Little Frank's Pizza & Shaved Ice

-The other Chicago-style pizza: Tavern Style

Back in April I took a trip to Burbank to try out a longtime favorite pizza spot of the locals and also a BBQ buddy of mine. I was with two of my boys and we weren't starving since we hit up another place to be featured but wanted to try a pizza from here since that was the original plan. We made our way over and before getting in the parking lot I spied a Hawaiian shaved ice spot that I made a mental note of that was right around the corner from the pizzeria/bar/barber shop trio that's been around since the 70's. There also happens to be a model train shop next door to the trio so this place is indeed pretty damn old school.


Locals favorite in Burbank, IL

In the trio of the barber shop/bar/pizza place both the pizzeria and the bar are connected. The ordering area for Little franks has no seats and is used for pick-up, delivery and anybody who wants to eat a pizza at the bar next door. We went with a large thin sausage pizza and told the people at the SRO ordering area that we'd be eating the pie at the bar next door. So we hopped on in to watch a little baseball (it was early in the season, Cubs still had hope) while we waited. It already started right with the fact their special that night was a large pizza and pitcher of beer (the usual cheap ones from USA) for $12, still you cant beat that. It took about 20 minutes and then the bartender brought us out the pizza.


Large sausage pizza from Little Frank's

It came out piping hot so we gave it a good five minutes before we digged in. The pie wasn't as thin as Marie's or Pat's and other spots like that but still thin. It reminded me of Rosangela's on 95th in Evergreen Park more than anything. This was some really good bar food and they had some great specials like two for one pizza night etc...


Sideshot

Overall the pie was great for what its there for, bar patrons and neighborhood people. I thought the best part was the sausage. Like usual in Chicagoland it was very good and the best part of it. I also liked the sauce, nice and tangy. It's a good pizza to have if your at the bar next door and for anyone from the neighborhood to have as their go to pizza place. I enjoyed the trip and loved the leftovers I chowed down at room temp later on that night.


Piece of tavern style thin from little Frank's

Rating Scale 5/5

crust: 3
sauce: 4
toppings: 4
Crispness: 3

Score: 14/20

The best part of the meal wasnt even ordered and came from a stereotypical Harley riding Vet. He had the gut, beard and bikers outfit as your picturing in your head right now along with the Veteran baseball cap. He was a regular at the bar named Gordo who stopped by to tell a few jokes, that were pretty damn funny, and to offer us up some of his homemade super spicy peanut brittle. It was a wonderful treat that went from sweet to super hot and then back to sweet. He was a really nice and also funny dude and even gave us a bagful that he insisted we take upon leaving. All he asked was that we come on back. That I will next time I'm in the area.


Gordo's Spicy peanut Brittle

My mouth was feeling the heat from the brittle and I went around the corner to check out the Hawaiian shaved Ice spot and see what was up. It wasn't anything crazy authentic according to my buddy who goes to Hawaii every year, but it did the trick of cooling down my steaming mouth and I still quite enjoyed it since I have always loved shaved ice and its a great summertime treat, especially after some of Gordo's brittle.



around the corner from little Frank's in Burbank


The machines can be rented out for parties


cantaloupe/watermelon Ice
______________________________

Little Franks Pizzeria
6355 West 79th Street
Burbank, IL 60459-1149
(708) 598-8660

Tropical Sno
7905 Narragansett Avenue
Burbank, IL 60459-1807
(708) 430-8604

There's Corn Dogs, then theres Dipping Dogs

-Eating like a local: Regional food specialties
The Spots in the city for Illinois' famous Corn dogs

Its almost the end of summer and many people around the country are flocking to their states annual fair. The US state fairs, some of which date back as long as 150 years ago, started off as a way to showcase livestock and agricultural offerings. It was a way to promote the food grown in the particular state and ways to cook with it. The food has always been a big part of state fairs and back in the day stuff such as pie baking contests and who could grow the largest vegetable were a big part of the entertainment. Nowadays the fairs have become an all out festival with everything from amusement rides to concerts and of course-regional food specialties. Its no secret that the state fairs are a goldmine for fried foods and some of the wackiest items to eat always pop up at one of the countries annual festivities. I'm thinking of heading to the Iowa state fair for some breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and maybe to check out the Michael Jackson butter sculpture. Do you think they used powdered sugar or flour to put white residue marks under his nose?


