Calumet Fisheries is located in the South side of Chicago so we took the opportunity to visit University of Chicago, Robie's House and the Oriental Museum after lunch; a very productive day.
My recommended itinerary: Calumet Fisheries for lunch, dine al fresco (there is no other choice), drive over to Robie's house and take the tour, walk the University of Chicago campus, take a coffee break and hop over to the FREE Oriental Museum. Beside Calumet fisheries, everything else is within a 2 block radius.
I am certain Anthony Bourdain brought much attention to Calumet Fisheries, as it did for us. I love smoked salmon and even traveled to Coastal Oregon visiting various mom and pop smoked fish shops. Calumet Fisheries is one of best I've had. The fish, both salmon and trout were flaky - like shuffling a pack of cards and moist, not a slight hint of dryness. The prices are ridiculously reasonable for the quality.
We were greeted by two friendly and helpful teenage workers. They answered questions, added their recommendation and let us pick out the fish. Each time the workers would announce the price before wrapping up our pick of the day.
While we were waiting for our fried seafood, we took the opportunity to walk around outside and scoped out the smoker.
There was a choice between plain and peppered smoked salmon. I spotted a tray of smoked salmon heads but we had to pass because we ordered so much food. The fish was moist, the smokiness penetrated through and through.
The smoked trout was about 1/3 of the salmon price, this piece ran us about three dollars and change. The fish was seasoned very well, not salty, the smoke brought out the natural flavors of the meat.
Little Trout staring at the clouds
The smoked shrimps were huge, probably in the 20/24 size range. The shell is intact and peeled off easily, the meat was tight, crunchy and smoky.
The full order of [$6.39] fried smelts was more than enough to share with four people.
One of the workers recommended the fish chips, he said it was one of their biggest sellers and fresh everyday. The [$4.35] half order of fish chips was excellently fried - crispy, tender and not oily.
We were armed with napkins, plastic utensils (it really isn't necessary, our hands were more efficient) and two Diet Rite. We were ready to dine al fresco on the car hood. We had a view of the industrial town, a river, passing cars who stared at us stuffing our faces and if one squint hard enough, one might even see a Casino boat in Indiana.
One of the best way to dine
The store is filled with accolades from the James Bread Foundation and signed photos of Anthony Bourdain. I am so glad Bourdain included a gem like Calumet Fisheries in his Chicago episode, since Hot Doug's and L20 already have a lot of love.
Next time, I'll stop by Calumet Fisheries for a quick snack before going to a Casino Boat in Indiana, that is another destination I want to experience.
Calumet Fisheries
3259 E 95th St
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 933-9855
I am certain Anthony Bourdain brought much attention to Calumet Fisheries, as it did for us. I love smoked salmon and even traveled to Coastal Oregon visiting various mom and pop smoked fish shops. Calumet Fisheries is one of best I've had. The fish, both salmon and trout were flaky - like shuffling a pack of cards and moist, not a slight hint of dryness. The prices are ridiculously reasonable for the quality.
We were greeted by two friendly and helpful teenage workers. They answered questions, added their recommendation and let us pick out the fish. Each time the workers would announce the price before wrapping up our pick of the day.
While we were waiting for our fried seafood, we took the opportunity to walk around outside and scoped out the smoker.
There was a choice between plain and peppered smoked salmon. I spotted a tray of smoked salmon heads but we had to pass because we ordered so much food. The fish was moist, the smokiness penetrated through and through.
The smoked trout was about 1/3 of the salmon price, this piece ran us about three dollars and change. The fish was seasoned very well, not salty, the smoke brought out the natural flavors of the meat.
The smoked shrimps were huge, probably in the 20/24 size range. The shell is intact and peeled off easily, the meat was tight, crunchy and smoky.
The full order of [$6.39] fried smelts was more than enough to share with four people.
One of the workers recommended the fish chips, he said it was one of their biggest sellers and fresh everyday. The [$4.35] half order of fish chips was excellently fried - crispy, tender and not oily.
We were armed with napkins, plastic utensils (it really isn't necessary, our hands were more efficient) and two Diet Rite. We were ready to dine al fresco on the car hood. We had a view of the industrial town, a river, passing cars who stared at us stuffing our faces and if one squint hard enough, one might even see a Casino boat in Indiana.
The store is filled with accolades from the James Bread Foundation and signed photos of Anthony Bourdain. I am so glad Bourdain included a gem like Calumet Fisheries in his Chicago episode, since Hot Doug's and L20 already have a lot of love.Next time, I'll stop by Calumet Fisheries for a quick snack before going to a Casino Boat in Indiana, that is another destination I want to experience.
Calumet Fisheries
3259 E 95th St
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 933-9855
2 comments:
I'm going to Hot Doug's soon. Will bookmark Calumet Fisheries.
- FYG
Hmm.. whatever smelts are - they look good, but they could do with a re-branding for a tastier name! And I'm with you - if Bourdain gives it the thumbs up - I'm there!
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