Where do you go to get the best ribs? Check out these spots below.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Peet's Coffee & Tea Review
A long overdue review about Peet's in Evanston about my original visit back in November
1622 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
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Short Review:
Pete's is not life Starbuck's, it's actually a nice refreshing throwback to the days when real coffee houses existed in this nation. With locations in 5 states this small chain actually doesn't feel like a chain at all.
Long Review:
Stopped by Peet's Evanston location on a cold blustery day and was a bit overwhelmed by the choices of coffee. This location is extremely quite as there are Northwestern students studying, professors reading, many people writing on labtops, etc... The loudest noise in there is the coffee maker and many times it's the only noise in there.
I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte with a Pumpkin muffin. It was very good, approaching Intelligensia's level of quality. The muffin was a decent size for the price and was tasty as well.
The service is good also, the baristas don't rush or bark "next customer" if there is a line. They don't have that rushed retail feel about them either, very relaxed and polite. They also really know a lot about the different types of coffee beans and can answer questions with some actual knowledge. Which can't be said of Starbuck's baristas.
The only slight complaint I have is the atmosphere is a bit sterile. The counter-tops are clean and clear of product displays and this location is big so it the environment can seem slightly cold at times. There are even security cameras hidden in the corner. Despite that this is a coffee chain that I would be willing to return to as they have some very good coffee.
Overall rating 4.5 out 5
1622 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
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Short Review:
Pete's is not life Starbuck's, it's actually a nice refreshing throwback to the days when real coffee houses existed in this nation. With locations in 5 states this small chain actually doesn't feel like a chain at all.
Long Review:
Stopped by Peet's Evanston location on a cold blustery day and was a bit overwhelmed by the choices of coffee. This location is extremely quite as there are Northwestern students studying, professors reading, many people writing on labtops, etc... The loudest noise in there is the coffee maker and many times it's the only noise in there.
I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte with a Pumpkin muffin. It was very good, approaching Intelligensia's level of quality. The muffin was a decent size for the price and was tasty as well.
The service is good also, the baristas don't rush or bark "next customer" if there is a line. They don't have that rushed retail feel about them either, very relaxed and polite. They also really know a lot about the different types of coffee beans and can answer questions with some actual knowledge. Which can't be said of Starbuck's baristas.
The only slight complaint I have is the atmosphere is a bit sterile. The counter-tops are clean and clear of product displays and this location is big so it the environment can seem slightly cold at times. There are even security cameras hidden in the corner. Despite that this is a coffee chain that I would be willing to return to as they have some very good coffee.
Overall rating 4.5 out 5
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thai Classic Review
3332 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
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Short Review: Went to one of the top Thai places in the city but I may have been expecting too much. Need to back because I love Thai food.
Long Review: We went out in the frigid cold to Thai Classic to meet a couple friends for dinner. I've walked past the Wrigleyville spot a couple of time but didn't know how large it really is on the inside, it looks small and narrow from the sidewalk. In fact, it's easy to miss if you're walking down the street.
When we got into the restaurant it seemed everyone gave us death stares which was very odd but also could have been attributed to our letting the extremely cold wind in. The host was very nice and asked if we would like to sit at a table or on the floor, we opted for a table in the back of the restaurant far away from the front door that lets the cold in every time people enter or leave. (To be fair to the frigid patrons those death stares were more like looks of regret)
We were seated and I opened the menu- there are pictures of dishes on the menu. Like Gordon Ramsey I'm always a bit suspicious of restaurants that show pictures of the food they are going to serve me on their menu due to some bad experiences at those sort of restaurants. I went into alert mode.
The interior is nothing to rave about, this isn't Le Colonial. Just a normal interior with a carpeted floor and with some tables and floor seating around the walls. The front of the restaurant is nicer looking and has wood flooring and a bar but I wasn't going to sit up there with the cold coming through the door.
The El rumbled over head and since it was quite in the back dining area (for now) it got a bit distracting after the second time a train went by minutes later.