Poster from the 2009 IL State Fair

If I don't make it to Iowa then I might get over to Milwaukee for the Wisconsin State Fair and see what kind of cheese creations they have. Maybe a Swiss Cheese sculpted Michael Jackson? the holes being from all the needles he inserted and what not. I remember going about 15 years ago but its been a while and even longer since I've been down to Springfield for the Illinois state fair. All three states (IL,WI, IA) fairs are going on now. Check out this list here of food on a stick available at the WI state fair this year. Keep in mind, that's just food on a stick. One of the Illinois state fairs claims to fame is the corn dog. It was created in Springfield and the IL state fair is now filled with different vendors trying to outdo each other for 'best in fair'. So if your heading down there I hear that Voses, located on state fair grounds, are the best corn dogs there. Luckily for us city folk-you don't have to travel all the way down to Springfield to get the best battered hot dog on a stick. I'm talking the best in state and most likely the country. You see these are so good they have their own name...Dippin' Dogs.

-Got beef?
The (Corn) Dogs of Chi

The Winner and Undisputed Fast Food Champion

One of the best in the biz-located in Evanston, IL

The Wiener and Still Champion is one of the 100+ spots that make Chicago the fast food champ of the freeworld. It was started by a guy who spent years working at his family's hot dog stand and took everything he learned from over there to create one of Chicagolands best joints and a five star roadfood type establishment. If your a fan of Diner's, Drive In's & Dives then you might remember Guy Fieri going loco over some dipping dogs. Anyone considering opening a hot dog stand should take serious notes from this place. Its amazing how much research and work goes into the menu and you can taste the difference. While it may look like a clone of any other dog stand around town-its on another level than the rest.

Dont let the little unassuming spot on Dempster off your radar

So what puts W&SC ahead of the rest of the food stops around town? How about everything on the menu. I wasn't kidding when I said they put TLC into everything, there's a reason I love this place and its not just the angelic beauty working there who can handle the grill. She might be every BBQ man in America's dream girl. Food Network should give her a show, I'd watch. Whoops I'm typing out my thoughts here-now onto the food. I always say that if a place takes the time to make amazing fries they almost always do other things great. Instead of using some boring old frozen spuds, the owner Gus took the time to concoct the perfect batch of fries. These things ladies and gentleman are top 5 fries in Chicago and maybe the best. Some of the best I have ever had on my roadfood adventures. Perfection is reached by using the twice fry method. Its so serious over there that they have secret menu items.


If you know of a better batch of fries...let me know

How serious are they about quality product? they have over seven different dipping sauces for your fries and other items for your dipping pleasure. All of which are homemade by the staff and go great with everything from the fries to the burgers. If cheese fries are your thing W&SC gets many nominations for best in city and uses real Merkt's cheddar. More on them later. Different sauces available include curry ketchup, spicy aioli, Argentine herb and garlic and a few more goodies. The fries aren't the only thing they're cooking to a golden perfection over there.


The Deep Fried Pickle Chips-one of my favorite food items in Chicago

I mentioned above how the state fair is a great place to eat if you like fried food items. Well the same goes for the W&SC. Except whats great about the Wiener is its a year round operation. If your a frequent reader of this site than you can imagine I've been through quite alot of battered snacks in my lifetime. Well they all rank behind the deep fried pickle chips offered over there. I'm a big time pickle fan and was introduced to fried pickles while living in Tampa. Its definitely a southern thing that I am glad to see reach into the Midwest. Every beer bar in America should offer complimentary pickle chips. It doesn't end with just the pickles-country fried bacon is also a must get in my book. If those two aren't enough how about fried gyros? fried pepperoni chips? or have you ever had fried chili? Its all good at the Wiener. I wish they would do wings because I already know they would be some of the best anywhere with their frying ability and sauce making expertise.


Country Fried Bacon


Country Fried Gyros w/ BLT Dipping Sauce (Picture by Ed Fisher)

Please Note: Pic above from ehfisher's Chicago Food flickr account-Check it out!

Wheres pretty much the only place I'll ever order a corn dog outside of state fair grounds? you guessed it-W&SC. When Gus the owner decided to put a corn dog on the menu he only knew one thing was for sure-it wouldn't be a frozen pre-made frozen boring old piece of junk that tasted more like carpet than a carnival in your mouth. Gus decided to do a test tasting session using a few different batter recipes that he himself came up with. So he brought in a few people who know a thing or two about good food and soon thereafter the Dipping Dog was born. Its not just the perfect taste tested and approved breading that's used to hand dip the dog in but also the all beef hot dogs. Together they make these corn dogs Usain Bolt the competition around the country.


