Born to Fork

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161458942011-12-14T19:00:21.660-08:00Born to ForkEat, Drink and Be a Fatty.Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.comBlogger1261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-50786717850956294832009-09-16T21:00:00.001-07:002009-09-16T21:00:50.389-07:00Massa's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Massa’sLocation: 4120 N. LindberghSince moving back down to the Lou I’ve been asked one question over and over and over and over again. And that question has always been asked by the same person - Neuman.

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-37607143307193553362009-06-15T21:10:00.000-07:002009-06-15T21:13:33.297-07:00The New Born to Fork is Up and Running

I finally got the new and (maybe) improved Born to Fork up and running. You can check it out by clicking here.And let me remind you that this will likely be the last post on this blog for a while.I might try to update it every now and then, but don't hold your breath. Unless you hate breathing. Then go ahead and hold it.Thanks again for your support (both of you) and taking the time to read

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-87759915639113653432009-06-12T07:15:00.000-07:002009-06-12T07:17:57.540-07:00St. Louis Is A Joke

Well, I've decided to create a new blog. You can check it out here

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-74132729594652972662009-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:002009-06-03T08:18:17.301-07:00The Times, They Are a Changin'

So, here's what's going down at BTF. I'm taking the restaurant review thing to Twitter. If you haven't heard of Twitter, please take a deep breath and remind yourself that it's 2009. I fought Twitter for a long time, but now it makes sense. Here's why: I'm going to revamp BTF a little bit, and my goal is to write a book and post it on the site, posting one chapter at a time (ideally once a

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-82906198924182549962009-05-31T21:07:00.001-07:002009-05-31T21:07:38.786-07:00Operation: Heat Attack

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsWell, as I said last time (which is like a month ago now), my cholesterol is through the roof. My wife is concerned, and insisted that I go on a diet to try and lower it. I had no choice. I had to agree. But,

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-37828634979637182262009-04-22T15:28:00.000-07:002009-04-22T15:40:10.057-07:00Pointersaurus Challenge

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Pointer’s DeliveryLocation: 1023 S. Big BendI come to you today humbled. I come to you today embarrassed. I come to you today less of a man. I come to you today as a failure.Yesterday, Jeff and I

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-12398826432987629962009-04-21T17:51:00.000-07:002009-04-21T17:52:12.903-07:00Wild Flower

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Wild FlowerLocation: 4590 Laclede AvenueFolks, we have a winner! And by winner, I mean loser. I have finally found my least favorite restaurant in St. Louis (well, least favorite so far). I could tell

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-86239614923288337652009-04-05T18:48:00.000-07:002009-04-05T18:49:14.167-07:00St. Louis Randomness: Part 2

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsSt. Louis Randomness: Part 2Restaurant: RevivalLocation: 3800 ChouteauRevival is the old King Louie spot. I bring this up only because we had told at least five different people we were going to Revival, and every one

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-90344319224376240212009-04-05T10:23:00.000-07:002009-04-05T10:24:32.025-07:00St. Louis Randomness: Part 1

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsSt. Louis Randomness: Part 1I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, so rather than spend a couple hours trying to spit out one crappily written review, I’m going to spend a couple hours spitting out several crappily

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-42019688659805266722009-03-08T20:01:00.001-07:002009-03-08T20:01:35.621-07:00Stratton's Cafe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Stratton’s CafeLocation: 8103 Big BendMy co-worker Kelly knows I love breakfast. And she’s been bored to tears listening to me talk about all the great breakfast/brunch places in Chicago. She finally

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-56930472193836766772009-03-08T04:59:00.001-07:002009-03-08T04:59:58.990-07:00The Shaved Duck

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: The Shaved DuckLocation: 2900 VirginiaThe Shaved Duck recently retooled their menu to focus on their American (primarily BBQ) offerings. I have no idea what the menu was before, but from what I gather it

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-13359919516097308732009-03-03T07:36:00.001-08:002009-03-03T07:36:50.707-08:00Cicero's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Cicero’sLocation: 6691 DelmarBack before I gave myself the nickname The Big Delicious, I was given another nickname by my best bud Mike. After I started dating my wife, Amy, he called me Zima. Why?

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-60581560876252875792009-01-28T18:37:00.001-08:002009-01-28T18:41:19.146-08:00Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Ruth’s Chris SteakhouseLocation: Every major metropolitan area in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and around the world.I was in the Whale’s Vagina last week (that’s San Diego, in case you didn’t

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-61959401983334681372009-01-18T19:38:00.001-08:002009-01-18T19:38:30.073-08:00Triumph Grill

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Triumph Bar and GrillLocation: 3419 Olive St. The last couple Fridays I headed out for lunch – once to celebrate Deni’s birthday, and once for a work meeting. Both times I headed to Triumph Grill, located

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-22436510073488316472009-01-14T18:20:00.001-08:002009-01-14T18:20:19.232-08:00Niche

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: NicheLocation: 1831 Sidney St.So at my first job out of college (to protect the innocent, lets just call the place Zebra Island Paradise), we had something that we called Zebra Island Paradise Hot (Z.I.P.

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-55715885125062380972009-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:002009-01-08T20:35:26.753-08:00Katie's Pizzeria

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Katie’s Pizzeria CafeLocation: 6611 Clayton RoadI’ve got big news! Are you sitting down? While watching porn? With a sock nearby? GREAT! Get this: I finally found a restaurant in St. Louis that I LOVE!

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-18918268384337608832009-01-06T18:02:00.001-08:002009-01-06T18:02:24.671-08:00Pueblo Solis

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Pueblo SolisLocation: 5127 Hampton AveWhen my wife and I were living down in South City before moving up to the Chi, we used to go to Pueblo Solis all the time. It was easily our favorite restaurant in the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-75980606101485542712008-12-03T17:34:00.000-08:002008-12-03T17:35:15.868-08:00A Walkabout on The Hill

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsSo a couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to have a meaningful life journey. Something like a walkabout, but with less Aborigines. Then I remembered that I’m married and have a kid, so I don’t really have the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-82887557849669136532008-11-05T11:11:00.000-08:002008-11-05T11:12:11.788-08:00Herbie's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Herbie’sLocation: 405 N Euclid, St. Louis, MOSo a couple of weeks ago Herbie’s opened up in the old Balaban’s location, and my wife and I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peak before it opened to the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-63228571484667704182008-10-01T19:17:00.001-07:002008-10-01T19:17:12.715-07:00Pi

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: PiLocation: 6144 DelmarDo you love your taste buds but hate your stomach, intestines, and colon? Well then have I’ve got just the thing for you! It’s the Pi Lunch Time Challenge! That’s right! Pi is now

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-8924894603595362902008-09-10T07:47:00.001-07:002008-09-10T07:47:36.729-07:00La Vallesana

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: La VallesanaLocation: 2801 CherokeeOne of my biggest fears with living in St. Louis again was that I wouldn’t find any great Mexican places. Everyone is always quick to point out places like Arcelia’s or

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-41456601443229292492008-08-19T18:27:00.000-07:002008-08-19T18:28:01.905-07:00Drunken Fish

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Drunken FishLocation: #1 Maryland Plaza DriveA couple weeks ago when Dru and I went to check out Pineapple Express, I came out of the theater indifferent. The movie is probably best described as “fine”.The

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-27080884630305973862008-08-14T08:08:00.001-07:002008-08-14T08:08:56.611-07:00Pam's Chicago-Style Hot Dogs & More

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Pam’s Chicago-Style Dogs & MoreLocation: 6016 DelmarLet me just say that when I saw a “Chicago-Style” hot dog place in St. Louis, I was skeptical. Too often you see things that are “Chicago-Style”, but in

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1280366413162858722008-07-31T06:41:00.000-07:002008-07-31T06:49:46.469-07:00Goody Goody Diner

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Goody Goody DinerLocation: 5900 Natural BridgeThere’s an old saying that my momma used to tell me; “If it’s good enough for Cedric the Entertainer, then it’s good enough for you.” Unfortunately I think

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-54368977080136785462008-07-11T09:44:00.001-07:002008-07-11T09:44:36.998-07:00Pappy's Smokehouse

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Pappy’s SmokehouseLocation: 3106 Olive St., St. Louis, MOI like my BBQ how I like my women – rubbed and wet. Lucky for me, Pappy’s is Memphis style BBQ at it’s best. From the moment you walk in you fall

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-26869283162130877462008-06-20T13:20:00.000-07:002008-06-20T13:21:01.680-07:00Tears of a clown

I know what you’re thinking; “Oh my god. I feel so bad. Josh passed away and I didn’t even make an effort to attend the wake or the funeral.” Well, don’t feel bad. Because I didn’t die. I just moved to St. Louis (which is pretty much the same thing, I guess). That’s right, a couple of weeks ago (when I started writing this, it was a couple weeks. Now it’s been several weeks.) the wife and

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-62796940904464542232008-04-01T20:44:00.001-07:002008-04-01T20:47:55.749-07:00Victory's Banner

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Victory’s BannerLocation: 2100 W. RoscoeAt the end of “Ghostbusters”, Gozer asks the guys to “choose the form of the destructor”. Peter realizes that whatever, or whoever, they think of will be the thing

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-85032684850270997952008-03-23T19:55:00.000-07:002008-03-23T20:04:54.369-07:00J Patrick's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: J Patrick’sLocation: 1365 W. ErieLook, I know it goes without saying, but I feel the need to reiterate the sentiment from time to time: I’m awesome. Honest to god, I am. And if you don’t believe, me, I

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-44529356350610196392008-02-19T17:10:00.000-08:002008-02-19T17:11:04.961-08:00El Nandu

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: el ÑandúLocation: 2900 W. BelmontTango Sur is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I love the huge cuts of perfectly cooked steak, the empanadas, the dimly lit atmosphere, the BYOB aspect, the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-63952493147837810792008-02-14T05:53:00.000-08:002008-02-14T05:54:26.289-08:00Kuma's Corner

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Kuma’s CornerLocation: 2900 W. BelmontA while back (December actually, but don’t worry, I took notes, so this is fairly accurate, even months later) we (Geoff, Tim, Brian, Pete, and I) were looking for a

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-35079552641113560162008-01-23T09:42:00.000-08:002008-01-23T09:44:09.022-08:00Zapatista

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: ZapatistaLocation: 1307 S. WabashSo about a month ago the wife took the kid to visit her family down in Missouri for a week. What this meant for me was a week of, well, whatever I wanted. In case you’re

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-20813035008228784982008-01-07T20:29:00.000-08:002008-01-07T20:30:31.220-08:00Vella Cafe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Vella CafeLocation: 1912 N WesternSong: Café, VellaArtist: Big Delicious[Intro: G Lou]Ahuh Ahuh (Yea Delicious)Ahuh Ahuh (Good boy gone fat)Ahuh Ahuh (Weighs three... Hundred)Ahuh AhuhHungry is the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-69472916542800596152007-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:002007-12-27T12:38:49.317-08:00HB

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: HBLocation: 3404 N HalstedWelcome back to Career Advice 101 with your professor, Born To Fork. In the first class we learned how to get ahead by doing as little as possible at work. In today’s lecture we’

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-87245847322131337272007-12-04T06:24:00.000-08:002007-12-04T06:25:18.611-08:00Everyday Gourmet

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Everyday GourmetLocation: 1216 Waukegan Road, Glenview, ILWhen I knew I was going to have a kid I thought, “No sweat. It won’t change my life that much. I’ll still have plenty of time to do the things I

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-87231473187301739952007-11-11T17:28:00.000-08:002007-12-27T12:40:17.560-08:00Meritage

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: MeritageLocation: 2118 N. DamenFive-year anniversaries are special. So special, in fact, that my wife and I celebrated ours twice. The first time was on the weekend of our anniversary, and we went to Sola

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-27245119805025700492007-11-01T21:43:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:33:28.001-08:00Vegetarian Voyage

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsWhen I first moved back to Chicago about four years ago I was living with my parents while my wife was still in St. Louis. To keep myself entertained for those five or so months I decided to become a vegetarian. Not

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-79594238738172714492007-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:002007-12-27T12:41:45.371-08:00Chicago Marathon

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Chicago MarathonLocation: ChicagoMany years ago (maybe five?) my friend Brandon decided that he wanted to spend the summer doing triathlons and he somehow convinced me to do them with him. Our first one

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-19326819176355900002007-10-09T20:57:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:36:43.968-08:00Trattoria 225

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Trattoria 225Location: 225 Harrison, Oak ParkI grew up in Oak Park and my parents still live there, so I make it out there more times than not (at least I like to think so, though my mom would probably tell

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-29125912850800261912007-10-03T22:10:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:37:10.323-08:00Between

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Between Boutique Café and LoungeLocation: 1324 N. MilwaukeeA couple weeks ago we had a babysitter for the night so we headed out for some dinner and drinks with friends. We’d heard decent things about

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-4049344530480687262007-09-22T11:05:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:38:36.502-08:00Sola

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: SolaLocation: 3868 N. Lincoln @ ByronThis past 4th of July we were at a friends place enjoying a couple of cold adult beverages and some encased meats when someone asked me, “If you could go to one

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-66822072521914339172007-09-11T20:18:00.001-07:002007-11-11T18:12:48.965-08:00Who's Now - San Fran vs. St. Louis

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsWe’re going to answer the most definitive question of our generation: Who’s NOW: St. Louis vs. San Francisco.(Yes, I realize this joke is about a month too late, but I just had a kid (OK, I didn’t have the kid, my wife

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-12318889067292896242007-08-07T20:43:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:40:05.446-08:00Jerry's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Jerry’sLocation: 1938 W. DivisionMark Philippoussis had to make a tough choice. But it’s nothing compared to deciding which sandwich to order at Jerry’s.That’s because Jerry’s offers 100 sandwiches to

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-7925138720206109692007-07-27T09:44:00.001-07:002007-11-11T18:13:02.138-08:00A New York Minute

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsI was just in New York for work. Flew in on a Tuesday night and back home Wednesday evening, so only got to enjoy a couple of places. However, the trip capped off the most amazing famous-people-sighting week I’ve

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-36040635537374978892007-07-26T13:28:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:41:50.002-08:00Hackney's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Hackney’sLocation: 733 S. Dearborn (and several locations in the ‘burbs)Signs that it’s time to start questioning the direction your life is taking:- Someone asks you if anyone has ever told you that you

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-71758693544925021032007-07-11T20:09:00.001-07:002007-12-27T12:42:11.129-08:00Taste of Chicago

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Taste of ChicagoLocation: Grant ParkI don’t understand why people hate the Taste of Chicago. People go as far as calling it the Waste of Chicago. Why? Don’t they realize the true genius of it? Here’s

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-270062763071625922007-07-06T08:21:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:57:53.950-08:00Coalfire

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: CoalfireLocation: 1321 W GrandI was channel surfing the other day and came across the college cheerleading championships or something on ESPN2. Now, anytime I see 18-year-old girls wearing short skirts, I’

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-37477437251415565892007-06-14T20:55:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:44:06.279-08:00Crust

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: CrustLocation: 2056 W. DivisionHipsters and hippies and yuppies, oh my!That’s the scene at Wicker Park’s newest pizzeria, Crust. It also just happens to be the only certified 100% organic restaurant in the

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-83783937433894550502007-06-12T09:46:00.001-07:002007-11-11T18:13:16.721-08:00Philly

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsI finally did it. After 30 years and extensive amounts of food entering my digestive track, I finally did it. I always wondered what it would be like to eat Styrofoam covered in dust, and thanks to my trip to

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-4421443140557666912007-05-30T21:15:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:13:35.106-08:00Carl's Drive In

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Carl’s Drive InLocation: 9033 Manchester, St. Louis, MOQuestion: Does Carl’s Drive In make the best burger you’ll ever eat?Answer: No, but I do have a couple of friends (Steve and Dave) who are willing to

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-15487028358795061472007-05-22T20:38:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:46:37.282-08:00Golden Rise Bakery

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Golden Rise BakeryLocation: 2957 W. Diversey Ave.A sale of the building where Golden Rise Bakery once resided in Oak Park drove them from their location. But, rather than close up shop, they decided to

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-22355299452511071792007-05-11T14:14:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:47:31.659-08:00America's Dog - Day 5

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: America’s DogLocation: 26 E. RandolphDay 5Well, all good things must come to an end. Like the Bulls’ season. Sanjaya (aka Mangina). And my hot dog eating obsession. It was a good week. Just not for my

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-57711711864540796992007-05-10T19:29:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:48:04.036-08:00America's Dog - Day 4

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: America’s DogLocation: 26 E. RandolphDay 4America’s Dog just got a lot more expensive for me. Today when I was there (a solo mission, which sounds a lot like my high school sex life) my sunglasses got

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-39380860422551559672007-05-09T20:30:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:49:11.646-08:00America's Dog - Day 3

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: America’s DogLocation: 26 E. RandolphDay 3It’s official. These aren’t hot dogs, they’re energy bars. I had another great run this morning, and the morning runs when I was finished. The Louisiana Dog is

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-11402682885295152542007-05-08T20:41:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:49:38.695-08:00America's Dog - Day 2

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: America’s DogLocation: 26 E. RandolphDay 2I’m now convinced that these aren’t hot dogs. They’re PowerBars wrapped in a poppy seed bun. I got up this morning with a belly full of America’s Dog (and some

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-4426949925512804472007-05-07T20:37:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:50:07.529-08:00America's Dog - Day 1

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: America’s DogLocation: 26 E. RandolphI’ve had a lot of bad ideas in my lifetime, but this might be one of the worst. See, several months ago America’s Dog opened on Randolph, just a couple of blocks from

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-91690290857483795182007-04-17T20:46:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:14:00.444-08:00Phoenix

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsAbout a month ago I was in Phoenix for my buddy Mike’s bachelor party. We had a good time, ate a little, drank a lot, and drove even more (but not while or directly following drinking, because that is wrong). See, I

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-30714138811866146302007-04-11T21:13:00.001-07:002007-11-11T17:53:34.476-08:00Chew Chew Cafe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Chew Chew CafeLocation: 1 Riverside DriveThis past Sunday was Easter Sunday, so my wife and I had planned on having brunch with my folks. My mom told me she made reservations at Chew Chew Café. She’s

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-615288639301031952007-04-03T09:27:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:14:16.678-08:00New York, New York

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsOK, so about a month ago I turned 30. Awesome. Turning 30 really wasn’t that big a deal. The one thing it does do is open your eyes a little bit. You notice what you’ve accomplished in your life (like bowling a 250

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-47744214911506707712007-03-20T08:57:00.000-07:002007-11-11T17:56:02.307-08:00Lula Cafe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Lula CafeLocation: 2537 N. KedzieDo you want some career advice? Some tips on how to get ahead and stay ahead? Of course you do. And who better to give that advice than a guy who works hard...at avoiding

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-52114858934522628582007-03-05T08:20:00.001-08:002007-11-11T18:08:53.111-08:00Feed

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: FeedLocation: 2803 W. ChicagoThere are some experiences that are better “live”. For example, everybody claims that music is always better live. You can feel the music move through you. The crowd adds

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-82367171715971739262007-02-28T20:17:00.001-08:002007-11-11T17:57:22.128-08:00Bin Wine Cafe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Bin Wine CafeLocation: 1559 N. MilwaukeeI’m still so angry it’s amazing I can even type. I feel like my Dad at a co-ed softball game when his forehead starts pulsating because the second basewoman made

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-70933669529692393682007-02-22T15:47:00.001-08:002007-11-11T17:58:55.253-08:00Battle of May Street

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 stars(First, an apology. I wrote this review a long, long time ago (right before I went to Europe), then forgot that I wrote it. It seems a tad dated (like the fact that May St Café has been on Check, Please! so it’s not

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1171599436732147842007-02-15T20:16:00.000-08:002007-11-11T17:59:24.032-08:00Barcello's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Barcello’sLocation: 1647 N. MilwaukeeMost restaurants try to put together a lineup of all-stars. A menu of home run hitters. A Dream Team. But too often the menu ends up being like the most recent

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1170193292479421642007-01-30T13:41:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:02:03.365-08:00Spacca Napoli

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Spacca NapoliLocation: 1769 W. SunnysideFirst, let me apologize for yet another list. I know they get old (actually, they’re already old, kind of like HJs with no lube or trucker hats) but this one is very

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1169005372595039732007-01-16T19:42:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:02:33.665-08:00Eleven City Diner

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Eleven City DinerLocation: 1112 S. WabashHere are the 11 reasons why I love Eleven City Diner.1. The décor. I loved everything about it. It really combines a ton of different diner and deli clichés into

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1168375889883339972007-01-09T12:51:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:03:01.627-08:00Diversey Rock 'n' Bowl

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Diversey Rock ‘n’ Bowl Location: 2211 W. DiverseyI have a healthy obsession with a lot of things in this world. Hot dogs. Fantasy football. Sports. Eating. Procrastinating. Avoiding work. Milkshakes.

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1168228782686376012007-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:03:38.110-08:00Yolk

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: YolkLocation: 1120 S. Michigan Ave.My wife is subjecting me to watch this awful reality show “Grease: You’re the one that I want!” And since I’m being forced to suffer through it, now you’re going to be

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1167929494343019992007-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:09:26.900-08:00Mundial Cocina Mestiza

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Mundial Cocina MestizaLocation: 1640 W. 18th St.Good things seem to come in threes. Three’s Company. The three-toed sloth. My fat rolls. The Three Stooges. The Three Wise Men (and not the Jim, Jack and

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1164637439645873202006-11-27T06:23:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:10:17.135-08:00The Hot Spot

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: The Hot SpotLocation: 2824 W. ArmitageI’ve done a complete 360 on The Hot Spot. I started hot, got cold, and now I’m hot again. I’m like a 52-year-old lady going through menopause (minus the mom jeans,

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1162960850642381162006-11-07T20:40:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:09:43.291-08:00Sol de Mexico

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Sol de MexicoLocation: 3018 N. CiceroBack when I first started writing reviews for this site my buddy Geoff begged me (maybe I’m exaggerating) to go to Chilpancingo with him. It was his favorite restaurant

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1161833514967918312006-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:14:45.225-08:00Europe

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: SeveralLocation: All over EuropeBefore I say anything, let me first apologize. It’s been a long, long, long time since my last post. I hate to make excuses, but I’m going to anyway. I moved a couple of

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1157063355016037642006-08-31T15:28:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:06:36.404-08:00Hachi's Kitchen

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Hachi’s KitchenLocation: 2521 N. CaliforniaHachi’s primarily serves Sushi. Sushi is Japanese. I turn Japanese in the shower several times a week. Since we clearly have so much in common, I thought I’d

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1155845735652389302006-08-17T13:14:00.000-07:002007-12-27T12:39:47.205-08:00Lollapalooza

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: LollapaloozaLocation: Grant ParkThis past weekend I checked out Lollapalooza. Now, when Lollapalooza first started back in ’91 it was a traveling show that featured some of the biggest acts of the summer.

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1152839374708496402006-07-13T18:09:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:07:51.678-08:00Quartino

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: QuartinoLocation: 626 N. State St.Maybe it’s because I was the middle child. Maybe it’s because I had a brother who was only a year younger. Maybe it’s because I’m a selfish bastard. But the fact remains

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1152720796049013112006-07-12T09:13:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:08:18.938-08:00Bravo Tapas

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Bravo TapasLocation: 2047 W. DivisionIf you know me, or if you’re either of the two people who happen to read these reviews, then you know my feelings on tapas. Small plates of food that you’re supposed to

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1150237457906246802006-06-13T15:24:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:10:51.330-08:00Jin Ju

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Jin JuLocations: 5203 N. ClarkI think it’s time to add to the ever-expanding list of things that will always make me smile.13. Dunking a basketball. Now, I’ve never actually really dunked a basketball, but

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1148507466120406782006-05-24T14:50:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:11:13.313-08:00El Cid

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: El CidLocation: 2645 N. KedzieI French kissed a cow this weekend and it reminded me of eating roast beef. Not only that, the cow was dead. More on that in a moment.This past Saturday, where the weather

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1147890992330976482006-05-17T11:36:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:11:40.237-08:00Erwin

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: ErwinLocation: 2925 N. HalstedI hadn’t really heard anything about Erwin before I went there. In fact, I’d never even heard of Erwin before I went there. Some friends of ours recommended it so we headed

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1147438846428835812006-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:002007-12-27T12:41:20.665-08:00Spiaggia

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: SpiaggiaLocation: 980 N. Michigan Ave.“Spiaggia don’t lie.”So Geoff and I are sitting down, eating our dinner, and we’ve both been a little over served. After about two bites of his entrée, he turns to me

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1146804491567255602006-05-04T21:47:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:12:33.850-08:00Milwaukee

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsLet’s play some word association. I’m gonna throw out a word or phrase or whatever, and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Let’s begin.Pizza.Basketball.Beach.Nike.Milwaukee.Vacation.Strip

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1145978007575624712006-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:15:13.353-08:00Mambo Grill

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Mambo GrillLocation: 412 N. ClarkThe first time I went to Mambo Grill was several years ago when I was in town visiting some friends. My buddy Brian and his then girlfriend (now wife) took my wife and me

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1144852941028854052006-04-12T07:42:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:16:14.980-08:00Shaw's Crab House

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Shaw’s Crab HouseLocations: 21 E. HubbardThere are people out there who are “in”. They know about the secret little bars that don’t have any signage. They know the secret knock that gets you in an

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1144181673077671152006-04-04T13:14:00.000-07:002007-11-11T18:16:51.785-08:00Opera

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: OperaLocations: 1301 S. WabashHave you seen V for Vendetta? If not, you should. It’s a good movie. Sure, you have to take roughly 48 leaps of faith, but it’s a movie. You kind of have to use your

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1143241633403566582006-03-24T15:05:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:17:15.308-08:00Odge's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: Odge’s Old Fashioned Red HotsLocations: 730 N. DamenThere are some things in this world that will always make me smile. And here they are:1. Seeing a guy get hit or kicked or punched in the balls. Always

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1142614134238572812006-03-17T08:48:00.000-08:002006-03-17T08:48:54.243-08:00United Center

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starManly ass slap – ½ starFone and fone – 0 starsRestaurant: The United CenterLocations: 1901 W. Madison St.I’ve been a Chicago Bulls season ticket holder for two years now. I do the 11-game package, partly because I can’t afford the full season, and mostly because

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1142441832626282452006-03-15T08:56:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:17:48.833-08:00Lalo's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Lalo’sLocations: A dozen or so across the city and ‘burbsI’m going to warn you right now. I like Lalo’s. I’m sure most people view it the same way they do Leona’s, as a local chain that isn’t nearly as

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1141938209840345622006-03-09T13:02:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:18:05.693-08:00WFOOD in Cincinnati

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starNow we're up to our long-distance dedication. And this one is about food, and more food, and a situation that we can all relate to, whether we have friends across the county, across town, or no friends at all. It's

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1141279992764886952006-03-01T22:12:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:18:32.897-08:00Uncommon Ground

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Uncommon GroundLocation: 3800 N. ClarkSo, judging by the name, you’d guess that Uncommon Ground was a coffee house, but not your typical coffee house. “Common” coffee houses simply serve coffee, maybe some

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1141152971713081012006-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:19:58.942-08:00Dodo

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: DodoLocation: 935 N. DamenA little ways back my work brought in a “consultant”. He would sit in meetings, keep his mouth shut, and every now and then chime in. But it wouldn’t be with some earth

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1140715086376956592006-02-23T09:17:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:20:17.182-08:00The Chronicles of Gnar

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: The DredgeLocation: 180 W Jefferson, Breckenridge, CO WARNING: THIS REVIEW IS LONG, RAMBLES, AND IS EXTREMELY INCOHERENT. I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE.On my latest trip I was in Colorado to do some skiing. For

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1139884438541118022006-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:20:29.646-08:00Vegas, Baby. Vegas.

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starFor Super Bowl weekend I headed to Vegas for work. Luckily, for me, work consists of drinking beer, and I did plenty of that. And in between hanging out with Drew Brees, his wife, his brother, and his brother’s girl

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1139845750575332342006-02-13T07:48:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:20:51.236-08:00Popeye's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Popeye’sLocation: 811 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, WII had the pleasure of spending my most recent birthday in Lake Geneva, WI for work. Now, obviously there’s nothing better than spending your birthday with

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1138845440918585542006-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:21:15.901-08:00Bar Louie

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Bar LouieLocation: All over the placeThe second installment of Fat Tuesday took place after work at Bar Louie. Of all the great places to eat in this city, why Bar Louie? Because they have $1 burgers on

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1138828772652425862006-02-01T13:19:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:23:10.088-08:00La Bamba

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: La BambaLocation: 2557 N. HalstedI decided to do my own little version of Fat Tuesday yesterday. It comprised of eating lunch at La Bamba and ordering a “burrito as big as your head” and then having $1

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1138648623146588832006-01-30T11:16:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:22:52.894-08:00Webster Wine Bar

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Webster Wine BarLocation: 1480 W. WebsterThere are some things that get better with age. My basketball game is not one of them. At one point in my career I could shoot from the outside, hit fadeaways in

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1138243761935106782006-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:25:46.794-08:00Dunlays on the Square

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Dunlays on the SquareLocation: 3137 W. LoganDon’t go to Dunlays for lunch or brunch or anytime before dinner if you haven’t eaten breakfast. I tried that genius idea, and I ended up consuming roughly 1

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1137638195970313182006-01-18T18:36:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:26:38.832-08:00Fat Willy's Rib Shack

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Fat Willy’s Rib ShackLocation: 2416 W. SchubertLet me tell you a little something about myself. I’m a very proud person. And one of those times when I get very proud and braggatory, if you will (yes, I

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1137561896270317662006-01-17T21:24:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:26:51.476-08:00Chuy Arzola's

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Chuy Arzola’sLocation: 6405 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MOThere’s Tony Soprano fat. There’s The Disney Wonder fat. There’s Oliver Miller fat. Then there’s my buddy Dru, who took fat to a whole new level

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1137001090099458722006-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:28:13.015-08:00The Feast and The Furious

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starThere were a bunch of places I’ve been meaning to review, so I decided to “act like gonorrhea and burn, baby, burn” right through them.Restaurant: Bongo RoomLocations: 1152 S. Wabash and 1470 N. MilwaukeeIs there

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16145894.post-1136778848300100762006-01-08T19:53:00.000-08:002007-11-11T18:28:29.040-08:00Romeo Romeo

Ratings Guide:Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 starsChest bump – 4 starsFist bump – 3 starsHigh five – 2 starsHandshake – 1 starFone and fone – 0 starsManly ass slap – ½ starRestaurant: Romeo RomeoLocation: 1415 N. MilwaukeeRomeo Romeo is the Sammy Sosa of restaurants. More specifically, the 1998 Sammy Sosa. See, in ’98 Sammy Sosa struck out 171 times. Now, if you told me, or any

Josh Kellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11938905321243538827noreply@blogger.com0