Category Archives: Illinois

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

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*** (3 stars)

This is a small serve yourself frozen yogurt shop with the usual toppings bar. I was glad to see they offered some non-tart flavors, as I’m not a fan of sour yogurt. I’m not sure what the business plan is here, though, since there are fewer offerings than the larger competitor just a couple blocks north, and the defunct Red Mango already tried in this spot. If you’re in this immediate area and they have a flavor you like it’s worth a try.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
809 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 859-6225
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tutti-frutti-frozen-yogurt-evanston

Trattoria D.O.C.

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*** (3 stars)

This is a pleasant Italian restaurant in the middle of an old fashioned block of main street surrounded by lots of interesting shops. Pizzas are served uncut so they don’t get soggy, and there are some interesting salads. I had a combination of celery, apple and radicchio that was quite refreshing.

The wine list has some uncommon offerings by the glass, including the seldom seen primitivo.

There is some sidewalk seating that’s perfect on a nice day.

The only downside is that it’s not inexpensive, and there doesn’t seem to be a lunch menu, so two courses can result in a rather pricey noon-time meal. But on a nice summer evening it’s certianly a good outside dining option.

Trattoria D.O.C.
706 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 475-1111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trattoria-d-o-c-evanston

L2O

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***** (5 stars)

Having dined at nearly all the top places in Chicago, this one stands out. Just on the basis of the exceptional wine list, L2O (which stands for Lakes to Oceans) deserves its Michelin stars. Each offering is so well considered for its ability to match the food or offer something special, and there are a few real gems at reasonable prices.

The food is, of course, superb, and each dish is a true work of art. But perhaps the thing that most sets L2O apart is the service, which perfectly strikes that balance between professionalism and sincere friendliness. Truly an experience not to be missed.

L2O
2300 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0002
http://www.yelp.com/biz/l2o-chicago

Turmeric Indian Restaurant

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*** (3 stars)

This is a passable Indian restaurant. The $10 lunch buffet has quite a few offerings, however they tend to run out late in the lunch hour, a measure of the fact that ingredients are not being freshened. Service seemed a bit amateurish, but late lunchtime on a Sunday with only a couple of tables probably means the first string servers are not on. Not worth a special trip, but certainly an okay choice if in the area.

Turmeric Indian Restaurant
2300 Lehigh Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 730-5182
http://www.yelp.com/biz/turmeric-indian-restaurant-glenview

Convito Cafe & Market

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IMG_6921**** (4 stars)

What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside.

We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited.

The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade.

Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!

Convito Cafe & Market
1515 Sheridan Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3654
http://www.yelp.com/biz/convito-cafe-and-market-wilmette

Zapatista

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*** (3 stars)

Good Mexican food in a nice environment. Fajitas here are served in a molcajete, a hot stone crock, and at least the vegetable fajitas are served with melted cheese mixed in. While this is unconventional, and more like a true molcajete than typical fajitas, it is quite tasty.

The chile verde that comes on the enchiladas has a nice tomatillo tartness to it. Barbacoa tacos are also quite tasty, similar to short ribs.

The large inside dining room is filled with hard surfaces, so it can get pretty noisy. Consider sitting in the expansive outside dining area if it’s a nice day.

Zapatista
992 Willow Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-0939
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zapatista-northbrook

Chopin Theatre

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***** (5 stars)

This is a funky, eclectic space with an upstairs reception and bar, and then a larger parlor in the basement, all a preview to a basement theatre that’s low on frills but very professional.  The show we saw had excellent talent and first rate stagecraft. Definitely a good (and surprising) place to see some creative theatre.

Chopin Theatre
1543 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-1500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chopin-theatre-chicago

Usagi Ya

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**** (4 stars)

This stylish sushi bar offers so excellent cooked and raw items.  The Tuna Tower and Hamachi Jalapeno were our favorites. Service (by presumably the owner) was friendly and attentive. You can sit in a cozy booth in the front windows, or have a more private space in the rear.

Usagi Ya
1178 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 292-5885
http://www.yelp.com/biz/usagi-ya-chicago

Topolobampo

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*** (3 stars)

This is good, but not great Mexican food. It makes no claim to authenticity, which is fine, but it’s not all that creative, either. Some dishes are clearly mis-named. For example, a “quesadilla” appetizer was actually mini soft tacos. The only resemblance to quesadillas was that the tiny pinch of cheese in each one was melted into the meat stuffing.

Guacamole, margaritas and the mole sauce were all good, but there is a better version of each at other Mexican restaurants in town. The ceviche sampler is very good, with one of the three the clear winner.

The upscale dining experience is a nice change for a Mexican restaurant, although our waiter was not particularly friendly or competent. I’ve visited a couple of times, with similar results on both occasions.

For a more conventional (and louder) Tex Mex experience, you can also check out Frontera Grill next door.

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
http://www.yelp.com/biz/topolobampo-chicago