Ikram Café
15 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL
Tiny and hidden and RED! That is the best description for the tiny second floor café located inside Ikram, the no
signage designer boutique. But the service is fantastic and friendly and the food is even better than the couture they
sell on the first floor. They offer a fresh juice of the day, which at $8 is a bit pricey, but it is a healthful blast
of unusual goodies you won't find anyone else and definitely worth the splurge. They had a fresh ginger, kale and
cucumber when we visited. It was smooth, fresh and absolutely a great way to start the meal. The menu changes regularly
depending on the chef's whim and revolving around the freshest ingredients he can find from regional farms. The waiter
highly recommended the Bison Burger, which we were thrilled to have ordered, because it was better than a steak with the
tender, flavorful meat topped with balsamic marinated onions and a light spicy mayo. We decided to also share an order
of the daily special of Brandade which is a fish spread that melts in your mouth. Served with a side of fresh, toasted
crusty bread to spread it on, it disappeared quickly. As an entrée I chose the 'salad selections'. You can go with one,
three or all five. I chose the three perfection portions. The kale with parmesan, lemon oil and red pepper was a
terrific way to eat the super healthy vegetable and have it loaded with zesty flavor. The parsnip, curry, almonds,
parsley & currant was a sweet savory delight, the orechiette with pesto, red onion, pepper and preserved lemon topped
off the trio. Their fresh soups looked wonderful and will be on our 'must order' next time we stop in. You don't
have to be dressed to the nines or in couture to enjoy the café. The staff is very accommodating and WILL remember you
if you have ever set foot in the store before, which is remarkable. Ikram Café is the perfect spot for a romantic lunch,
a ladies that lunch outing, a treat for working hard or just a quiet respite from shopping. Just look for the RED building!
Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL
I have to say I am one of Ruth Chris' biggest fans. They are my 'go to' when traveling because of their consistent high quality and mouth watering steaks served in a scalding hot plate of sizzling butter. If the 1800 degree oven they use to char the steaks in isn't enough to keep you coming back, their signature Creamed Spinach certainly will be.
I recently visited the Ruth's Chris Steak House in downtown Chicago. I was pleased to find some interesting new additions to the menu as well as an extremely reasonable priced 'prix fixed' menu available any time, not just at lunch or early dinner hours. The new prix fixed offers a salad, soup or small appetizer choice, a reasonable size steak (6 oz Ribeye for example) a side big enough for 2 and a sensible size dessert, all for $40. Some of the selections on the prix fixed list were even less. I always like to come to Ruth's with several people so that we can share several of the items and not feel guilty. The Wedge Salad is always a favorite loaded with large chunks of blue cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes. We also ordered a Cesaer Salad to share since the house dressing has fresh anchovies that really add zest to the ice cold, crisp romaine. The Calamari Appetizer easily serves four people and is the perfect combination of crispy crust with chewy tenderness. But the real reason you come to Ruth's is for the steak! There are a wide array of cuts ranging from a small 6oz filet to a 42 ounce porterhouse. The strip is hard to resist with enough thickness to withstand the 1800 degree ovens and still retain the juicy flavor. Everyone at the table ordered a different cut of steak, all cooked to different degrees and each was a true work of perfection. The house salmon was fabulous with a light creme sauce with capers but I can't imagine coming to Ruth's and not having a steak. To end the meal we had an interesting Brandy Alexander made with ice cream that was smoothie-like in consistency, sweet but tinged with the brandy. What a great way to end the meal.
I do want to add that service was a bit off even though the food was exceptional. The restaurant was not crowded. It took our server a good 20 minutes to come back to our table to tell us the wine we had chosen was not in stock and make an alternative recommendation. That was fine but it shouldn't have taken 20 minutes to return to our table. The bus service was also very slow to remove empty plates or refill water glasses. There was also a long delay between courses, almost enough of a delay that we could have just called it quits at that point and gone home satisfied were it not for the amazing steaks we knew were heading our way. I would definitely go back, obviously it was an off night for some reason. Ruth's is a wonderful restaurant to hold a group meeting in, take a date or stop in for a hearty lunch.
Thai Thank You
3248 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL
I was concerned when I was told "the refrigerator just got turned on so I am not sure I want to serve you bubble tea as the milk product might not be good"?! So exactly what else was in that refrigerator that might also not be good? I really had my heart set on bubble tea but obviously it was not meant to be that day. Then we ordered cold tofu but they could only offer it to us steamed. Doesn't tofu come 'chilled' or is there something I don't know about tofu? Or was this in the same refrigerator with the bubble tea ingredients?
The Larb Chicken Salad is typically crisp and flavorful with a lime chile dressing in most Thai restaurants but this time the chicken tasted a bit stale or mushy. The chopped chicken was either old or overcooked one so we only took a few bites. The Nam Sod salad we ordered also had the same 'too soft' chicken strips in it. Such a disappointment because I absolutely love Thai food. The Chicken Satay tasted fine, as did the Won Ton soup which was loaded with delicious won ton's. After sampling the food I can possibly understand why they were completely empty on a Thursday during the dinner hour. When we first arrived it took so long to get someone to come to the table one of us finally approached the 'prep counter' where the only staff member we saw was working. She said she was busy doing paperwork, could we wait? It is rare that there is bad food and bad service in the same establishment but Thai Thank You made a clean sweep of both. I will stick with Dao closer in the city next time!
Brunch
644 N. Orleans St., Chicago. IL
I have read lots of great reviews about Brunch, an off the radar brunch and lunch spot off Orleans and Erie so I wanted to give it a try when they weren't in the midst of a busy weekend brunch rush. We stopped in a Tuesday for lunch and found it was frequented by local office types but not crowded, loud or rushed like a weekend brunch would be. I loved the large screen tv's with Days of Our Lives playing on them. It was homey, low key touch that showed there are lots of regulars coming in for lunch and their 'soap' fix. Brunch works very hard at being 'green' in everything they do from their seating to the menu, to the organic origin food they cook. We received immediate service and superb menu explanations and recommendations from the server. We chose the Fruit Tree as it sounded incredibly interesting. It wasn't quite what we expected with only a large bunch of organic red grapes hanging from a wood banana stand and a few juicy pieces of sweet pineapple chunks lying underneath it. It was however, really delicious but I think we were all expecting something more along the lines of a Carmen Miranda type fruit cascade. I'm also not sure the grapes were worth $7. One of us chose a traditional breakfast of eggs, whole wheat toast and bacon, which was enough for two people and priced at only $8. It was a winner. I couldn't resist the sound of the Turkey and Boursin Panini with fresh roasted red peppers and basil. It was completely satisfying with the warm Boursin Cheese, a top quality crusty yet tender panini bread, turkey and peppers and enough basil to blend it all together. I would be hard pressed to not order this again were it not for the Red Velvet Pancakes, which I had eyed on the menu, being served to the table right next to me. The sweet cream cheese drizzle was enough to make me almost ask her for a teeny weeny bite but instead I just ogled. I finally got the courage to ask her if they were as good as they looked and she said they were even better actually, and that it was her 3rd time in for them. Enough for me, I will have to go back for the Red Velvet Pancakes. Brunch has a large selection of bottled beverages like Goose Island, Sprecher's, Boylan's, reminescient of old style breakfast diners. They also offer luscious smoothies and fantastically rich coffee that is never ending. The service is friendly and very attentive. This is a super spot to meet up with friends or grab a healthy, reasonably priced lunch if you are in River North. Make note - the entrance is on Erie, not Orleans and there is plenty of meter parking in the area.
The Southern
1840 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL
The Southern was not so deep south southern as it was gourmet creole southern. I was hoping for a pile of the famous fried chicken they are known for but they only offer that on Wednesday and I was there on Wednesday! So disappointing, but knowing how hard it is to prep and cook fried chicken I totally understand why they relegate that offering to once a week. The South offers very gourmet twists to standard creole and southern cuisine, then they give you a loooong list of artisanal whiskeys to wash it down with. The biscuits should be first on your list. They are a homemade drop biscuit filled with chunks of pork/ham, cheese and scallions and are not to be missed. I love crawfish so the Mud Bug Grits were right down my alley. They were tinged with hot sauce, loaded with tasty crawfish (in case you aren't sure about crawfish, if you love lobster or shrimp, you will probably love crawfish too, as they are very similar). The crawfish sit atop homemade grits that are seasoned with aged cheddar - these are not your boxed variety. I couldn't keep the other people at the table out of my meal even though I added extra Tabasco for a more authentic creole experience. We also had the Mushrooms 'n Dumplings. Odd name, odd dish, but really good. The highlight of the dish is the fried kale and that was one of the very reasons we ordered it. We are all reading about how good kale is for you and to get a gourmet version of it is a real bonus. The kale was so terrific that we wanted to order a huge bowl of just fried kale! if you love mushrooms or if you are a vegetarian you will be thrilled with the dish. The blue cheese was mild and creamy served in a fingerling style then topped with tons of shitake mushrooms. It was hearty and filling. The kale was the added texture and flavor bonus to the dish. The downside is the sweet tea. It was good, for midwest standards, but didn't live up to true sweet tea from the south but the refills were steady. The service is efficient and knowledgeable. Seating is mostly communal tables which fill up with a 30 something crowd. There are a few single tables and booths so get there early or make a reservation to assure you get one. They also offer patio dining weather permitting. The Southern is great for groups and outings with friends. Not quiet and private enough for a date.
