Author Archives: steve

The Bristol

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**** (4 stars)

The Bristol is an upscale restaurant that manages to avoid being too crowded and too noisy while still achieving a trendy vibe. The narrow, brick-lined space is lit sparingly, making it good choice for intimate conversation and romantic dinners. While the tables are fairly close, they are aligned in a way that doesn’t seem invasive.

There’s a reason everyone talks about the duck fat fries. They’re surprisingly un-greasy, perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and nicely seasoned, served with a wonderful garlic aioli.

We also really enjoyed the wagyu beef, which was just the right mix of meat and fat, charred yet still perfectly medium rare on the inside, and served with a delicious red pepper sauce. The trout and the tempura broccoli were just okay.

Dishes are served family style, so go with people who enjoy sharing and tasting lots of different things.

One member of our party had many allergies, and the chef marked up a menu for her, showing her what she could have and what he could modify. Very nice.

The wine list is extensive, and prices are fair, although there are no bargains.

Service was friendly, and the bus boys were particularly on the ball with plate removal and water refills. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the service was impressive. This is a very good restaurant, flirting with great. Definitely worth a visit.

The Bristol
2152 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bristol-chicago

Taco Diablo

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**** (4 stars)

Easily the best Mexican food in Evanston. It seems the place has overcome some early management issues and is running smoothly with good service. The food is excellent. Fresh chips, two salsas (hot red and tangy green) served when you sit down. Everything comes with decent Spanish rice and tasty beans (bacon charro or black). I had three tacos: spicy shrimp (spicy as advertised, good slaw), potato (actually mashed sweet potato, surprisingly good with the fresh cilantro and onions), and catfish (really good, and I’m not a catfish fan). The house margarita, is a bit tart (which I like) flavorful and potent. The premium margarita is superb. Great atmosphere: upscale funky warehouse. Definitely worth a return visit.

Taco Diablo
1029 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8229
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-diablo-evanston

Sarpino’s Pizza

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**** (4 stars)

This might not be the fastest delivery place in the world, but the pizza is excellent. I’ll admit it, I’m not a fan of Chicago style pizza, with its thick, saltine tasting pie crust. Sarpino’s offers a thin crust pizza, and an extra done option that makes it slightly crispy. The toppings are tasty and in the correct proportions. We like the basil pesto pizza and the veggie pizza. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for delivery. Check online for deals like two for ones.

Sarpino’s Pizza
2428 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarpinos-pizza-evanston

Edzo’s Burger Shop

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**** (4 stars)

Edzo’s makes a very good burger. Will it change your life? No. Is it the best burger in Chicago? Probably not. In fact, we think the burgers at the nearby Whole Foods are actually just as good. But what is great here are the french fries. I’m not a fan of limp, greasy fries like they serve at Five Guys. Edzo’s are crisp and always freshly made. They also have something called Old Fries that are left in the fryer for a REALLY long time, and they’re crunchy and great. There’s also a lot of exotic flavors of pop by the bottle, and some great shakes.

Edzo’s Burger Shop
1571 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 864-3396
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edzos-burger-shop-evanston

Chef’s Station

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**** (4 stars)

I love the outdoor ambiance of this place on a nice evening, although inside is cozy and pleasant, too. Service is great: professional yet friendly. It’s a good sign when I see the same personnel year after year. The food is really top notch, and I feel under-appreciated, as this is a much better meal than at Oceanique, and it’s actually even more French than that place. One of the best upscale dining experiences in Evanston for sure.

Chef’s Station
915 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-9821
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chefs-station-evanston

Quince

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**** (4 stars)

Quince is almost a great restaurant. The service is superb. The dining rooms are homey and a touch formal. And the food is good. There’s just no over the top dish to take it to the next level. A good reliable upscale meal in Evanston, better than Oceanique, not as good as Stained Glass.

Quince
1625 Hinman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 570-8400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quince-evanston-2

El Tovar Dining Room

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**** (4 stars)

I had fond memories of this dining room from a trip thirty years ago when I was freshly married. In particular, the morning toast, which seemed to have been deep fried in bacon fat stuck in my mind (and arteries, I’m sure). Fortunately (or not, as you view it) the toast is gone, but the place still holds a certain charm. Along with the Awahnee at Yosemite, it’s the only remaining grand hotel in a national park. There’s something deliciously decadent about fine dining in the midst of hikers who’ll be having beans and sleeping in a bag. While breakfasts in the dining room are no longer special, dinner is still an event.

We had a lovely table next to a widow and watched a storm come in. We shared salmon and trout croscanti as appetizers. Both were really excellent. Dinner was salmon and Filet Mignon, also good. Because the hiring is seasonal, the wait staff is often recently trained, but our waiter was an expert, and also an interesting fellow. He had studied Physics in college and knew all about Niels Bohr and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and had even visited Copenhagen to see Bohr’s Institute. Chatting with him turned a pleasant evening into an also memorable one, and made the meal as special as the setting.

El Tovar Dining Room
Village Loop Dr
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(928) 638-2631
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-tovar-dining-room-grand-canyon

Siam Splendour

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**** (4 stars)

A pretty decent Thai restaurant that has parking, quite the novelty in Evanston. The barbecued pork skewer appetizer and the Thai salads are the stand outs, and the Pad Thai is pretty good, too. The chive dumplings were doughy and undercooked. Extensive menu, so there’s lots to explore.

Siam Splendour
1125 Emerson St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-1008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-splendour-evanston-2