We ordered Thai Spring Rolls and Calamari for an appetizer. Despite my advice not to order calamari at a Thai place it wasn't that bad. The Thai spring rolls are cold (this is how many Thai restaurants serve spring rolls so if you order them don't expect Chinese or Japanese spring to come hot from the oven) They were alright also. Just the amount of sweet in the sauce drizzled over it.
It came time to order the main dishes. I ordered Lad Nar- a mistake on my part. From my experience of Lad Nar at Joy's Noodle and Rice. I ordered it wondering if it was any better than the one I had a year ago at Joy's.
Lad Nar is a dish made with wide noodles and either pork or chicken in a gravy. It is a common Thai dish so I wasn't quite expecting what I got. Some of the noodles were a bit too crispy and even burned around the edges and the gravy was too salty. Lad Nar is supposed to be crispy but some of the noodles were downright crunchy. Just like Joy's Noodle and Rice Lad Nar. Before I about to write off the restaurant I tasted everyone else's dish to make sure it was me. Everyone said their dishes were good.
Their dishes were better than mine. Maybe something happened in the kitchen when the cook was making the Lad Nar as the restaurant got very busy very quickly. Maybe this is their variation on Lad Nar?
I gave Thai Classic the benefit of the doubt and decided whoever made my dish was having a bad day because their service is very good.
The waitress was very nice and attentive. Not so attentive that you felt the servers are hovering around the table and refilling your glass every time you take a little sip but just the right amount of watchfulness from a distance kind of attentive.
I will be back to try something else.
4 out of 5 Stars
Chicago, IL 60657
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Short Review: Went to one of the top Thai places in the city but I may have been expecting too much. Need to back because I love Thai food.
Long Review: We went out in the frigid cold to Thai Classic to meet a couple friends for dinner. I've walked past the Wrigleyville spot a couple of time but didn't know how large it really is on the inside, it looks small and narrow from the sidewalk. In fact, it's easy to miss if you're walking down the street.
When we got into the restaurant it seemed everyone gave us death stares which was very odd but also could have been attributed to our letting the extremely cold wind in. The host was very nice and asked if we would like to sit at a table or on the floor, we opted for a table in the back of the restaurant far away from the front door that lets the cold in every time people enter or leave. (To be fair to the frigid patrons those death stares were more like looks of regret)
We were seated and I opened the menu- there are pictures of dishes on the menu. Like Gordon Ramsey I'm always a bit suspicious of restaurants that show pictures of the food they are going to serve me on their menu due to some bad experiences at those sort of restaurants. I went into alert mode.
The interior is nothing to rave about, this isn't Le Colonial. Just a normal interior with a carpeted floor and with some tables and floor seating around the walls. The front of the restaurant is nicer looking and has wood flooring and a bar but I wasn't going to sit up there with the cold coming through the door.
The El rumbled over head and since it was quite in the back dining area (for now) it got a bit distracting after the second time a train went by minutes later.
We ordered Thai Spring Rolls and Calamari for an appetizer. Despite my advice not to order calamari at a Thai place it wasn't that bad. The Thai spring rolls are cold (this is how many Thai restaurants serve spring rolls so if you order them don't expect Chinese or Japanese spring to come hot from the oven) They were alright also. Just the amount of sweet in the sauce drizzled over it.
It came time to order the main dishes. I ordered Lad Nar- a mistake on my part. From my experience of Lad Nar at Joy's Noodle and Rice. I ordered it wondering if it was any better than the one I had a year ago at Joy's.
Lad Nar is a dish made with wide noodles and either pork or chicken in a gravy. It is a common Thai dish so I wasn't quite expecting what I got. Some of the noodles were a bit too crispy and even burned around the edges and the gravy was too salty. Lad Nar is supposed to be crispy but some of the noodles were downright crunchy. Just like Joy's Noodle and Rice Lad Nar. Before I about to write off the restaurant I tasted everyone else's dish to make sure it was me. Everyone said their dishes were good.
Their dishes were better than mine. Maybe something happened in the kitchen when the cook was making the Lad Nar as the restaurant got very busy very quickly. Maybe this is their variation on Lad Nar?
I gave Thai Classic the benefit of the doubt and decided whoever made my dish was having a bad day because their service is very good.
