Bucktown
1856 W. North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
773-635-0091
www.aberdeenchicago.com
An ad in the Redeye declaring 2 for 1 appetizers and half price bottles lead us to try this newly opened neighborhood spot. It was only the first full week of business! Though the decor still needs some spicing up (we were told artwork and new tables are on the way), the friendly staff and great food instantly warmed things up. The quesadillas were some of the best I've ever eaten and the manager personally went out to pick up supplies that had not yet arrived in order to make our desired cocktails.
Formerly the location of Celebrity, this bar and restaurant has been completely re-vamped by it's new owners. The feel is initmate and casual with a classy touch (the woodwork is beautifully done!). Perfect for drinks and/or dinner after work during the week. Plus, Friday and Saturday nights the tables are cleared and room is made for a DJ and dance floor.
I can't wait to go back to Aberdeen after it's truly gotten on it's feet. I'm also eager to try it's club-like alter ego on the weekend.
Food: 5-Excellent
Service: 5-Excellent
Price: My friend treated me to dinner, but I'll let you know!
Parking/transportation: The North Ave. bus will drop you on the same block. The Damen blue line stop is only 2 blocks away. No parking available.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bin Wine Cafe
Wicker Park
1559 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
773-486-cafe (2233)
www.binwinecafe.com
Many consider wine bars to be for wine connoisseurs only. I have often heard friends comment that, though they enjoy wine, they would fear feeling out of place in a wine bar due to their lack of wine knowledge. Bin WIne Cafe will set anyone's mind at ease about the wine bar phenomenon. Whether you're a "win-o" or someone's whose never tasted a glass, you'll find a place at Bin.
The menu gives extensive, clear descriptions of all wines available by the glass. These wines are also placed in categories which allow you to order a "flight" of 4 half glasses of wine. They're also happy to bring you a taste, half or full glass of any wine-by-the-glass. Each is served with a piece of paper stating the name, origin and price of a bottle for reference when purchasing now or later. For the wine expert, Bin offered a good quality and varied selection of wines by the bottle, especially considering the small size of the restaurant and store. Even if you don't like wine, a full bar is available.
The food menu was rather limited, you're definitely there for the wine. However, the appetizer menu was lengthy, great for ordering several and sharing as a group tapas style. I actually had the entree special, an excellent grilled grouper. The restaurant is small and was therefore rather loud on the busy night I dined. I wouldn't recommend it for an intimate dinner for two, but it's a great place for a group of friends any night of the week.
Food: 4 - Very Good
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $30-$50 per person (depends how much wine you drink!)
Parking/Transportation: No parking available, though you may find a street space in the surrounding neighborhood. The Damen, blue line stop is just 1 1/2 blocks away and the North Ave. bus stops just a block away at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee.
1559 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
773-486-cafe (2233)
www.binwinecafe.com
Many consider wine bars to be for wine connoisseurs only. I have often heard friends comment that, though they enjoy wine, they would fear feeling out of place in a wine bar due to their lack of wine knowledge. Bin WIne Cafe will set anyone's mind at ease about the wine bar phenomenon. Whether you're a "win-o" or someone's whose never tasted a glass, you'll find a place at Bin.
The menu gives extensive, clear descriptions of all wines available by the glass. These wines are also placed in categories which allow you to order a "flight" of 4 half glasses of wine. They're also happy to bring you a taste, half or full glass of any wine-by-the-glass. Each is served with a piece of paper stating the name, origin and price of a bottle for reference when purchasing now or later. For the wine expert, Bin offered a good quality and varied selection of wines by the bottle, especially considering the small size of the restaurant and store. Even if you don't like wine, a full bar is available.
The food menu was rather limited, you're definitely there for the wine. However, the appetizer menu was lengthy, great for ordering several and sharing as a group tapas style. I actually had the entree special, an excellent grilled grouper. The restaurant is small and was therefore rather loud on the busy night I dined. I wouldn't recommend it for an intimate dinner for two, but it's a great place for a group of friends any night of the week.
Food: 4 - Very Good
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $30-$50 per person (depends how much wine you drink!)
