Category Archives: Illinois

North Pond

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**** (4 stars)

An idyllic setting for a restaurant. When you can sit in the front room with all the wall opened up on a nice evening there is no more pleasant dining venue in Chicago.

We had the tasting menu, and felt that it contained many interesting and delicious ingredients that didn’t necessarily combine into something greater than the individual parts. But each dish had lots going on in it, for sure. The most successful were actually two courses that were added, a amuse bouche of curry and pineapple soup, and a pre-dessert with mace ice cream. The dessert itself was also a highlight.

THe accompanying wine pairing is a good deal. While there are no stunners, the wines work well  with the dishes, particularly considering home many disparate flavors there are in each one.

Our waiter, though hurried, was obviously really passionate, and shared an anecdote about each wine.

Overall I’d certainly return, not so much for the wine as for the overall experience.

North Pond
2610 N Cannon Dr
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-5845
http://www.yelp.com/biz/north-pond-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

Flat Top Grill

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***** (5 stars)

This is my go-to place for a light lunch in Evanston. I completely skip the meats, and have two vegetarian courses. The first I turn into soup, and the second into a stir fry with roti bread. Ingredients are always fresh, and there is a broad selection of interesting sauces. Service is quick, friendly and efficient. I wish there was one of these close to my home!

Flat Top Grill
707 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-0100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flat-top-grill-evanston-3

Jaipur

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***** (5 stars)

Wow, the lunch here is a fantastic experience and value. For under $20 you get table service of fresh delicious food that changes from day to day. When we visited we received virtually everything we would have ordered from the menu: samosa, tandoori, masala, korma, saag, lentils, garlic naan. We could have easily spent $100 on this ala carte. And if you finish a dish they just bring more. It’s the variety of a buffet without the warming tray staleness. Service was friendly and attentive. We’ll definitely be back for another sampling.

Jaipur
847 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 526-3655
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jaipur-chicago

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

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***** (5 stars)

This is a superb performance space. The stage is a semi circle, somewhat between a conventional proscenium setup and a thrust stage. The seats are pretty narrow, but comfortable. The show we saw was The Last Five Years, a fairly rare musical. The two leads were excellent, and the male lead belongs on Broadway. The six piece orchestra handled the complex show with great aplomb. I’ve seen the show four times, and this was by far the best production I’ve encountered. In fact, imaginative directing made this better than the Broadway version. Despite being a very long trip from my home, I’ll definitely return when they produce another show of interest to me.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W Campbell St
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 577-5982
http://www.yelp.com/biz/metropolis-performing-arts-centre-arlington-heights

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants

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**** (4 stars)

This is a bustling operation divided into many dining rooms and fronted by a large gift shop. They offer a broad range of wines they barrel age and presumably blend themselves, and we found them sound if not inspired, and reasonably priced. The food was excellent, from the vegetarian flatbread to the fish main courses. The menu is extensive, and I’m sure we’ll return to explore further. Service was friendly and efficient.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
798 W Algonquin Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 981-0900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/coopers-hawk-winery-and-restaurants-arlington-heights

Roka Akor

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**** (4 stars)

This place offers terrific ambiance, with a stylish, open plan that lets you view the 1900 degree robata grill from anywhere in the restaurant. There is also outside seating.

While several of the sashimi items we tried were excellent, the butterfish tataki was the event, comparable to the best sushi restaurants I’ve been to around the world. The other highlight here are the vegetables off the robata grill, which are all excellent. The Brussels sprouts and the mushrooms are particularly notable.

Roka Akor
4999 Old Orchard Ctr
Skokie, IL 60077
(630) 474-5039
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roka-akor-skokie

Avli Estiatorio

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**** (4 stars)

This authentic Greek restaurant is a sprawling collection of rooms and outdoor spaces located on the rear side of The Laundry complex. There is a very extensive list of Greek wines, plus all the Greek appetizers and entrees you’d expect. We particularly enjoyed the salads and the lamb burger.

Avli Estiatorio
566 Chestnut
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-9300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/avli-estiatorio-winnetka

Meli Cafe & Juice Bar

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***** (5 stars)

Wow, the breakfast menu here is incredible. Whether you want a scramble, hash, eggs, or something sweet, this is the place, as evidenced by the line to get in. Great ambiance and service. Note that you can swap the toast for a really nice serving of fruit.

Meli Cafe & Juice Bar
301 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 454-0748
http://www.yelp.com/biz/meli-cafe-and-juice-bar-chicago

SPACE

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***** (5 stars)

There’s a reason why SPACE is the artist’s favorite venue. Time and again they say how special it is, with a sounds studio for practice and recording, a lovely green room for before the show, amazing acoustics, and a caring staff. As spectators we derive a benefit from these same things, because the artists are always at the top of their game as a result.

I’ve seen at least a dozen shows here, and the sound has been great for every one. The cocktail table seating can get a bit crowded, but it’s nice to have table service and a place to put your drink.

You can also take a drink and a pizza in with you if you order one at the Union Pizza company out front, and they have a more extensive list of beers. Or have dinner first, and then go back for the show.

Great venue!

SPACE
1245 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 492-8860
http://www.yelp.com/biz/space-evanston-2