Skip Whole Paycheck- go across the street Kingsbury Street Cafe

Honestly one of the most subtly beautiful and inviting eco-chic cafes in this city aside from Karyn's and Uncommon Gound, Kingsbury Street Cafe focuses on light, healthful meals.  The interior reflects the menu, as the walls and plates are stark white paired with natural inspirations throughout.  The long wooden tables and small cactus-like plants on each table are charming and elegantly restrained.  Kingsbury Street Cafe is lit with a sizable amount of natural sunlight as the front wall is 20 foot windows facing West, providing a refreshing place to start, or unwind from a hectic day.

The quality of the food is as outstanding as the interior; vivid, clean, and leaves an impression.  Nothing here is heavy or overbearingly rich, which is a nice contrast to high-profile restaurants that specialize in making the lunch/ brunch experience the most extravagantly calorie-rich meal of the day.  Kingsbury Street Cafe is playful and imaginative, but completely filling without regret.  Over the top brunch items I'm thinking of  include the Publican's Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder and The Bristol's hangover breakfast with noodles, pork belly, and a poached egg.  I'm not knocking Chicago's move toward a decadent and deserved brunch, just offering an excellent alternative.

Bypass Whole Foods for once and venture across the street for lunch or brunch. I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised and it won't make a huge dent in your wallet. I'm already looking forward to a return trip.

 Roasted beet salad 

with pistachio, edamame, red onion, red wine 

vinaigrette dressing with chicken

via

Grass Fed Beef Burger- crispy maple glazed bacon, sautéed 

mushrooms & onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle and a side salad in place of french fries

A critical eye: Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

Yuzu

 1715 W. Chicago ave {between Paulina + Hermitage}
(312) 666- 4100


While the hustle and bustle of street traffic and pedestrians doesn't come close to that at Union Sushi and Barbecue in River North, Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill in Ukrainian Village is serving up some fantastic maki specialty maki rolls and robata grilled skewers (meat, seafood, vegetables) worthy of a visit. Bottom line, Yuzu is a terrific value (skewers at $1.5-$2, maki rolls are $5-$12) for the quality and innovation you're getting, any sushi-snob connoisseur wouldn't dislike the classic spider roll or South Beach roll (pictured below). The BYOB no corkage fee is also a huge plus if you're dining on a budget. Parking in the area is relatively easy to find (for paying on Chicago ave) and the neighborhood isn't zoned. 

The ambiance is clean, unassuming, tight-knit, and rather gray. Hopefully young Yuzu (opened in May) can find a way to make the decor match the vibrant food and Japanese flavors. A little heat hitting something else besides the robata grill could liven things up. Speaking of that robata grill, while the grilled meat, vegetable, and seafood we ordered for the majority tasted fantastic, some more showcasing of the traditional Japanese preparation or explanation of the grill's capabilities would have been appreciated. If you've got a robata grill, flaunt it. In sum, Yuzu was a great value and the sushi was top-notch, we'll be back.

{South Beach Roll. Super white tuna, albacore tuna, cucumber, Japanese pepper, sesame oil, masago, mayo, red & black tobiko, lime}

{Spider Roll. Soft shell crab, marinated crab meat , cucumber, masago, mayo, black tobiko, pepper vinegar sauce}

{Avocado Mango Salad. Avocado, mango, seasonal greens with a creamy ginger dressing. Beautiful presentation}

{This is a one order skewer, appetizer portion of: (from top to bottom) marinated chicken wing with curry sauce, shitake mushroom brushed with ponzu sauce, and miso tuna (ahi tuna brushed with white miso and Japanese mustard. By far the winner here were the mushrooms and chicken wing}

 If teetering on whether to go here's one more reason to give Yuzu a go: Mention "YUMMY" for $10 off (min purchase of $40) Dine-In only. Must mention before order. Excluded tax. Offer available Thursdays 6/24 -9/24/2011.

The Cape comes to Chicago

Fishbar

2956 N. Sheffield ave {Sheffield + Wellington}
(773) 687-8177

Fishbar met and surpassed every expectation we had. If you love good seafood, go. If you haven't made it to Cape Cod or Key West for an authentic right-off-the-wharf dining experience, go. If you're hungry, go. There's really no reason to not give Fishbar a try. While the hype and lines have certainly died down, the sustainability and success of Fishbar is likely to last for one key reason. No other neighborhood joint departs so far from the traditional mom and pop sandwich joint with such triumph and memorability; the seafood is so scrumptious we can guarantee you'll be looking forward to your next visit.

The prices were beyond reasonable for the top-notch quality seafood you're getting. Carpaccio, ceviche, tartares and fried delights were all under $10, no breaking the bank here. Undoubtedly would be a great place for an adventurous yet affordable date.