Bistronomic
840 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. IL
I really liked Eve at this location so I was disappointed when they replaced it with Bistronomic. I read nothing but stellar reviews for several months and thought I must be missing something. Martial Nouguier is an iconic chef and brings nothing but palatable pleasures to the table at Bistronomic. Be forewarned that if you arrive after 7:30pm you are likely to miss the wonderful 'house' creations that have all sold out. We all but got on our hands and knees and begged for the last 'house' ravioli with shredded veal and a mild brown gravy. It was well worth begging for - tender, flavorful, melt in your mouth delicious! The biggest problem we had was what NOT to order because everything sounded amazing. We went with the most unusual offerings and things we didn't often see on other menu's to put the chef to the real test. You might be offput by an offering of Sardines in A Can, but when these arrived there was nothing but excitement. These weren't your standard Prince Albert in can variety, these were select, larger than most sardines, marinated and packed in a light olive oil. They were not overly fishy and melted onto the crusty bread they were served with like a fine spread. The artisanal cheese selection was the real highlight with all the cheeses coming from farms 300 miles away or less. They were creamy, fresh and were accompanied by just the right amount of fruit bread and nuts. Paired with the nicely priced bottle of Cote Du Rhone it could have been a wonderful finish to the meal but we had more to sample. The duck entree was everything I expected from a noted chef. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, a tart yet sweet fruit sauce drizzle and a simple side of beans made for an exquisite duck delight. The fish of the day was a delicate Skate that was served perfectly with a light lemon caper sauce and side of fresh vegetables. The Black Mussell appetizer was a huge entree and we all enjoyed the herb infused broth with the bread. Gourmet as Bistronomic is it is not pricey at $19 on average for an entree. It is a wonderfully romantic spot perfect for a date or quiet dinner with someone special. The wine list offers prices of reason along private reserves for that special occasion. Reservations highly recommended for this small, poplar venue.
Union Sushi
230 W. Erie Street, Chicago, IL
Union Sushi - the home of numerous celebrity sitings. With the service I received it would be enough to run anyone off. Chic and trendy it is and located in the middle of the arts district, and yes, it has a creative menu. It took forEVER to get a waiter to the table. I ordered the $19 (obviously overpriced) lunch special where you choose one item from each section. I thought it was a bit steep for lunch but given the chance to try a broad array of items from a new menu I took the chance. I also ordered a side of Skewered Alligator. The friend I was dining with chose to order a la cart. Her miso soup came, mine did not. Her entree came, still not even soup for me. Then when she was half way done I was delivered one skewer on a plate and was told that it was chicken. I had ordered a chicken skewer with my entree portion of my lunch but thought it was odd I still hadn't received my soup. It didn't really taste like chicken, it was more like a large shrimp so obviously, it was the alligator and the waiter was clueless. I would have probably enjoyed it more if I hadn't been trying to figure out what exactly I was eating. Then they brought my salad, but no soup yet. The salad was really fantastic with the asian inspired dressing. I was also starving at this point and almost 30 minutes had passed. The soup arrived about 10 minutes later and was fairly cold. Shortly thereafter the skewers (my entree) arrived. The beef was terrific, the chicken was predictable but the mushroom was tough and over charred. So after almost an hour and a half we completed what should have been a 30 minute lunch. Not one water refill was brought to the table during the meal, not one offer to bring another Sprite either. It appeared as though the waiters were also the cooks that day since they disappeared and never came back. The restaurant had about 4 other tables full so capacity crowd wasn't an issue. There are far too many other asian themed restaurants that deliver top quality food, fantasti c service and far more reasonable prices than Union. Save yourself the money, time and disappointment.
Patron's Hacienda
316 W. Erie Street, Chicago, IL
If you love Mexican food stop reading and go eat! Patron's has the absolute BEST Mexican food in Chicago and I am not kidding. Their marinades are down to a science, authentic, flavorful and not too much chile or salt. Their seasonings are spot on. The chips they bring to the table as soon as you sit down are fresh and crunchy and the homemade side of medium heat salsa is perfection. The guacamole is superbly fresh, lightly zesty and goes perfectly with the chips. The Chile Con Queso, especially with the meat added, is a cast iron crock pot of REAL cheeses melted with fresh pieces of jalapeno, bubbling hot and to die for with the chips. This is REAL Queso, not the fake Velveeta variety. I ordered the meat and cheese stuffed Chiles Rellenos. Having lived in the Southwest I know what real Mexican is all about. These rellenos would rival that of any abuelo's! Lots of chile, light on the batter, perfect amounts of meat and cheese. The Carne Asada and Shrimp (Mar) was succulent. The steak was tender and the flavor made us all dive in for more. It disappeared quickly, as did the perfectly cooked shrimp. What Mexican meal wouldn't be complete without an order of Fajitas. The steak fajitas did not disappoint. The house made corn and flour tortillas were a bonus we all loved. Honestly, everything is homemade, fresh and delicious. All three of us are going to be regulars here with the reasonable prices, large prices and amazing Mexican food. It is located in the old Coyote Ugly so it won't be a place you just stumble across, but definitely make it a dining destination. Their flights of tequila are a great way to become familiar with the fine art of tequila. Tequila isn't just 'lick it, suck it, slam it', there are a multitude of sipping tequilas, reposadas, anos, etc. that the staff is patient enough to educate you about. We got hooked on Castadora and went to the store and actually bought a bottle of it. The margaritas go down fast so go slow or be forewarned! They are better than any other bar's in Chicago I promise. On Monday's they have Salsa dancing - a great night to bring a bunch of friends, drink too many margaritas, eat great food and dance it off. This is restaurant that lends itself to groups and good times or a date appreciative of fantastic Mexican food.
Wishbone
3300 North Lincoln, Chicago, IL
Want something close to grandmother's home cooking then go to Wishbone. Have kids who like basic food in a fun environment, try Wishbone. Love great desserts, especially the classics, then Wishbone is the spot. We had a family outing to Wishbone on Lincoln. We were welcomed with a large place of fresh home made rolls and cornbread, what better to fatten you up like grandma does? Then we went for the daily special BBQ Platter with rib tips and a side of the Hoppin' John, a classic southern new year's tradition. Execept their Hoppin' John has a fabulous topping of melted cheese, green onions and tomato, mmmmm..... Their mashed potates are freshly mashed and go great with the homemade gravy. We ordered a roasted turkey dinner with a gourmet sausage stuffing that was admittedly better than anything I can cook at home. Those two dishes were by far enough for 3 people. Half way through the meal we began wondering how good their desserts must be since the dinner was so good. Our excellent Canadian born waitress who was lovely and informative said desserts were a must and bread pudding was her recommendation. We took a brief stroll over to their dessert case and viewed the choices. That was a bad idea as pumpkin pie, red velvet cake and bread pudding were now in play and we had to choose two. We chose bread pudding and red velvet cake and she was right. The bread pudding in caramel sauce was warm and luscious. The red velvet was just like homemade. They were so good we chose to order one slice of each of their house made breads (banana, zucchini and carrot) to take home for breakfast the next day. You should do the same, you won't be disappointed. They too are satisfying. The decor is wacky kitsche with chickens everywhere. We dared ask the story about the crazed poodle whose pictures adorn the hot sauce and the wall. Sure enough, that is Wishbone, the decades deceased beloved poodle of the owner who was named Wishbone. SThere is even an authentic vintage photo of Wishbone hanging over the bar that looks so vintage you'd think it was a modern reproduction. So now you know. They definitely cater to kids so don't hesitate to bring a few with you. They are open lunch and dinner with a closing delay between the two to prep for dinner. Priced right with great service.
Benny's Chop House
444 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Benny's is owned by the same proprietor as the ever popular Italian restaurant, Volare. Benny's is the luxe steak house located in River North that offers a lively bar, quiet atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The waiter promptly greeted us and made some lovely recommendations of their prime aged beef as well as their signature Lobster Cobb Salad. They brought us a lovely basket of freshly baked breads from a standard white roll to a cheese bread along with others. They were a treat. We decided to give the Lobster Cobb a try along with a ribeye duo. That was a perfect amount to share between two people , in fact there was plenty to still take home since the steak was an ample 12oz. We also had an order of Truffle Fries and I admit they were the best fries I have ever, ever had. I would go back to Benny's for the fries alone they were that good. They were a full skin on cut fry seasoned with truffle oil. There was a slight savory flavor with a touch of saltiness and they were cooked to be just the right amount of chewy texture. No matter what you order at Benny's you absolutely have to try the Truffle Fries. The quality of meat and the beautiful surroundings beats out most other steak houses in the area that are either pricier or less quality in their offerings.
The service was extremely attentive with continual drink refills and someone constantly asking if you had everything you needed. The prime beef ribeye was tender and perfectly prepared. The cobb salad was loaded with large pieces of lobster and crunchy fresh vegetables. It was topped with the perfect White Balsamic dressing with just enough tartness to punch up the flavor of the vegetables. I wish we had room for dessert because they sounded fantastic. It just means we have to go back another time and save room for more!
