The Bad Apple

I love cheeseburgers.

Honestly, the word "love" does not adequately describe my feelings toward a good, juicy burger; it is really more of an uncontrollable obsession. As a huge fanatic of "ethnic" food, a burger is just about the only thing I willingly consume at an American restaurant.

That being said, I have probably consumed hundreds of burgers in my life, and it is rare that a burger meets my expectations.

The "Grizzly Adams" at The Bad Apple, however, went above and beyond.

Image 1. The Grizzly Adams

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Lately I have been getting to the nitty-gritty of authentic Italian cooking. Now, I am nowhere near even remotely close to being Italian in any way, so I wouldn't dare tout my methods as "legit." You can go to someone's Italian grandmother for that.

Nonetheless, I discovered that using butter and cream on pasta is strictly an American thing, and I can't say I'm surprised (what don't Americans put butter on?).This means that heavenly, creamy spaghetti alla Carbonara - a dish I have been enjoying my entire life - does not actually contain cream; rather, it is thickened with eggs.

Image 1. Dat bacon tho

Needless to say, I was intrigued.

And thus began my quest to make (semi-)authentic Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Namo Thai

Maybe it's the Asian in me, but I've always had a soft spot for food of the "Orient". For the past few years, my obsession has been Thai; I crave it to the point where I become a nuisance to everyone around me. Thankfully, this cute little place called Namo Thai has been within walking distance from my house, which has been a life saver.

My go-to Thai meal for years has been green curry with shrimp (or some other kind of shellfish) and a glass of Thai iced tea on the side, but Namo's $20 prix fixe menu encouraged me to switch it up this time. Instead of the usual appetizer-entree-dessert, Namo's 3-course deal was appetizer-second appetizer-entree, which in my opinion was a much better alternative.

Image 1. My one true love, Thai iced tea

Low fat cheesecake

If you're like me and you grew up drinking whole milk and eating full fat cheese, you may shudder at the thought of low fat cheesecake. But fear not! I would never sacrifice flavor just to cut some calories. Life's too short.

This cheesecake may be low fat, but it is creamy, cheesy, and just the perfect amount of sweet; you won't be disappointed.

Image 1. Follow me after the jump for the recipe!

WNTD: The Ballad of Cho Sun Ok

I've debated writing this post for a long time,  mostly because I don't have any images, which are the bread and butter of food blogs (the environment is too traumatizing to think about taking pictures). Another reason was that I don't enjoy writing highly negative reviews (there is a clearly defined line between constructive criticism and straight-up negativity). But then I realized that it is my duty to alert my fellow Chicagoans about the perils of eating at this...interesting establishment.

Cho Sun Ok is a Korean barbecue restaurant that gives Koreans a bad name. I have had to assure people multiple times that no, not all Korean restaurant owners are this rude, and yes, every single Korean restaurant I have been to within and outside of Korea have had very courteous servers despite the lack of tip culture. It's that bad.

There are no words to describe the magnitude of horror that the service here will incite within your soul. Let me put it this way; there is good service, there is bad service, and there is Cho Sun Ok service, which is a level of bad service that is so bad that you will sit there entranced by how bad it is. The food is great, which kept me going back a couple times, but my last experience was so traumatic that I doubt I will be returning.

Where to begin...