For some time now, my goal has been simple. As I travel the country seeking out local cuisine that isn't some corporatized version of food then I report about it here. The good and the bad. Fortunately, as I hypothesized at the onset of this project, I have found way more good than bad when it comes to local food. So as you peruse the posts here, you find them to mostly be about my experiences at these restaurants. A little while back I also started to throw in an occasional post about something interest from the home kitchen. Now it's time to address a missing element to this site.
I am super excited to announce we will now be posting regular podcast episodes of a brand new podcast called The Chef's Table. Each podcast will feature a conversation with one of America's best chefs. We will discuss their culinary careers from the beginning, find out what fuels their passion for food and gain some insight into what their interests are outside of the kitchen. Each chef is also asked to share a recipe which speaks to their culinary philosophy and yet is readily accessible for the home cook to prepare. I can't reveal it yet, but I am already excited about our very first interview next week. It is with a true culinary legend and I know you will enjoy the episode.
I think this addition brings the site full circle in many ways. With the existing reviews on the site, I am able to share my opinions and experiences at restaurants, however I don't get to speak to the chefs. This isn't because I don't have access to them, but instead because I intentionally don't want to speak to them during my visit. I want to ensure I have an unbiased experience when I am dining and although I may ask a few probing questions of my server I do my best to fly under the radar. This podcast will allow me to go to the back of the house. Beyond the taste of the food, the service in the front or the menu pricing. We will get to see what great chefs are doing everywhere and hopefully expose you to new chefs you didn't know you need to know.
Episode one will be available here and on iTunes. You can also follow us on social media at:
https://www.facebook.com/thechefstable1
Twitter - @TheChefsTable2
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Bigelo's Bistro - Edwardsville, IL
This Tuesday while I was getting ready for a meeting in downtown Edwardsville for work, I sought out a spot to grab some lunch. As usual, I looked for a chance to dine at a local restaurant. I stumbled on Bigelo's Cafe. It was convenient for me because it was right across the street from where my meeting would be and it had a nice, modern look to the restaurant. Once inside, the decor was modern and nice. The restaurant seats about 50 at a time around tables and at the bar. When I came in at about 12:30 pm. there were not many seats available, which I always take as a good sign.
A server greeted us as she walked by and told us to find a seat anywhere. I selected a small table toward the back so I could watch the service. Our server came by quickly and took our drink order and our food order a short time after that. I chose a BLT sandwich and a Greek salad for the side. My co-worker ordered a club sandwich and the same Greek salad. The menu was full of affordable items. The BLT was $7.69 and I was able to add the side salad for $2.50 more.
The salads were delivered quickly and were delicious. The serving was generous and would equal a full-size salad at many other restaurants. The lettuce was crisp and the tangy dressing was well balanced against the salty flavor of the black olives and generous helping of feta cheese. Things were off to a good start and as soon as I finished the salad, my sandwich arrived. The BLT was delicious. It was made on Texas toast, which had been grilled on the flattop grill. It had a crunch to the outside of the bread with a soft, sweet interior. The bacon was crisp, but not brittle and the sandwich had the right amount of mayonnaise, lettuce and juicy tomatoes.
The only downside was that my co-worker ordered a club sandwich, yet he received a BLT like me. Our server was attentive and kind, but during a busy lunch rush I think the problem arose because the servers don't write down their orders. More and more restaurants seem to be adopting this model, but I always like to see someone write down my order.
Overall, I had a great meal and a good experience at Bigelo's. The decor was nice, the staff was friendly, and the food was great. They have a nice selection of beers and wines there as well and I saw a flyer for an upcoming 5-course dinner they were having as a special event. For more information, find them at www.bigelosbistro.com.
A server greeted us as she walked by and told us to find a seat anywhere. I selected a small table toward the back so I could watch the service. Our server came by quickly and took our drink order and our food order a short time after that. I chose a BLT sandwich and a Greek salad for the side. My co-worker ordered a club sandwich and the same Greek salad. The menu was full of affordable items. The BLT was $7.69 and I was able to add the side salad for $2.50 more.
The salads were delivered quickly and were delicious. The serving was generous and would equal a full-size salad at many other restaurants. The lettuce was crisp and the tangy dressing was well balanced against the salty flavor of the black olives and generous helping of feta cheese. Things were off to a good start and as soon as I finished the salad, my sandwich arrived. The BLT was delicious. It was made on Texas toast, which had been grilled on the flattop grill. It had a crunch to the outside of the bread with a soft, sweet interior. The bacon was crisp, but not brittle and the sandwich had the right amount of mayonnaise, lettuce and juicy tomatoes.
The only downside was that my co-worker ordered a club sandwich, yet he received a BLT like me. Our server was attentive and kind, but during a busy lunch rush I think the problem arose because the servers don't write down their orders. More and more restaurants seem to be adopting this model, but I always like to see someone write down my order.
Overall, I had a great meal and a good experience at Bigelo's. The decor was nice, the staff was friendly, and the food was great. They have a nice selection of beers and wines there as well and I saw a flyer for an upcoming 5-course dinner they were having as a special event. For more information, find them at www.bigelosbistro.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)