Yolk
Wells & Chicago, Chicago, IL
Yolk isn't just a silly name for an everything yellow restaurant, it is the core of what they do - eggs. And they do eggs well, along with just about everything else. Yolk has two locations, one at 1120 S. Michigan Avenue and the other at Wells & Chicago. We tried the Wells & Chicago location at lunch on a Thursday at it was packed, not a single seat anywhere at lunch. Not many restaurants can boast of crowds of this magnitude at lunch during the week. The menu is extensive so plan on taking a while to look it over and ask plenty of questions of their accommodating wait staff. The coffee is continuous pour and the staff is eager to please. We went for a Cheese Omelette with ham that could have fed a table of four but was so tasty we had a hard time taking turns. Then we opted for a pasta special, they serve things other than amazing eggs, with spinach,a blend of white cheeses, onion and mushrooms and topped with grilled chicken. It was delectable. Yolk also offers huge salads, what appeared to be large and delicious sandwiches and gourmet crepes. Most menu items are $10 or less which is one of the reasons the restaurant stays so packed. The staff is willing to accommodate any ingredient changes and can make suggestions as to what pairs best together. With so many choices you will never get bored dining at Yolk. It has a loud, lively atmosphere along with terrific food and service at suburban prices.
The Purple Pig
500 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
BEHIND Bank of America
Hmmmm…..a Purple Pig? Owned by the same chef as ho hum 7 on Heaven, The Purple Pig has somehow managed to garner a Bon Appetite Magazine Top 10 of 2010 award. Small and communal, the place is packed from lunch to closing every day of the week. You have to really like beer, and rustic, old country style food (think Italy, France, Belgium) cuisine. The marinated olives were zesty and crisp; Braised Baby Artichokes with Fingerling Potatoes were very hearty but a little bland. It is hard to go wrong with the cheese plate though. Ample amounts of sharing, fresh with loaded with sliced breads and spreads to make everyone happy with a sweet/savory punch. The dining style is small plates meant to be shared, which is also nice if you are a budget diner! If you like meats and cheeses and marinated foods then you will love Purple Pig. It isn’t my favorite style of cuisine but for what it is it is a good place to meet a few friends for a lite bite and grab and beer or European wine. Make note, it is BEHIND Bank of America so walk all the way down the side of the building on the sidewalk or you will never find the place. Weather permitting they have a wonderful patio to dine on. There aren’t many quality, affordable dining options in the area and that is likely why Purple Pig has become so popular. Great for a date or with friends; crowd is younger professional.
Schwa
1466 N. Ashland
Chicago, IL
Schwa=foodie=must! If you blink though, you will miss Schwa. Not only is it a tiny space with seating capacity for about 26, but the outside looks like a real dump, no kidding! Not to worry, however, inside abounds some of the most creative cuisine you have ever put in your mouth! Everything is low key, including the dress code, except for the food. It is eclectic, trend setting, unique and powerfully flavorful and memorable. Please note, when making a reservation, you will NOT most likely ever get a live person, you will have to leave a message, IF, the answering machine isn’t full. They will call you back within a few days. It’s just all part of the process of getting into Schwa. It is BYOB so splurge for that special vintage to compliment the multi-course feast. You will not leave here hungry! The portions are generous. If there are items you have read about, heard about or had on a previous visit, feel free to ask the chef/waiter and they will do their absolute best to come up with it. The night I was there they offered Peekytoe Crab with pine nuts, mushrooms & plantain; Tiger Fish with carrot, cardamom and yes, marshmallows; the Tagliatelle was laced with Black Truffle, veal heart and huckleberries. This by far, was the evening’s stand out. The cheese course was rich and smooth and a perfect transition into dessert. Dessert was a collection of amuse, chocolate and fruit tarts. Schwa is noisy, crowded and casual regardless of the 5 star cutting edge cuisine. The price is $110 per person with a $2.50 per person corkage fee. Don’t take anyone with you that isn’t an adventurous eater. Great date spot but best enjoyed by a true food lover!
Vie
4471 Lawn Avenue
Western Springs, IL
Perhaps I should have tried Vie on a night that they weren’t hosting a “farm dinner” promoting mostly pork products. This was the same ‘tony’ supplier who provides Charlie Trotter and Rick Bayless with their pork products, however, it was a bit much. Vie is on the cusp of greatness but not quite ‘there’ yet. For Western Springs and the western suburbs it is a real coup. The 8-course meal revolved around various pork presentations such as bacon (that was so thick and tough I had to spit it out), pork cracklins (which they ran out of before they got to us), pork lion, pork trotters, pig’s cheek (actually quite tasty) all with appropriate interesting sides of vegetables or starch. Some of the pork was either too salty or too cured. The overwhelming richness and fatty content was a bit more than I could handle. Giving them the benefit of a doubt, I’d like to go back during a traditional dining night and experience what all the magazines have raved about. The wine list was well thought out; it was extensive and well priced with unique labels and styles. The wine pairings were the highlight to the dining experience with some of the more unusual organic and varietals being offered. Vie strives for local, farm raised, artisanal quality and organic thus you can expect fresh, superbly flavorful preparations. The décor is subtle gray tones mixed with modern textures, which makes for a perfect date night or memorable celebration. The atmosphere is very warm and service is excellent.
Smoque
3800 N. Pulaski
Chicago, IL
To read the reviews you’d think this was Chicago’s little slice of barbeque heaven, or at the very least, ultra gourmet barbeque with that name. NOT! Brands is the ultimate gourmet bbq master and The Patio in the suburbs is far better than Smoque. Obviously they have hired a very good PR firm and are serving a style of dining that is not readily available downtown. Smoque presents St. Louis style ribs – a dry rub, meatier bones and less sauce, as well as baby backs that are ‘wet’ style with less meat on the bones but more sauce. The wet was dry but the sauce was good, the St. Louis would have been better with more sauce. The mac & cheese is very dry and bland, the cole slaw is the South Carolina vinegar base style, not the creamy version, and the cobbler was fruity but not sweet and flavorful and the crust was dried out. The line was long but the Table Valet had it running smooth as glass, even at full capacity. You are seated elbow to elbow at communal tables so don’t take a date to Smoque. Carry out is probably a better option since the crowd rarely eases. Prices are very reasonable at $15 with drink for dinner (unless you are really famished). I wouldn’t go out of my way to go back to Smoque but if I lived in the neighborhood I might be inclined to stop in more often. There aren’t a lot of other choices, particularly in the barbeque department. If you’ve ever had really great barbeque you will know Smoque is an imposter.
Mercadito
108 W. Kinzie
Chicago,IL
Packed with hot bodies and spicy food, that is Mercadito any night of the week. Mercadito offers a true ‘scene’ and fantastic food. You absolutely HAVE to try one, or two or three of their infused margaritas and other gourmet libations. Dinner won’t be the same if you don’t. They are truly masters of a great cocktail. Go for a selection of salsa’s that start at only $4.75 for two plus a big bowl of chips. They have chipotle, cacahuate (grilled tomato with toasted peanuts & Chile de arbol), ancho, habanero (if you are feeling adventurous) and verde with caramelized red onions for even the weakest of palettes. You can also share some of the unique guacamoles laced with Mole, Mango, Sautéed Serrano Chiles or the traditional. But not to be missed is the Tacos Camaron aka Shrimp Tacos. WOW! Not too spicy with chipotle mojo, loaded with shrimp, a slight smoke undertone and fresh avocado to blend it all together. Plenty to share or a filling meal for one person. How about a gourmet style Chile Rellano packed with octopus, scallops, shrimp, creamy Mexican cheeses and topped with a roasted tomato salsa. If you are a seafood lover the selection of ceviches is the way to go. The Callo pops with the tangy flavor of crisp red apples marinated in a lime-morita broth with bay scallops. The Dorado has Mahi Mahi, avocado, orange-chile broth for a sweet/hot taste sensation. And yes, there are desserts but we were so full from the amazing food and cocktails we had to take a pass. Don’t expect cozy or romantic, it is a bustling, crowded and very loud venue. The food is superb, the seasonings are mild to fire, you make the call, and the prices are very reasonable. A must try for anyone who likes global dining.
