Back Alley Burgers-La Grange

I had heard good things from friends and family about this burger joint, I have only recently had the time to try this place out.  I had there Tailgate Burger.  This skyscraper of a sandwich started with a pretzel bun, 1/2# burger cooked medium, a brat sliced a top that with sauerkraut and fried onion rings.  I was amazed by the options and how the food was.  i finished the sandwich along with a side of homemade french fries and fried pickles.  That was Sunday.  I went back Tuesday with my girlfriend, Renee.
I took the time to read the menu more slowly this time instead of just picking the first thing that sounds good.  I finally decided on a Knead a Big Burger.  A white burger bun, 1/2 # burger, swiss, pastrami, fried egg, onion, lettuce, tomato and horseradish sauce.  This giant is so big it is served with a knife through the center to hold it upright.  Renee went the create your own burger route and did a veggie burger with pickles, onion, avocado and Merkts cheese.  We got a side of homemade french fries and fried pickles.  The fries are great, thin, crisp.  The fried pickles I have had twice and yes they are good, how ever i think they need less batter and more pickle.  I finished my burger, which was outstanding.  I needed a lot of napkins with the oozing of the egg yolk and juice from the pastrami.  Renee loved the veggie burger and said it was the best she has had.  We both will be heading back here in the near future and i strongly recommend this place to all of my friends out there that like fun and creative burgers and dogs!!!

My Pork Rinds Snack

We recently  hosted the cluster Cadre meetings at the hotel I work at and I was inspired by the food that I made, so I made this snack for myself.

Hinsdale Farmers Market-Opening Day

I got there around 9:30am Monday morning, my plan was to get there earlier, people who k now me know I am not a morning person.  The market is located on Chicago Ave, right next to the train tracks.  There is plenty of parking around.  Once I got there I was amazed by how many different vendors there was there.
I decided to walk the length of the market first just to see what was available.  I snaked my way through the crowd of people, a sign saying fresh eggs catches my eye, them Michigan blueberries, even the Olive Tap, located in Downers grove had a stand there.
My plan of attack at this market and every other market I go to is to spread the wealth.  What does this mean you say?  They are all local farmers in some shape or form, so why not help out the ones you know are growing the food that you are going to enjoy and build that farm to table relationship.
I was first pulled in by the cheese.  The gentleman had a variety of cheeses from around the world and some local.  I myself got some 8 year old cheddar.  I then stopped by the first of two stands selling produce and got some cucumbers for cucumber sandwiches and some purple carrots.  My next stop was the stand with the Michigan blueberries.  I bought a pint of the freshest, juiciest blueberries money can buy.  Next stop was the next produce stand, there they had some great purple kale, and garlic scapes.  Garlic scapes are the flower of the garlic, just chop them up and use them just like garlic cloves.
My last stop was a stand with two older women selling bread.  Here I had the best conversation with a sweet lady obsessed with making truly great organic bread with the best ingredients.  They had an variety of breads for purchase, but what caught my eye was the rosemary and sea salt focaccia.  Soft and so aromatic.  This was my last purchase of the day and a great one at that.  i will be sure to go back in the near future.  Such great people with the same passion for fresh local food.
Photos below of my purchases from the Hinsdale Farmers Market


                                          Cucumbers, Green Beans, Garlic Scapes, Purple
                                                Carrots, Blueberries and 8 year Cheddar

                                                        A closer look at the Garlic Scapes