Farmhouse Evanston

**** (4 stars)

This place is the second outpost of Farmhouse, and it has been an instant success, packed every time I’ve looked in. The theme here is local sourcing, and nearly everything on the menu–even including the wines, beers and spirits–comes from nearby.

We shared the stuffed trout and a burger. The trout was served on black quinoa with a red berry sauce. The berry sauce made the otherwise fairly bland dish pop, but there could have been a bit more than the little drizzle. The burger was thick, perfectly cooked, and on an excellent bun. Accompanying fries were a bit thin and limp for my taste.

Ambiance is lively, and the spirits list is very interesting. This explains why the bar is so packed. Definitely a place to check out when in Evanston.

Farmhouse Evanston
703 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-9700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/farmhouse-evanston-evanston

The Lucky Platter

***** (5 stars)

Wow, this place was a double surprise. From the name I thought it would be Chinese, and from the decor I thought it was a greasy spoon. And in fact there is plenty of diner food on offer here, but there are also some amazing dishes.

I opted for the portobello sandwich, which was fabulous. The bun was perfectly grilled, the mushroom had a delightful texture, and the crispy thin onion rings added just the right amount of crunch. The sauce gave it a nice kick, and lettuce and cucumbers added a refreshing layer of cool. Wow, after writing that I’m ready to eat another one.

My sandwich came with a choice of fries, and I selected the gingered fruit. Double wow! The cantaloupe, strawberries, plums and pineapple had been coated with a ginger sauce, and then perked up with cilantro and green onion bits. Creative and delicious.

I’m definitely headed back here to check out breakfast.

The Lucky Platter
514 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-4064
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lucky-platter-evanston

Prairie Joes

*** (3 stars)

Prairie Joe’s is all about ambiance. It’s got the stools at the bar, the tubular metal and vinyl booths, the formica tables. Basically, if you always wanted to eat in that diner from Back to the Future, this is it. Sadly, the food is also pretty authentic, which means no better than Denny’s but twice the price. But it’s definitely worth it for the experience.

Interestingly, while most people associate this kind of diner with breakfast, Prairie Joe’s is probably best for other meals, as their dinner items are much more creative, and during the hot months they always have homemade gazpacho. The place is also filled with original art, which is in a variety of eclectic styles. And the staff are genuinely glad to welcome you. A good place to check out before a shopping trip on the surrounding blocks of Central.

Prairie Joes
1921 Central St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 491-0391
http://www.yelp.com/biz/prairie-joes-evanston

The Spice House

***** (5 stars)

Even if I don’t need spices, I just visit The Spice House to inhale the wonderful aromas. I’m sure there is some spice in the world that they don’t have, but it would be an amazing challenge to find it.

Try working your way through the row of cinnamon, tasting each one from the sample shakers (provided for nearly every spice in the place). Who knew there could be so many different types?

There are dozens of pre-mixed seasoning combinations, including some that don’t contain salt that are my favorites. And speaking of salt, there are probably close to 100 types and blends including smoked, and sometimes even salt blocks for cooking.

All spices are offered in a variety of sizes and packages that can be measured out for you. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

The Spice House
1941 Central St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-3711
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-spice-house-evanston-2

Addis Abeba Ethiopian Cuisine

***** (5 stars)

I really like Ethiopian food. It’s healthful and tasty. Of the various places I’ve tried, this is my favorite. I mostly go for lunch, which is never busy, but always good. For $9 you can get four of their best vegetarian items, or you can trade out some for meat items.

Ethiopian food is traditionally served without utensils, but with a stack of crepe-like bread that you tear off and use to pick up the food. I find the bread a bit filling, so it’s nice that you can ask for a fork.

Service is very friendly, and the Ethiopian tea and coffee are both delicious.

The place is easy to find, because of the bright yellow awning out front, and the sunny, happy motif continues inside, with colorful window hangings and bright walls. If you haven’t tried Ethiopian food, you should check it out.

Addis Abeba Ethiopian Cuisine
1322 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-5411
http://www.yelp.com/biz/addis-abeba-ethiopian-cuisine-evanston

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub

**** (4 stars)

Sometimes you just want a grilled cheese sandwich. And when you do, you’re not looking for health food. That’s a good thing, because mine was perfect–which is to say redolent with the butter the bread was grilled in. Yum.

And since we’re binging, I have to say that the fires are the best in Evanston–and I’m including Five Guys (yuck) and Edzo’s (meh) in that assessment. They’re my favorite kind, battered and fried to a crispy outside crunch, yes fluffy in the middle, and perfectly seasoned.

Sandwich, fries and a drink for $8. What’s not to like? My waistline is just glad the place isn’t any closer to home.

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
622 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8686
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cheesies-pub-and-grub-evanston

The Alcove

**** (4 stars)

With 12 seats inside, and about as many on the sidewalk, the Alcove may not be the smallest bar/restaurant in America, but it’s certainly a contender. The food menu is limited to basically several paninis or a cheese plate, but the smoked turkey panini I had was delicious, and the salad that accompanied it was almost European in character, in keeping with a number of European wines and spirits on offer. Service is friendly, and the atmosphere is definitely cozy and unique.

The Alcove
512 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-alcove-evanston

Ravinia Park Restaurants

**** (4 stars)

Ravinia is a great outdoor environment for seeing a concert, whether on the lawn with your own picnic or under the pavilion. We enjoy both.

When we eat on the lawn we bring a picnic and rent chairs and tables to avoid the hassle of carrying them on the Metra. It costs less than $20 for the whole deal. If we run low on food or wine we pick some up at RAVINIA MARKET, which has a nice selection of prepared foods and some pretty darn good wines–although nothing cheap.

Last summer we ate many times in MIRABELLE, the downstairs buffet. There are quite a few good items–and a few misses–but it’s fairly expensive for what it is. Sometimes there is a bundled deal that includes pavilion concert seats and dinner. That’s a good deal.

The nicest restaurant is PARK VIEW, which is upstairs. It’s certainly a stunning setting, with a glass wall that overlooks the dazzling green of Ravinia Park. Best of all is being high above the sea of colorful people blanketing the lawn. Some of the food is rather pedestrian (guacamole with a lump of crab meat on top was a recent featured appetizer), but a few items are quite good.

All the restaurants are run by Levy Restaurants, which is not my favorite chain. To staff Ravinia, they borrow chefs from Spiaggia and other places within their organization. It must be weird to run a restaurant that is only open a few months a year, and the slightly amateurish service is a telling detail. But for the most part things run efficiently, and the food is good if not great.

Three stars for food, 5 stars for location.

Ravinia Park Restaurants
201 St Johns Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-3060
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ravinia-park-restaurants-highland-park-2

Ocho Rios

**** (4 stars)

This is a cheerful little place that offers a few Caribbean selections and also American food such as burgers. I think they’re still staffing, so I’m pretty sure the sweet child who waited on me is the owner’s daughter. She was charming and efficient. They do need to get the kitchen cranking a bit faster if the want to be able to handle a crowd.

The chicken roti I had was delicious–nice yellow curry (yes, it was a bit too salty), and no bones. I’ll definitely return to try the jerk seasoning.

Ocho Rios
1936 Maple Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-5202
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocho-rios-evanston