Chicago Restaurant Tips by deecat

Cup of Soup & Half Sandwich

by deecat , 4 more photos

Restaurant Name: The Gage Gastropub

On Sunday, April 20, 2008, I joined Dabs [Kristi], her husband, David, and visiting from Canada, Bwana Brown [Glenn]. Selected because of recent praise from several critics as well as its location across from Millennium Park on South Michigan Avenue, we met at 1:00 pm filled with anticipation. Fortunately, I was not disappointed.

Gage is located in a group of three buildings called The Gage Group [1889-1890]. It was originally built for three millinery firms, one being Gage Brothers and Company...thus, the name of the restaurant.

Glenn was in Chicago attending a business conference, and it was a thrill to meet him as I have always been impressed whenever I visit his pages.

The front part of Gageincludes a large, as well as handsome, bar; the atmosphere is Pup-like. We were seated back further, which luckily is much quieter.

The menu for lunch included Snacks, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Entrees, Sides, and Desserts. A Brunch Menu [mainly breakfast options] is also available.

Favorite Dish: The four of us ordered something different from the menu. Kristi ordered a Pork Sandwich which included fries. Her husband David tried some of hers, and both of them agreed that it was very good. Glenn ordered a Roast Chicken Sandwich, which also included fries, a large pickle slice, and sliced tomato. He seemed to enjoy his choice. David ordered one of the restaurant favorites, Fish and Chips. The fish was wrapped in a newspaper cone, which added to its appeal. I ordered a cup of the "Soup of the Day" [cream tomato with basil] accompanied by a 1/2 sandwich of thinly sliced ham. Mine included the large dill pickle slice (which I relished) and the fries. The soup was quite outstanding with subtle flavor and an exquisite texture. The sandwich was the perfect size and quite delicious. I'm not a potato eater, but I did try the fries, which were surprisingly good!

Our waitress was efficient, friendly, and helpful.

Photographs:
1. My soup and sandwich combination.
2. Gage's outdoor eating area.
3. David's Fish and Chips.
4. Gage Entrance with window reflections.
5. Glenn's Roast Chicken Sandwich.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Phone: 312-372-4243
Address: 24 South Michigan Avenue

Italian Village: Oldest Italian Restaurant in Chicago

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Written by deecat

on Mar 28, 2008

Italian Village, Chicago

by deecat , 4 more photos

Restaurant Name: Italian Village

Please view all photographs to obtain a "flavor" of the delicious food.

Italian Village is, indeed, a Chicago Landmark. It is one of the oldest "Italian Restaurants in Chicago". The Capitanini family has owned and operated it since 1927. The third generation of the Capitanini family [Al and Gina] now manage what is in reality three restaurants within the Italian Village site.

The three restaurants are:
Village, which is a traditional Italian restaurant located on the second floor. It was designed as a small Italian town with cozy booths, several rooms, and in typical Italian style. It serves Soups, pasta, sandwiches, thin-crust Pizza, appetizers, Homemade desserts, salads, seafood, poultry, beef, and veal.

La Cantina is a Steak and Seafood House. It resembles a wine cellar with narrow isles and booths that are nearly hidden. There are salt water fish tanks also. This restaurant is predominately Steaks and Chops.

Vivere is a very contemporary restaurant that features what they call "new" Italian Cuisine from regions all over Italy.

We ate in the Village. We were seated in the very back small room that contains about 8 small tables for two. It has a flat-screen TV on the wall that features classical musical entertainment. [turned very low so as not to annoy]

The service is incredible, both fast and efficient. We were quite impressed. This is a very popular restaurant where theater patrons go after or before shows. We had just seen the musical, Jersey Boys at the LaSalle Bank Theatre, which is about a block from the restaurant.

Favorite Dish: Italian Village is known for its simple food that is served in ample portions by very courteous servers. They live up to their philosophy.

Allan and I both ordered the House salads with Blue Cheese Dressing. These salads were crisp, fresh, and the homemade salad dressing was outstanding.

We also ordered one of their famous thin-crust pizzas. Ours consisted of portobella mushrooms and pepperoni. We were quite impressed with the flavor, consistency, and delicious cheese. We ordered a large pizza and together we almost finished it!

In addition, we each had a dessert. It was tough to decide because they offer Spumoni ice cream, Italian Rum Cake, Tiramisu, Sicilian Cannoli, Cheesecake, and Biscotti! All of these items are homemade. I chose the Sicilian Cannoli and Allan chose the Spumoni ice cream. We enjoyed our choices along with the coffee and cappuccino.

