Archive for January 2008

Forget the other trendy sushi places in the loop. Come to Sushi Loop, a restaurant that’s all about the food, not about the glitz and glamour. Located, strangely enough, in the heart of Greektown, this unassuming sushi house serves your favorites in a pleasing, casual environment.

Step inside and you won’t necessarily be impressed by the decor. But you’ll be seated quickly by a friendly waitress, and before you even have a chance to look at the menu, the waitress will bring you a couple of hot, soothing towels to wipe your hands. Once you get settled, you’ll notice the restaurant’s calming vibe, where patrons have intimate conversations in lowered voices. Like other sushi places, you’ll hear the steady beat of electronic music being piped throughout the place, giving it the modern edge its competitors are known for.

Start with a hot green tea and a cup of miso soup and the warmth will travel from your head to your toes. But beware: if you’re a fan of miso with big chunks of tofu and seaweed, Sushi Loop can’t help you there. All you’ll get is a cup of hot, steaming miso broth, which is still quite delicious.

It’s always a good idea to start any meal with an appetizer. The only problem is picking one from their extensive list. For that matter, choosing your entrée will be hard, as Sushi Loop boasts a large selection by any sushi fanatic’s standards. If you want to take the easy route, choose a variety of delectable maki rolls. On their menu you’ll find uncommon creations like Kanpyo, a combination of marinated gourd and sesame seed. For the daring, they have Loopy, which they describe as whole deep fried tuna and jalapeno. Of course, you’ll find more conservative choices like California and Avocado. On this particular visit I tried the Negi White Tuna and was pleasantly surprised.

But by all means, don’t skip out on the main course menu if that’s your thing. You’ll find awesome dishes like the Korean Barbecue, a rib eye seasoned in Korean marinade served with a side of potatoes and vegetables, and favorites like Terayaki and Tempura dishes.

Rice and noodle dishes round out this awesome menu, which has a little something for everyone, whether or not you’re into raw fish. And before you head out the door, try the red bean mochi, a delicious ball of sugary dough filled with creamy red bean ice cream (it’s a lot better than it sounds!)

Try Sushi Loop next time you’re in Greektown and have a taste for something that isn’t…Greek. I highly recommend it.

If you’re looking for a great place to catch the game on the big screen, then heading down to Sedgwick’s is probably your best bet. She ain’t the biggest place in town, but the pub grub sure is good, and wow – look at all those micro brews available!

The first thing I think deserves massive mention is their food – this ain’t your average pub grub… not by a long shot! Everything is just so fresh and tasty, not too expensive and hey – even you veggie lovers out there won’t be left scratching your heads! Start off with some quesadillas or their simply perfect pretzels and follow it up with one of their fantastic sammiches and a cold brew! Of course, if you’re looking for something a little less hands on, they offer some really good soups, salads and pasta dishes as well! If you go on a weekend, be sure to hit their brunch; they have a really nice menu that is perfect for getting into game mode!

Now let’s get into what this place is really known for: da sports! A 106” HDTV, alongside other plasma TVs adorn the walls, making it a great place to catch the game, no matter where you’re sitting. Besides the regular stuff like football, baseball and basketball, folks who get into soccer and rugby are also very welcome! In fact, they even have fan clubs for Illini and Duke! They also throw lots of parties here, so just like it’s always five o’clock somewhere, at Sedgwick’s, every night is game night!

Of course, just because a bar features food and big screens to watch a game does not a great sports bar make – it’s the PEOPLE that make it so! I admit I’m not the biggest sports fan myself, but this is one place I can tag along with my friends and not feel completely isolated or out of place, because the regulars are just so friendly and fun! Even complete novices like myself can walk out a tad bit more knowledgeable here, without putting a major cramp in my pocket book or smelling like some Trixie’s daiquiri. And yeah, it’s nice that the majority of the people are esthetically pleasing, so when I find a spot that have the standard attitudes missing, it gets an extra nod from me!

More of a café earlier in the evening, more of a night club later on, Cafe Lura is one of those places you just look forward to seeing a show at, because while the stage area itself might be on the tight side, it’s the side rooms themselves people really enjoy. And ladies – this place is thankfully not a meat market!

If you’ve come for good, authentic Polish food, then you’re in for surprise and are better off hitting one of the many Polish restaurants in the neighborhood. While they do boast a pretty darn good pierogi in either its boiled or fried state, the small menu is pretty much focused on standard Americanized fare. However, they do offer blintzes and potato pancakes as well, alongside some decent sandwiches – enough to keep your tummy from rumbling and tasty enough to satisfy a craving.