Dipping Dogs are so much better than corn dogs


Feel me yo! look in my eyes, see what I see, do what I do, eat what I eat...

It was four years ago this past July that the W&SC opened its doors to the people of Evanston and Chicago and we are all ready for 40+ more with more amazing menu items. I always said that the only suburb I could really live in is Evanston. You ever realize people from E-Town say they're from Evanston? Its also a nice little college town with some good eats and has a nice Jamaican population but the Wiener might one day be the reason I don't move there. I wouldn't last a month before going into cardiac arrest if I lived close to this foodies paradise. Its a must stop place to eat in Evanston. All parents going to parents weekend at Northwestern this fall better let your kids know where you want to eat. Check further down for address and website.

-Got beef?
The (Corn) Dogs of Chi

I must admit that before I tried the Wiener-I had a corn dog from Cameron's Delights that I thought was the best I had ever had. Cameron's is a little ice cream shop you might expect to find in a vacation resort town. It rests on the corner of Southport and Diversey so its right near me and I first tried it for some ice cream and a burger when it first opened a few years back.


a nice stop en route to the lake for families, friends and bikers

Its got the feel of an ice cream parlor located somewhere where there would be lots of families with children which I guess there are in this part of Lincoln Park so its a nice fit in my book. Please don't forget unless you've been here longer than 27 years its my book, not yours. My first visit I went ahead and got the first thing that caught my eye-the hot apple dumpling sundae with caramel, graham cracker crumbs and vanilla ice cream. I also had to try a burger because sometimes these parlors can make up a good old school cheeseburger. I took one for the team, no need to try the burgers. The sundae however was awesome and I went back for a few here and there and I rarely eat ice cream dessert. The hot apples paired with cold ice cream topped with graham cracker dust and whipped cream is a classic. It taste just like apple pie with a scoop of ice cream on top.


Hot Apple Dumpling Sundae


Turtle Sundae

So then on one of my visits for a sundae I saw this sign below posted in the windows. Looks like I was going to have to try one and see if they were any better than the frozen kinds served everywhere else.


Always a good sign

I ordered a corn dog and watched as the nice lady battered a Vienna Beef Hot Dog with some homemade batter from the fridge and then dipped it into the fryer. It came out looking and smelling real nice and I brought it into my car to eat so it could cool down and not burn the roof of my mouth. It took all of 20 seconds for the car to smell of a sweet aroma and so I couldn't wait anymore and took a nice big bite. The batter was very good and even though there was a hot dog in there it was so sweet that this along with some caramel hot apple dumplings on a sundae became my favorite dessert instantly.


corn dog from Cameron's


Get at me dog

Now go out and enjoy the rest of the summer and see what kind of regional eats you got.

Wiener and Still Champion
802 Dempster
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-0100
Myspace Page



Cameron's Ice Cream & Grill
1401 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614-1111
(773) 880-9119

BJ's Market & Bakery

-Grubbing in Chicago
Where the locals eat.

You may not of noticed it but summer is here and the Taste of Chicago has come and gone again and with that you also may of noted nothing about the worlds largest food festival on this site. Well that's because as a lifelong resident of the city its something I grew out of sometime in high school. Its still something that should be done by any visitor or newly transplanted resident of the city which just isn't me. One of the reasons I don't go is because I can just go to the actual restaurant and get a better prepared version of what it is I'm eating and avoid the traffic and crowds of people and urinals. I would also say that more than half of the food there-while still good-wouldn't qualify as the best of Chicago. With all that said if not for the Taste I wouldn't have grown up on the legend that is BJ's Market & Bakery in Chicago's Stoney Island.


I always did and still pay a visit to the Southside

When I was a young lad and visited the Taste with my family every summer one of my must eat items was always the mustard fried catfish from BJ's Bakery. I'm not sure how long BJ's has been a part of the Taste of Chicago but its one of the events longer tenured vendors. I'm lucky they've been a part of it so long because there's no way in hell my parents were ever going to drive all the way to a restaurant in Stoney Island so the only time I got to eat at BJ's was the Taste. The food at BJ's can only be described as family style homecooked food that comes out fast with nice heaping portions and is beat your belly good.


