Hidden Gems

Wining at Matilda

I thought I knew a little something about wine. Not as much as I’d like, I’ll admit, but a little. Well, I was wrong. Turns out Kevin Abercrombie and his wife, Kerry, owners of Matilda, a friendly neighborhood bar at 3101 N. Sheffield, know wine. Compared to them, I am more like a caveman when it comes to grapes.

But a caveman certainly willing to learn, hence my recent trip with about 20 or so friends to partake in a wine-tasting event in the downstairs lounge at Matilda.

First off, the room is a candlelit, cozy spot, secluded and perfect for such an event that involves catching up with friends, mingling with new acquaintences and discussing the wine you’re indulging in.

For around $30, they bring you six different half-glasses of wine to taste, only their half-glasses are more like the full glasses you get at most restaurants. Each glass is served with an appetizer, prepared on site and specifically chosen to complement the flavors of the wine.

Our combinations included a Cooper’s Creek Sauvignon Blanc with sweet bread topped with melon and grapes and then sprinkled with powdered sugar; a Dry Creek Fume Blanc with a skewer of grilled shrimp with lemon cream sauce; a Trentadue Zinfandel with strip steak, served with a lime celantro paste and sweet potato chips; and a Loconfield Sparkling Shiraz at the end, capped off with a giant dark chocolate brownie.

The food was delicious, but perhaps the most rewarding part of the experience was learning more about the wine. Kevin and Kerry describe in detail where the wine is from, the brief history of the winery, the average price in a store, what we can expect when we tip the glass and what food it’s best served with. The explanation is thorough yet brief at the same time, in order to allow the focus to be on the tasting and the conversation with those sitting next to us.

Anyone with more questions, and they’re right there to answer them. It’s refreshing to see people so passionate about food and wine, because their genuine enthusiasm and eagerness to share what they know made me more interested in learning. And stepping out of the cave.

For more information or to set up a wine tasting of your own with friends, call Kevin at 773-883-4400.

— Trent Modglin

Fish tacos at Brownstone

I first found myself introduced to fish tacos on a visit to San Diego several years back, and I secretly hoped for this trend to make its way to the Midwest. And let me tell you, I finally found it has.

On a recent trip to Brownstone Tavern and Grill (3937 N. Lincoln), I discovered fish tacos that tasted almost like the ones I became addicted to on the West Coast. Sounds like an odd combination to some who have never lived outside of this part of the country, but I assure you, it’s a treat worth trying.

Brownstone makes them three different ways: beer-battered cod, sautéed tilapia or grilled shrimp wrapped in a warm tortilla with shredded cabbage, colby-jack cheese and spicy ranch, served with tortilla chips and salsa on the side. I had one of each, and to me, that’s the best way to go.

— Trent Modglin

Chicago’s largest newsstand

With over 6,000 magazine titles and over 60 newspapers available, City News is the largest newsstand in Chicago. Started by an 18-year-old paperboy with a dream, City News opened its doors 27 years ago. With its mind-boggling selection, City News attracts customers from as far as Iowa and Wisconsin. “We carry the largest selection of magazines in Chicago, larger than any other city newsstand,” says Mike Oelrich, associate manager. And they are so confident that they’re willing to pay a $10 reward to anyone who brings in a recently purchased magazine or newspaper title from another city newsstand that they don’t carry.

From sports to music, politics to poetry and collectibles to comics, there is a magazine or newspaper here to fit even those with the most finicky taste. Well-known titles like Glamour, Ebony and Martha Stewart Living sit beside not-so well-known titles such as Juxtapoz, Nylon Guy and, my favorite title, Wasted Youth Magazine. Whether you’re into fishing or polo, at City News you will definitely find what you’re looking for.

City News is located in Six Corners, at 4018 N. Cicero Avenue, and they are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. This paperboy sure knows how to run his newsstand!

— Paola Lastick

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