Now, if you’ve come for the night club aspect, then you’re REALLY in for a surprise, because this place is fun, fun FUN! The center stage is pretty tiny, where 20 people make the place look crammed. However, the bar area is where most of the action is, where regulars will find themselves permanently shackled to the stools for the rest of the night. If you wander past the stage area, you will find what is probably one of Lura’s best kept secrets: that absolutely charming lounge area. No matter what the weather is outside, in this room you will be transported to a medieval European garden under a perpetual night time sky. You can still hear the music just fine, but at a decibel level that allows you to actually talk and get to know people!

Past the bar area is another tucked away nook, where this room is more reminiscent of a European hunting lodge. This is also where most folks choose to dine, and where you are most likely to find the Polish speaking regulars. While not as stunning as the other room, this is also a nice place to sneak away from the rest of the party!

Behind the establishment is a small parking area, with the door leading right into the bar area. However, most people opt to park on the street so that the bands can utilize this space for loading and unloading their gear. After 9pm, metered parking is free anyway! Also, buses in the area are plentiful and run all night, though cabs are a little harder to come by. If you want one, have the bar staff call one up for you.

No matter what time of year it is, there is simply no better place to stop to smell the roses, or any other flower for that matter! And in February, there is no better place to kick start Valentine’s Day than to visit the conservatory for chocolate tasting! Of course, because this place is encapsulated within beautiful glass walls, any time of year is a great time to go, and its proximity to city dwellers makes it a great place to go!

If you go in winter, this can become a true oasis for you! There are prehistoric ferns, water falls to step over, and a large display of rare tropical plants and flowers. Self guided tours are more than welcome, which allows you to get in touch with your inner green thumb. While it’s certainly not nearly as vast as the Botanic Garden up north, just the fact you can escape the weather outdoors for a couple hours, perhaps before heading into downtown for a nice dinner, is a treat within itself. Also, since it’s only a quick bike ride from Millennium Park, you two can really take in some of the best the city has to offer without having to take the car out at all!

This place is surprisingly huge, and in the summer, the grounds it is held on is quite stunning in its own right, complete with its own lagoon. What’s nice about this place, unlike most other gardens, is there is free and ample parking available by the main entrance. Be sure to take advantage of it before entering by strolling through the park. And hey – why not pack up a picnic lunch to round off your trip? There’s nothing quite like tossing the Frisbee around while munching on some tasty nibbles!

Since many families also attend this beautiful indoor garden and includes many programs for them, the best time for couples to go is on Thursday evenings. Also, the Green Line train has a stop just for the Conservatory, for those who’d rather leave the car behind. Granted, the surrounding neighborhood still has its element, but with more and more folks rediscovering this beautiful garden, off experiences have dwindled to a bare minimum.

If you really get into picnicking and enjoy some wonderful music, then head up north to Ravinia! Just about every style of music is represented here, with the crowds being just as varied, from cozy casual to sophisticated sheik, and everything in between. And yes, in case you wish to go more for the experience than anything else, there are even free shows you can attend! Steans Institute concerts and master classes do not even need tickets!

Whether you’re a country music fan, love a full orchestra or just want to sing along with the likes of Tom Jones or Jethro Tull, Ravinia is such a wonderful and captivating place to see them. The general audience is much more amicable than some of the squawkers downtown, with the bratty Kid-O-Meter registering at almost nil. Believe me, that tidbit of info can be very much appreciated when you’re trying to focus on each other and the soft music in the distance, instead of what everyone else is up to.

Now sure, there are folks who actually go to see the bands play, of which they are highly encouraged to get pavilion seating tickets. For the rest of us, get your nibbles and chairs together and head on over! While parking can be an issue, many folks forego this and either jump on the Metro train, ride in on their motorcycles or their bicycles, where parking thus becomes a non issue. Besides, this is a see and be seen event, so don’t be afraid to really go all out when it comes to your setup! A handy item many folks opt for, besides the insect repellent, is one of those instant picnic table and chair deals you can score at any drug or department store for as little as $20. It is so much better than the dewy grass wetting your behind! With that, some soft lighting and a pretty wicker basket filled with wine, crackers and cheese, you’re all set for a comfortable, casual and yes, very romantic evening under the stars.

And hey – if Jimmy Buffet is playing, be sure to hit the sporting goods store beforehand: they sell portable margarita makers and even sell unbreakable glasses to match! Don’t forget the parasols and that long lost shaker of salt!

While not as visually appealing as many of other Greek restaurants in the up-and-coming Greektown area, Mr. Greek Gyros has something to offer everyone who’s hungry and is looking for better-than-average portion sizes. Stripped of the glam and glitz, this corner diner has the feel of a greasy spoon but boasts a flavorful menu that makes you think twice about judging a book by its cover. In an area literally surrounded by other Greek restaurants, Mr. Greek Gyros stands out thanks to its large glass windows, which give you a peek inside, where you’ll see a plenty of seating and a huge menu above the counter.

