Alaska! Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau

Tracy’s King Crab Shack, 356 S Franklin St, Juneau, Alaska.

Located in picturesque downtown Juneau, just off the cruise ship docks, is the tiny masterpiece of Tracy’s King Crab Shack. You’ll see a pod of food truck/shack vendors from the sidewalk, and hidden in the back you’ll  find the mega King Crab sensations being offered at Tracy’s. Not only King crab, but all Alaskan crab, snow crab and Dungeness. Can I get a Yum Yum?!

The crab legs looked crazy amazing. Not feeling very hungry, plus chilled and wet from the typical summer Alaskan day, I opted for their Award-Winning, homemade King Crab Bisque. Creamy, hot, full-on rich crabby flavor and chunks of meaty crab were perfection. It hit the spot and was the best bisque I’ve ever had. Accompanying it were 2 luscious yeasty, fluffy, warm and garlic buttery dinner rolls. I could have eaten 20 of them! This was a flawless choice and a ‘must-devour’ if you find yourself in Juneau. By-the-way, you can order bisque packets and king crab from their site. Booyah!

As seen on Bravo’s Top Chef.

Open May 1-Sept. 25, 2013. 10:30am – 8pm. Outdoor and tented dining areas.

http://kingcrabshack.com

5 out of 5 super soup swilling satiated points.

Mad Girl Eats XOCO in Chicago

XOCO, 446 Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 .

Chef Rick Bayless, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, knows Mexican flavors like no other..as seen on Unique Eats. His fast service restaurant XOCO, is first-rate food at a nice price and perfect for lunch. On a cold, Chicago Windy City day, nothing warms the cockles like his caldos (meal in a bowl) creations. The Pork Belly Vermicelli is what I keep coming back for. Crispy pork belly, oodles of noodles, mushrooms, zucchini, avocados, salsa negra and a broth that has a bold rich flavor that can’t be ignored. It is addictive. From the first spoonful, you feel satisfied, relaxed, warmed, and ready to shout “Fantastico”! $12.00 for these huge dinner bowls of happiness. Score.

http://rickbayless.com

Tip: XOCO is located on the corner of Clark St. and Illinois, next to Chef Rick’s other great restaurants. Enter XOCO on the Illinois street side. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Don’t be afraid of a line, they move pretty quick. Seating is available indoors, tables are very very close to each other. Cozy 😉

4 0ut of 5 simmering sensations.