All-in-all, it was a delightful experience, and we hope to return to try all three restaurant styles.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 332-7005
Address: 71 West Monroe, Chicago, IL 60603-4910

Trattoria Trullo: New Lincoln Square Trattoria

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Written by deecat

on Feb 11, 2008

Jill Enjoying lunch at Trattoria

Trullo

by deecat , 4 more photos

Restaurant Name: Trattoria Trullo

Be sure to see the four hidden photos to see some of the foods we enjoyed.

On a cold weekday in late January, 2008, my husband Allan and daughter Jill and I went out for lunch because we wished to try one of the newest restaurants in the Lincoln Square area in Chicago. This Italian restaurant is called Trattoria Trullo [named after a style of home in the southern part of Italy in Alberobello].

We ate in the front portion of the restaurant known as the "Cafe". The main restaurant is toward the back of the area and is huge. We sat near the front windows which looks out on the quaint Lincoln Square shopping area.

We used the Cafe Menu, which is less extension than the dinner menu. During lunch, they offer Appetizers, Salads, Pasta and Rice dishes,Paninis, desserts, and drinks. This part of the restaurant also has a Pugliese Deli It offers an assortment of Southern Italian Specialties that can be taken home such as Olives, Vinegars, Sliced Meats, Olive Oils, Breads, Pastas and Half Price Wines.

Favorite Dish: Allan and Jill shared for an appetizer a dish called Calamari Fritti which fried squid that is served with a spicy tomato sauce. All three of us ordered salads. Jill ordered Insalata Caprese [Sliced tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella Cheese, and Basil with Extra virgin Olive Oil with a Balsamic Syrup]. She raved about it and finished all of it. See extra photos

Allan ordered the Insalata Trullo [Organic Mixed Green Salad, Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Aged Ricotta Salata Cheese, and Homemade Trullo Dressing. He, too, was quited delighted.

I only wanted salad for lunch so I ordered as my main dish the Insalata Romana [Hearts of Romaine, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Herbed Croutons, and Caesar Dressing. In my estimation, it was quite good.

Allan and Jill shared what was called Cavatelli Crudaiola [Homemade Cavatelli Pasta in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, and Pulp of Fresh Tomato and Basil topped with Arugula and Ricotta Forte They both enjoyed it.

Of course, the meal came with delicious breads [Ciabatta/Foccacia/French/Whole Wheat}. We all three devoured it!

I had one of the most delicious Cappuccinos ever [see extra photo]. Allan had gelato as fancy as can be [see extra pictures]. I enjoyed Terrimisu.

We're excited about returning for a lovely dinner soon.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 773-506-0093
Address: 4767 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
Website: www.trattoriatrullo.com

Wishbone: Southern Reconstruction Cooking

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Written by deecat

on Aug 11, 2007

Roast Turkey, Dressing, Slaw,

Macaroni & Cheese

by deecat , 3 more photos

Restaurant Name: Wishbone

Allan and I drove to our daughter Jill's house to take her out to lunch before we began our 44th Anniversary Celebration [August 9,10,11, 2007].

Jill suggested Wishbone on Lincoln Avenue. [They have two other locations also].
If you look up this restaurant on their website, you'll see that they use the term "Southern Reconstruction Cooking" as a tongue-in-cheek description. Really, it's southern cooking with the lard, sugar, or overcooked vegetables.

The interior of this restaurant is quite good looking and spacious. In addition, it is huge. When we were there, it was filled with families [lots of children].

Wishbone is noted for its breakfasts, and you are able to order all day long.

This was the second "Wishbone Restaurant", and it opened in 1999 and was affectionately called [Northbone}. This placed is located in a neighborhood "that bridges Lakeview and Roscoe Village on Chicago's northside". It has a back counter, a full bar, lots of space, no frills, food made from scratch, and fair prices.

Favorite Dish: You'll see such items as black-eyed peas, black beans, red potatoes & onions [their idea of home fries], cheese grits, mashed sweet potatoes, crab cakes to name a few.

On this particular day, we could not order North Carolina Pulled Pork because it is a Monday Special.
Thus, I ordered Roast turkey and dressing with two sides. I selected 3-cheese Macaroni & Cheese and a fresh fruit dish. "Yankee Cole Slaw [vinaigrette style] as well as cornbread muffins come with it. (See the first photo_

Jill ordered ab cakes, macaroni and cheese and fresh fruit. She also order homemade Leomonade. (See second photo)

Allan ordered aneggplant dish, and his sides were cold slaw and spinach. By the way, this place is famous as a vegetarian delight.