The waitress was very nice and attentive. Not so attentive that you felt the servers are hovering around the table and refilling your glass every time you take a little sip but just the right amount of watchfulness from a distance kind of attentive.
I will be back to try something else.
4 out of 5 Stars
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Chicago Restaurant Reviews: Best of 2009
As the year draws to a close it's time to do a restaurant roundup and mention some awards for a few places which not only caught my attention but have been consistently good places to eat in the city.
Best Lunch Spot in the Loop: Hannah's Bretzel
233 N Michigan Avenue and 190 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60605
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This is the best place for lunch in the loop in my opinion. Despite it being a bit on the expensive side($9-10) it is a great healthy option. A wall of Swiss and Belgium chocolate, organic ingredients, freindly staff and a choice of kettle chips or carrots. Beats fast food.
Best Italian: Trattoria Trullo
4767 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
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Quick Review:
Anterprima came close but this Lincoln Square spot is hands down the best (authentic) Italian restaurant I've been to in the city.
This isn't a pasta house with heavy tomato sauces, it's where the Italians go when they are on vacation. Go and enjoy.
Best Cafe: Julius Meinl
4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60613
and
4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
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Yes, you can go to Intelligensia to get a decent cup of coffee but Menil's has some great European coffee's and dishes. People complain about the long waits to get in during lunch rush on the weekends but I like to go at night, especially in the fall or winter. Just like Vienna in Chicago.
Really, on my last visit there were a group of French friends all talking (in French) lively about various topics and behind me was a lone Italian man speaking on the cellphone. When the Europeans gather here, you know it's good.
If you cut out your to trip to Europe this year travel to Meinl's instead, almost the same thing.
Best Hot Dog: Jim's Original
1250 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60607
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This Near West Side Spot takes the prize for great hot dogs and burgers. People were lined around the block for their 70th Anniversary deal and I can see why; they have some of the best polish sausages in town.
In fact, they claim to be the home of original Chicago polish. Either way this is a spot to stop by.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to Chicago restaurants check out Zagat 2009/10 Chicago Restaurants: Celebrating 30 Years (Zagatsurvey: Chicago Restaurants)
Best Lunch Spot in the Loop: Hannah's Bretzel
233 N Michigan Avenue and 190 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60605
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This is the best place for lunch in the loop in my opinion. Despite it being a bit on the expensive side($9-10) it is a great healthy option. A wall of Swiss and Belgium chocolate, organic ingredients, freindly staff and a choice of kettle chips or carrots. Beats fast food.
Best Italian: Trattoria Trullo
4767 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
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Quick Review:
Anterprima came close but this Lincoln Square spot is hands down the best (authentic) Italian restaurant I've been to in the city.
This isn't a pasta house with heavy tomato sauces, it's where the Italians go when they are on vacation. Go and enjoy.
Best Cafe: Julius Meinl
4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60613
and
4363 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
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Yes, you can go to Intelligensia to get a decent cup of coffee but Menil's has some great European coffee's and dishes. People complain about the long waits to get in during lunch rush on the weekends but I like to go at night, especially in the fall or winter. Just like Vienna in Chicago.
Really, on my last visit there were a group of French friends all talking (in French) lively about various topics and behind me was a lone Italian man speaking on the cellphone. When the Europeans gather here, you know it's good.
If you cut out your to trip to Europe this year travel to Meinl's instead, almost the same thing.
Best Hot Dog: Jim's Original
1250 S Union Ave
Chicago, IL 60607
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This Near West Side Spot takes the prize for great hot dogs and burgers. People were lined around the block for their 70th Anniversary deal and I can see why; they have some of the best polish sausages in town.
In fact, they claim to be the home of original Chicago polish. Either way this is a spot to stop by.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive guide to Chicago restaurants check out Zagat 2009/10 Chicago Restaurants: Celebrating 30 Years (Zagatsurvey: Chicago Restaurants)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chicago Resturant Deals and Steals
Eating out in Chicago doesn't need to be expensive, especially in these times. There's many restaurants where you can eat on the cheap or even for free. In fact if you go to certain restaurants on the right day you can find yourself a deal.
Here's a big list of restaurants that offer dining deals, happy hour, or buffets around Chicago to save you some money.