I’ll be honest—this place isn’t where you go when you want the authentic Greektown experience. This is the place you go when you want the 24-hour diner experience. The perfect place to go at three in the morning after a night of heavy drinking, this eatery boasts a huge menu that includes both Greek and not-so-Greek favorites. Number one on their house specialties list is the incredibly affordable $5.75 daily special: Gyros with fries and a medium drink. But what you don’t realize when you order this special is that you won’t have room for the fries, much less the drink. As you wait, you might glance at the decadent cakes and pies that tempt you from the nearby dessert case. But then the cook will slam down a massive package on a red cafeteria tray that will change your mind.

Seriously, the pita on this gyro can hardly contain the juicy meat pouring out of it. Slathered in that delicious cucumber sauce with tomatoes and onions thrown on top, this bad boy will satisfy even the most wicked of appetites. Keep plenty of napkins nearby—you’ll need them.

If gyros really aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You also have hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza puffs, Italian beefs and even rib tips and tacos to choose from. Sound too fattening? Try a Greek salad or a Chicken Caesar salad and you won’t have to ruin your diet plans.

In the event that you’re actually still hungry when you finish your main course, you can order seconds from the side order menu, which includes everything from mozzarella sticks to Spanakopita.

And to top it all off, Mr. Greek Gyros serves breakfast standards like eggs and bacon, omelettes and pancakes. Any time you stroll into this place, whether it’s 6 pm or 6 am, they’ll be ready to serve you whatever you’re in the mood for.

Greektown is full of dining options, to the point where it’s hard to pick. But if you’re ever in the area and just looking to grab a quick bite to sate your appetite, do yourself a favor and stop into Mr. Greek Gyros. Your stomach—and your wallet—will be happy.

Wicker Park residents are known for their hip, trendy clothes. But who would have thought that in a big city like Chicago, you could find all the latest trends at a consignment shop? At Lenny & Me on Milwaukee Ave, you can do just that. However, upon stepping in, you might not even realize you’re in a used-clothing store.

Set up like an upscale boutique, Lenny & Me adds a touch of class to resale shopping, which isn’t always so glamorous. Beside carrying high quality vintage coats, dresses, hats and other clothing items, this store has a layout and organization that surpasses most resale shops, even in the area. When you first walk-in, your eye is drawn to the collection of vintage handbags that are neatly displayed to the right. At places like the Goodwill, purses would be strewn about in a haphazard fashion. But here, each purse occupies a rack with few other purses, making it easier to pick one up and admire it. There are also some exceptional furniture pieces here, and not the kind that you would find by the side of the road, either!

Unique jewelry design glimmer from the glass jewelry case, giving the pieces a more distinguished feel, and keeping them from looking like a bunch of old necklaces that Grandma dropped off.

Low lighting and stylish decor also add to the appeal of the store. This shop manages to balance having a large inventory with allowing for plenty of space to walk around. You can shop without feeling like you’re going to knock something over or run into someone.

You’ll find cute 60’s party dresses, one-of-a-kind-footwear, and almost-forgotten outerwear from generations ago. You’ll be surprised at the quality of the items, too. No stains or tears on these clothes!

Next time you’re looking for a really unique outfit, head over to Lenny & Me. You might find that one unexpected item that could take your wardrobe from drab to fabulous. And unlike the Goodwill, you won’t have to deal with any funky smells.

For a good date in Wrigleyville, pass up the noisy sports bars and meet at Uncommon Ground on Clark Street. The restaurant has two bars, a big one in the front and a smaller one in the back. It offers coffee drinks as well as beer, wine and cocktails and a menu from breakfast to desserts from Bittersweet Bakery. Your date may be impressed with the organic, seasonal menu and both meat-eaters and vegetarians can find tasty dishes here.

In summer, grab an outdoor table on the sidewalk. In winter, settle into some cozy leather chairs near one of the two fireplaces. Enjoy the local art on the walls, all of which is for sale. Even the restrooms are decorated with paintings; I liked the big tree on the ladies’ room wall. The front room tends to be brighter and louder, while the lights and sounds are lower in the side room. Enjoy local bands here or the sounds of the Monday night open mic.

Share a plate of Spanish tapas with Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, Marcona almonds, quince paste and olives. The menu ranges from pizza, pasta, and burgers (including a veggie burger), to duck, salmon and even buffalo. The distinctive, healthy Sunshine Salad combines seasonal farmers’ market vegetables with sprouts, sunflower seeds and avocado in organic cider vinaigrette. For a breakfast date, try the Uncommon Huevos with eggs over easy on a black bean corn cake topped with ancho chili sauce and Chihuahua cheese.

Uncommon Ground prides itself on one-of-a-kind cocktails. Two of the most promising are the Frida Kahlo with dark chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, and the Cold and Flu Buster, a whole pot of chamomile tea spiked with ginger vodka, honey liqueur and a lemon slice. Local beer, a good selection of wine and Uncommon Gound’s famous coffee offer enough variety for any date to drink what he or she enjoys.

