scotthodge.org

Korean Tacos 2.0

PS - I want one. NOW.

Fun?

Can somebody please tell me why they call this the "fun size?" 

Now THIS is more like it!

Lunch with a Naked Pastor

I'm sitting in a dark Starbucks near North Michigan Avenue getting ready to meet up with the infamous Naked Pastor - Troy Gramling for lunch. 

If you haven't checked out his mynakedpastor.com site, you really should.  Troy is going to be one of the speakers at this week's Innovate 2007 conference.

Oh yeah - and crazy thing happened just a few minutes ago...  I had just crossed Michigan Avenue when I heard someone say, "Scott Hodge!?".  I turned around and there was fellow blogger, Tim Shraeder, on his way to his office in the John Hancock Center.  Small world, isn't it?

Later.

Bowling. Chicago style...

I want to bowl here.

   

It's called 10pin.  Located downtown Chicago, this looks like the coolest bowling alley in the world! From their website:

10pin redefines the bowling experience by combining a retro sport with a hip upscale lounge. ...20,000 square feet of high energy fun. twenty four state-of-the-art lanes are topped by a 128-foot, high-definition video wall supported by a nightclub quality audio system. ...enjoy all the action from the plush sofas and intimate seating areas of the lounge or can be served at laneside tables. ...offers an extensive martini list alongside a collection of small plates featuring innovative american cuisine designed to encourage sharing

Check out the menu here. 

Anyone up for some bowling?

(Photo from FeedBurner Fotos on Flickr.)

Goodness.

I discovered something at St. Arbucks today that will most certainly make you slap your grandma.... 

It's this:

 

The Marble Loaf. 

But not just the Marble Loaf...  It's the Marble Loaf TOASTED.  Heated.  Warmed.

Holy smokes.  Sweet Moses.....  REALLY, really good.  It's like toast with chocolate chips and other types of goodness. 

Crunchy on the outside, Pentecostal revival on the inside...

Go try it. 

Now.

From Cocaine to Foie Gras

Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics blog) had an interesting post on Friday entitled, "How the Crack Dealer Became a Chef".  It's about a chef by the name of Jeff Henderson. 

Chef Henderson has a fascinating story - grew up in LA, became a crack dealer, went to prison, learned how to cook, finally got out of prison and worked at several restaurants and now..........he's the executive chef at the Cafe Bellagio in Vegas. 

Chef Henderson tells his story in his new book entitled, Cooked. 

Link

plaa nin phao & RealThai

 

This is one of THE BEST things I ate while in Thailand.  It's called plaa nin phao - fish stuffed with lemongrass, coated with a thick layer of salt then grilled over hot coals.  It was purchased at a local street vendor in Bangkok and the flavor was out of this world! 

Anyway...  All of that to share with you what has to be the best Thai food blog I have seen yet.  It's called RealThai and it's written by a guy by the name of Austin Bush who is a freelance journalist and photographer who lives in Bangkok.

Link to RealThai.

Bourdain on Food Network

One of my favorite guys - Anthony Bourdain and his take on the Food Network. 

Best quote:

I mourn for Mario..and Alton...Bobby and yes--even Emeril, nobly holding the fort while the TV empire he helped build crumbles like undercooked Bundt cake into a goo of Cheez Wiz around him.

Link

Steamy Valentine's Day

   

I think I just found the PERFECT place to experience a STEAMY Valentine's Day with my beautiful wife Amanda!

"Where is that, Scott?"

Well, I'm ashamed that you even have to ask, but I've never been one to keep a good secret to myself, so I'll tell you.... 

WHITE CASTLE!

From their website:

Make your Valentine’s day STEAMY!  Take your Valentine to White Castle on Wednesday, February 14 between 5 and 8 p.m. and enjoy hostess seating, candlelit dining and your own server.  

...you can also treat your honey to a romantic White Castle dinner in your home! Cupid’s Crave Kits include eight cheeseburgers, one sack of fries, two regular soft drinks, coupons and keepsake items to heat up your homespun romance. Now, ain’t that sweet?

I might go just to see what the "keepsake item to heat up your homespun romance" is!  Any guesses?

Tru Dining

This past weekend, Amanda and I had the privilege of dining with our friends, Ted & Kathryn Egly, at one of Chicago's finest and most unique restuarants - Tru. 

Without a doubt, this was one of the most wonderful dining experiences I've ever had! Everything from the unique flavors and presentations to the service and fine attention to every detail...  It was all done so well.  We all had the chef's tasting menu made up of 8 or 9 courses.  Before we left, we were even given a private tour of the kitchen.  Impressive...!

Here are a few pictures:

A few of our entrees:
Selection of Japanese Sashimi-Grade Fish, Complementary Garnishes
Millbrook Farms Venison Saddle, Zinfandel-Huckleberry Essence, Ginger Snaps, Pear
Chocolate orange mousse dessert (INCREDIBLE...) 
Petit Fours Cart (MORE desserts...)

Oh, and by the way....  It was Ted & Kathryn's 5 year wedding anniversary!  Happy Anniversary guys!