Downtown
Brasserie Joe- Happy hour 5-7pm every Tuesday
59 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610
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The Buzz- Free buffet from 5-6pm with free salsa lessons from 6:30-7:30pm
308 W Erie St Bsmt
Chicago, IL 60610
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Golden Buddha Chinese Restaurant- Don't be put off by entering through a lobby of an office building as they offer free appetizers every Friday evening.
312 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60606
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Mezito Latin Bistro and Wine Bar- Free tapas on Tuesday from 5-10pm
710 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60606
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Northside
Big Chicks- This popular GLBT spot in Uptown offers a free full Sunday brunch buffet from 3-4pm. Salad, pasta, sandwiches, and deserts are included.
5024 N Sheridan Rd,
Chicago, IL 60640
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Celtic Crown-
Free pizza 5-8pm on Fridays
4301 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
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Franks'- Free food on St Patrick's Day and Fat Tuesday
2503 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
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Full Shilling Pub- This Wrigleyville bar offers free food Fridays 5-7pm during Cubs games
3724 N Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60613
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Clybar- Free pizzas from 5-8pm on Fridays
2417 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
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McGee's Tavern and Grille- Free pizza at Midnight on Fridays
950 W Webster Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
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North End- This Lakeview sports bar has Sunday buffets during Bears season. GLBT
3733 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613
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Sedgwicks- Free Friday buffet at 10:30pm Saturdays around midnight.
1935 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60614
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West Side
Cleo's- You can get your late night free food fix with free appetizers Saturday 11-1:00 am at this Ukrainian Village spot
1935 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
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The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave
(between Homer St & Armitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
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International night, 2 drink minimum strictly enforced on Tuesday night. Local from around the world chefs gather at this Bucktown spot to cook ethnic dishes from their country.
Free samples around town
Fox and Obel- Offers free samples of food everyday, free wine samplings Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm and Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm
Godiva Chocolates- Free samples on weekend (double check website to see upcoming offers)
Trader Joes- Free samples offered everyday
Whole Foods- Samples offered weekend afternoons
Happy Hours
Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd
Oak Park, IL 60301
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Half price wine bottles every Monday and $5 signature martinis every Wednesday
Enjoy $3 appetizers at the bar only Tuesday
Cafe Selmarie
4729 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
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Enjoy a three-course meal for only $20 every Thursday Night at Cafe Selmarie. 4pm until closing.
Sushi X
543 W Diversey Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
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Half price on all sushi rolls Sunday through Wednesday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
Mirabell Restaurant & Lounge
3454 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60618
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Drink specials Monday thru Thursday
Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
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Here's a big list of restaurants that offer dining deals, happy hour, or buffets around Chicago to save you some money.
Downtown
Brasserie Joe- Happy hour 5-7pm every Tuesday
59 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610
View Larger Map
The Buzz- Free buffet from 5-6pm with free salsa lessons from 6:30-7:30pm
308 W Erie St Bsmt
Chicago, IL 60610
View Larger Map
Golden Buddha Chinese Restaurant- Don't be put off by entering through a lobby of an office building as they offer free appetizers every Friday evening.
312 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60606
View Larger Map
Mezito Latin Bistro and Wine Bar- Free tapas on Tuesday from 5-10pm
710 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60606
View Larger Map
Northside
Big Chicks- This popular GLBT spot in Uptown offers a free full Sunday brunch buffet from 3-4pm. Salad, pasta, sandwiches, and deserts are included.
5024 N Sheridan Rd,
Chicago, IL 60640
View Larger Map
Celtic Crown-
Free pizza 5-8pm on Fridays
4301 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
View Larger Map
Franks'- Free food on St Patrick's Day and Fat Tuesday
2503 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
View Larger Map
Full Shilling Pub- This Wrigleyville bar offers free food Fridays 5-7pm during Cubs games
3724 N Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60613
View Larger Map
Clybar- Free pizzas from 5-8pm on Fridays
2417 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
View Larger Map
McGee's Tavern and Grille- Free pizza at Midnight on Fridays
950 W Webster Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
View Larger Map
North End- This Lakeview sports bar has Sunday buffets during Bears season. GLBT
3733 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613
View Larger Map
Sedgwicks- Free Friday buffet at 10:30pm Saturdays around midnight.