Balsan
11 E.Walton, Elysian Hotel
Chicago
As I am writing this I am still reeling over the fact that Balsan forces an 18% gratuity on your tab without as much as even telling you until they deliver their bill. My dinner guest read them their rights and tried in vain to get it removed. “This is our policy throughout the hotel. PERIOD.” So, take it or leave it, if you don’t want to tip 18%, then don’t go to anything in the Elysian. The service was not worthy of 18% and they know it doesn’t have to be because they are getting their money anyway. But, on to the food and all the fabulous articles I had read about Balsan. I am usually a generous tipper but being forced without being told and for a party of 2 that is just unacceptable. No I will not let the tipping issue get in the way of an objective comment about the food and actual service received. I was really excited to go to Balsan after hearing about the crowds, the hype, so for my birthday, I decided to give it a try. They have a lovely by the glass wine selection at reasonable prices. The Duck Rillet was highly recommended and was as rich and smooth as promised perfectly accompanied by dense, fruit laden bread. The Wood Fired Beet Salad was bland and oily but had a nice topping of goat cheese, hickory nuts and frisee. The selection of cheeses is enough for sharing paired with fresh breads, chutney and a surprise touch of nuts. The food is very similar in style to that of Purple Pig with perhaps a bit more country French influence. Bistro Zinc is better for the quality, price and service. Service was average at best (but when you know you are getting a whopping tip you can be so-so). For a Friday night, prime time, the place was hauntingly empty except for some extremely strange guests. I won’t get into it, but I assure you it is very head turning. To top it off, as the waitress was removing a plate she poured the plate of remaining oil all over my guest’s skirt. The manager came over to apologize but offered NOTHING more. Obviously I won’t be back, nor will my guest. The décor is softly contemporary but when crowded don’t expect intimate conversations as the tables are stacked side by side. Reasonably priced considering the Elysian’s chic address.
Sable
505 N. State St./Palomar Hotel
Chicago, IL
Go hungry and thirsty! Sable is anything but hotel dining although they are located on the ground floor of the new Palomar Hotel (Kimpton). Smart management recruited a mixologist from Violet Hour for libations so unique you will find yourself actually asking for clarification of the key ingredients. Think muddled, herbal, crème de violette and every other unusual tonic you can think of, but they come together beautifully to make some of the most flavorful, smooth and refreshing cocktails you have ever had. The menu is available in small plate format, or larger, full portions if you fall in love with something (and you might). The Fried Artichoke with Anchovy Bogna Cauda Dipping Sauce is supposed to be a small, plate but 3 people could munch on these and there would still be some left. And boy is it tasty with tempura style batter, juicy and tender, yet lightly crisp. I doubt you’ve tried anything quite like it before. Spicy Buttermilk Fried Quail with Blue Cheese Slaw is a gourmet take on buffalo wings but with a more robust flavor. Let’s talk about the mouth watering Phyllo Wrapped Corned Beef Reuben. Odd sounding, yes, but packed with tender corned beef, lightly crisped phyllo on the outside, in 2 bite portions with a sauce that bursts with zing. Oh, and don’t forget the melted cheese inside. I’d go to Sable just for this. The Mini Tuna Tartar Taco is a little spice, a lot of flavor and just the right size. We were fortunate to sit by the open kitchen and everything came out with lightening speed but was prepared fresh. What we didn’t order whizzed past us and made us wish we had more room for things like the flatbread pizzas, deviled eggs or Little Fish. Guess I will have to try those on another visit. There is something at Sable to please everyone from the most basic tastes to even the pickiest of diners. Prices are inexpensive so any budget can be accommodated. Good spot for a business dinner, date, or group of friends, not too noisy with high backed booths. Right off the Red Line.
Prairie Fire
215 N. Clinton
Chicago, IL
Want a whole lotta fresh, locally grown food at reasonable prices in an upscale atmosphere? Prairie Fire is here to please. Although it looks trendy, there is no attitude, only great service and top quality food. We ordered a Grilled Vegetable Panini that came with a side salad that would have literally been enough for the whole table to share, for only $10.50! The Organic Mixed Greens Salad with apples, walnuts, blue cheese and balsamic had the right balance of sweet, tart and salty. Again, enough to serve 2 people easily and only $15, plus it was loaded with free range chicken. Sarah Stegner has given the Loop a fantastic, fresh, healthy and affordable lunch spot. I am sure dinner is equally fabulous and the atmosphere lends itself to romantic dates, upscale business dinners and memorable meals. Even their iced tea was a special fruit blend. It was so wonderful we convinced them to sell us a bag of the leaf mix to make at home. Local, organic, full of flavor with inventive twists on traditional favorites.
Steve’s Deli
354 West Hubbard
Chicago, IL
Sparkling clean – everything from the entryway to the bathroom is spotless. Even the metal in the kitchen glistens.
Steve’s Deli is the epitome of New York Jewish Deli, right here in Chicago. Overstuffed sandwiches, an ever-changing carry
out deli counter, seated service and an extensive menu all are reminiscent of your favorite New York deli. The menu is
predictably simple, average in flavor and very reasonably priced. Steve’s is located across from the East Bank Club
and serves an area in desperate need of fast, moderate priced dining. The service was fair and I thought it could have
been better given the fact that the place wasn’t really busy at all. The serving sizes are huge so prepare to share or
take home the extra. I wouldn’t really cater a party from Steve’s, the guests won’t rave over the under seasoned foods,
but it is perfect for those days when you are too busy or tired to cook.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL
Love Mad Men? Would you love to dine in a place that reminds you of the power lunches you see on the show? Did you
think Chicago could possibly handle another steakhouse? There is an addition to the line up on Chicago steakhouses that
may very well knock some of the old establishments out of the rankings. Yes, Chicago Cut Steakhouse is that good. Not
only is it sexy, sophisticated, with great service and food, it is also reasonably priced for a premium steakhouse. It
is perched in an all glass dining room, tufted red seating, and soaring two story glass windows overlooking the Chicago
River and the loop in the Kirkland & Ellis building (walk down the sidewalk outside heading west, do not enter the main
lobby to get there). Everything is monogrammed with CCS from the entry mats to the steak knives. The waiters are clad in
navy suites with red ties and blend in so well with the clientele it is hard to decipher who’s working and who’s dining.
This is an ‘all suit’ heavy weight crowd. There are 10 men to every woman. I think that is a good thing. They just
opened September 20, 2010, but were already packed and running like well oiled machine.
The menu is exactly what you expect from an upscale steakhouse. It is full of chops, steaks, seafood, large sides, salads,
soups and an extensive wine list (the waitress said a martini list will be added shortly). What sets CCS apart is their
price point. The steaks range from $26 to $45, with a huge, 14oz Delmonico perfectly prepared at medium, for only $36.
That has to be one of the best steak buys in all of Chicago! The Big Eye Tuna appetizer, although sushi grade, was very
bland. It needed an Asian zing to make it really pop. The creamed spinach rivaled the best I’ve ever had. The Chilean
Sea Bass was a whopping square with a side of perfectly prepared fresh spinach leaves. They have a collection of center
cut/barrel steaks that range in thickness from 1.5 inches and up. What helps is the graph of the cow and where a
particular cut of meat comes from, written into the menu. These center cut’s allow for the most tender filet every time.
Think power lunching at it’s best., heavy duty business dinners, strong cocktails and serious food. Not to say this wouldn’t
make a great date spot but I suggest with the man/woman ratio you walk your date to the restroom and wait for her!
Karyn’s On Green
130 S. Green
Chicago, IL
Don’t be afraid if you’re not a vegetarian to go to Karyn’s on Green. If you don’t tell the person you’re with they
might think they are ordering ‘the real deal’ when they get a spicy chicken pita or other ‘meat’ dish. The spicy chicken
tasted so much like a regular buffalo chicken wing, that you’d never imagine it was a grain incarnation. The fresh chopped
vegetable salad in Citrus Viniagrette was enough for 2. The Arugula Salad was very herbal and green, laced with fennel and
carefully peeled grapefruit wedges. The Fried Basket of Vegetables with Dipping Sauces locked in the flavor and kept the
veggies at a perfect texture, not heavy, not greasy or dry, just right. Dessert was the dilemma. We had to order three
they sounded so good so, fortunately they were small. The Bananas Foster was the best with sautéed bananas in sweet,
caramel sauce with a large, chewy sesame cracker towering from the midst. The Crispy Polenta Log with Thyme Ice Cream was
an excellent palate cleanse with the mildly sweet crispy/chewy polenta and refreshing thyme ice cream (home made of course),
a unique flavor combination and definitely worth trying. When was the last time you had Thyme Ice Cream? And who can resist
home made peach cobbler at the end of fresh peach season? The only thing that made it better was the dollop of home made
vanilla ice cream on top! The peaches were crisply fresh and thinly sliced with just the right amount of sweetness. The
pastry was a bit on the dry side but paired nicely.
They have an extensive wine selection and a full bar. We opted for beautiful flowering teas that were as pretty too look
at as they were tasty to drink. If I’d had more room I would have gone for the house made Blueberry Fizz. That’s for
next time.
There is a lot of street parking as well as valet. The décor is a calming mix of sheer drapes, soft metals, pale sage,
tan and ivory with mod seating. The prices are moderate. There was world fusion music playing softly in the background
amidst the sound of Karyn’s trademark large waterfall. Karyn’s on Green makes a superb date spot , good for special
occasions or getting a group of friends together.
