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.

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.

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 :-)