included {Is it a genuine italian beef sandwich without peppers? Then why do most italian beef shacks charge extra for it? Can you envision a Chicago hot dog for which pickle relish costs extra?}, fresh-cut french fries, and a 12-oz. can of soda. The price = $10.20 (cash only). There may be a better italian beef sandwich itself; but if there is a better meal deal for price and quality than this in metropolitan Chicago, you inform us what it is.
Also remember, Mr. D's closes at 5:00 pm.

Revisited by popular demand: The Will Special Diavolo sub sandwich from Riviera Foods on N. Harlem Ave. in Chicago.

Dry Chile Fish Filet @ Peppercorn's Kitchen made w/cod (not tilapia as most are) which really upgrades it. Excellent. Can't vouch for the rest of their food since it's been awhile since I was there and remember liking it but the dismal dan dan makes me think twice.