Chicago

Chicago has much to recommend it, chief among them its welcoming demeanor. Some might say it possesses New York's attractions (food, sport, shopping) without the dirt. And I say that as a native New Yorker (okay, Long Islander, which makes us better --- when I was a kid, the Islanders ruled the NHL --- how times have changed).

But, I digress. I went to visit my mother this past weekend in Chicago and discovered a few things:

1) Sam's liquor not only has some fantastic wines one offer, but also has an enviable scotch collection. I was hard pressed to figure out what to buy. I did pick up a bottle of Louis Martini Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Chicago prices are a few dollars more a bottle, but at $15, this is still a great buy) and Joseph Drouhin Cote du Beune Burgundy for about $24 (a steal given that it competes well with other Burgundies that sell for twice that price). I was fascinated by the scotch collection. I did ponder the 23 yo Highland Park from Mackillop's Choice for a while. In fact, I went back the next day thinking I would buy it, until I spied with my little eye the Port Ellens.

Some of you may know about Port Ellen -- an Islay malt that has not been produced for more than 20 years since the distillery was shuttered in 1983 (despite a royal visit in 1980). It is considered by some the quintissential Islay malt. The distillery was dormant from the 1920s (or 1930s) until 1967, and is unlikely to see more production since a large chunk of the buildings have been torn down. Sams had three Port Ellens on offer, two for about $200 a bottle, which I am still not quite in a position to justify. But they did have the 1979 vintage Signatory Port Ellen (bottled in 2002). It listed for $130, but was on sale for $110. I bought it in a snap. I've never tried Port Ellen, and have subsequently read that this is not the best bottling out there, but I figured the price was very right. As I told my mother after I bought it, this is a scotch to be save for a special occasion ---- like Thursday.

2) The second thing I discovered is that my mom's recipe for Chicken Paprikash is VERY good and surprisingly easy to make. And, no, I will not share it with you.

3) Finally, we went to Spiaggia for dinner on Sunday. I had read and heard about this restaurant. My mother had eaten at the cafe a few times and loved it. We had great expectations for the restaurant. And they were borne out... sort of. We decided to go a la carte, rather than brave the seven course menu (who can eat that much!!??). The pasta course was divine. I had a veal stuffed agnolotti that was rich, succulent, and deeply satisfying. Joe had the tortiloni and seemed to enjoy it, while mom had the ravioli with black truffles. We all agreed that the dinner was off to a great start (despite indifferent breads, including one introducted to us as "plain white bread"). The next course was disappointing, though. Joe and I both had the lamb. I found the lamb loin too garlicky, and the new lamb dry. The cheeks were good, but didn't make up for the lackluster other parts. My mom had turbot that she described as "forgettable". So it was 1-1 for Spiaggia with dessert to decide it. Thankfully, dessert came through big time. My semi-freddo was divine, with a rich, bittersweet chocolate taste. Mom had the panna cotta -- also fantastic. I guess Joe liked the gelati -- they lasted about two minutes!!!