Small HH Exchange - Al Bawadi, Super Sunday February 2, 5 PM

At some point this will really happen, so we throw ourselves to fates with expectations Al Bawadi in Niles will be open for Super Sunday Edition of the Small Household Exchange.

If not, we will figure on something else.

The Small Household Food Exchange, among other things, is an opportunity for like-minded folks to gather, share the ordering power of a group, and describe and show off their cooking skills.

So get to work cooking dishes to share with other LTHers.

Or don’t … everyone’s welcome to join for the three c's — camaraderie, conviviality and companionship.

Note that we cap attendance at 12 with a maximum of 10 people exchanging dishes. Those who exchange dishes will have first priority, but they should post by January 8, to allow cooks to plan, shop and create.

The Basics
We’re always interested in fresh blood. Even if you can't exchange, please join us for dinner and conversation! But we encourage all to bring a few samples of the cuisine you enjoy at your home; it’s a great way for all of us to get to know each other better, discuss food and cooking techniques, and ultimately, later, have a meal at home that we might not have thought of making for ourselves.

What is the Small Household Food Exchange, you may ask.
Most importantly, it’s a gathering of like-minded folks at an interesting restaurant for a meal, taking advantage of the ordering power of a good number of people to share and sample a good number of menu items.

The Small Household Food Exchange started so that those of us in 1-2 person households who love to cook aren't stuck eating that big pot of chili for a whole week. Instead, we make 4-10 servings of one dish, and bring home 4-10 different dishes. Exchanging participants bring one pre-portioned serving of their food for every exchanger who has RSVP’d to come that month. The priority will be for entrees, meats, soups, salad, stews, pastas, grains, etc. (Check the Events Board, there’s a separate Dessert Exchange.)

The fine print
Number in the group: We will cap attendance at each gathering at 12, and food exchange participants at 10, so that participants are never making more than 10 servings of anything. Couples can be counted as one serving, or two — if you come as a couple, please specify whether you're bringing one or two dishes to exchange.

There will be no restrictions on the food – we’re an omnivorous bunch. IF ANYONE HAS ANY ALLERGIES, PLEASE LET THE GROUP KNOW.

The containers/delivery system: Everyone in the group should use the GLADWARE 3 1/8 CUP PLASTIC CONTAINERS (7” x 7” square container with a blue lid). You’ll portion your food into those containers to bring and hand out at the gathering. You can freeze them or not depending on your schedule and when you make your food. If you use something else to deliver your food that month (Ziploc bags, plastic wrap, etc.) you should also return the empty containers from the last round so that everyone always has a stash of these containers for the exchange, and no one has to run out and buy more. Ideally, everyone will find a way to label their containers, describing the contents, so we don’t end up staring into our freezers at a field of blue-lidded containers and wondering what’s in each one (not that there’s anything wrong with the occasional surprise …).

Please RSVP your attendance by responding in this thread about one week before the monthly gathering. If you're exchanging, please post what you're bringing at least three days before the gathering.

The organizer will monitor the thread to see what people are bringing. The organizer will also make reservations for the group at the restaurant where we will be gathering.

Hope to see you there!

Attending:
Dinner and Exchange (bring TBA servings)
Cathy2 — Czech Roast Pork with dumplings and sauerkraut
NR706 - Okonomiyaki
Moetchandon - beef enchiladas with Mexican rice. They won’t be spicy.

Dinner and sparkling company
GAF, the eternal optimist
Dave148 and Merle
maybe you?

Save the date!
Sunday, February 2, 2020, 5 pm

Al Bawadi Grill
8501 W. Dempster St
Niles, IL 60714
Phone: (847) 957-1999

Such an optimist. I’ll bring something to exchange.

I’m in for dinner and exchange. Hopeful for the restaurant opening.

nr706 wrote:Such an optimist. I’ll bring something to exchange.

moetchandon wrote:I’m in for dinner and exchange. Hopeful for the restaurant opening.

Hope springs eternal or at least since October!

An optimist as well, I will join you for Dinner.

Merle and I will join you for dinner.

Dave148 wrote:Merle and I will join you for dinner.