Epic
112 West Hubbard
Chicago, IL
Epic is a beautiful people place for rooftop drinking, mingling and hanging out. Inside is a breathtaking two story
downstairs with inviting brick walls and a glass walled staircase. I can’t vouch for their dinner but as for lunch, I’ll
take a pass. The lunch menu has a small grouping of their Raw Bar items that sound tempting. We ordered one of their
standard lunch salads that met expectations. It was quite large and extremely fresh. They had an interesting collection
of sandwiches so I opted to try a French Onion on Ciabatta Bread. The waiter described it as sherry marinated onions,
watercress and tons of gruyere cheese melted together on a toasted ciabatta bun. Mmmmm sounds sooo good. But, the reality
is it was one of the all time worst things I have ever ordered in a restaurant! It was like a salt block. Salt permeated
the entire sandwich from the bread to the onions. Not one part of it was safe. The side salad offered with the sandwich
was terrific but I am not sure what happened to this sandwich. I didn’t bother to send it back because the waiter we
had was very ‘hesitant’ in behavior and it took him forever to deliver a coke and a sprite. I thought this might send
him spiraling. Sometimes it’s just not worth it. So, in a word, Epic for drinks, not food, definitely for rooftop when
the weather is nice.
HUB 51
51 West Hubbard
Chicago, IL
I have a love/hate relationship with HUB 51. It is conveniently located, they have a vast array of choices on the menu,
but on the hate side it is always packed, loud and the service is spotty. I wish the Ahi Tuna Poke wasn’t so mouth watering
because that is what really drives me to come back. Their ShakiShaki Tuna is equally exciting in a spicy ginger marinade.
If I really just want something basic, HUB 51 has managed to take the simple egg sandwich and bump it up a notch with truffle
butter and melted brie. It is better than anything you’ll ever make at home on a Saturday morning. You can also order
Mexican while ordering Asian with their premium fish tacos topped with a spicy sauce with just the right kick and crisp slaw.
For dessert there are lots of goodies but the Smores is the ooey gooeyest best and there is plenty to share.
There is something for everyone at HUB 51, that is why they’re so busy from open to close. If you just want to drink pull
up to the bar, if you want vegetarian you’ll be in heaven. They have sushi, Mexican and every imaginable old stand-by.
After hours they have a downstairs night club.
Arun’s
4156 N.Kedzie
Chicago, IL
You know the food is a stand out when people continue to drive to 4156 N. Kedzie after all these years. Arun’s Thai was
once high end a la carte but around 13 years ago they switched to the pre-fixed menu and has been garnering rave reviews
since. Arun’s can do things with a carrot that only Michaelangelo could do with a ceiling. First there was a delicate
butterfly, then a fish with eyes and removable fins. So beautiful you felt guilty eating it, in fact, they gave me a glass
of water to take mine home in. I admired it in the refrigerator for several days it was so unique. The food is artistic
and perfectly prepared with the exacting balance of spice, heat and sweet. Spring Rolls melt in your mouth with a sweet/hot
and green burst. One of my all time favorites, the Pork Larb (crumbled spiced pork) was served amidst a bed of luscious
chile lime greens. The Sea Scallops were delicate and tender, not overpowered by the chili sauce. After 6 courses, there
is still desserts that are refreshing, not heavy. Lychee Sorbet, Sticky Rice and Baked Pear are a perfect ending. The
atmosphere is very intimate and the service is extremely attentive. Be prepared to pay about $80 per person before wine
or beverages. Arun’s is a memorable place to celebrate a special occasion, take a date or experience the foodie in you.
Gourmet thai food is a rare experience. You’ll discover why Arun’s has received critical acclaim year after year.
Publican
845 West Fulton Market
Chicago. IL
James Beard Nominee…..need I say more. One look at the Publican’s menu and you will realize that a chef who offers predominantly pork and seafood options, along with a huge beer menu, and can blend it beautifully, SHOULD be nominated for an award. Publican is every bit a German or Belgian beer hall atmosphere with decibels reaching an all time high during peak dining times. Reservations are the only way to get a table and unless you want to dine ‘chef’s choice family style’, choose a day other than Sunday. In the seafood department the Oysters (ordered individually) are fantastically fresh and a great opener. Go for broke and try the ‘not out of a can’ Fresh Cured Sardines from the West Coast. They are fishier than most fish but are in a rich, tangy marinade and served with a side of apple & celery root remoulade. It is a real delicacy. Also terrific (rivaling any great sushi house) is the Hamachi Crudo with candied orange zest, fennel pollen and chervil. You will NOT want to share this is sooo flavorful. When do you ever get a whole, fresh Loup De Mer? Theirs is grilled to perfection and is a must if you are lucky enough to be dining on the right day. You’ve gotta, I mean GOTTA start with the Spicy Pork Rinds for only $5. Spongy, yet crispy and not really too spicy hot, they are like Southern Pork Cracklins but smoother and packed with flavor. Do NOT even ask about the calories! This is a chef who employs every part of the pig from sweetbreads, head, to feet, you will see it all offered in one form or another, all very gourmand. None are scary but are unique. The Boudin was not your traditional southern (loose packed) variety, however, it was velvety smooth and creamy with a kale, apple horseradhish side. Truly mouthwatering. All the foods are small farm gleaned so most of your food is organic and only hours old when it hits your table. Every vegetable and piece of meat is hand selected. A mind blowing side, and one you will NEVER even come close to replicating, is the Market Squash with a side of Burratta Cheese (literally the size of a baseball), walnuts and drizzled with apple balsamic. Wow, why didn’t I ever think of this combo! I hear the artichoke side is also a winner. Instead of dessert, there are only 3, not so chart topping choices, we opted for a cheese course. The cheese was equally unique and a perfect compliment to the rich meal we had just enjoyed. If you love beer you will be in heaven with about 80 varieties from all over the world. They also offer an exceptional wine list and the staff is well versed in both the beers and wines. Plan on going to Publican very hungry and bring your friends to share. It is a loud, hearty dining experience. The only complaint was the sound of the front door as it closed each time made you think it was part of a deep bass note in the music you could scarcely hear playing. Not to be missed is the communal washstand outside the single stall restrooms. It resembles and vintage horse drinking trough or European fountain. Publican is unexpected and exceptional in every way.
E. Leaven Food Company
54 East Ontario
Chicago
River North finally has a quick, low cost breakfast-round-the-clock (or at least up until closing time at 3pm) dining spot.
Don’t walk to fast or you will miss the entrance though! Tucked in between a corner sushi restaurant and Trader Joe’s it
is easy to miss if you aren’t paying close attention. Go casual, meet your friends for outstanding Intelligensia coffee,
take the family or grab a bite when you are in a rush. Fresh, healthy breakfast choices range from $6.95 for a Belgian
Waffle to $8.95 for Lox, Eggs & Onion, served with a bagel and hash browns. Their bagels are New York deli style and
quality, heavy and dense. Obviously fresh made on premises. E. Leaven offers salads ($8.95 is the most expensive) that
are satisfying and large enough to share. The Bonsai is their take on Asian Chicken, there is also a Trio of Chicken Salad,
Egg Salad & Tuna Salad, and a luscious Tarragon Chicken with Poached Pear. Hot and cold sandwiches are equally large
with most priced under $9. Soups and a long list of a la carte sides are available for under $5. Deli style food, top
quality and some of the lowest prices in River North. It is fast, convenient and has a modern ‘green’ décor. As a
bonus, they offer beer, wine, bloody mary’s, champagne and mimosas for $6.95. It is line service, put your number on
your table and they will deliver your made-to-order food. Free, do-it-yourself coffee refills, along with soy milk.
Oddly enough, there is another location in Jackson Hole, WY. Hours are 7am-3pm seven days a week. Credit cards accepted.
FLEMINGS
25 EAST OHIO ST.
CHICAGO, IL
I have tried this national chain steakhouse on numerous occasions in cities from Tulsa to Dallas to Nashville and Chicago. One
thing is certain, they are consistent and quality. The biggest draw to Flemings is the extensive Wine By The Glass offerings.
Their pours are very generous and at $7 for the Red Diamond Merlot it is a steal. You can even get ½ glasses if you just
want to try one out. Flemings offers every imaginable cut of steak, but at a much more competitive price than say Gibsons
or Gene & Georgetti. You might want to argue that the quality isn’t the same but I assure you it will be just as flavorable,
tender and memorable as any you have had elsewhere but with savings. The service is exceptionally friendly and
knowledgeable. A ‘must try’ side is he Sugar Snap Peas. Bursting with crispness and a slight spice in the sauce, there
won’t be one left on the plate when you are done. The Wedge Salad with tons of crumbled blue cheese is heavenly. Great
desserts large enough to share, or maybe not since they are so tasty! The décor is warm yet contemporary and the noise
level is reasonable. If a light bite and mingling is what you prefer they have a fabulous bar menu and bar scene just
right for connecting with friends or having a casual date.
LA MADIA
59 WEST GRAND
CHICAGO, IL
La Madia is known for their wonderfully crisp thing crust pizza’s – particularly the Sausage & Fennel made with house made
sausage and thin, flavorful strips of fennel. The crust is cracker thing with just the right amount of crispness and
loaded with monzerella and Jarlsberg. The traditional Margerhita pizza is excellent if you prefer an old stand by. The
salads are ample to share with a table of 4 and packed with fresh herb ingredients and zesty, light dressings. A pizza and
salad is an easy lunch for a group of four. The décor is softly contemporary in hues of sage, gray and ivory. Weather
permitting the doors open completely for an al fresco dining experience. The service is efficient but allow time for your
quality, fresh made food to arrive. You won’t be disappointed.
