Introducing Publican Quality Meats

Photo: Publican Quality Meats/Facebook

Publican Quality Meats is working hard for Americans to live a tad bit more like the Europeans. Forget the big-box grocery store chains, and step into your new local butcher, now open just across the street from its sister restaurant Publican.

The focus on quality here is stellar, even as the crowds of people come pouring in at all times during the week. People come for the wonderful choices in meat and dishes that you often can’t find in other places in the city.

In ways, it is somewhat reminiscent of the other uber-popular Chicago butcher, Paulina Meat Market, but it’s offerings seem quite different. While Paulina continues to be a go-to place for all things sausage, Publican Quality Meats has some more hard-to-find and unusual items for sale, like duck rillette, pork shoulder confit, charcuterie, duck confit preserved in duck fat... and a number of other high-quality, delectable meats… Everything in the deli case is also nicely labeled in handwriting, a special touch.

Another big difference between the two meat stores is that Publican offers sandwiches. After fighting your way to the butcher and then the cashier (you just get the attention of one of the butchers here, rather than get a number when you walk in the door), you can order a sandwich and take a seat at the communal tables. And don’t forget to stop at the coffee bar.

I went for the first time last Sunday with my hubby (who has been here so many times already that he knows some of the butchers), and the place was absolutely packed, even at 3pm. Getting the attention of a butcher wasn’t difficult, and within just a few minutes we were loaded up on a ton of groceries, more than I would have expected. But when you get a sample taste of their prosciutto, it’s hard not to fall in love and buy some to take home.

After the groceries were picked out, we headed to the cashier, ordered some sandwiches and paid. I got the tuna muffaletta, not what one might imagine getting at a butcher shop. But one bite? And you can tell it’s house made and worth savoring.

I know I’ll be back soon -- but I won’t be forgetting about Paulina Meat Market either!

Publican Quality Meats
825 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
312-445-8977

Ball Park Franks WINNER!

Thanks to those who submitted, but there can only be one winner....

And random.org has chosen:

Entry #4: LAURA AND JARED

Congrats! I'll be emailing you for your mailing address!

Ball Park Franks GIVEAWAY CONTEST!!!

What better way to restart this blog than with a giveaway!

The folks over at Ball Park Franks generously donated 5 coupons good for up to $24.95 worth of hot dog treats. While the freebies can be redeemed at any store for any Ball Park Franks product, consider trying out their brand-new hot dog: the Ball Park Deli Style Beef Franks.

Check out my review of them here.

So how do you enter this giveaway you ask?

It's pretty simple.
1. Have a U.S. mailing address
2. Comment on this post with your favorite hot dog memory, as well as an email address you can be reached at in case you win. (There will only be one winner!)

You don't have to follow this blog to enter, but it would be much appreciated!

Deadline for submissions: July 4, 2011, at Midnight Central Time.

You may enter once, and only once may you enter!

All about Chicago food

I'm resurrecting the blog! I've been away focusing on other pursuits, but I won't waste time or space focusing on that. Rather, let's talk about what I want this blog to be. There's only so many "food fights" to be had. Well, okay, there's plenty, but those take a lot of time and planning and such, and I want this blog to be updated more frequently than once a quarter (or once a year). That's why this blog will be about all sorts of food events and experiences in Chicago, and hey, for some of them, you could call them a fight. After all, what is Ribfest if not a competition for the best ribs?

Chicago loves food, and we showcase it in so many ways, from new restaurant openings to festivals throughout the summer. I've been trying so many new places and events lately, and I want to share those with you here.

So check back here often for new Chicago food news, reviews, and much more!

Food fight preview: chicken tacos!

Ok, so tacos aren't a decidedly Chicago dish by any means--unless you count the tortillas, which are made by Chicago food manufacturers like Azteca Foods, El Milgaro, and Del Rey (and I'm sure I don't know them all). But, like hot dogs, taco stands and restaurants litter the city from hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants run by none other than Top Chef Master Rick Bayless--so why not feature them in a food fight?

The taco, of course, originated from the indigenous people who lived in the area now known as Mexico back in 3000 B.C. The tortilla, back then, was called the tlaxcalli, which was often filled with various toppings--just like we fill them today. But unlike the original taco, we won't be topping our tortillas with fish, locusts, and snails.

Rather, we're going for chicken. No pork, no steak, no beef--just chicken, simply for ease of comparison.

All of the food fight participants will bring their own favorite tacos--from places such as La Pasadita, Picante, Frontera Fresco, among others--after ordering them 'as is' off the menu. Once gathered, we'll divvy them up and vote!

Where do you get your favorite taco in Chicago? Which restaurant should be in this Mexican food fight? Share your opinions below!

Bacon pics... to come

I will, I will, I WILL post the pics from the gastronomical delight that was BaconFest from, sheesh, over two weeks ago. But first, I need to figure out why my camera won't sync with my computer anymore.... hmm.

Any suggestions?

You want to see these pictures, trust me.

BACON! Baconfest Preview

Alternate Title: Why tomorrow will be awesome and go down in bacon history

Baconfest 2010 is tomorrow... the first fest that's all about the tasty slice of meat. The October 2009 Pro Bacon Cookoff will be nothing compared to what tomorrow will bring.

If you haven't already guessed, I, folks, was one of the lucky few to score tickets. And, when I say lucky, I mean it. Tickets kind of sold out in 10 minutes... 'kind of' because while it looked like the tickets were sold out, some people were holding on to them but not paying. When their session timed out, the tickets were released back to the general public. The price they paid for wondering if the event was worth $45? I scored 2 tickets 45 minutes after the ticketing opened.

Yes, $45 for bacon. But that price gets my boyfriend and I much more than what we paid. 12 bacon dishes from top Chicago chefs, samples of beer, more samples from expo vendors...

...and that is why tomorrow will be awesome. Oh, that, and I'll be going to the John Mayer concert, too.

Pictures from tomorrow's festivities to come!