***** There is Bar-b-Que and there is BAR -B-QUE! Tonight, we went back to revisit our old friends at Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine. They are settled in at their new home located at 2391 N. Hicks Road, in a strip center that touches on lake Cook Road and old 53 ( Hicks Road) in Palatine. I recall when they had just moved in this spot, with a nice patio area for outdoors dining and of course plenty of seats inside where their regulars ( and let me tell you, once there, you will become a “regular”) dine and have fun.
The ownership may have changed during these years, but the staff remained the same. Jay and his people are running a very smooth operation making sure that they have ample food for the hungry BBQ lovers coming thru the doors. This is a casual dining space where you come in, place your order, find a seat and get comfortable because when they bring your order, you are on your way to heaven. By the way, they have a daily menu that is what they term “A Limited Edition” meaning
“some items may sell out or change with the moment- DEAL WITH IT!. Yes, that does happen, but if so, they have plenty of other items that will be as good and now you have a reason to return- next time you will get that items.
Our friends Vickie and Al joined us tonight, and while we had some previous experience, they had never been, so Jay felt it best to do a CCK PLATTER!
On the platter:
1/2 pound of their smoked brisket ( low and slow with cherrywood for 14 hours) amazing!
1/2 pound of pulled pork:slow smoked & braised with house pickled onion- to die for!
1/2 Amish Chicken:Miller Farms 1/2 chicken dusted with Texas gold rub and sweet pickles ( the pickles were absolutely mind boggling)- the chicken delicious!
BBQ Rib Tips- smoked and grilled . Just the tips and MMMM GOOD!
St. Louis Ribs-Smoked and grilled pork spare ribs in all their glory ( and it was)
Texas Link- beef and pork hot link ( had some kick)
Jalapeno Cheddar Link- beef & Pork Hot Link infused with cheddar and Jalapeno ( just a little more kick)
The shareables were:
Mac N’ Cheese
Patata Brava: Spanish style fried red potatoes drizzled with homemade garlic aioli & red pepper aioli.
Sticcky Sprouts ( fried brussel sprouts tossed in spicy sweet chilli sauce)
Creamy Cole Slaw
Corn Bread that was divine.
There is a great more available including wings, fried green tomatoes ( yes, it is more than a movie title), Corn on the cob, shrimp,and beans,
There are a host of beverages to select from, both alcoholic and non, and I must tell you, we watched a few of their burgers go by- next time, for sure a burger and the Green Fried Tomatoes and their fireball bread pudding- it looked divine, can’t wait to taste.
As good as I thought it was in my previous visit(s), i truly think that with age, they have improved ( just like a good wine), and I am sure the aging of their ovens and grills helps as well. I know there are a number of BBQ restaurants in the greater Chicago area, and I am pretty sure we have hit a large percentage of them, and I am sure we will do even more, but to date, I must say that I find Chicago Culinary Kitchen a “dream come true”- great food, great people, and affordable prices.
They are open
Wednesdays-Through Saturdays from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Sundays 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Again, location is Palatine, 2391 N. Hicks Road ( at Lake Cook Road, just west of Route 53) 847-701-8243
They also do catering and have food trucks so they can bring the party to your house! This is the place to “Meat & Eat”!
www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com
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