Restaurant Week Report

Most of you know my passion for food and eating at great resturants.
This week was Restaurant week in Chicago, where many upscale places offer a set three course meal for $32. I've been pretty busy at work, but a girl's gotta eat.....
and here are some places worth trying

Sat- Cafe 28 (okay, this wasn't part of restaurant week but fantastic none-the less:
The location/food type: Irving Park and Ashland, Cuban
The company: Jason, and his friend Carl and Tiffany who came in from Naperville leaving their kids at home w/ a sitter!!
What I ate: Ropa Vieja :Choice flank steak slowly simmered in a garlic tomato & bell pepper sauce until it falls apart. Served with white rice, black beans & sweet plantains.
Group Favorite: Jalapeno glazed pork chops
We all had different entrees and no one left unsatisfied. Fantastic food and huge portions in a cozy atmosphere.

Wed- National 27
The location: River North, Latin
The company: Jason
What we ate: sparkling sangria toast
Boniato & Plantain Croquetas, Smoked Chicken Empanadas and Guacamole, Chips & Salsa.
Farm Raised Chicken Mole Verde
Grand Marnier Chocolate Torte and Sorbets & Ice Cream
Overall Report: My 6th time to this place and I still love it. For a drink, appys, a nice dinner or dancing on the weekends this one will stay on the top of my list.

Friday- Eve
Location: Viagra triangle/ American
Company: The girls from my residency
What I ate: Maine Lobster Bisque Green Papaya, Pineapple, Vanilla Emulsion
Green Curry Short ribs and bok choy
Apple Crisp Butterscotch, Apple-Thyme Ice Cream
the crowd favorite:Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pot de Crème Peanut Brittle
Overall: Great atmosphere and service, voted the best food of restaurant week by my foodie friends. But I hate the location. So annoying to get to.

Saturday- Salpicon
Location: Old Town, Mexican
The Company: Jamie/Filip, Annie/Jeff and Jay.
What I ate: Ceviche:fresh blue marlin marinated in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, fresh chiles and herbs
Chicken Mole Pobalano
Dessert: Crepe with raspberries and mango
Overall: HUGE portions, great location, hilarious conversation, would love to eat here again.

So- if I've made you hungry, good news!!! Restaurant week has been extended one more week!! Too bad I'll be in Colorado, but probably better for my waist line anyways.

Lost and Found

Yesterday a patient needed our assistance removing a tiny screw driver her dentist had dropped down her throat during an appointment. It was pretty cool to avoid surgery and be able to do a quick procedure to pull it out.

During the last 18 months of my fellowship here are the things that we (collectively as UIC fellows) have pulled out of stomachs, small bowel and colons:
1. multiple sporks (see earlier post)
2. a cross necklace
3. a few sex toys (no surprise there, right?)
4. a tongue ring (found in the colon)
5. a prosthetic eye ball
6. dental screw driver

I wonder what else I'll find over the next few years!