Right in line with the menu's prices was the decor of Fishbar, uniquely rustic it oozes East coast charm without a kitschy feel. A huge hanging canoe, oversized Marlin, and weathered ship wood line the walls while a blend of contemporary, Chicago jazz, and cajun music blast on the loud speakers. At the bar are smaller authentic touches: mason jars with silverware, Louisiana hot sauces and a variety of no-frill crackers for soup. Casual and relaxed, but cooler than the other side of the pillow, Fishbar actually elevates seafood by removing all that's pretentious about raw oysters or clams and making it approachable.

Be aware: they have rules. Parties of 6 or more must go next door to DMK for burgers and all seating is at the bar on rusty stools. If you have a larger party (under 6) go for the corner end of the counter or nab one of the 4 booths. The service was on-point, timely, considerate, and light-hearted; matching the feeling of the joint.

The outside

Inside the fish haven

More of the counter and chalkboard featuring daily specials

The menu

Oyster shooters. Horseradish is pungent masking the vodka and slippery oyster inside. Not recommended for the faint diner.

The lobster bisque done with a Fishbar twist. Not a cream-based soup this was became more delicious the more you ate it. Honestly I thought the soup was too peppery and could taste the fishstock, quite a turn-off for a first bite. When I revisited it the more I appreciated the complexity, depth, and tang of flavors. Not to mention the lobster chunks at the bottom.

Drooling. Luscious lobster gold. A generous lobster piece in the not-so-classic bisque.

Salmon Tartare special of the day. Again this was quite peppery but appropriately complimented the freshness of the salmon.

The wahoo ceviche special of the day. The fish must be caught, prepped, and canned with fresh pineapple, avocado, and red onion overnight; the clean, bright flavors sung a tropical melody. Vacations to Florida and the Caribbean can be postponed.

Federal Hill style calamari. The peppers stand in for red sauce. Perfectly sweet and hot take a fork-full of calamari ring and pepper for an unforgettable combination.

Who to bring:

• Smaller groups or a date
• A seafood-fearing friend

What to try (and skip)

• Skip the over-publicized lobster roll, teeny tiny for its price, a whopping market price of $18 for a less than 6 inch long sandwich is absurd.
• Crabby patty sandwich
• A La plancha octopus
• Gumbo soup
• Get creative, specials of the day are sure to feature what's in season and the most fresh

Take note

• The servers are behind the bar like actual bartenders. No agonizing bumping or turning around to flag them down; they'll never be behind you

A critical eye: Green Zebra

Green Zebra

Head Chef: Shawn McClain
1460 W. Chicago ave {Chicago + Greenview}
(312) 243-7100

Green Zebra is a vegetarian oasis in a city of carnivores. The brunch truly hit all the high notes you're looking for on a Sunday mid-day. It's refreshing to forgo the traditional sausage, bacon, ham, and other artery-clogging meats that we've become so accustomed to. The brunch menu was entirely vegetarian and vegan- and incredibly reasonable! The most expensive dish was $13, quite the deal for the refined flavors and top-notch vegetables. The service was highly attentive and knowledgeable- especially when your table of meat eaters has a dozen questions like, "what is the heck is a ramp?"  Portions were smaller, this is not where you want to feast after a night out drinking, it won't fill you up and you won't appreciate it. At the same time, the consistency and heartiness was in each dish and I left feeling full. The aesthetics were neutral yet organic; there's a clear union of beauty of nature the vegetables on your plate.

When Toast, Orange, or Nookies gets old or your in the mood to eat healthy in the AM, give Green Zebra a try. I thoroughly enjoyed my vegetarian experience and will give dinner a whirl.

{Simplicity and tranquility inside; hustle-bustle, odd storefronts, and Noble Square riff-raff outside}

{The magnificently spicy horseradish infused bloody mary. It's not pictured but the green olive served with this was monstrous}

{The spongey breakfast cookies paired well with either spread. The almond butter compote is nutty and smooth while the dark blackberry jam is naturally sweet}

{A hollow popover filled with seasonally fresh spring ramps. Sherry, squash, goat cheese and chestnut cream liquid in the warm center}

{Dim sum for one. Squash shamoai, rutabaga dumplings, mushu}

{Anson mills grits, smoked mushrooms, mustard greens, poached eggs. This fell flat, it was heavy and bland. Pass}

{Country flatbread, bourbon glazed mushrooms, white truffle, fried egg. Emphasis on the freshest vegetables, sauces, and baked bread flavors are magnified by the fleur de sel, as visible in the photo above}

Who to bring:

