things that are yellow

DIY barbecue

Looking for Korean barbecue, say at 3am? Look no further than Lincoln Square. San Soo Gap San is the place and it's the real deal. It's messy, it's loud, smoky (from the grills) it's an adventure. I went with my friend Mandy who knew what to order...she ordered up a grill and we cooked our own meat...pretty labor-intensive, but very tasty. And then comes a vast array of little dishes of pickled veggies and items I was unfamiliar with. So many little dishes...they kept them coming, too many to even try them all...dishes stacked upon dishes.

Directions: cook meat over flame. Place pickled veggies in a lettuce wrap. Place meat in the lettuce wrap. Dip the whole thing in some kind of sauce. Insert into mouth. Use lots of napkins.

I can't say the food was amazing, but it was a fun dining experience overall, and was pretty affordable.

Here's what Yelpers have to say. San Soo Gap San, 5251 N. Western Ave., Chicago

Dumplings....

Big flavor at Big Jones

Sometimes it's okay to splurge on a Monday night. Especially when the food is worth every penny, and Big Jones doesn't disappoint. It's southern food with a light touch. And absolutely delicious, from appetizer to dessert, and you shouldn't skip either of those. We started with the crab cakes...flavorful, moist, with a little outside crunch, served with a creamy remoulade sauce.

Instead of rolls, a warm corn bread biscuit with a side of butter is brought to the table for each diner, so light and buttery and easily the BEST cornbread I've ever had.

For my entree I had blackened catfish in a pea radish sauce with coconut curry rice. Again, absolutely delicious...the fish was so light...everything perfectly seasoned.

We also ordered a side of sweet potato hash...again...so good, and had some kind of maple-kissed bacon to accompany it.

And for dessert...a made to order red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting (not a scoop of ice-cream).

The cake was served warm!

The service was great, and Monday nights bottles of wine are half-price. Beautiful restaurant and one of the best in Andersonville, and I'd venture to say one of the best meals I've had in Chicago. I've spent almost as much and had WAY more mediocre meals. Want to impress a date? This is your place.  I can't wait to try this place for brunch too!

Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark St, Chicago

grocery cart bagels...only in NY