1935 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60614
View Larger Map
West Side
Cleo's- You can get your late night free food fix with free appetizers Saturday 11-1:00 am at this Ukrainian Village spot
1935 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
View Larger Map
The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave
(between Homer St & Armitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
View Larger Map
International night, 2 drink minimum strictly enforced on Tuesday night. Local from around the world chefs gather at this Bucktown spot to cook ethnic dishes from their country.
Free samples around town
Fox and Obel- Offers free samples of food everyday, free wine samplings Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm and Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm
Godiva Chocolates- Free samples on weekend (double check website to see upcoming offers)
Trader Joes- Free samples offered everyday
Whole Foods- Samples offered weekend afternoons
Happy Hours
Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd
Oak Park, IL 60301
View Larger Map
Half price wine bottles every Monday and $5 signature martinis every Wednesday
Enjoy $3 appetizers at the bar only Tuesday
Cafe Selmarie
4729 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
View Larger Map
Enjoy a three-course meal for only $20 every Thursday Night at Cafe Selmarie. 4pm until closing.
Sushi X
543 W Diversey Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
View Larger Map
Half price on all sushi rolls Sunday through Wednesday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
Mirabell Restaurant & Lounge
3454 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60618
View Larger Map
Drink specials Monday thru Thursday
Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
View Larger Map
Monday, October 12, 2009
Turquoise Cafe Review
2147 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618
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Short Review: My new neighborhood favorite. This is a great neighborhood spot for some good Turkish food in a nice dining atmosphere in a great area.
Long Review:
Just got back from a good spot in Roscoe Village for with a laid back Mediterranean cafe feel to it- Turquoise Cafe. This place is a neighborhood favorite based on how quickly it filled up by 7pm on a cold Monday night- during a very bad recession too.
The atmosphere is my one of favorite types of atmospheres- small, intimate, low lighting, white table, clothes, framed art on the wall, large selection of wine and champagne stocked behind the bar, and lots of full tables with happy people talking and laughing. It already got two points by the time I walked up the hosts booth. Most of the waitstaff is Turkish which makes it very authentic. It has a nice Euro/ Mediterranean vibe about it. On to the food.
They menu is mainly focused on Turkish dishes but there are some Italian and Greek dishes on there also. It has a very nice selection of Mediterranean fare.
We started out with mussels steamed in wine. They were so good I could have made a meal out of them on their own.
Despite being at a (mostly) Turkish restaurant I decided to go a little Italian tonight and order the Osso Buco. It was very good and came with Polenta with shaved Parmesan cheese.
My dining companion had Rack of Lamb. The lamb was just as good- if not better than lamb I've had in Greektown. And the roasted vegetables which came with the dish, delish! I ate what she couldn't finish and was grateful for it.
Unfortunately, I didn't have desert since we were full but we will definitely be back soon as this is now my favorite spot in Roscoe Village. Too bad I came in the Fall, I would have liked to sit outdoors and dine al fresco.
4.5 out of 5 stars
BTW, our tab came out to about $50 for the two of use for dinner so while I wouldn't put it in the expensive category it may be a place to save for special occasions in this economy but definitely worth the visit for any occasion.
Chicago, IL 60618
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Short Review: My new neighborhood favorite. This is a great neighborhood spot for some good Turkish food in a nice dining atmosphere in a great area.
Long Review:
Just got back from a good spot in Roscoe Village for with a laid back Mediterranean cafe feel to it- Turquoise Cafe. This place is a neighborhood favorite based on how quickly it filled up by 7pm on a cold Monday night- during a very bad recession too.
The atmosphere is my one of favorite types of atmospheres- small, intimate, low lighting, white table, clothes, framed art on the wall, large selection of wine and champagne stocked behind the bar, and lots of full tables with happy people talking and laughing. It already got two points by the time I walked up the hosts booth. Most of the waitstaff is Turkish which makes it very authentic. It has a nice Euro/ Mediterranean vibe about it. On to the food.