Yay!

I just contacted them via FB messenger for an update on the opening date = “ It’s safe to say Monday 27th”

Dave148 wrote:I just contacted them via FB messenger for an update on the opening date = “ It’s safe to say Monday 27th”

Trust, but verify!

Bringing Okonomiyaki.

Cathy2 wrote:

Dave148 wrote:I just contacted them via FB messenger for an update on the opening date = “ It’s safe to say Monday 27th”

Trust, but verify!

Done!

Hi,

My contribution: CZECH ROAST PORK WITH DUMPLINGS & SAUERKRAUT.

"Roast pork (veprova pecene) is a traditional Czech meal usually served on Sundays with dumplings (knedliky)and sauerkraut (zeli), and a nice Czech pilsner."

It is a national dish and hopefully to become a favourite of family too.

Regards,
Cathy2

I made beef enchiladas with Mexican rice. They won’t be spicy.

Hi,

I attempted to make a reservation for Sunday, but was advised they are not yet taking reservations. Walk-ins only ... whoever gets there first, we are a party of seven (Mom is #7 and it is 50-50 she will agree to go).

At their location on the south side, they had a table with curtains styled in such a way it felt like you were in a nomadic tent in the dessert. If they have a table dressed like that available, that is a preference.

Hoping Super Sunday magic continues with just about nobody there and they are thrilled we showed up.

Anyone else wishes to join, there is still time at least for dinner.

Regards,
Cathy2

I am hoping for one or more reports with evaluations on the food ordered, please. Pictures would be a plus, but descriptions and recommendations are the priority.

diversedancer wrote:I am hoping for one or more reports with evaluations on the food ordered, please. Pictures would be a plus, but descriptions and recommendations are the priority.

Thank you for the assignment. Al Bawadi in Bridgeport is pretty well documented. Unless something goes haywire, I expect the same quality experience. Of course, walking into a restaurant less than one week old is not the best footing.

My birthday is my opportunity to drag my family to places they normally won't join me. Al Bawadi was such a memorable experience, they still talk about it today. My Dad's interest was keen when I told them they were now in Niles, because he did not like the hike to their other location.

Regards,
Cathy2

Ammo belt and sidearm? That would not be what I would recommend for a Middle Eastern restaurant.

I’m being told it’s an hour and a half wait

moetchandon wrote:I’m being told it’s an hour and a half wait

I’m here now. That’s correct. I have a plan B. I’m standing in front of the building.

In case anyone cares:

Plan B

BBQ Garden
9020 Golf Rd
Niles

moetchandon wrote:I’m being told it’s an hour and a half wait

Later moetchandon received a text message at around 5:30 pm of a table availability. By that time we were already somewhere else eating.

One of these days we will make it to Al Bawadi.

Regards,
CAthy2

GAF wrote:Ammo belt and sidearm? That would not be what I would recommend for a Middle Eastern restaurant.

And yet . . .



=R=

You’d think they would know by now the constitution only applies to white men.

ronnie_suburban wrote:

GAF wrote:Ammo belt and sidearm? That would not be what I would recommend for a Middle Eastern restaurant.

And yet . . .



=R=

I definitely saw the guy in costume pouring tea last night.

So, BBQ garden... I really like that place, any comments from SHHFE ?

Added shortly after posting:
When I talked to a manager AFTER dining there (when planning a third visit, which ended up not happening) I was told:

1, I could have asked for lettuce leaves

2. I could have insisted on smaller portions. Insist on a small portion, if not, when it arrives, take off a little and send the rest back, I'm guessing after doing that once, they will bring smaller portions when asked. I would tip extra for that service. When I go again, I'll also ask for a plate 1/3 eadh of three items maybe.

Finally, having had mint at another non-bbq specifically restaurant, can one ask for that, or does anybody bring their own? When the grocery has bunches instead of just small foam trays, I buy it and add to salads, etc.

Any chance you are going to get this group back to Harner's at some point?

toria wrote:Any chance you are going to get this group back to Harner's at some point?

If you post an event at Harner's, I know I will go. <hint>

Ha Ha ok I will think about it.