*** (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
*** (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
*** (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
**** (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
**** (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
*** (3 stars)
This is the third incarnation of what we call “Naughty Perkins Sports Bar” in honor of its coffee shop history, when Tiger Woods picked up waitresses here. From coffee shop it transition to sports bar. Now LoudMouth is little changed from its days as MVP Sports Bar, except that the food has become even less healthful!
The featured item pretty much says it all: the LoudMouth Burger is a bacon cheeseburger served not on a bun, but between two grilled cheese sandwiches. If this sounds incredibly greasy, well, it is. Of course, I felt obligated to try it. It wasn’t bad, but the beef patty was its weak point. The grilled cheese sandwiches and bacon were delicious. The burger was accompanied by excellent waffle fries and a chunk of dill pickle.
We also tried a Ceasar salad that was okay except for a couple of bits of rancid crouton.
Service was friendly and attentive, but the employees outnumbered the patrons for weekday lunch, so I’m not sure of the prospects for this incarnation.
LoudMouth Grill
8965 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 217-6877
http://www.yelp.com/biz/loudmouth-grill-orlando
**** (4 stars)
If you’re looking for good food right at the beach in Cocoa, this is the place. It’s not just your typical fried fish hut, but an excellent restaurant with a range of offerings that is an unexpected and pleasant surprise.
We particularly enjoyed the coconut shrimp appetizer and the wedge salad. The entrees were also good, with a massive plate of “Malibu” chicken — chicken covered with cheddar cheese, bacon and mushrooms. I was a bit surprised that there was no tartar sauce for the fish and chips. Side dishes, which come with the entrees, were also very good, especially the coconut rice and the cole slaw.
Pricing is extremely reasonable for the great quality and large portions.
Reservations are really important. This restaurant has only five inside tables, and two more outside, so plan ahead, or come at an off time!
Fat Kahunas
8 Minuteman Cswy
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-6858
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fat-kahunas-cocoa-beach-2
**** (4 stars)
Yes, the tacos are sloppy. And good. Very good. But what is GREAT is the sloppy dog. Also bizarre. It’s a delicious hot dog in a tortilla, covered in chili and nacho cheese. And it’s five times better than you imagined from that description.
The Greek wrap and Greek taco are also really good. The sliders are, um, how can I put this… lousy.
Tater tots are the most popular side, and are delicious.
Service is fun; our regular lunch waitress is quick with the jokes and the refills, and makes each lunch a bit of a lark.
We like to eat outside on the covered porch because it doesn’t smell like old beer, which, let’s face it, the inside does. It looks like they have some wild bands in the evening but I’ve never been there then.
Tip: lunch specials most days are really cheap.
Sloppy Taco Palace
4892 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 574-6474
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sloppy-taco-palace-orlando
***** (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