Author Archives: steve

The Vineyard Grill

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**** (4 stars)

This is the main restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, since Normans (which I’m not fond of) is independently operated. So this is the main place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some people list it as a steak house, but when you first walk in it looks a bit more like an upscale coffee shop dining room. I’m sure it has a very different atmosphere at various times of day, but I’ve always gone for dinner, when it transforms into a fairly upscale experience.

I’ve found all of the entrees to be reliable, but for me the highlight is the wine list (not surprising, given the restaurant’s name). The trick is to look beyond the least expensive selections, because the pricier wines are listed at a fairly reasonable markup for a restaurant in such a fancy environment.

The wine manager here is very friendly and knowledgeable, and can give you some guidance as to food pairings. We live in Orlando, yet make it a regular stop on the way back from the airport if we’re picking someone up, so that says a lot for a hotel restaurant.

The Vineyard Grill
4012 Central Florida Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 393-4648
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-vineyard-grill-orlando

That Little Mexican Cafe

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**** (4 stars)

The first time I went here I had pretty conventional Tex Mex fare, and it was fine. But on my return visit I decided to see if they could do authentic Mexican food, and I left quite impressed. I had the Pibil, a slow roasted marinated pork, somewhat like pastor. It was brimming with interesting spices and had a piquant tang to the barbecue-like sauce. Served with corn tortillas, it was delicious and authentic.

The salsa here is quite good, a homemade version more about the herbs and spices than tomato sauce. Chips are fairly sturdy, and also seem homemade.

The margaritas are excellent. They’re hand shaken and poured over the rocks, and have just the right level of tartness, and a good balance of tequila to juice.

Service is friendly and attentive. Brunch is available on the weekends.

That Little Mexican Cafe
1010 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 905-1550
http://www.yelp.com/biz/that-little-mexican-cafe-evanston

Andy’s Frozen Custard

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**** (4 stars)

This place is incredibly popular, rain or shine there is always a line, and always people eating on the tables out front. The custard is tasty, especially the concretes, which are mixtures of custard with interesting debris thrown in, like cookies pieces or fruit.

The only problem is that if ice cream isn’t exactly health food, I don’t know what to call frozen custard. The best plan is to order a small, eat half (or less) and then take the rest home and put it in the freezer. This works great, because the custard won’t get rock hard, due to the incredibly high fat content. So save the other half for a later–much later–date.

Andy’s Frozen Custard
719 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-8009
http://www.yelp.com/biz/andys-frozen-custard-evanston

Michael Jordan’s Steak House

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***** (5 stars)

I have to admit that I went to an Adobe Road Wine Dinner here, rather than experience the normal dining room offerings, but usually group events don’t offer a place its best opportunity to shine.

Boy did the chef knock it out of the park. I’ve been to hundreds of wine dinners and this had to be at the very top. Duck with cherries and dijon mustard; hickory smoked lamb chops with mint, watermelon and tomatoes; wagyu beef with black carrots. I’m not sure which course was the best.

Service was prompt and friendly, and the private room was perfect for a group of twenty. I will definitely go back to check out the regular menu, because there is some serious talent behind the scenes here.

Note: the bar was absolutely packed on a Wednesday night after work, so if you’re into that scene, it’s the place to be.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House
505 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-8823
http://www.yelp.com/biz/michael-jordans-steak-house-chicago

Other Brother Coffeehouse

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***** (5 stars)

This is my favorite coffee house in Evanston. They are so friendly, and there is considerable artistry to the way they assemble the drinks.

Macchiatos are made the authentic way, and nicely decorated.

The base coffee is much less bitter than Starbuck’s so pretty much any variant turns out better.

There is also a small assortment of packaged salads by The Growling Rabbit, which are quite good.  I particularly like the Quinoa Salad.

Other Brother Coffeehouse
1549 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-5399
http://www.yelp.com/biz/other-brother-coffeehouse-evanston

Farmhouse Evanston

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**** (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

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***** (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

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub

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**** (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

Addis Abeba Ethiopian Cuisine

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***** (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

The Spice House

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***** (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