Restaurant Blog - Chowbaby.com

by Diane Bobis & Ruth A. Rich

ANN SATHERS RESTAURANT
929 W. Belmont, 60657, 773-348-2378
5207 N. Clark, 60640 773-271-6677

The first thing most people think of when Ann Sather’s is mentioned are the outrageously delicious sweet rolls, but these gooey pieces of heaven are only one of the many items this North side mainstay has to offer. In addition to ample omelets filled with fresh ingredients and traditional egg dishes, Ann Sathers offers Swedish-inspired fare such as pancakes with lingonberries and potato sausage. The popular Belmont location has two floors with ample seating with colorful hand-painted walls and warm wood accents that make the atmosphere quite cozy. Lunch and dinner selections are also available at this and other Ann Sathers locations.

by Diane Bobis & Ruth A. Rich

LULA CAFÉ - Vegetarian, Vegan & Organic
2537 N. Kedzie Ave., 60647
773-489-9554

This busy, comfortable Logan Square eatery focuses on cuisine made with organic ingredients. The warm, eclectic décor includes work by local artists as well as a beautiful antique bar. Lula Cafe’s always-inventive fare features a variety of vegetarian and vegan specials, along with the regular menu, that changes on a regular basis. In addition, some of the vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request. Diners can choose from selections such as veggie tortas with black olive tampenade, carmelized onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella. For brunch, the restaurant’s overflowing breakfast burrito or fresh fruit, yogurt and granola bowl are two tasty options.

by Diane Bobis

OYSY
888 S. Michigan Ave., 60605, 312-922-1127
Additional locations at:
50 E. Grand Ave, 60611, 312-670-6750
315 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, 60062, 847-714-1188
If sushi cravings hit at lunchtime, head to this South Loop locale where $12 will buy you a bento box overfilled with spicy tuna maki, California maki, vegetable tempura and your choice of grilled salmon, superwhite tuna, chicken teriyaki or nigiri sushi. Considered the best value in the city, Oysy beautifully balances super fresh sushi and izagaya (traditional Japanese cuisine) offerings with reasonable price points. Here, unhurried diners are encouraged to share and sample many different dishes, and to enjoy each one by one. Be sure to start with the Flaming Dynamite, a spicy breaded seafood appetizer served on a fantastic flaming shell. Then move on to the special maki menu with favorites like the Emerald (sautéed scallop, asparagus and cucumber topped with spicy sauce and green caviar) and the Fire Cracker (a deep fried roll filled with shrimp, eel, avocado, cream cheese and jalapeno peppers). The minimalist chic atmosphere designed by Chicago architect Douglas Garofalo is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a relaxing hot tea or a mood-boosting martini. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view facing Grant Park.

by Diane Bobis

TSUNAMI
1160 N. Dearborn St., 60610, 312-642-9911

Chicago’s sushi aficionados say this stylish Gold Coast hot spot offers the most authentic sashimi in the city. The menu boasts more than 40 exceptional choices, with everything from O-Toro (premium fatty tuna) to Hiramasa (golden striped amber jack). Order the Sashimi Supreme entrée for a beautiful presentation of six different prime cuts. Indeed, everything is artistically crafted at Tsunami, whether you choose an entrée from the kitchen (think Sesame Essence Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Mashed Potato) or maki mono from the sushi bar. One must-have is the Tuna 4-Way, a spicy Ahi tuna maki layered with three different cuts of tuna (yellow fin, shiro, o-toro) and drizzled with orange-mango sauce. You also have a choice when it comes to ambience. The downstairs sushi bar is bold, bright and sexy, with red walls and black leather booths. Upstairs, the lush, full-service sake lounge is more romantic, illuminated by candlelight and a warming fireplace. Sip on flights of sake or indulge in a chocolate-coconut Tsunami Tower dessert, and you have the makings of a perfect date.

by Lisa Shames

CAFÉ IBERICO
739 N. LaSalle Ave., 60610, 312-573-1510
We have a confession to make: We suffer from “plate envy.” We always want what our tablemates are eating. But that’s not a problem at the lively Café Iberico, one of the first Chicago restaurants to feature shareable small-plates dining. Start with the jamon Iberico (Spanish-style cured ham with cheese) and salpicon de mariscos (seafood salad). Warm things up with the queso de cabra (baked goat cheese in tomato sauce), almejas (clams sautéed in white wine and shallots) and champinones (grilled garlic mushrooms). Wash it down with pitchers of red or white sangria or take advantage of the very reasonably priced bottles of Spanish wines.

by Diane Bobis

LE COLONIAL
937 N. Rush St., 60611, 312-555-0088

Where do Sandra Bullock, Harrison Ford, Billy Joel and Will Ferrell go for first-class cuisine in Chicago? This charming vintage row house that beautifully recreates the exotic world of 1920s French Indochina. Designed by Greg Jordan, the restaurant’s first floor lulls guests into an entirely cozy dining experience with rattan chairs, delicate ceiling fans and swaying potted palms and banana trees. Upstairs, sexy cocktails are served at a large mahogany bar while guests float amidst the soft music, candlelight, and over-stuffed sofas. The exceptionally authentic Vietnamese menu offers such signature entrees as Suon Nuong (grilled marinated rack of lamb with saffron rice), Cari Tom (sautéed jumbo shrimp with eggplant in curried coconut sauce) and Lau Do Bien (Vietnamese bouillabaisse in lemongrass saffron broth).