Darlene L.'s Reviews | Chicago

401 E Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 410-7301

Fox & Obel

Categories: Grocery, Caterers, American (New), Burgers
Neighborhood: Near North Side

1/29/2010

This is a review of the cafe where I had lunch today. The grilled cheese, tomato soup, and black bean burger were all delicious. The Asian salad however, with chicken, sobu noodles, and vegetables was loaded with a thick peanut dressing. It was so saturated that the good quality chicken,noodles, pea pods, and cucumbers barely maintained their presence in the salad. Lesson learned: ask for the dressing on the side. Service is slow even though we beat the crowd with an early lunch. The place is understaffed. Fun to roam through the market and sample dessert offerings after a meal here.

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1800 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60686
(312) 981-7070

Perennial

Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

1/29/2010

This is a great special occasion romantic spot across from Lincoln Park. The service is polished and unpretentious. The room is at a perfect pitch allowing for conversation in a modern setting. Had a glass of Bitch Bubbly from Australia. Hated the name; loved the bubbly. Most importantly, the food is terrific. We started with a soup, goat cheese tart, and the black truffle gnocchi. All were excellent but I proclaim the goat cheese tart the real star of the appetizer show. On to entrees of salmon, tofu, and cod. Each was beautifully plated with fresh vegetables. Cannot understand why some yelpers felt portions were too small. We were most satisfied after an appetizer and entree. Thus, three of us shared the raspberry cheese cake dessert at the server's suggestion. It was more like a souffle and sublime. Nice touch on the complimentary ice cream lollipops and caramels delivered with the check. Will recommend this place to friends who enjoy fine dining and are not afraid to try some innovative flavor combinations. Bravo Perennial.

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180 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 621-1111

Hannah's Bretzel

Categories: Chocolatiers and Shops, Sandwiches
Neighborhood: The Loop

1/29/2010

Stopped in here for a quick soup, sandwich and hot chocolate yesterday. It was a nice break from the cold returning from the Art Institute. Love the variety of items for lunch and the gourmet chocolates and cookies available to carry out. My made to order hot chocolate was delicious with quality ingredients. The server even asked what kind of milk I wanted. Sandwiches are solid and soups are hot and satisfying. This is a nice little oasis in a big, busy business center.

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3267 S Halsted
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 929-2486

Nana

Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Bridgeport

1/29/2010

Nana is my favorite breakfast place in Chicago. While it is a bit out of the way for me, the drive is certainly worth it. I have been fortunate to dine here again on a week day morning when it is not crowed. I was treated to a birthday breakfast there this week and it was outstanding. The pancakes, omelets, potatoes, and toast are all top notch. Everything tastes so fresh reflecting organic ingredients. My latte was served in a large cup piping hot. Delicious. Service is friendly and they are quick to suggest items that are hearty, sweet, and favorites.

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1601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 868-1601

Mixteco Grill

Categories: Mexican, Latin American
Neighborhood: Lakeview

Update - 1/29/2010

This is the third time I have dined at Mixteco and it is a charm. As always, the salsa was spot on with fresh chips. We ordered the guacamole and tamales both of which we loved. In fact the tamales are just bursting with flavor inside a soft and delicate cornmeal exterior. Our main dishes included chicken, shrimp, and two types of enchiladas this time. All four of us were extremely satisfied. Great service too. Remember to bring a hearty red wine that will stand up to these flavors.

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8/17/2009
They do almost everything right at this corner storefront BYOB. Delicious chips with green salsa and chunky salsa are great starters. The gazpacho soup special hit the spot on a hot summer night. All of our entrees earned raves: pork, chicken, enchiladas, and crab cakes. Good coffee with hints of cinnamon round out a fine dinner. Bring your best Shiraz, zinfandel, or Malbec to accompany the excellent Latin flavors. The only problem was the lack of sufficient air conditioning. As we ate and drank and the room
filled up, we became increasingly uncomfortable. Cool the room!
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6/30/2009
The spouse and I enjoyed an early weeknight dinner here. Upon entering the friendly greeter allowed me to pick my table in either of the two comfortable rooms. Salsa verde with great chips arrived promptly and were replenished when requested. The special was fresh halibut topped with a vegetable salsa and was filled with flavor. The chicken breast mole included three large pieces of grilled chicken smothered in a deep rich sauce. Both entrees came with white rice and warm tortillas. We did not have room for dessert. Over all this is top notch Mexican food served in a comfortable and friendly
neighborhood restaurant. I am eager to return as the varied menu merits trying the lamb, pork, veg, and other fish items. Prices are $15-20 for generously plated entrees.
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738 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 587-1050