By complaint is the size of the portions...much to large for me. The Turkey was great with good dressing; I loved the cold Slaw, and the Macaroni and Cheese. I gave away my corn muffin.

Jill said the crab cakes were just OK.

Allan cleaned his plate and ate some items from both Jill and my plates. Jill took home a "doggie plate which included my corn muffin, some of my turkey, and a crab cake".

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 1 (773) 549-2663
Address: 3300 North Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: www.wishbonechicago.com

Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due: A New Look at Pizzeria Due

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Slice of Pizzeria Due Pizza

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Restaurant Name: Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due

Allan and I have eaten at both Pizzeria Due and Pizzeria Uno for 40 years. It used to be our favorite pizza in a long list of great pizza establishments in Chicago. On Thursday, August 9, 2007, we walked to Wabash and Ontario to eat at Pizzeria Due. It was such a disappointment. Of of all, you go inside and place your order. The pizza takes 45 minutes so you have to pre-order. It's always jam-packed; thus, there is a long wait. We sat outside on a bench and watched the people and cars. We were called about 35 minutes later and taken into the room with the large bar. We were seated at one of those uncomfortable high round tables. This one was especially small and wobbly. We ordered drinks and a house salad to split. The salad came in one dish so we had to eat out of one dish. The salad was not fresh. I just ate a few bites. Allan was hungry so he finished it off but agreed that it was less than mediocre.

Once our pizza came, [we ordered a medium pepperoni deep dish], I was famished. Because the table was so wobbly, every time either of us cut the pizza, it seemed as though everything would fall off the table.

The pizza was good but not good enough to have to go through that ordeal again.

Favorite Dish: Pizzeria Due serves appetizers such as soup, garlic bread, veggie dip, and buffalo wings. They offer salads such as Caesar and Spinach as well as house salad. They offer only two kinds of pasta: Pomodoro [Penne with meatless marinara sauce] and Spaghetti [with meatballs].

Sandwiches consist of Italian Beef, Meatball, Italian Beef and Sausage Combo. They do offer Desserts such as spumoni ice cream, Chicago cheesecake, a brownie bowl, an Uno Deep Dish Sundae, and Mega-sized Deep Dish Sundaes.. I cannot believe I've never tried one of their desserts, but after pizza, I'm too full to try one.%c*

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 312-321-1000/312-943-2400
Address: 619 N. Wabash
Directions: Corner of Wabash and Ontario
Website: http://www.pizzeriauno.com/

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop: If You Love Chocolate and/or Ice Cream

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Counter at Ghirardelli Soda

Fountain & Chocolate

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Restaurant Name: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Allan and I both love ice cream, and we adore chocolate, especially dark chocolate. So, it is only natural that we just had to visit Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop on Michigan Avenue. It was quite a treat.

First of all, the Ghirardelli Company has been around since 1852, and they have been in business as a candy company the longest of any in the USA! It is located in San Francisco.

The shop is quite large and has a wonderful 1950's "feel" to it. Naturally, there is a big Soda Fountain Counter. You are able to eat at the counter, at tables inside, or on warm evenings such as August 9, 2007, outside at round tables.

It's a tradition here to be given FREE chocolate samples as you walk in the door!. The night that we were there, we received chocolate squares that were filled with caramel.

It's quite efficient and needs to be because it is always so crowded. You stand in line to give your order; you are give a metal stand with a number on it. You find where you wish to be seated, and as soon as your order is done, a person will deliver it to you and take the stand away.

Allan and I were not overly hungry because we had just eaten; thus, we ordered one speciality sundae to share. We decided to order a Dark Hot Fudge with Toffee and Caramel. It was decadent. It cost $7.99 [a bit pricey, but so delicious].

We had decided to eat outside. Perhaps that was not a great idea because the heat tended to melt the ice cream too rapidly. Nevertheless, we loved the ice cream and especially delighted in the dark, rich fudge!

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Theme: Ice Cream
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Phone: 1-312-337-9330
Address: 830 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60302

For a Quick "Breakfast"

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Banana Walnut Coffee Cake and Mocha

Frappacinno

by deecat , 2 more photos

On Friday morning of August 10, 2007, I was looking for a quick breakfast and a place to read my book while my husband Allan was taking a shower at our hotel and getting ready for the day's adventures. [It was our 44th Wedding Anniversary]

We were staying near the 800 block of Michigan Avenue so I walked south to find a Starbucks Now, mind you, as you are no doubt aware, in Chicago, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner. Well, that is an exaggeration, but there are a multitude of them, that's for sure. A few blocks south, which would be approximately the 600 block of Michigan Avenue on the west side of the avenue, I found what I was seeking: Starbucks Coffee Shop.

