Category Archives: Dining

Roadie Q (Local): Lillie’s Q

Posted on February 15, 2013 by markdollardrealty

I recently had a chance to get lunch at Lillie’s Q in Wicker Park as part of my ongoing BBQ vision quest.  I have a tough time characterizing this place.  Honestly, I would have to describe it as “BBQ for … Continue reading →

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Roadie Q (Local): Smoke Daddy

Posted on January 31, 2013 by markdollardrealty

Another stop on my BBQ vision quest, but this one is much closer to home: Smoke Daddy.  They’ve been around in Chicago for a while, and everyone in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area knows about ’em.  It’s my local BBQ joint. … Continue reading →

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Roadie ‘Que #1: Woodyard BBQ

Posted on January 3, 2013 by markdollardrealty

Currently, I live/work/play in Chicago, but I am originally from Kansas City.  Most people have a good idea about what Chicago is: large city, burgeoning culinary/drinking scene, history as a political machine, sports-crazed, etc.  Kansas City, on the other hand, … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbecue, Chicago, Dining | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Put on Your Lao Cap: Lao Hunan

Posted on May 17, 2012 by markdollardrealty

For those of you who didn’t know, Mao was from Hunan and Lao Hunan connects to that history in some not-at-all subtle ways.  First, (and I’m not sure if this is a bad translation, similar to the Simpson’s episode with … Continue reading →

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Dumplings and Spicy Highlights: Lao Shanghai

Posted on May 4, 2012 by markdollardrealty

A pretty common conversation with someone who is kind of into food and wants to have their first meal in Chinatown goes like this: First timer: Where should I go in Chinatown? Friend (who’s been to Chinatown a couple times): … Continue reading →

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In Da’ (Prime) House

Posted on April 24, 2012 by markdollardrealty

Rest assured, that’s a Bears “Da’” not a random way to start a beer commercial. One of the most common Chicago debates is about steakhouses.  It seems that almost everyone you ask will have a different favorite in the city, … Continue reading →

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Own Your Neighborhood Guide #3: A View to a Lake (That’s How James Bond Says Lakeview)

Posted on February 16, 2012 by markdollardrealty

Terribly out-of-date movie references aside, Lakeview is a little bit of a misnomer.  You can live in Lakeview and have a view of Lake Michigan, but the odds are that if you live in this neighborhood, you don’t have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Bars, Beer, Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Dining, Economics, Lakeview, Neighborhoods, Real Estate, Real Estate Trends, Restaurants, Sports, Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bug-Eyed in Bucktown and Wicker Park #5: Ipsento Coffee

Posted on December 15, 2011 by markdollardrealty

Wicker Park and Bucktown arguably have the best neighborhood selection of coffee places in Chicago.  Options abound from the ubiquitous Dunkin’ Donuts/Starbucks (they don’t deserve a spot in this review because plenty has been written about both of these places) … Continue reading →

Posted in Bucktown, Coffee, Dining, Espresso, Real Estate, Restaurants, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Holidays Special Edition: The Most Awesomest Pumpkin Pie Ever

Posted on November 22, 2011 by markdollardrealty

It’s my mom’s pumpkin pie, of course.  It’s made from scratch.  The legend of mom’s pumpkin pie is known to a lucky few, but I have decided that my humanitarian act for the holiday season will be getting the secret … Continue reading →

Posted in Dessert, Dining, Holidays, Pumpkin Pie, Thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Bug-Eyed in Bucktown and Wicker Park #4: The Wormhole

Posted on November 17, 2011 by markdollardrealty

Wicker Park arguably has the best neighborhood selection of coffee places in Chicago.  Options abound from the ubiquitous Dunkin’ Donuts/Starbucks (they don’t deserve a spot in this review because plenty has been written about both of these places) to one … Continue reading →

Posted in Bucktown, Chicago, Coffee, DeLorean, Dining, Espresso, Neighborhoods, Silicon Valley, Wicker Park | Leave a comment