I lunched today with one of the smartest mobologists out there, Art Bilek. As I have advised before, go buy his book on the St. Valentine's Day Massacre (The St. Valentine's Day Massacre: The Untold Story of the Gangland Bloodbath That Brought Down Al Capone, with co-author Bill Hemmer). If you are having trouble finding the book, Art said that Borders put it in the True Crime area not with the Chicago books. And also, if you have any connection to the book business and can pass on the word of this book, let me know...
Jim and Pete's: Over the years, they've expanded and expanded, but the linoleum floored front room gives you the real Jim and Pete's. I must confess that my favorite thing at Jim and Pete's is the oil dip for the bread. Mild yet rich olive, whispering of garlic and hot pepper, gritty from grated cheese, it is highly addictive. I actually believe they should use it to dress their salads or as a pasta sauce. Actually that salad dressing is pretty good too. Jim and Pete's peaks with the first tastes and then moves slightly down. I've had a few things there over the years that have been fair or even less than fair, but also a few good things too. Today's lunch special of pork chops diablo, thin chops in a mess of oil, giardinara and potatoes was just the kind of messy food I love. Finally, finishing just as strong as they start, Jim and Pete's wraps their food about as good as any restaurant, with plastic mummifying the styrofoam containers and keeping all the food away from where it does not belong.
7806 W. North Ave.
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 453-5204
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