View from the tables

On Sundays at the Stoney Island location there is a buffet offered but other than that you walk up to the line and view the days fresh made spread which features a wide variety of items such as smothered pork, salmon steamed in mustard dill sauce, beef short ribs and whatever else is on special at the moment-after a few tough decisions you place your order and sit down and they bring it out to you in no time. Not everything on the menu is featured in the display hot case and so there is also a lunch/dinner menu that stays the same on the wall behind the counter. Items that are popular and made to order include the fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes and that queen of all catfish dishes-the mustard fried catfish. Also on there are rib tips, smoked chicken, turkey wings, chopped steak and a wall full of other delicious stick to your ribs foods.


The hot case is flooded with good eats


you'll want one of each...


...which is impossible so it'll keep you coming back


fried chicken with mashed


Roasted chicken with mashed and cornbread stuffing

When John Meyer-the owner and founder of BJ's-opened up his spot back in 1997 he brought with him a mustard fried catfish recipe that had been in his family forever. Its now a part of the Chicago family since it has so many fans who cant get enough of the perfectly fried catfish with no oil residue whatsoever. On top of the best piece of fried catfish you can eat there's that mustard sauce that goes with it. One bite of the two together and it feels like a 1970's Soul party is dancing away in your mouth.


Mustard fried catfish (w/ greens and mac) is my favorite dish at the Taste of Chicago

I haven't had a chance to get to BJ's for breakfast since they started serving it but if its anything like lunch and dinner and you know it is, then I better plan seven trips a week to the gym instead of just three. I always have to work out a little longer after a trip to BJs and that's because even a guy like me who's not a big on desserts knows you don't skip that course over at the market. People in Chicago looking for the real bona fide peach cobbler look no further. The buttery and sugary crust mixed with the peaches and cinnamon might make it my favorite desert in the city-if not for the banana pudding sitting right next to it. Which is my favorite desert menu item in the city of Chicago. You'll have to head on over to see for yourself.


Make 'em say mmmmm-its what they do


BJ's knows dessert

BJs Market & Bakery
8734 S Stony Island Ave
Chicago, IL 60617-2708
(773) 374-4700
Website (menu posted)

2 for 1 Milwaukee Special: Kopp's & Koppa's

-Got beef?
The Burgers of Wisconsin

When one takes a trip to Wisconsin and consumes massive amounts of cheese, sausage and beer they probably think they completed the list for regional eats but they forgot a few things. As much a part of the Sconnie diet as those three items are-so happen to be burgers and custard. Anyone who's been to the state and other parts of the Midwest has most likely passed quite a few Culver's fast food outlets (started in Wisconsin) known for their butter burgers and custard. While Culver's is good and an alright choice if you need a quick bite off the highway-there are so many other spots in Wisconsin with a few locations here and there that take the burger/custard combo to another level. The leader of this pack has got to be Kopp's. Its been that way since 1950 when they first started making the Wisconsin treat.


In 'n Out wishes it could compete with Kopp's

Kopp's has three locations in and near Milwaukee and is always a to-do on my list when I visit. If the different style of futuristic architecture isn't pleasing enough on the eyes then the burgers and custard certainly will be. I'm not a big fan of desert and prefer Italian Ice and fruit based ones to ice cream and milk based but I do love me some frozen custard. Wisconsin is the land of custard and Kopp's is King according to most locals I've talked too. Why is it better than ice cream? well its typically made with eggs, cream, sugar and of course butter. Only in Wisconsin do they load the butter on any and everything and Kopp's is a testament to that tradition. While 99 out of 100 people that go into Kopp's get custard about 95 out of 100 also go for the food-the burgers to be exact.


Beef...its whats for dinner

Kopp's is one of the peoples of Milwaukee's favorite places to eat and because of this there has been times when I was in there and there were 300+ people waiting in the various lines inside. Its a real summertime destination as there is no dining area inside-just a large park like area outside where people sit down and eat. The parking lot is large and goes around the shack in a circle where you are greeted by 100's of cow statues and there is no drive thru. Its a park, get your food, eat and go process that's all part of the charm. I am always shocked by how smooth and on time they get the orders taken and made which is no small feat since it gets real packed and the burgers are made fresh to order.


fries are better than most so I usually order them


cheeseburger with 30's style toppings (pickles, mustard and Kopps fried onions)