Parking/Transportation: No parking available, though you may find a street space in the surrounding neighborhood. The Damen, blue line stop is just 1 1/2 blocks away and the North Ave. bus stops just a block away at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Adobo Grill
Old Town
1610 N. Wells
312-266-7999
Wicker Park
2005 W. Division
773-252-9990
www.adobogrill.com
Authentic mexican food with a contemporary twist! The menu features butternut squash enchiladas, fish tacos, quesadillas and, my favorite, pan-seared tilapia with the signature Adobo sauce (Tilapia a la talla). The fresh guacamole, prepared tableside, is a must and all entrees are served with corn tortillas. This restaurant has a great selection of meat, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes. You're certain to find something to suit your tastes.
More importantly....the margaritas! Shaken and poured at your table, be sure to try one (or several). I also had a perfectly prepared mojito (the traditional cuban cocktail, which can be tricky to get right).
The service was outstanding. The waiter was helpful and friendly, as was the rest of the staff we encountered. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and decor. This would be a great place for a dinner date or an evening out with friends!
**this review based on the Old Town location only.
Food: 5 - Excellent (Yummy!)
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $20 per person
Parking/Transportation: Valet available at both locations. The division and north ave. buses stop near each location as well.
1610 N. Wells
312-266-7999
Wicker Park
2005 W. Division
773-252-9990
www.adobogrill.com
Authentic mexican food with a contemporary twist! The menu features butternut squash enchiladas, fish tacos, quesadillas and, my favorite, pan-seared tilapia with the signature Adobo sauce (Tilapia a la talla). The fresh guacamole, prepared tableside, is a must and all entrees are served with corn tortillas. This restaurant has a great selection of meat, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes. You're certain to find something to suit your tastes.
More importantly....the margaritas! Shaken and poured at your table, be sure to try one (or several). I also had a perfectly prepared mojito (the traditional cuban cocktail, which can be tricky to get right).
The service was outstanding. The waiter was helpful and friendly, as was the rest of the staff we encountered. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and decor. This would be a great place for a dinner date or an evening out with friends!
**this review based on the Old Town location only.
Food: 5 - Excellent (Yummy!)
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $20 per person
Parking/Transportation: Valet available at both locations. The division and north ave. buses stop near each location as well.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Brazzaz
539 N. Dearborn
312-595-9000
www.brazzaz.com
Seeing as the last time I dined at a Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the bar was set pretty high for my experience at Brazzaz. I admit, I feared disappointment. However, I found Brazzaz to be a worthy competitor among it's brazilian counterparts.
Unlike some of the other Churrascaria in town, Brazzaz is unique to Chicago. However, the traditions of the brazilian steakhouse remain. Each guest pays a flat fee for an upscale all-you-can-eat experience. Various slections of meat, chicken and fish are brought to the table by "gauchos" and an elaborate self-serve salad bar provides the side items. Each table still has a server for drinks and additional items.
I was somewhat disappointed by the selection and quality of the meats. I actually found the bacon wrapped chicken and pork tenderloin best of the protein passed. The salad bar had a more limited selection than I had expected, however every item was of high quality and taste. (the lasagna, of all things, was my favorite)
The service, on the other hand, was impeccable. The staff was friendly and helpful without being overbearing. Great service is part of the Churrascaria tradtion and my expectations were fulfilled.
Food: 4 - Very Good
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $50-$75 per person (I recommend trying lunch during the week at the reduced price of $20 per person)
Parking/Transportation: Valet is available for $12. The Redline stop is on the same block and the #36 and #22 buses also stop about a block away.
312-595-9000
www.brazzaz.com
Seeing as the last time I dined at a Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) I was in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the bar was set pretty high for my experience at Brazzaz. I admit, I feared disappointment. However, I found Brazzaz to be a worthy competitor among it's brazilian counterparts.
Unlike some of the other Churrascaria in town, Brazzaz is unique to Chicago. However, the traditions of the brazilian steakhouse remain. Each guest pays a flat fee for an upscale all-you-can-eat experience. Various slections of meat, chicken and fish are brought to the table by "gauchos" and an elaborate self-serve salad bar provides the side items. Each table still has a server for drinks and additional items.
