A couple of revisits for a quiet Tuesday
Chicago Fire Grill:
I'll often just drop by to hear what the owner has got on his mind....he's a hoot! And doesn't hold back.
And of course; for a totally decent Chicago Dog.
This place has gotten better over time. The roll, while not being the classic "S Rosen Mary Ann Poppy Seed Bun" was less crumbly and not as dry as usual. It was "dragged through the garden" in the typical Vienna Beef style; with all the typical players in place....fluorescent green relish? Check. Sport Peppers? Check. Celery Salt? A nice amount. Tomatoes? A bit riper than usual. The typical Vienna Beef dog had a decent snap as well.
The natural fries; while not my favorite; is done in thypical Chicago style.
And for dessert; well, I get to listen to the owner......this time he was grumbling about all those online food ordering and delivery platforms: "Geez, what the hell is going on with those Uber eats and stuff? Don't people get out from behind a desk and actually go get lunch these days? That's why they are so f*&%#@g f@+. They need to get out from that desk." I quickly and gently reminded him that he isn't the skinniest guy in the world. He stared at me; squinted and said; "hey, I like you....." I told him, "yeah...for now...until I order some ketchup on my dog." He cracked up. Priceless.
Chicago Fire Grill
8935 Towne Centre Dr.
San Diego, CA 92122
R & B Filipino Cuisine:
Speaking of getting fat eating behind my desk......
Well, it had been awhile since I've had anything from a turo-turo place and even longer since I'd had anything from R & B. Plus; I ended up giving away half of my plate anyway.
The beef mechado was greasy; though the slices (cut too large) of beef were tender. The carrots weren't cooked, but at least the stew had a nice bit of tangy-acidity.
I got half rice - half pancit. The pancit was very mild and on the bland side; though at least it wasn't mushy and over-cooked.
Timing does matter with these type of places and we lucked out as a new tray of sisig came out of the kitchen when we were in line. Like I mentioned in my previous post; I think the sisig here has gotten better over time. It's still not top notch; but the chopped lechon kawale wasn't to waxy and had both crisp pieces and some with a nice chew. Good vinegar, pungent onions, and a decent spice. The person I gave half my plate to came by later and asked me what this was....I guess he'd never had sisig before. He loved it....I told him he "needed to get out more."
R & B Filipino Cuisine
11257 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126
It's been awhile since I visited Chicago Fire Grill. I like their burgers.
Posted by: Soo | Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at 07:34 AM
What a character! Eating Chicago dogs + fries won't get you any skinnier. Driving yourself gives you maybe 100 extra steps in?
Posted by: Junichi | Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at 11:32 AM
I like their lamb burger Soo.
He always makes me laugh Junichi!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at 12:45 PM
Only issue with Chicago dogs is that after eating the first I want two more...
Posted by: Derek R | Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at 05:16 PM
that owner, what a hoot!
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 28 February 2019 at 06:16 AM
That's a nice problem to have Derek! ;o)
He is quite a character Kat.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 28 February 2019 at 07:14 AM
The owner at Chicago is great. I was there a few weeks ago and ordered a beef, dipped, dipped, dipped and he immediately came out and asked what part of Chicago I'm from. I told him Indiana and he cracked up and we chatted. Pretty good stuff!
Posted by: Dereck | Thursday, 28 February 2019 at 01:03 PM
So, you're from the Indiana part of Chicago eh, Dereck? ;o) He always cracks me up with his comments.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 28 February 2019 at 01:05 PM
I grew up in east central Indiana, but we had a local chicago beef restaurant that made the best sandwiches, and the only thing I am nostalgic for there!
Posted by: Dereck | Saturday, 02 March 2019 at 09:04 AM
Hi Dereck - Actually, I prefer Chicago Beef Sandwiches to the dogs and pizza....it's just that I can't get a good version here in San Diego.
Now you got me missing Johnnie's:
https://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2011/11/chicago-johnnies-beef-arlington-heights-again-mr-beef.html
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 04 March 2019 at 06:39 AM
Kirk, There is nothing better than a chicago beef, and Johnnie's is fantastic!
Posted by: Dereck | Monday, 04 March 2019 at 04:14 PM
I do get some childish glee from being able to walk up to a counter and order a "Beef - Juicy - Hot" without getting something thrown at me Dereck!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 05 March 2019 at 09:18 AM