The jumbo burgers, which are standard, need to be eaten with two hands at first and at $3.60 its about the same price as the Whopper and Big Mac and it couldn't be further apart in quality and taste than those two. While I find the beef at Kewpee's to still be the best tasting beef in state-the fresh meat here is still much better than most places. What makes Kopp's burgers a contender when it comes to best in Wisconsin-a state full of 5 star burger spots-is the bun and the toppings. Wisconsin just doesn't mess around when it comes to their burgers and they take every facet of them seriously. The buns at Fred's burger and Kopp's are the best I have ever had and take both of them to a higher level than they already were. The topping list at Kopp's is also just perfect. It includes ketchup, mustard, raw onions, fried onions, relish, lettuce, pickles, mayo, tomatoes, hot sauce, jalapenos, bleu cheese and salsa. Butter is standard on every burger...even plain. If that's not enough they also offer Wisconsin's own Nueske's bacon crisped to perfection.


cheeseburger with just about everything including the best bacon anywhere


Butter Burgers


Grasshopper Custard in a cup

-Grubbing in Milwaukee
Where the locals eat.

When you first glance at Koppa's it looks as though its just another independent grocery store. While it is an independent family owned joint, its not your normal corner store. Going on 25 years now the people of Milwaukee have made Koppa's and the fulbeli deli inside-one of the eating treasures in the area. Located right near the UW-Milwaukee campus in the East Side neighborhood it is a very popular spot with the college kids and everyone from the neighborhood.


What a neighborhood grocery store should be like

Koppa's is just like any other mom and pop grocery store as far as looks and shelved goods go but they shine in other spots. You can find fresh meat, nice fresh looking/tasting produce, some unique grocery items you wont find at many other spots, a great selection of beer and wine and one of the best deli's in any grocery store around. You will find humorous advertising slogans and on occasion, public posting of those who chose to write bad checks. Its really, one of the coolest little grocery spota I have ever been too anywhere. Its easy to see why this place is so popular with the UW students seeing as though they have everything a college student could want. Students get beer, groceries like cereal and chips, lunch, snacks and toiletries all in one quick stop.


Fluffernutter sammys and whoopie pies for the college kids


There's nothing that feels like a corporate grocery store here


Check out the display case of old time Wisconsin beer cans

On top of the really nice beer selection and fresh produce the real star of Koppa's is the deli aka The Fulbeli deli. The deli which is known for its out of this word sandwiches of which many are named after a planet or something in the solar system. One of the hardest decisions to make is what sandwich to get. The sandwich choices are endless and so are the ways they prepare them. You want a cold cut double decker? got 'em, subs? got 'em, Hodag breakfast sandwiches? got those too, Veggie delights, grilled specialties and signature sandwiches? check, check and check. The option of several breads is there and all sorts of condiments and fresh sliced deli meats make it a real Wisconsin gem.The only problem you'll have when visiting is what sandwich to get.


its not hype, Koppa's does it right

Koppa's has signature sandwiches like the Bread Favre which consists of shaved Cajun turkey breast, sharp cheddar, bacon, avocado, red onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo and dressing on a fresh baked roll. Pair that with Koppa’s seasoned fries and you’re good to go. Want an Elvis? you guessed it-it's a fried PB and banana sandwich. As if Koppa's wasn't unique enough in its own right-it gets even more so as you wait for your sandwich to be made. Directly across the aisle from the deli counter is an employee donated Atari system with over 50 games to play. So as your waiting for your handmade sandwich to be crafted just plop down into the lazy boy chairs and play some video games while you wait.


A rimpish-ham, turkey, tomato, onion, lettuce, mayo, bacon and secret sauce


Pinkowski-shaved pastrami, Swiss cheese, red onions & spicy mustard on marble rye

The Eastside neighborhood is so chill that I almost considered subletting a spot there this summer-just so I could have a place to chill in Milwaukee. Between the bars, food stops like Koppa's and the beautiful blonde's running around everywhere, there's not much more I could ask for. When someone asks my favorite Midwest city other than Chicago its an easy answer-Milwaukee. Its also one of my favorites cities in the country. Great eating, real boozing with a great bar scene and did I mention the hordes of gorgeous thick blonde females?

Kopp's Frozen Custard
5373 N Port Washington Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 961-3288
3 locations
Website



Koppa's Farwell Foods
1940 N Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202-1410
(414) 273-1273
Website w/Deli menu