It was about 7:30 a.m. and I was surprised that I did not have to wait in line. I ordered a very good looking Banana Walnut Coffee cake slice [no sugar added was advertised] and my favorite drink, a Mocha Frappuccino. I found a spot in the back to sit down [this is a huge place with this large area in the back which you cannot see when you first walk into the place. My order came up, and I sat down with my treats and my book, and I was a very happy person.

After about ten minutes, I looked up from my book and noticed a huge line waiting to be waited on....I guess I was quite lucky.

I am willing to pay the extra price at Starbucks because they pay their workers a decent salary and give them benefits plus the coffee and treats are always excellent.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter

Edwardo's: A Favorite of Mine

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Written by deecat

on Aug 12, 2007

Edwardo's Natural Pizza Restaurant,

on Dearborn

by deecat

Restaurant Name: Edwardo's Natural Pizza Restaurant

I have always loved Edwardo's Pizza because of the fresh ingredients, crisp crust, and chopped tomatoes in the sauce. On August 10, 2007, Allan and I dropped by the Edwardo's Natural Pizza Restaurant in Chicago on Dearborn, not for pizza, but for a salad.

It was our 44th Wedding Anniversary, and we had already been walking a good deal and wanted a light lunch because we had big plans for our dinner meal.

Edwardo's is perfect for Appetizers, Fresh Salads, and breads. Since their salads are quite large, we decided to split a salad and to share bread. They have many delicious salads, but we selected the Caesar Salad [which consists of crisp, hand-picked romaine lettuce that is tossed with crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese and their classic Caesar dressing. The salad was huge and just excellent. The size was so large that we each had two huge helpings. We loved it so much that we cleaned our plates!

In addition, we ordered the Traditional Garlic Bread and received six pieces, so we each consumed three. Again, it was just perfect...not too much garlic but enough to savor the taste. Also, it was crisp, which we both like...we hate soggy bread.

Favorite Dish: I've eaten at many different Edwardo's Restaurants and have never been dissatisfied. They have wonderful Stuffed, gourmet thin, and "Create Your Own" pizzas. We loved the Stuffed Pizzas.

As stated above, they have great salads such as a Fresh Basil, Chicken Pesto, Spinach, House, and Pasta Salads as well as the Caesar that we enjoyed..

If you enjoy Pasta, then try their Lasagna, Spaghettini Classico, Fettuccini Alfredo or Ravioli Toscano.

They also serve Calzones and sandwiches as well as Cheesecake and Cookies for Dessert.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: -312-337-4490
Address: 1212 N. Dearborn
Website: www.edwardos.com

Saloon Steakhouse: Little Known Steak House

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Written by deecat

on Aug 11, 2007

Desserts at the Saloon Steakhouse

by deecat , 2 more photos

Restaurant Name: Saloon Steakhouse

For a very special 44th Wedding Anniversary on August 10, 2007, Allan and I agreed to eat at the Seneca Hotel's Restaurant called "Saloon Steakhouse". What an excellent decision we made!

First of all, we just took the elevator from our 17th floor room down to the Lobby of our hotel, walked a few feet inside, opened the side door, walked up about 6 steps, and we were inside the restaurant.

We were seated in a room where there was only one small table; the rest were large groups of people. It was somewhat loud, but it only added to our festive mood.

First, we order drinks: Allan had a red wine, and I ordered a Reisling. Both of these wines were outstanding. They brought warm bread with whipped butter to the table. I usually don't eat either bread or butter; however, we were starving from all the walking we had shared that day. The bread was just wonderful, and we each had three pieces!

A crisp, fresh salad came with our meal, and we both ordered blue cheese dressing, which was above par, indeed.

Allan ordered a 10 ounce Prime Rib with a horseradish glaze, and I ordered a filet with a blue cheese topping. We both "raved about our steaks and cleaned our plates.

Then, of course, we had desserts! I ordered a decadent pecan pie that had chocolate and caramel dripped over it; Allan had a Peach dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We also had delicious coffee. [By the way, our delightful waitress placed a lit candle in my piece of pecan pie in honor of our anniversary!]

Allan ended the night with a sipping liquor.

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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40 » Currency Converter
Phone: 1(312) 280-5454
Address: 200 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Directions: Located inside the Seneca Hotel
Website: www.saloonsteakhouse.com

The Book Cellar: Two Loves of Mine: Books and Food

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Written by deecat

on Aug 15, 2007

Mickey Enjoying her Tuna Salad

Sandwich

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