As a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, and music venue, Uncommon Ground stands out in a crowd and makes you feel welcome. The Clark Street restaurant opened in 1991 and a new Uncommon Ground coffee shop opened recently at 1401 W. Devon. Check them out for a great and uncommon date.

Sometimes my plan for a girls’ day out centers on cake and coffee rather than cocktails. For a sweet treat, take your mom, sister, best friend or any chocoholic or coffee aficionado to Julius Meinl’s Café.

Julius Meinl (the name rhymes with ‘vinyl’) was the name of the first Vienna merchant to sell roasted coffee in 1862. Before that, coffee drinkers roasted their own beans over woodstoves. The Meinl logo shows a boy in a red fez, a reminder of the Turks who first introduced coffee to Vienna. The Meinl coffee business has prospered in Austria for five generations. Their cafe on Southport in Chicago serves the same roasted coffee, imported tea and traditional cakes and dishes as the original in Vienna.

Meinl’s imports tea and makes its own coffee and hot cocoa. Lattes and espresso here are identical to their Italian counterparts. The unique Viennese coffee drink is the melange , a big sweet espresso drink with equal parts steamed milk and foam, topped with chocolate shavings. For true luxury, order this with a shot of your favorite flavor (mine is orange). Your tea drinking friends can enjoy a wide selection of imported tea from chai and lapsang souchong to Earl Grey and strawberry. Drinks arrive on elegant silver trays with tiny teaspoons.

Unique Austrian cakes here include Vienna torte, flourless chocolate cake with marzipan, apricot jam and chocolate, Cardinal Schnitte, ladyfingers with lemon mousse and strawberry jam and gugelhupf, a marbled chocolate and vanilla cake. Meinl’s own creations include mousses, cookies and Mozart torte with chocolate and pistachios.

If you and your friends want a light brunch, the croissants and jam or baked eggs with toast taste great with coffee. You can order your eggs with smoked salmon, cheese or vegetables. Breakfast lasts until noon on weekdays and two on weekends for late risers. For lunch, try the crepes with cheese and ham or asparagus and mushrooms, which come with a mixed green salad. Imported cheese and Hungarian goulash round out the menu.

Julius Meinl's is a great place to meet before a movie at the Music Box. If you take the Brown Line El, the Southport stop is closed for construction, but this is well worth the walk from Paulina. In warm weather, you can sit at a table outside and watch the world go by. In winter, enjoy the cheerful yellow interior of the café and pick out a cake from their opulent display case. Servers treat you very well here and never rush you. At Julius Meinl's, you can invite your friends to Vienna without leaving the city.

The outside of the Skylark bar in Pilsen looks like an ordinary two-story brick house. The white bird over its front door and the neon beer signs in its window hardly hint at its strange inner beauty. Friends had recommended the Skylark to me and I was pleasantly surprised by its unique charm. I expected a good dive bar and this is one I would recommend for a date.

Inside, the Skylark has brown walls and red lights on the liquor cabinets behind the long dark bar. Bring a date and enjoy the soft lighting and honky tonk or alternative rock music. Hang your coat on a hook and slip into their comfortable vinyl booths. Look up at the cases of kitschy curios like china ducks and someone’s tin foil art project. Play some pinball on the Elvis pinball machine and take a picture in the old curtained photo booth. The one part of the Skylark I cannot recommend is the library, a magazine rack with a few abandoned paperbacks and artsy local magazines like The 2nd Hand and Interview. It’s too dark to read in here.

There’s a full bar and the beers range from cheap date Pabst and Old Style ($2-$2.50) to high maintenance Edmund Fitzgerald Porter and Robert the Bruce ($3.50-$4). The menu has something for everyone, including vegetarians, with food items from cheeseburgers and fried chicken to the eggplant sandwich and butternut squash. I had a spicy barbecue pulled pork sandwich on a white roll with crisp coleslaw and tater tots. You can get piergoies or tater tots as an appetizer. If you press them, most folks will admit their secret love of tater tots. Most of the menu items cost $6 to $11, so you can treat your sweetheart to a complete lunch or dinner and not break the bank. Skykark's kitchen stays open late, until midnight on weeknights and one on Fridays and Saturdays. When you and your date are suddenly starving at 10pm, this menu is more fun than fast food and more satisfying than basic bar grub.

Skylark is kitschy but not pretentious. It can get crowded when a band plays there, but on the Thursday night when I went, they had plenty of room. My waiter was fast and friendly and the beer bottles came with a small glass for slow sipping. Before you go, note that the Skylark only takes cash, so don’t count on your credit card here. In case you forget this, an ATM waits by the front door. I may be a cheap date, but I’d definitely see the Skylark again.