Back in Chicago and Two New Restaurants

I'm back in the Windy City. Started a new rotation. Submitted my rank list for fellowships. My apartment's a mess. and my fridge is empty.

But I want to tell you about two restaurants I tried in the past week.

Mado. Wicker Park. You can find my friend's review of it here. It's a brand new place that focuses on local produce, organic stuff, etc. The atmosphere is very clean and simple. The menu tries to be but is actually sort of confusing, at first. I had a hard time deciding on what I wanted, which can be a great sign, but in this case, I think the options were a little limiting. I ended up with two smallish plates of a tortellini broth and poached tuna. I enjoyed the meal but didn't think it was all that remarkable. The desserts, however, are fantastic. Really worth it.

Sticky Rice. Way up northwest somewhere. I have been wanting to try this place forEVER. I first heard about it as a place with great Thai food that also has DURIEN... you know, that stinky fruit that is actually banned from the subway in Thailand? The one that smells like rotting garbage but is supposed to be oh so good? Yea... I didn't have the courage to order it but I smelled something really bad during our dinner... not sure if it was from something we ordered or something someone else at another table ordered, but it was not pleasant. I had a ground pork dish that was okay but again, not that remarkable. The sticky rice was a little awkward and too sticky. Not sure that's how it's supposed to be?!? We didn't even have a chance to try their desserts because our bill was brought before we were given the option. So overall, I was really disappointed and definitely won't go back.

But I'm glad I got to try both. I want to taste Starfruit some time soon... Pinkberry-wannabe?