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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thank You!!! We have hit 12,000 hits lifetime.

I just want to take a minute to thank my readers.  When I started this blog, I did not know if anyone would ever read it.  As of today I have over 12,000 hits.  This blog would not matter without you guys.  Please let me know how I can improve this blog.  What do you want to see more of? What do you want to see less of?  Feel free to be brutally honest.  In return I ask one thing, please share this blog with your friends, via Facebook, Twitter, other social media outlets, and word of mouth.  I have big plans for my humble little blog, but I cannot do it without you guys.  Please feel free to sign up for updates via email or subscribe to the blog, and please comment on posts.  I love to hear from you guys.

Thanks,
Daniel Peikes

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Disappointing Pizza and Service at EJs



I was at EJ's Pizzeria in Skokie tonight.  I ordered a mushroom, pepper, and onion slice.  They took an existing mushroom slice, warmed it up and then added the peppers and onions on it afterwards.  The peppers and onions were still completely raw and not integrated with the cheese at all.  When I showed it to the girl who was helping me behind the counter, the response I got was "I'm not the one who made it."  
Seriously, take pride in your product and learn how to speak to your customers!!!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Full Review of Hamachi Sushi Bar

Full Review of Hamachi Sushi Bar


Hamachi is the newest kosher restaurant in Chicago. It is a fairly small restaurant with about 5 tables and another 5 or so seats at the sushi bar. The restaurant has a sleek modern Asian look with a lot of solid red and black.


They offer a full range of kosher sushi options from basic vegetable rolls to complex rolls with multiple types of fish topped with multiple sauces. It looked as if there was only one waitress and no bus boys, but it was not too busy when we got there so she took our order almost immediately.

I started with the miso soup and shared an order of edema-me with my wife, both of which seemed on the bland side. The water seemed a bit tepid like it had just come out of the tap and there was no ice. For the main course I ordered their "Blue Man Group" and "Rainbow" rolls, while my wife had the "Sweet 2" and the "Sake Goma Tempura." The sushi tasted decent but their rolling technique could be a bit better. I had a few pieces fall apart on me when I picked them up.

I did have to ask for more water, the soup and edema-me were slow to come out, and people who ordered after us received their food before we did.

The prices seemed reasonable for what was being offered, comparable to Shallots, and maybe a dollar or two cheaper per roll. I generally find that higher end kosher sushi places suffer from a severe case of gilding the lily, in that they over complicate their signature rolls, and Hamachi is no exception.

On a scale from 1-10:

Food: 7

Service: 5

Ambiance: 8

Overall: 7





Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Roasted Eggplant With Crushed Tomato

Roasted Eggplant With Crushed Tomato
Roasted Eggplant With Crushed Tomato
7-1/4 inch Eggplant Rounds
1/4 Cup Crushed Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Red Pepper Flake
Grated Parmesan Cheese

Spread the eggplant rounds on a sheet pan drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Bake at 350F until browned on both sides.  Plate in a circle with one round in the middle.  Top the middle round with the crushed tomatoes.  Season the dish with Italian seasoning, red pepper flake and Parmesan cheese to taste.
Leave out the cheese and this is vegan, gluten free, an paleo friendly.

Why I Love Mexikosher

Why I Love Mexikosher
Mexikosher
For those of you who don't know what Mexikosher is, it is a kosher Mexican restaurant run by a half Mexican, half Japanese chef.  They make pretty much everything, with the exception of their tortillas, from scratch.  I am no expert, but to me it seemed just about as authentic as you can get for Mexican food this side of the Rio Grande.  I had the privilege of eating at this fine establishment back in March on a trip to Los Angeles.  Their food was so fresh, and the flavors were vibrant.  The chef took the time to talk to me about all of their offerings.  They have real daily specials like braised goat and burgers made from home ground chuck, beef bacon, short rib, and brisket.  In a move to expand they just announced that will have a food truck rolling soon.  They also are big on giving back.  Today they gave away a taco to everyone who voted.  Last week if you brought a boarding pass to prove you were stuck in LA due to Hurricane Sandy they fed you you for free.  Chicago kosher restaurants take note!!

There address is:
8832 W. Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Phone Number:310-271-0900



Sunday, November 4, 2012

"Mexican" Pizza

"Mexican" Pizza

Mexican Pizza

I rolled out some pizza dough and topped it with salsa, mozzarella, although you could use a more authentic Mexican cheese, jalapenos, and red onion. This is a great way to spice up pizza night!