***** (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
**** (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
**** (4 stars)
Orlando needs more restaurants with great ambience, and Txokos certainly leads the pack. The main dining room with its wood grill and chef’s bar seating are particularly nice, and the subdued Euro-inspired soundtrack is perfect.
All of the food we had was good, but several items were particularly noteworthy, and they weren’t necessarily the ones we’d have guessed. Standouts were the manchego cheese and figs on skewers and the grilled spring onions. Both were reasonably priced, in contrast to the expensive and uninspired charcuterie plate.
There are some excellent Spanish wines on the list, including a very reasonably priced Tondonia Rioja.
Service was very attentive, and there are a nice assortment of sherries and other Spanish libations by the glass.
Txokos
3201 Corrine Dr
Orlando, FL 32804
(321) 972-8852
http://www.yelp.com/biz/txokos-orlando-2
***** (5 stars)
Authentic French Bistro food and sidewalk cafe ambience, too. Just as cafes spill out onto the sidewalks in Paris, CloClo spills out onto the sidewalk at the Dr. Phillips Marketplace, but it is considerably more weatherproof than a Paris cafe, a good think on a rainy Orlando afternoon!
The lunch menu offers the starters and lighter fare one would expect in Paris, including “Croque” sandwiches, a quiche of the day, and crepes. For me the highlights are the starters, including the smoked salmon, pates, and especially the mussels, which were perhaps the best I’ve had anywhere, finished in a delicate wine and cream sauce with a touch of herbs and a much lighter garlic dose than most places.
The white sangria, a house specialty, was an unexpected surprise, and very refreshing. There are also a variety of Champagne cocktails.
At night the sandwiches disappear and a few more entrees are added, but it’s largely the same menu.
The wine list is a bit scatterbrained at the moment, although there are plenty of interesting offerings. and it’s in the process of an upgrade.
This space was problematic when it was Press 101 because of an awkwardly placed ordering counter and bar. That has been corrected, and there is now an elegant indoor dining room in addition to the sidewalk area.
Food and beverage pricing is very reasonable.
Bistro CloClo is a great addition to Southwest Orange County, which really needed an authentic French restaurant. The fact that is it a Bistro with great ambience is a real plus.
Bistro CloClo
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 745-5045
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-cloclo-orlando
*** (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
***** (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
***** (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
***** (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
**** (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
**** (4 stars)
We enjoyed the pub like atmosphere of the corner room, which affords a great view of the colorful neighborhood. Salads were fresh and excellent, and there are some nice wines on their list at good prices.
Service was inexperienced but well intentioned.
Basil Leaf Cafe
2465 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-7243
http://www.yelp.com/biz/basil-leaf-cafe-chicago