(Chicago) – Calumet Fisheries is a veritable institution in Chicago; standing proud for more than 6 decades in the business is an unobjectionable proof. It has all the accolades of James Beard and badges of approval of culinary superstar’s like Anthony Bourdain. It is also immortalized in a classic film, Blues Brothers.
I have read and heard so much about Calumet since I settled here in Chicago 5 years ago. But the only constraint that prevents me from frequently visiting the place is its location; it is very far, about 20 miles away, and it’s in South Side area which has a bad reputation in terms of safety.
The perfect time has arrived when I am conveniently situated to stop by Calumet at last. It’s a bright Friday afternoon and I have some business to do in the South. Hungry and nauseated after doing errands, the only place that pops to my head where I can have some lunch bites is at Calumet. I am salivating, thinking of all the fried seafood that I will order, while driving the 4 short miles.
It’s a take-out place: no tables, no fancy plates, and no restrooms. I’m totally under-informed. They don’t accept credit cards as well: cash only please. And I hate cash; it eats up the skimpy space of my wallet. So I rummage my slim card holder, all the compartments of my car and my gym bag for some cash; bill or coins, I couldn’t care less. I miraculously gathered $21 (yes!!!).
So I got all that my cash can afford and it’s plentiful. I pointed at boxes of shrimp, fish and oyster and the man behind the counter sent them to the fryer right away. And after a few minutes, it’s all set for me to feast on, in my car parked out front. The thing that amazes me with every bite is that the seafood stays and tastes fresh. The breading and the frying action did not contaminate the freshness.
Fried Fish
Fried Oyster
Fried Shrimp
Let me end by saying, I know now the reason why Calumet is venerated by many people for more than half a century. It’s consistently great throughout the years. I’m happy that I’m a part of it now.
3259 E 95th St Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 933-9855 http://www.calumetfisheries.com