RITZ CARLTON CLUB
RITZ CARLTON HOTEL
EAST PEARSON
CHICAGO, IL
You know the Ritz Carlton had an acclaimed restaurant, bar and hotel, but did you know they had a private dining club?
Tucked in a corner off the main atrium lobby is an enchanting, formal dining experience with phenomenal views of the city
and lake. On the lunch menu you can selection from traditional brunch favorites like omelettes, Eggs Benedict, lobster
laced salads and unusual sandwiches. Scrumptious hot entrees like fresh catch of the day fish, roasted chicken and pastas
are also available. Their BLT sandwich was a big as a club sandwich, packed with thick cut savory bacon. The service is
gracious and highly personalized. Definitely a civilized, refined dining experience that will leave you relaxed and
satisfied. Expect the usual Ritz Carlton classic yet warm décor.
L20
BELDON STRATFORD
LINCOLN PARK WEST
CHICAGO, IL
If you read any articles on food, likely you’ve read rave reviews about newcomer L20 located in the old Ambria space in
Lincoln Park. Although the Prix Fixed menu might be a detractor at first, L20’s offering is very approachable, simple
and enjoyable. Think of it as an upscale, multi-coure, sushi/Asian dining experience consisting almost entirely of seafood.
The décor is simple, contemporary and calming in hushed tones of tan and ivory. The service is extremely attentive but in
a friendly, inviting way. The wine list offers a lovely choice of affordable wines priced from $40 and up. The female
sommelier chose a New Zealand white for $48 that was absolutely a perfect compliment to the seafood choices. It resonated
with soft, sweet pear undertones that didn’t overwhelm the delicate fish flavors. Sashimi on a wavy platter left you
dying for more, yet the Sauteed Amberjack that came next made you think nothing could possibly top it. The Lamb Tartare,
a rare, non-seafood offering was luscious and unique; a true delight. Not to be missed is the Salt Cod served in a glass
with a foamy, pudding like mélange – absolutely to DIE for! I could have had that for several courses it was so fantastic.
The desserts are equally exciting with nouveau twists on traditional favorites. Grand Mariner Souffle was offered with an
Orange Marmalade Sauce that was tangy more than sweet for a winning combination. If you are a foodie or a seafood lover
then L20 will be one of the most rewarding dining experiences you will have in Chicago.
**UPDATE - AJA STEAK
THE DANA HOTEL
STATE @ ERIE
CHICAGO, IL
I decided that after months of bad service, surely the Dana Hotel’s Aja Steak must have improved in order to remain
open. One Saturday night I decided to give it a try during the peak dining period. If they couldn’t perform then
they couldn’t perform at all. We waltzed in without a reservation and somehow managed to get into the crowded sushi bar
upstairs. The food was actually amazing with new, innovative sushi offerings, zesty ceviche, and citrus mango vegetarian
rolls that burst with flavor. There was one new twist, however, PROMPT, knowledgeable, courteous service! Wow, they
finally got it! Now I can say, without hesitation, the food AND service at Aja Steak are wonderful!
VELOCITY
THE DANA HOTEL
STATE @ ERIE
CHICAGO, IL
Any night club with an open, roof top deck is already a unique experience for Chicago. American Airlines in flight
magazine touted the Velocity Night Club in The Dana as a ‘must’ so I had to see for myself. During milder times of the year
the large, outdoor deck offers a fire pit, loads of conversational seating and spectacular views. The faux grass flooring
and wavy wood benches are offset by soft globe lights. The indoor bar offers the same twinkling light skyline views but
from the comfort a padded banquette and with pulsing ‘house’ music as background. The indoor bar is dimly lit to fully
experience the awe of the Chicago skyline. Velocity has the most attractive wait staff in Chicago (hear that guys!), clad
in black cat suits. They prance around the room with drink carts and prepare innovative cocktails (or old stand bys)
tableside or sofa side, for some. There is also a ‘beer only’ bar and a walk-up bar. Drink prices are reasonable at $11
for large tumbler. There is a limited sushi menu available, all prepared by Aja Steak downstairs, served on, of all things,
paper plates (odd). Photos of tattooed bodies decorate the ceiling. Velocity plays host to many private parties and
appeals to all ages. This would be a good place to impress a date with a great skyline view, hang out with friends or
possibly meet some new friends. The dance floor is small and tucked back in a corner so if you want to dance, get there
early!
DUCHAMP
2118 NORTH DAMEN
CHICAGO, IL
Communal dining abounds in Chicago but from what I have experienced, Duchamp manages to pull it off in the sleekest
manner. Minimalist, dark wood tables, with Lucite (yes, clear) boutique chairs make for upscale décor in a very
neighborhood friendly dining spot. Go on Sunday and you will enjoy any bottle of wine for ½ price (or 2 or 3 bottles for
that matter!). Their wine list was already easily affordable at regular price but now you can splurge on a wine you
normally wouldn’t be able to try. It seems that Scallops are the ‘specialty’ of many foodie restaurants right now.
However, Duchamps are the LARGEST I have EVER seen and perfectly prepared. They are served as a single scallop small
plate for $8. The Scallop is literally the size of a hockey puck and served with a rich ragout of canellini beans and
pancetta. It is smooth, tender and fresh. A small plate of Artisanal Cheese accompanied by fruit bread was quite
enough to share amongst 3 people. The Roasted Red Pepper Chilled Gazpacho with Blue Crab was a little bland and very
light on the crab. The Thai Bouillabaisse with Sea Bass, Mussels & Rock Shrimp was packed with mild flavor and plenty
of seafood. Tender and filling was the Potato Ricotta Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables & Provence Herbs. A real stand
out, and a wait staff recommendation, was Fish & Chips made of Skate Wing with a side of Garlic Fries. Tender, meaty,
juicy, yet crisp, this crazy choice of fish for fish & chips is a real winner. For Dessert, the Crème Brulee is a standard
winner but the Lemon Tart finished in last place, lacking the lemony zest you were hoping for. Beautiful seasonal patio
dining, cozy dining room atmosphere and great food make for memorable experiences with friends or a date. Definitely a
good ‘any time’ restaurant.
PROVINCE
161 NORTH JEFFERSON
CHICAGO, IL
Finally, a restaurant that understands you want just a taste of a whole lot of different things. It is no wonder
Province is winning accolades nationally for it’s cuisine and presentation. They deliver a sleek but warm décor and a
plethora of small places, even micro plates, to choose from. You can dine more intimately (and quietly) in the rear
section of the restaurant separated by a glass wall, or in a larger, front dining section that is definitely a “see and be
seen” situation. Just for fun you hae to try one of each of the “Bites”. These are H’or Devour size tidbits loaded with
flavor and amusement. At Charlie Trotters, that would be your entrée course but at Province, it is just enough to get
you started. The Cuban Pork Bocadillo, Peeky Toe Crab Toast, Summer Square and Market Onion Taquito are all available
for only $3 each. A surprising “wow” item is the Poached Farm Egg & Julienne Squash Salad topped with Lemon Viniagrette
and Shaved Parmesan. From ‘small’ selections there is a Spice Rubbed Grilled Ahi Tuna Taco with Salsa. Spicey but a
little on the dry side. Big plates weren’t huge but easily served 2 for an appetizer size portion. The Rabbit Confit
was a shredded meat with a marcona almond emulsion – think of a flavorful pulled pork type dish with rabbit instead of
pork. You will like it – really – and you won’t once worry about the fact that you are eating a rabbit. Smarter yet
is the ‘bigger’ entrée portions that Province serves as a full portion or almost at ½ price for a small plate portion.
Hard to resist is the 10 Hour Braised Lamb. It is slightly spicy from the chorizo but bursting with succulent flavor
and incredibly tender. The Rare Hawaiian tuna was perfectly seared and served with a warm slaw of edamame, spinach and
Videlia onions in a caper vinaigrette. Odd and delicious were the Fingerling Potatoes seasoned with pork belly as a hearty
side. Reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff and a diverse collection of plates equally prepared with skill. The wait
staff will be truly honest about the wine and food choices so don’t hesitate to ask. With all this great food and ambiance
it is still a child friendly/family friendly restaurant. Pacing of courses was right on target and the wines are priced
at mostly $50 and under. The list is loaded with beautiful Oregon, Span and off the beaten track choices. Province is
definitely deserving of all the great reviews.
