Krekel's Springfield

Krekel's is a Springfield, IL institution.  It's a custard stand that specializes in super thin burgers.  Apparently in the past it was known for fried chicken, but it has achieved iconic status because of it's burgers and custard shakes.  The custard shake was very good, although to be honest I have little to compare it to.  The burgers other hand are outstanding.  They sell a single cheeseburger for 1.95, and consists of about 2.5 oz. of  beef cooked until it is crunchy.  I recommend the triple cheeseburger for 3.95, which is pretty close to a half pound of beef and three slices of cheese.  If you have been to the Billy Goat in Chicago, it is a similar size, however the burgers are slightly smaller at and definitely crunchier at Krekel's.  I know crunchy isn't generally a common adjective used with burgers, but in the case of Krekel's it works.  Additionally, unlike the Billy Goat, these burgers are NOT from a box.

I wish I could report the fries were hand cut, as the burgers are hand patted, but they are not.  As is common in Springfield, the fries are frozen crinkle cut (and as is always the case with fries out of bag, mediocre).  I suggest you use any calories you normally a lot for french fries for another burger or a bowl custard.  

This is one of several locations Krekel's has, most of which are in Decatur or a couple of small towns in central Illinois.

If you are in Decatur, I highly recomend you go ( or Pawnee or Mount Zion, IL), or if you are in Springfield and you have already been to Kozy Dog and Joe Roger's Chili Parlour.

Prasino St. Charles, IL

Prasino St. Charles

Finally made it to Prasino.  This is a restaurant and bar (two locations - LaGrange and St. Charles) that focuses on using ingredients that are in season, local and often organic.  The location is great, right on the new plaza in downtown St. Charles; in the new 1st St. Development.  The decor is modern, while using recycled wood, cardboard and various other materials.  With the choice of avocado green and ‘groovy’ wall dividers and decorations, it simultaneously feels modern and 70’s-ish.  

People have been telling me that their best dish (self titled ‘signature dish’) is the short rib tacos, and they were fantastic.  For 13 dollars you get three tacos, which include beef, avocado, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese and a poblano cream.  The beef rib meat is very tender, and is lightly seasoned (do not look for a smoked flavor).  These are not spicy tacos, and you will only occasionally have a  bight with any heat. The avocado, pico and poblano cream (poblano’s are mild chili peppers from Mexico) are evenly distributed, and included in nearly every bight.  Unlike a traditional taco, the ‘topping’ are under the meat, which is topped with the cheddar cheese.  There is no additional pico or salsa offered, the chef wants you to have the experience they have created.  The tables are devoid of all condiments other than a sea salt and pepper mill.  The tortillas are traditional corn tortillas, and they tasted exceptionally fresh. 

These tacos are fantastic, my wife and I both agreed that they were the best meat tacos we had ever had. That is a bold statement, and includes a year living in Texas and most of a year living in Mexico.  

You have a choice of sides, we both had the orzo (risotto) salad.  The salad consisted of the orzo (small ‘grains’ of pasta), red peppers, tomatoes and feta cheese.  The feta cheese, on my salad consisted of one pea size shaped piece of feta.  I am not sure what else the salad consisted of, as there was no flavor.  In general this salad poor.  They told me it had sometime of Greek dressing, either they forgot it, or they use so little you can not taste it.  

My wife ordered a chicken salad sandwich served on a croissant shaped pretzel bread.  The sandwich (generous) was 10 dollars and included a side.  The chicken salad contained grapes and pecans, and was very good.  There were also fresh greens on the sandwich.  The grapes gave the sandwich a nice sweetness and fresh feel, and the pecans offered the texture and crunch you would normally get from celery or raw onions.  This was definitely something I would consider ordering. 

I had the drip-organic coffee, which was good.  The first cup was hot (perfect) the subsequent two cups were warm.  In the age of Starbucks you might find it a hair bland, but it is both reasonably strong and very good.  My wife ordered an organic-green tea, which had fresh mint leaves in the unique glass.  We both thought the tea was very good.  They will refill your drink in a to-go cup for no extra charge (very nice touch).  

I highly recommend this restaurant.  The menu, as you can see from the link is interesting, a slight twist on normal dishes, with fresh and sustainable ingredients.

http://www.prasino.com/home.php