Hot Summer days and comfortable Summer nights have come and gone and I’m not sure I have come to terms with it.  I have also been MIA for the last three weeks…

I’m sorry!

But I had to send off Summer by traveling to visit friends before the weather becomes unbearable and I refuse to leave my apartment.  Hibernation mode is set to commence in just a few months and let’s just hope we get a long lasting fall.  Either way, it’s been awhile and I’m sorry so here is a quick view into what I’ve been eating as I geared up to say good bye to my flip flops, sundresses, and shorts.

Brownstone – I play a lot of rec sports, one of my favorites being softball.  I began playing the 16” variety this year in Irving Park, which is a bit of a hike from my River North abode.  My fellow teammate and I decided to go grab some dinner in the area after an unfortunate loss and we stumbled upon Brownstone.  I instantly fell in love with this pub, Brownstone is my type of bar.  Great music at an acceptable noise level, a great massive wood bar, and lighting that puts you to ease.  The menu sounded fantastic as well.  I couldn’t decide on what to order but then I saw them…

TATOR TOTS!  I know tator tots shouldn’t excite me as much as they do but I can’t help but order them every single time.  They just bring me back to my childhood.  I ended up getting the Turkey Burger with a side of tots.

The burger was juicy and tasted fresh but let’s be real, I was in heaven with the tator tots.  They had a nice crisp to them and were perfectly salted.  I only wish I was in this neighborhood more often so I could frequently drink and eat at this fantastic watering hole.

Antique Taco – Antique Taco newly opened this Summer in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area of town.  It also happens to be near Emporium Arcade Bar which naturally appeals to my dorky side since I can walk over and play DUCK HUNT after dinner.  Yes, this is where all the dorks grow up and hang out.

Back to the food, we went to Antique Taco on a Friday night and somehow made it in before a mad rush.  There are no reservations and seating is first come.  Unfortunately our party of 6 couldn’t be seated together and we had to split since the restaurant is not very large.  The table started with an order of Guacamole and Chips, which didn’t disappoint.

I ordered the Grilled Ribeye Taco with house steak rub, heirloom salsa, cilantro, onion, and queso enchilada.  The taco was mediocre and show cased bland meat with typical toppings that made it edible but nothing special to draw a smile to your face, especially with Big Star down the street.

However, the true highlights of Antique Taco are the POP-TART and the Horchata Milkshare.  Both are delicious!  But do NOT order both because they have the same flavor profile.  They basically both taste like a churro but one is in liquid form.

I liked the atmosphere of Antique taco and the desserts made me happy but that isn’t enough to pull me back for a full dinner again.

Till next time, peace out food ninjas!