Although many Chicagoans consider satay a Thai treat, it actually has its Southeast Asian origins in Indonesia. The Indonesians developed it as a variation on the Indian kebab of the muslim traders who came to the area. And the Indians, in turn, got the kebab idea from the Middle East. But it was in Southeast Asia that someone had the terrific idea to pair this grilled meat on a stick with sweet spicy peanut sauce and a cool crunchy cucumber salad. And there is something about summertime that makes this combo especially appealing. Although we have savored satay at many a teeny Thai table, we have to admit that some of our favorite versions come from those trendy pan-Asian eateries. Still, there is no denying the appeal of the terrific satay sampler from Hi Ricky (3730 N. Southport Ave.; 773-388-0000), which comes with the cukes, the sweet nutty sauce and nine beautifully grilled sticks of lamb, beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, duck and tofu for $8.95. The newish Asian eatery Chen’s (3506 N. Clark St.; 773-549-9100) distinguishes itself with its four big juicy skewers of chicken satay and a nice mellow peanut sauce for $4.95. Finally, we went bananas over a quartet of tamarind glazed chicken sticks we nibbled on at Big Bowl (60 E. Ohio St; 312-951-1888) for $4.95.
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