Karyn's Cooked

Categories: Vegetarian, Vegan
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

1/29/2010

I am not a vegetarian but my daughter is and this is her favorite casual veg place in Chicago. Three of us were here for lunch ordering the tofu sandwich, burger and cheese sandwich, and a couple of smoothies. Have to say everything was well prepared. Servings are large and platted with roasted potatoes and cole slaw. Wait staff is friendly and efficient. The smoothies are outstanding particularly the mango. If you want to try something a little different, this is the place to go for a healthy lunch.

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937 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0302

Jam

Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

1/29/2010

Loved this new breakfast place which was not crowded on a Wednesday morning at 9:30. So, no wait and no slow service. The egg white omelet rocks and is served like a crepe with fresh sweet potatoes inside. Yummy, healthy and beautiful . The oatmeal is steel cut oats with lovely accompaniments like fresh cream, dried or fresh fruit, and brown sugar. It was probably some of the best I have had. Coffee is hearty and fresh with quick refills. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. Good whole grain toast and jam top off a nice comforting breakfast on a cold Chicago January morning. Oh, by the way, it is cash only, but I did spot an ATM inside the restaurant.

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2171 Northbrook Ct
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 291-9111

The Claim Company of Chicago

Category: Burgers

1/24/2010 First to Review

Yesterday... I remember the Claim Company of the 70's which was first located in Chicago and later in Northbrook. Always loved to go there on dates and with groups enjoying the famous Moterlode burger. Enough for nostalgia and on to the current Claim Company which does replicate the old menu to include a salad bar and the Motherlode. Greeters include officious 20 somethings who act like they enjoy the power of determining when you eat. We were 20 minutes Early for our reservation, curtly asked if our entire party was present, and then given a beeper. Ten minutes later our name was called and we were seated. The beeper never went off and when given to the seater, she seamed clueless. No one smiled from the moment of our arrival. The waiter was slow to arrive for our drink order. The Malbec by the glass tasted like plonk and was one of the most expensive by the glass offerings. Salad bar was ok but some items were inconveniently placed as trays were doubled up with the rear ones presenting a long reach. Had the turkey burger which was dry and hard. Waiter had to ask the kitchen if it was white, dark, or mixed meat. He reported white but I have my doubts. Others had the burgers which were fine and filled the plate requiring take home containers. A-OK for a shopping center stop but not a place to return to for burgers or salad bar as there are much better options for both.

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2914 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-2131

El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant

Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Lakeview

1/24/2010

I am not one to summarily award five starts to a restaurant as you will note from my ratings. However, I hit a true winner last night. My party of six was treated courteously from the moment I made the phone reservation til our departure after a fine meal. The waiter was warm, friendly, knowledgeable, prompt in serving with appropriate pacing between courses, and gently made suggestions about food items, when asked. The margaritas were icy cold and refreshingly tart. The sangria was light but not too sweet. We all loved the creamy guacamole, tomato salsa and great chips. We ordered a variety of entrees including salmon, pork, chicken, and enchiladas. To a person, we each earned entry into the "clean plate club." The food was nicely plated, vibrantly spiced, and oh so fresh tasting. Prices are reasonable and coupons are sometimes available on various web sites. This is the best Mexican food I have had in Chicago in a very long time.

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2901 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 244-3026

Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana

Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Lakeview

1/18/2010

This was our first visit to Fiorentino's after seeing it on Check Please. It is a cute place with an interesting outdoor covered dining room where most diners were seated this Sunday evening. The minestrone soup was excellent just brimming with flavor and fresh vegetables. My husband had a good penne pasta in a marinara sauce. Though not on the menu, they accommodated his request to add fresh vegetables to the sauce which made for a hearty dinner. I had the sea bass special with risotto and broccoli. Fish was delicate and tender but served with too much oil. Bass was swimming in a bed of olive oil. Service was excellent. Might try this again as the menu offers many tempting pasta and chicken entrees.

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Darlene L.'s Profile

Recent Reviews

Fox & Obel

Perennial

Hannah's Bretzel

Nana

Mixteco Grill

2 Previous Reviews: Hide »

Karyn's Cooked

Jam

The Claim Company of Chicago

El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant

Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana

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