This week will probably be the longest of 2019. I'll try to remember only the happy moments, which on this trip in Chicago revolved around steakhouses. Starting with the first night at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab:

I had the 8z filet mignon, medium rare, as I usually like. For sides, we had the sauteed spinach, broccolini, and the Lyonnaise potatoes (seen above the steak in the photo to the top). For dessert, we had to order the key lime pie, in honor of D, who could not make it for his own legitimate reasons:

Everything was just good enough, but not spectacular. The server came by and was very good at introducing the menu, told us about how their beef is prepared, and I should note the number of days that the meat is aged next time, but if my memory is correct, I believe she mentioned that it was between 30 and 40 days.  My medium rare steak was closer to medium rare plus, which is a term that I was reminded of on this trip, referring to steak that is just slightly more cooked than medium rare, but just below medium (it's all in the temperature control). 

Not only that, it was a tad dry and chewy, but hey, I was still able to eat the whole chunk of meat.

The sides were fair. Being the first time that I tried Lyonnaise potatoes, I didn't really know what to expect, but basically, they were large pieces of hashbrown with onions and gravy on top. Not sure if I'd order this again for dinner, because hashbrowns are a breakfast food in my mind.

The key lime pie was not too impressive, based on the ones that I've had before. I prefer a firmer texture and this one was already melting on the plate.

Walking around the windy city reminded me of how fortunate I am to be here, living in a 1st world country and doing the job that I have. Although it was a difficult week, we're blessed with an abundance of food and drink, and I'm grateful for the opportunities around me. I hope to be able to hire a robot to do everything that I don't want to do, like putting together trade show demos.

Chicago Steakhouse Tour 2019:
1. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab
2. Chicago Cut Steakhouse
3. Shula's

“What is there to do in Kansas?” I asked everybody I met in Kansas.

“Barbecue food is great!” said everybody I met in Kansas.

So, we had BBQ food in Kansas. We visited Joe’s and I had the Z Man:



Topped with 2 onion rings, there’s a thick pile of brisket in between two freshly toasted buns. Meat is good and all,  but BBQ is not something I’d usually choose. Yet… there was something about this burger, the meat was tender enough to just fall apart at the lightest bite, and the onion rings didn’t get in the way because they were crispy enough. I guess my problem with meat is that it’s sometimes too tough to chew, and I’m too lazy to tear into it, but this was perfectly cooked meat that I had no complaints about. I could not stop until it was all gone.

I would tell my friends to go again for me.



CONCLUSION - No flying monkeys in Kansas, but good BBQ.