Zodiac
Neiman Marcus Top Floor
Michigan & Superior
Chicago, IL
Jut because the clothes at Neiman’s are pricey doesn’t mean their food is. In following with the traditional,
large department store dining room, Neiman Marcus offer two choices. One is a casual café located on the third
floor by Customer Service that serves sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, great coffee and dessert. The Zodiac is on
the top floor by housewares/ children’s/lingerie. Zodiac will hook you on the first visit with the HUGE, almost
football size, warm popovers served with housemade Strawberry Butter. Then they bring you a little coffee cup of
fresh Chicken Consomme. That is before you even order! The décor is a soft palette of gray and sage with
contemporary décor and whte tableclothes. There is even a full service bar. The specials are always a good
choice, especially the innovative Trio of Sandwiches served with a small organic greens salad. The salads are
very large, but one of the selections listed under salads is most interesting. They call it the Mandarin Souffle. It
consists of a mini mandarin orange jello mold (almost good enough for dessert!) served with their famous Chicken
Salad, an enormous amount of fruit and a fruit bread. This dish would easily feed two people. There are equally
tasty Nicoisse and Asian Chicken Salad, but you won’t find the Mandarin anywhere else. They all go perfectly
with that warm, huge, hollow popover. Traditional dining focuses on healthy seafood, chicken, steak
and pasta offerings. All well within reason for your wallet. Desserts are so-so, just ask for another
popover! You will never catch tourists in Zodiac. It is kind of off the beaten track and is something you
have to know about. They rarely if ever get a write up. Great for a business lunch, small group lunches,
girl’s outing, even an impressive lunch date spot. The wait staff is a bit jaded so service can lag a
little. But you have the popovers to keep you busy. You won’t mind lingering.
Jake Melnick’s
Wabash @ Superior
Chicago, IL
If you are so fortunately to live in the 60611, 60610 or 60654 zip codes, then you can partake of a fabulous Tuesday special at Jake’s.
The deal - their regular size, super juicy and delicious hamburger and PBR & Old Style cans of beer for ...are you ready, only $2 each!
That’s right, you can have a huge burger, a beer and get out for under $5 even with tax. You can add fries or cheese for a nominal amount
but it is still an amazing value. They will check your ID so make sure you live in those zip codes if you want to take advantage of the
offer.
Flemings Steak House
Ohio & Wabash
Chicago, IL
They call it the 5 for 6 before 7 or 5-6-7. The special is at the bar only Monday through Friday from opening until 7pm. They have 5
drink specials for $6, 5 wine selections by the glass for $6 and 5 large appetizers for $6 when ordered before 7. The Chile Lime
Calamari was easily shared between 2 people and spicey yet sweet. The Ahi Tuna was as large as you would get for $24 at most restaurants
and perfectly seered. Yummier yet were the crab cakes. A tremendous value with friendly service.
Kinzie Chop House
400 N. Wells (by the Merchandise Mart)
Chicago, IL
Did somebody say ‘free’?! Yes, FREE! During the month of July from 4-7pm, in the bar, when you order a drink for $3.50 or more,
you can get their $2.95 bar menu food absolutely FREE! Even better, their $5 bar menu food (which is a regular price steal), is
only $2.95! Fantastic Mushroom Tart, ample Stuffed Mushrooms, Steak Tacos, French Onion Soup, Calamari, even a burger, all from the
FREE menu. After July they go back to the regular price, but at $2.95 and $5.00 it’s still a super value.
Texas de Brazil
East Ohio St. @ Rush
Chicago, IL 60611
A newer addition to the River North dining scene, Texas de Brazil offers a refreshing take on the ‘churasscaria’ style of
dining. The first difference is the ornate, Spanish style interior that takes you off of the busy Chicago streets and
into a private villa with tantalizing smells and bountiful food. You must, absolutely MUST order wine while dining here.
This is the only restaurant in Chicago that has a swinging, somersaulting wine cellar attendant that you can view through
a 3-story glass wall. The young lady working the cellar swings, flips and catapults her way up to your wine selection
amidst their towering cellar and returns with your chosen wine. I could sit and watch her for hours. Honestly, you could
stop with just the salad bar at Texas unless you are just dying for some of their pit-cooked meats. It is loaded with
sushi, salmon, soup, an array of vegetables (roasted, cooked and raw), cheeses, salads and fruits. Couple this with
the light-as-air, melt in your mouth cheese rolls they bring to the table and you can be very satisfied. However, there
is something tantalizing about having your meat cut off of huge skewers having just been freshly pulled from the fire.
You will enjoy a nonstop selection of meats ranging from the house specialty beef, lamb, chicken, pork, sausage and
numerous other cuts of beef. They also have a reduced salt version of their meats if you are on a sodium restricted
diet or just like a less salty flavor. I probably will go that route next time. All of this is topped off with fresh
sautéed plantains (great as dessert) and super fine mashed potatoes. Yum! As incredible as the desserts looked there
was absolutely no room for them. Someday I will go and have just the salad bar and try some of those great looking
desserts. There are always specials to be had online so I highly recommend signing up because you will get very
valuable savings from Texas. Better value than Fogo de Chao and much better quality and price than Brazzazz, although
I do like the Brazzazz salad bar a tiny bit more (more sushi choices).
New to River North and just off Michigan Avenue, Texas de Brazil offers something new in the form of entertainment that
other churascarria’s don’t – a swinging, flipping wine attendant! You want wine? The young lady working the
all glass, 20ft high wine cellar swings, turns somersaults and ultimately returns with your bottle of carefully
selected wine. Can’t get that show anywhere else in town. It is fascinating to the point you’d like to try it
yourself. Luxe rustic Spanish décor transports you to a villa or ranch far from Chicago as you feast on an
overly sumptuous salad bar and all you can eat fire pit grilled meats. The salad bar alone offers sushi, smoked
salmon, an array of vegetables, cheeses and fruits. The waiters bring light-as-air cheese rolls to your table
as well as fried plantains good enough to be dessert and freshly, ultra whipped potatoes to go with your non-stop
meat service. The meats range from a house specialty beef to lamb, chicken, pork, ribs and low-salt versions of
any of their meats. Although their desserts looked amazing there just wasn’t room. Maybe next time we will do salad
bar only so we can try dessert. The other great thing about Texas is that if you sign up for their newsletter
you will regularly get fabulous discount offers for 50% off and other great deals!
VOLO
2008 West Roscoe
Chicago, IL
If you need a vacation and are tired of the lingering winter but don’t have a chance to get away, then take a little
drive to Roscoe Village and visit Volo. The front restaurant portion for indoor dining looks like any other trendy
neighborhood café, but walk through the open kitchen to the patio and MY-OH-MY, THE PATIO! Cabana’s draped in filmy
white curtains with a rustic wood arbor around them, fitted inside with a cushioned sofa and coffee table, you immediately
step into Los Angeles or Miami. Private, quiet, candlelit, great service, tasty and innovative cuisine. Take your date
here and she will definitely be impressed. We were in a group of 7 and got to sample a majority of the small plate
offerings. The stands outs were the Marrow Bones (unbelievable flavor, very European) and the fresh oysters. Wine
flights gave you an opportunity to try a selection of unusual wines at a very reasonable price. They pour a very
healthy portion. One of the best servers I had ever had, anywhere in Chicago, was Ashley. Worth the drive, especially
if you are in the mood for a romantic night out.
BOKA
1729 North Halsted
Chicago, IL
Did someone say ‘sexy’? I don’t know why I thought of Boka as a ‘standard trendy dining spot’ because that couldn’t
be farther from the truth. Over-the-top, diverse décor ranging from a brick walled, enclosed patio and bar to a crème
colored, silk draped dining room with taupe accented booths. The whole restaurant is candlelit and very, very sexy.
A spectacular wine list with plenty of unusual boutique wines pair with an equally diverse menu. It will make a foodie
very content. There were so many exciting small plates you almost wanted to skip the entrée to have several small plates.
The Risotto was rich, creamy, bursting with flavor; the scallops are the chef’s specialty, no wonder, as they were
amazing (sweet, slightly smokey, buttery and full of flavor). The Heirloom Tomatoes Salad made me finally understand
the term ‘meat’ when it came to tomatoes. I don’t know if it was the preparation or the actual quality of the tomato
but the moment I placed it on my tongue it reminded me of meat but yet it was tender, slightly acidic and fresher
than fresh. I’ve never had anything like it. Although there was a Braised Short Rib entrée that looked like a great
summer pick, I opted for the Trout laced with a variety of cherry tomatoes and shrimp brandade (think whipped potatoes).
It was more than I could eat but it was so light and delicious. I stole a bite of the Miso Halibut with Edamame from
my dinner companion and it too, was to die for, packed with little surprises of spice. We were both sure we didn’t have
room for dessert until I had to ask about one of the ingredients in the Trio of Ice Creams. The trio was Pineapple Sage
(I love fresh sage), Bay Laurel and Chocolate Mint. Bay Laurel? I had to know. The waiter described it as ‘an
extremely fresh bay leaf, not the kind out of the box at the store that is dry, hard and bitter’. It imparted a sweet,
green flavor more like basil. Well, that sealed the deal, had to try it. How often do you see Fresh Bay Leaves? The
trio was a tablespoon-sized portion of the three. They were made with buttermilk so rather than being sweet, they
were more tart and creamy with the flavors of sage or bay laurel resonating. The bay laurel was slightly herbal and
totally amazing, as was the pineapple sage combo. The chocolate mint was tasty, but it was an old stand by. I can’t
believe it took me 5 years to get to Boka. Sure won’t wait that long before my next visit!
