kemmek's Profile
Brunch Near Red Line?
M. Henry in Andersonville is my favorite brunch place in Chicago. It's about a 10-minute walk from the Bryn Mawr stop. It doesn't serve cocktails, but you can BYO, and there's a nice wine and spirits shop, In Fine Spirits, a few blocks South.
Elate in the Hotel Felix, near the Chicago Red Line, is good. The brunch menu is solid, although not all that creative. Hearty, about 10 minutes from the Sheridan stop, has nice comfort food, a fun environment, and interesting cocktails.
I've never been to Bongo Room, but it's gotten good reviews, and it's very close to the Roosevelt stop.
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Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
In Fine Spirits
5420 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Only one shot at breakfast: Ina's, Lou Mitchell's, Ann Sather ???
Add me to the list of those not crazy about Ann Sather and who love M. Henry. If you only have one breakfast, I wouldn't go to Yolk either, as I don't think the food is anything special. I've actually heard good things about the breakfast at Wave restaurant in the W, but I haven't been there myself.
Lunching in the Loop
I'm a big fan of Hannah's Bretzel as well. Unfortunately, they discontinued the Black Forest Ham Sandwich, which was one of my favorites. My other favorites are the Salmon and the Italian Parma Ham. I should try getting the vegetable bomb with the bretzel baguette, since I thought it was just okay with the whole wheat baguette. The only sandwich I didn't like was the Thanksgiving 365.
I'm going to Le Bernardin Tomorrow. Yay!
Just to report back, they do make it for anyone, and it was delicious! We just ended up ordering it at the beginning of the meal, which was enough time.
I'm going to Le Bernardin Tomorrow. Yay!
Do you have to call and request it ahead of time, or can you ask after you arrive? Also, will they make it for anybody or just VIPs/ repeat customers? I'm going for the first time this Friday and really excited about it!
Good 'Vegetarian Friendly' recommendations please....
Has anyone tried the Monday vegetable or vegetarian-focused three-course menu at Dovetail? Although it doesn't look like they offer it on Sundays, the fact that they offer it at all might suggest that they've developed strong vegetarian dishes.
Boston Hound Wants to Know: craft cocktails in northern Loop and/or Wrigleyville?
This is pushing the definition of "northern Loop," but the Drawing Room, on Rush and Walton (Gold Coast area), has wonderful cocktails. It's located between the Loop and Wrigleyville, so you might want to stop there in between your day and night activities.
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The Drawing Room
937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
best authentic gelato
I've never been to Caffe Gelato, but I like Paciugo gelato in Lakeview. I also like Black Dog Gelato, which is served at some restaurants (Uncommon Ground, Goose Island) and is sold by the pint at Provenance Food & Wine. I don't remember where I read this, but I think they're opening a shop in Ukrainian Village soon.
Non-Restaurant Foodie Gems?
I just made it over to the French Market for the first time last week. I would say it's definitely worth checking out. I had Banh Mi and macarons from Vanille Pastissere. I was disappointed with the Banh Mi, but I should have known that it wouldn't compare to Nhu Lan :) However, I'm eager to go back, as I spotted several different vendors I'd like to try. In particular, my friends who had Pastoral sandwiches said they were delicious, and I enjoyed the samples they were passing out at Chicago RAW. Plus, the macarons were absolutely delicious!
Mare or Antico Forno for Boston Marathon
Thanks everyone for your replies. It sounds like the general consensus is Antico Forno over Mare, but possibly neither. It looks like both restaurants have linguine with seafood dishes, which sound great to me.
I only came across Mare because it was offering 1,000 points on OpenTable, and the focus on "natural, coastal Italian" appealed to me. It's odd though- I just noticed that its website says it serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, even though OpenTable also has reservation slots for Sunday and Monday.
I've been doing some more research, and now I'm also considering Erbaluce, Via Matta, and Da Vinci. How would those compare? Prezza sounds wonderful too. Maybe I need to plan another trip to Boston!
Mare or Antico Forno for Boston Marathon
Nope- I'm not set on the North End. I'm staying at the Marriott in Copley Square, and I'd be willing to travel 15 minutes or so by cab.
Mare or Antico Forno for Boston Marathon
I am a Chicagoan visiting Boston for the marathon, and I was wondering whether you would recommend Mare or Antico Forno (or neither) for a pre-marathon meal. I'm looking for great Italian food (pasta and seafood in particular) on the light side (unlike most people, I don't like eating huge meals the night before a race) at a restaurant that takes reservations.
Thanks!
How were recent experiences with Eve?
It's funny- normally I agree with nsxtasy, but here I would say I've had the opposite experience. I've been to Takashi twice and had great food both times. I very much enjoyed the soup, gnocchi, and autumn roll.
On the other hand, I've been to Cafe des Architectes once and was disappointed. The food was cold, the service was rude, and the flavors were not balanced. I went on a weeknight, so maybe they weren't on top of their game?
Good restaurant with good beer list?
Sola has a pretty good beer list and great food. I just went there last week and was pleasantly surprised, since it seems to be under the radar.
I also agree about the Gage.
Any newer Chicago spots to recommend for nice dinner?
I have not eaten there, but Pelago, an Italian restaurant in the Rafaello hotel by the John Hancock building, just opened and has gotten pretty good reviews.
Gramercy Tavern-esque?
My father is visiting me from NY in two weeks, and I would like to take him out to dinner somewhere similar to Gramercy Tavern in NY (his favorite restaurant). Does anyone have any suggestions of Chicago restaurants with similar quality and style of food? Thanks!
Visiting NYC from Chicago during Restaurant Week - Any Suggestions?
I've been to Gramercy Tavern, Anthos, and Devi during restaurant week. The only one I'd recommend (for restaurant week) is Gramercy Tavern. It was one of my favorite meals, period.
Throwing my opinion in the FroYo wars
I like Red Mango but not Pinkberry. Pinkberry is too icy and, I think, chemicalish, rather than Red Mango. I need to try 40 Carrots, although I too am more a fan of ice cream and gelato.
Best Restaurant Wk dinner you've ever had
Gramercy Tavern was great for lunch (sorry, I didn't realize that you asked about dinner specifically until I had already posted)
Quality Malt Powder
I am making a recipe that calls for Horlicks malt powder. It seems that this brand is manufactured and sold in the UK, so I was wondering if anyone knew where to find malt powder of comparable quality in the NYC/ Long Island area. I see that I could get the Horlicks powder shipped, but the shipping would cost more than the powder! Thank you!