They menu is mainly focused on Turkish dishes but there are some Italian and Greek dishes on there also. It has a very nice selection of Mediterranean fare.
We started out with mussels steamed in wine. They were so good I could have made a meal out of them on their own.
Despite being at a (mostly) Turkish restaurant I decided to go a little Italian tonight and order the Osso Buco. It was very good and came with Polenta with shaved Parmesan cheese.
My dining companion had Rack of Lamb. The lamb was just as good- if not better than lamb I've had in Greektown. And the roasted vegetables which came with the dish, delish! I ate what she couldn't finish and was grateful for it.Unfortunately, I didn't have desert since we were full but we will definitely be back soon as this is now my favorite spot in Roscoe Village. Too bad I came in the Fall, I would have liked to sit outdoors and dine al fresco.
4.5 out of 5 stars
BTW, our tab came out to about $50 for the two of use for dinner so while I wouldn't put it in the expensive category it may be a place to save for special occasions in this economy but definitely worth the visit for any occasion.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Greek Islands' Review
200 S Halsted St
(between Adams St & Quincy St)
Chicago, IL 60661
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There are so many good places to go for Greek food in Greektown but after multiple visits to the one in Oak Brook and Chicago the Greek Islands is one of the better Greek restaurants in Chicago. Plus, there is free valet parking.
Went for lunch to Greek Island's because they get extremely busy during the diner rush hours and strolled in for some authentic Greek eats. The place was busy despite my plans to avoid the crowds. I was half expecting that though.
When we got a table and they must have a wait staff of 50 people or more. You'll find both family-style and individual catered plates on the menu. Tons of appetizers and main course selections.
We opted out of the flaming Saganaki and the accompanying "Opah!". They were going off all around us and we weren't impressed by the pyrotechnics anymore. But at $5.50 it is a deal and a sight to see if you have never been or have out-of-towners.
Their Avgolemeno soup (lemon soup) was thick 'n creamy - texture-wise, just the way I like it, however it was a bit bland on that day and not full of the explosive lemon flavor I'm use to. The Gyros was a plate-full. I always order the lamb, that's one of meats of Greece.
It is usually tender and juicy, this time it was good as usual. It comes with garlic roasted potatoes which are very good.
All and all a nice meal at Greek Islands was had. But the only thing which takes away from the experience is the rushed service. The servers tend to bring out entrees when your finishing up your appetizer. They may be trying to hurry people in and out or there may be too many servers hovering around each table.
Nonetheless, if you want some pretty good Greek in a busy restaurant close to the hussle and bussle of Downtown than Greek Island's is the place.
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
(between Adams St & Quincy St)
Chicago, IL 60661
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There are so many good places to go for Greek food in Greektown but after multiple visits to the one in Oak Brook and Chicago the Greek Islands is one of the better Greek restaurants in Chicago. Plus, there is free valet parking.
Went for lunch to Greek Island's because they get extremely busy during the diner rush hours and strolled in for some authentic Greek eats. The place was busy despite my plans to avoid the crowds. I was half expecting that though.
When we got a table and they must have a wait staff of 50 people or more. You'll find both family-style and individual catered plates on the menu. Tons of appetizers and main course selections.
We opted out of the flaming Saganaki and the accompanying "Opah!". They were going off all around us and we weren't impressed by the pyrotechnics anymore. But at $5.50 it is a deal and a sight to see if you have never been or have out-of-towners.
Their Avgolemeno soup (lemon soup) was thick 'n creamy - texture-wise, just the way I like it, however it was a bit bland on that day and not full of the explosive lemon flavor I'm use to. The Gyros was a plate-full. I always order the lamb, that's one of meats of Greece.
It is usually tender and juicy, this time it was good as usual. It comes with garlic roasted potatoes which are very good.
All and all a nice meal at Greek Islands was had. But the only thing which takes away from the experience is the rushed service. The servers tend to bring out entrees when your finishing up your appetizer. They may be trying to hurry people in and out or there may be too many servers hovering around each table.
Nonetheless, if you want some pretty good Greek in a busy restaurant close to the hussle and bussle of Downtown than Greek Island's is the place.
Overall rating 3.5 out 5
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