I was somewhat disappointed by the selection and quality of the meats. I actually found the bacon wrapped chicken and pork tenderloin best of the protein passed. The salad bar had a more limited selection than I had expected, however every item was of high quality and taste. (the lasagna, of all things, was my favorite)
The service, on the other hand, was impeccable. The staff was friendly and helpful without being overbearing. Great service is part of the Churrascaria tradtion and my expectations were fulfilled.
Food: 4 - Very Good
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $50-$75 per person (I recommend trying lunch during the week at the reduced price of $20 per person)
Parking/Transportation: Valet is available for $12. The Redline stop is on the same block and the #36 and #22 buses also stop about a block away.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Meli Cafe
Greektown
301 S. Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60661
312-454-0748
www.melicafe.com
If you haven't tried this charming cafe, then I suggest you make it your next stop. This is the only restaurant in the city that I've visited multiple times. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this casual, family-owned cafe is open 6am-4pm seven days a week. The name, Meli, is the Greek word for honey, which they have imported directly from Greece.
They feature a variety of fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, cage free eggs and Lavazza brand coffee and espresso drinks. The menu contains everything from pancakes and crepes to skillets and omelets to soups and sandwiches. Daily specials appeal to any craving. They also have a healthy selections portion of the menu. I've never ordered anything I didn't love and the price is right for the high quality of the food.
The staff is always friendly and the service quick regardless of the crowd. Needless to say, I've always been more than satisfied with Meli Cafe and look for any opportunity to stop in.
Food: 5- Excellent
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $10-15 per person
Parking/Transportation: Pay parking lot one block away. The Halsted bus drops you on the corner or the Blue line stop is about 4 blocks away.
301 S. Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60661
312-454-0748
www.melicafe.com
If you haven't tried this charming cafe, then I suggest you make it your next stop. This is the only restaurant in the city that I've visited multiple times. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, this casual, family-owned cafe is open 6am-4pm seven days a week. The name, Meli, is the Greek word for honey, which they have imported directly from Greece.
They feature a variety of fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, cage free eggs and Lavazza brand coffee and espresso drinks. The menu contains everything from pancakes and crepes to skillets and omelets to soups and sandwiches. Daily specials appeal to any craving. They also have a healthy selections portion of the menu. I've never ordered anything I didn't love and the price is right for the high quality of the food.
The staff is always friendly and the service quick regardless of the crowd. Needless to say, I've always been more than satisfied with Meli Cafe and look for any opportunity to stop in.
Food: 5- Excellent
Service: 5 - Excellent
Price: $10-15 per person
Parking/Transportation: Pay parking lot one block away. The Halsted bus drops you on the corner or the Blue line stop is about 4 blocks away.
The Scoop
My friends are always telling me what a "foody" I am. If you've ever spent any length of time with me, I've probably mentioned food or a restaurant early in our conversation. I've always had an appreciation for good food, great wine and especially the dining experience. Moving to Chicago, with it's plethora of restaurants and diverse cuisine, was a treat for my taste buds. There's always a new restaurant to try, regardless of what cuisine I crave. In fact, I've paid return visits to only a few establishments (you can consider those on my A-list).
Recently, someone mentioned that I should be a food critic if the conducting gig didn't work out. Which made me think.....why wait?! Without further ado, welcome to my dining blog. I'll review a different Chicago area restaurant, bar, coffee shop, etc each week. Each establishment will be rated on the food and service. The rating system will be as follows:
0 - Poor (hopefully I won't ever need this one)
1 - Average
2 - Above Average
3 - Good
4 - Very Good
5 - Excellent (YUMMY!)
I hope you will enjoy reading my reviews and that this blog will come in handy when making your dining decisions!
Danielle :-)
Recently, someone mentioned that I should be a food critic if the conducting gig didn't work out. Which made me think.....why wait?! Without further ado, welcome to my dining blog. I'll review a different Chicago area restaurant, bar, coffee shop, etc each week. Each establishment will be rated on the food and service. The rating system will be as follows:
0 - Poor (hopefully I won't ever need this one)
1 - Average
2 - Above Average
3 - Good
4 - Very Good
5 - Excellent (YUMMY!)
I hope you will enjoy reading my reviews and that this blog will come in handy when making your dining decisions!
Danielle :-)
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