*** (3 stars)
A perfectly acceptable Chicago dog. Quite a variety of other offerings, and large portions. Not a lunch destination, but a reasonable choice if you’re in the area and looking for something inexpensive and quick.
DD Dogs
825 Noyes St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-1909
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dd-dogs-evanston
***** (5 stars)
Having dined at nearly all the top places in Chicago, this one stands out. Just on the basis of the exceptional wine list, L2O (which stands for Lakes to Oceans) deserves its Michelin stars. Each offering is so well considered for its ability to match the food or offer something special, and there are a few real gems at reasonable prices.
The food is, of course, superb, and each dish is a true work of art. But perhaps the thing that most sets L2O apart is the service, which perfectly strikes that balance between professionalism and sincere friendliness. Truly an experience not to be missed.
L2O
2300 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0002
http://www.yelp.com/biz/l2o-chicago
*** (3 stars)
This is a passable Indian restaurant. The $10 lunch buffet has quite a few offerings, however they tend to run out late in the lunch hour, a measure of the fact that ingredients are not being freshened. Service seemed a bit amateurish, but late lunchtime on a Sunday with only a couple of tables probably means the first string servers are not on. Not worth a special trip, but certainly an okay choice if in the area.
Turmeric Indian Restaurant
2300 Lehigh Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 730-5182
http://www.yelp.com/biz/turmeric-indian-restaurant-glenview
**** (4 stars)
What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside.
We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited.
The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade.
Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!
Convito Cafe & Market
1515 Sheridan Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-3654
http://www.yelp.com/biz/convito-cafe-and-market-wilmette
**** (4 stars)
I’ve been to the Ceviche in Orlando many times, so it was interesting to contrast this St. Pete location, which has a great setting, elevated one story above the waterfront area. Service was pleasant, and there is a nice offering of wines.
We were there on a Sunday for lunch, and I was a bit disappointed at the absence of the extensive small plates menu I’m used to. To me tapas should be more about many tiny tastes, rather than slightly larger and more limited offerings. But I assume in the evening the menu is like the one we’re accustomed to.
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
10 Beach Dr NE
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 209-2299
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ceviche-tapas-bar-and-restaurant-saint-petersburg
*** (3 stars)
Good Mexican food in a nice environment. Fajitas here are served in a molcajete, a hot stone crock, and at least the vegetable fajitas are served with melted cheese mixed in. While this is unconventional, and more like a true molcajete than typical fajitas, it is quite tasty.
The chile verde that comes on the enchiladas has a nice tomatillo tartness to it. Barbacoa tacos are also quite tasty, similar to short ribs.
The large inside dining room is filled with hard surfaces, so it can get pretty noisy. Consider sitting in the expansive outside dining area if it’s a nice day.
Zapatista
992 Willow Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-0939
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zapatista-northbrook