• Your vegan/ vegetarian/ health obsessed friend
• An open-minded group
• A yoga buddy
• An avid meat eater to prove that exposure to a new way of eating never hurts

Give it a try:

• Popover with ramps
• Buttermilk biscuits and sunnyside up eggs
• Eggs benedict

Take note:

• The stunning artwork adorned around the dining room and in main entrance

Welcome to the Chicago breakfast club, Kanela

Kanela Breakfast Club

3231 N. Clark ave {Clarke + S. of Aldine}
(773) 248-1622

Tired of the same 'ol homemade pancakes and eggs? I am. Thank god I tried Kanela. I was pleasantly surprised with how great this brunch spot is. The baked potatoes side was top notch and most memorable. These potatoes were easily in the top 5 for what our city has to offer. Crisp, petite, baked with fresh herbs, and not at all greasy.
It's easy to say the turnover from Orange to Kanela (Greek word that translates to cinnamon) was a great move. Kanela will please all brunch-goers but serves up classics with an international spin. All of the brunch fair has hints of Greek flavors scattered throughout their options, think freshly whipped feta, fresh basil, and loads of colorful peppers. Lamb at breakfast? Sure why not? Get a freshly baked pastry served with Julius Meinl coffee, sit back and enjoy a great brunch.
The service was timely and warm. Kanela is an urban safe-haven for a relaxed meal after a long, hustle-bustle weekend. My date brought the Sunday Trib, normally I'd be perturbed by the absence of conversation, instead I enjoyed the Living section, (for food and dining of course) my tall cup of coffee, and my ham and cheese crepes.





{Ham and Cheese crepe with chives and herbed baked potatoes}

{Spicy feta omelette with whipped feta, red onion, red chili pepper, tomato, and toast. When they say spicy, listen up, this isn't for the faint of heart}
What I'd go back for:

• The coffee
• The great service and affordable price
• The portobello benedict
• Stuffed french toast with greek yogurt, berries, and an apple-jalapeno chutney
• If I was feeling very indulgent, the bacon waffle with chocolate bacon, bourbon caramel, and bacon dust

Best affordable eats: Urban Belly

Head Chef: Bill Kim
3053 N. California ave {California + Barry}
(773) 583-0500
 A short trans-city car ride seems like a voyage across land and ocean with a big pay off when you arrive at the hidden gem of the far east, asian infusion street-chic cuisine that is Urban belly. Bare walls convey a serious and almost somber temperament; vitality and grandeur is restored with the long communal tables and seating made of ancient Indonesian fishing ship wood.
Bill Kim's method for dining is as easy as it gets: bring your own beverage, place your order, take a number, grab a seat, enjoy, repeat. The menu is a diverse smathering of Asian influences and flavors, with an emphasis on dumplings and noodles in well melded, warm broths. The pho is outstanding, I would go back a hundred times over just for that unique taste. Reverence is paid to the heritage of this 1950's born Vietnamese staple in a delicate and bold manner. A refreshing replacement to over publicized and consumed Chicago sushi spots, Urban belly is an escape to the Orient without the Japonais/ Takashi pricetag.
Another likable quality: 9 times out of 10 Bill Kim or his wife will be there to greet or thank you for coming in. 

{#4 Duck and Pho spices}

{#12 Urbanbelly ramen with pork belly, shiitake, and pho broth}

{#14 Asian egg noodles stir fried with spicy, real spicy, garlic chili, tofu and chinese egg plant}

{Sticky, gummy citrus candy from Vietnam}
Who to Bring

• A date
• Your hipster friend(s)
• Anyone on a budget
• Anyone in a don't leave my neighborhood to eat out rut

Give it a try

• #11 udon shrimp, coriander, in a sweet chili lime broth
• #7 pork belly and pineapple rice
• #5 pork and cilantro dumpling
• #3 Asian squash and bacon dumpling

Get Peeled

1571 N Sheffield ave {Sheffield + North}

(312) 266-PEEL


Super juice bar is right! Peeled is guaranteed to elevate your immune system, energy level, and spirits. The smell of fresh wheat grass overwhelms the senses the second you walk in, demanding a taste of a fresh smoothie, juice, or booster shot. With a vast menu boasting exotic blends and nearly impossible to come by ingredients, like the blue-green algae powder packed with an intense Vitamin B punch, Peeled offers a noteworthy alternative to breakfast/ lunch on the go. Raw, organic, high-quality fruits, veggies, and granola are ground to smithereens; but what's not diminished is any sense of guilt.
Highly recommend:
Strawberry Letter, Blue Magic, Eco-Trip, C'est la vie (Smoothy, juice)
Bassa Nova, Fluent in French, Flu Fighter (Breakfast blend, booster shot)

A critical eye: Taco Joint

1969 N. