Behind the Line: Dan Smith
Topic: Favorites
Dining Out Favorites
Q: Say you're in the mood for something unique. Perhaps a hole-in-the-wall. What is your favorite ethnic dive and what is your favorite dish there?
There's a Cantonese restaurant on the northwest side of Chicago called Kow Kow - the place is like a time warp from the 60's. They've got $4 cocktails and the best damn egg rolls I've ever tasted anywhere in my life!
Q: It's a hassle-free night in and you've got takeout on the mind. What is your favorite go-to food for takeout/delivery?
We live on the far north side of Chicago not far from Little India. I love ordering from a different place every time but a favorite is Hema's Kitchen.
Q: Let's say you've got reason to celebrate, and for one night only, money is no object. Where's your favorite spot for a celebratory splurge?
That's a funny question because I don't feel like you have to spend an arm and a leg for a fantastic dining experience. I'm really fond of North Pond Cafe - the setting, decor, food, drinks & service all come together to create a really memorable evening for me.
Q: When those pastry cravings set in, what's your favorite bakery? And what's your favorite baked good from there?
I really love Pasticceria Natalina in Andersonville - especially the Sfogliatelle and the little lemon cookies. They remind me of my grandmother's kitchen.
Q: When visions of pastrami, corned beef and latkes dance through your mind, only one place will do. What is your favorite deli?
I'm a New Yorker born and bred so when I think of that kind of food I automatically think of Carnegie Deli - the sandwiches are stupid big with a matching stupid big price...but you can eat it for 3 days!
Q: What's your favorite soda fountain classic?
A Manhattan Special float - it's vanilla bean ice cream in espresso soda. My grandfather used to serve it in his soda fountain shop in Brooklyn
Q: What is your favorite Sunday morning breakfast/brunch out?
I never go out to brunch because we serve it at Hearty. It's actually my favorite meal and since my partner Steve hates breakfast I half joke that the only way for me to get it on a regular basis was to start serving it at the restaurant.