Chocolate Bar At the Peninsula Hotel
Superior @ Rush, Chicago
Ever in the mood for some evening dessert and relaxing music but don’t know where to go? Need a really ‘wow’ or
creative date or simply a good girls night out? On Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10pm, the Lobby Café at the
Peninsula Hotel turns into The Chocolate Bar. Think of Sunday brunch but everything is chocolate or a tantalizing
miniature dessert like crème brulee. There are Godiva Chocolate Martini’s splashed with Bailey’s, hot chocolate,
puddings, crème brulees, red velvet cake, parfaits, bon bons and the list goes on and on. Best of all, every single
piece is fresh and made ‘in house’ by their extraordinarily talented pastry chefs. The candlelit room is softly
atune with a jazz trio playing old standards. To work off some of the melt-in-your-mouth goodness, you can take
a spin on the small dance floor. This is a very hidden gem and one that will earn you big points with your friends
or date!
Agami Sushi
4712 North Broadway, Chicago
Do you like the movie Finding Nemo? Step inside Agami and you’ll feel like you’be stepped into the depths of
the ocean or at least onto the set of Finding Nemo. The décor is made to replicate coral and is splattered with
vibrant hues and tall banquettes that reach 8ft tall. The stand out here is the Maui Island appetizer. It is medium
in spice, powerful in flavor with a generous portion of tuna and yellow tail piled high and laced with garlic,
scallion and tobiko. Top it off with a spicy citrus mayo, yum! Sushi is superb and fresh and the prices are moderate.
The service is very pleasant and knowledgeable. A good selection of sake’s are offered but I particularly liked their
sake flight allowing me to sample several very diverse sakes at one time. The also offer a selection of innovative,
refreshing cocktails.
Gene & Georgetti
500 N. Franklin
Chicago, IL
I just don’t understand the continued popularity of this restaurant. Gene & Georgetti is always packed, gets rave
reviews, has been there since the beginning of time, but the décor is dated red naugahyde and uninviting paneling. The
service is lukewarm, and although the portions are large, the food is, well, so-so, leaning towards dry and bland.
Considering most of the patrons are men, it must be a guy thing. I have had fabulous conversation and memorable meals
there, but only because of the company that I was with, not because of anything particular with the restaurant. The
chopped steak is probably the best choice on the menu smothered with sautéed mushrooms and a side of onion rings. The
white fish was the size of the entire platter but was flavorless even after a dousing of lemon juice and salt. Go with
people you love to be with, that way you won’t be disappointed.
Aja Steak
600 N. State Street
Chicago, IL
With much anticipation the Dana Hotel in River North opened along with Aja Steak
(pronounced Asia), it's upscale Japanese steakhouse. Aja Steak offers Kobe & Waygu
beef by the ounce along with innovative sushi combinations. Rumor has it that drinks
were in excess of $15, and they were. We tried Aja Steak once for breakfast and another
time for dinner. The breakfast menu was a gourmet incorporation of breakfast standards.
I had a to-die-for fruit cobbler that was good enough to be dessert with fresh peaches and
strawberries. This was in place of a standard bowl of fruit and toast most restaurants
offer for breakfast. The Stuffed French Toast with a side of Chicken Sausage was
tremendous coupled with some scrambled eggs sprinkled with fresh basil.
The problem with Aja Steak is the service. At breakfast the server wasn't sure what they
did or did not have until a manager finally came over and clarified that they were out of
croissants already. The coffee took forever to arrive but was worth the wait as it was an
enormous pot of French pressed Julius Meinl coffee served with a cup the size of a soup
bowl. We were almost done with our meal when it finally arrived. All this was after the
hostess couldn't even figure out if they were serving breakfast or not at 9am on a
Wednesday. Thinking this was just an off day and time we decided to head back for
dinner a few weeks later.
New hostess this time but same dilemma when we asked to sit at what had been written
up as a ‘floating sushi bar'. Was it open? The website says it was but she wasn't sure. In
reality it was upstairs, NOT a floating sushi bar and it was open. The décor is cutting
edge with 15 foot interlaced wood walls, lots of metal and wide plank wood floors in rich
hues. We ordered a Sake Sangria ($11) infused with mango but powerfully loaded with
sake. We ordered Unagi Maki, Salmon Sashimi and Mango/Chile Roll from an ethereal
waitress. The sushi was super fresh and reasonably priced. The Mango/Chile Roll was so
good that I drank the dipping sauce. It was sweet, laced with tinges of spice from the
chile and lots of lime. I followed up with a loose tea called Rising Sun which was served
in a cast iron pot. Sadly enough right after we ordered our dinner we watched the sushi
chefs get to work in front of us and set our orders off to the end of the bar. 15 minutes
later, just when we were about to go and find our waitress who never came back, she
popped by and conferred with the chefs about what was on the plates and handed them to
us. Couldn't the sushi chefs have reached 2 feet in front of them and passed them over to
us?
Although the food is terrific the service is just atrocious and I have heard the same story
from others who have visited. Caution should be used when ordering as your choices
could easily exceed the $100 mark if you don't choose wisely. If you have plenty of time
it's worth stopping in for Aja's innovative menu and attractive environ (including patio
dining). In time their service will improve if they are to survive.
Takashi
1952 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL
Written up as one of the hottest spots to dine in recent months, I was almost afraid to call
for the reservation for fear it would be impossible to dine on a weekend during the
‘popular hours'. It was a snap, on the first try. Tucked in a former residence on North
Damen, the restaurant and it's menu are both ‘petite'. There were interesting savory fare
selections like Foie Gras and duck, next to appetizers and entrees of seafood which made
it hard to choose. A tender, perfectly seared scallop was offered over homemade gnocchi
and the Peeky Toe Crab was accompanied by asparagus and a fennel/beet sauce. I
ordered hard to find Wild Striped Sea Bass that was white, clean and fresh served with a
mild vegetable puree. It is hard to find great duck but Takashi does it with perfection,
cooked medium, crisp skin and a citrusy sweet sauce. It melted in your mouth. For
dessert we went ‘off menu' for one of the prix fix menu offerings – an anise pound cake
with lime gratinee and Lychee ice. It was every bit as good as expected with just a hint
of anise. Takashi is definitely a date place or a stop for foodies. On a nice evening the
patio would make a wonderful dining spot. I don't think it is quite as fabulous as the
reviews are but it is a delightful culinary find.
BLOOMINGDALE’S CAFÉ
900 N. MICHIGAN AVE., 6TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
You shop there but did you know you could eat there too? This hidden jewel is located on the top floor of
Bloomingdale’s (6th floor from the interior, 8th floor from the garage entrance) by the children’s department. Not
only is there a full service lunchtime café, but there is a deli with wonderful selections to go and a complete ice
cream cooler loaded with locally made Homer’s Ice Cream. For daytime dining you would be hard pressed to find a quieter,
less crowded venue, with reasonably priced selections. Their salads range from old standards like Cobb and Chicken
Caesar, to trendy Mandarin Chicken Salad. All are very large and super fresh. On my last visit I tried a daily special,
Penne with Chicken. Mouth watering, loaded with garlic, fresh basil, lots of penne and cranberries. It was a fabulous
choice. Other menu offerings include traditional pasta dishes, a nice selection of sandwiches from BBQ Chicken to the
old stand by, Tuna Salad on Croissant, and a great choice of appetizers and daily specials. There is a reasonable
list of desserts but the cakes are all bakery fresh and are the real stand out here. The Coconut Cake was moist, sweet
and had just the right amount of coconut, the Carrot Cake was rich and loaded with lots of tasty Crème Cheese Frosting.
Believe it or not, Bloomingdale’s café also offers a full service bar! So, along with your salad you can enjoy a glass
of wine, a vodka martini or, in my case, a signature Pink Bloomie made from club soda and X Infused Vodka (pink passion
fruit). One of the waiters has been there for the 6 years I have been going there for lunch and can be very helpful
when you are torn between what to choose. Bloomingdale’s Café, who knew?
NORDSTROM CAFÉ
NORTHBRIDGE, MICHIGAN AVENUE & GRAND
CHICAGO
Here’s another little gem hidden on the same level with the children’s department at Nordstrom’s Northbridge. Tucked
back into a corner by the shoes and labeled, CAFÉ, it beckons for you to step in and try some of their freshly prepared
fare. Although most Nordstrom’s have Café’s, the Northbridge location stands out for two reasons. One, it is
increasingly difficult to find quality, reasonably priced lunch in a moderately fast environment, and two, they have self
service beverages and some element of seated service. Although you walk into an almost cafeteria style setting with
a tray, lunch here is delightful and relaxing once you place your order and the waiters scuffle about to bring you your
drink and food choices. They offer complimentary bread and the waiters refill your drinks as needed if you don’t beat
them to it. Their salads are the stand out with highly unusual combinations that are especially zesty. I chose the
Lime and Cilantro Chicken Salad loaded with a punch of chile, roasted corn, red peppers, mesculin greens in a lime and
cilantro vinaigrette. Other unique offerings are a Blue Cheese & Pear with Toasted Pecan Salad, and the Shrimp Club
Sandwich is WOW! There are pastas, panini’s and fresh roasted vegetables, along with gourmet pizzas. There are also
fabulous weekly specials. If you have little ones with you, they will be delighted with the Kid’s Menu choices and
you will be thrilled with the low price of only $4.50 including a drink. If you are on the go and need a respite from
the crowd, Nordstrom Café is a healthy and welcome choice.
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