Secret menus not so hush-hush
How do you find the most authentic dish at many Chicago ethnic restaurants?
It's a secret.
Often, first-generation or new Americans assume guests at their restaurant want Americanized versions of cultural specialties. And often, they're right, says Gary Wiviott, founder of LTHForum.com, a food-focused Chicago online community.
So they create a separate menu -- a secret menu -- featuring dishes that might appeal only to a native. Generally, you have to be a native of that culture to receive a copy. Slowly, though, word is getting around that the real deal is out there.
Some in the restaurant business are starting to realize there is a core group of adventurous eaters, Wiviott says.
In fact, some of those eaters have contributed translations of secret ethnic menus on the LTHForum site. One lists the dishes at Chinatown's Happy Chef, including pork tongue with moss. Another provides explanation of items such as spicy stir-fry with wild boar at Spoon Thai near Lincoln Square. It's expected that the person posting the list will be as accurate as possible.
So how does the secret get out?
"There's a natural curiosity in the diner. I call it plate envy," Wiviott says. When you see something interesting on someone else's plate, "you always want to know what it is. It'll turn out that that's not on the menu."
Generally, restaurateurs will be thrilled by your interest and the opportunity to share a bit of their homeland. Just be sure to bring your manners, your sense of adventure . . . and maybe a snack if your first choice is an acquired taste.
Julianne Will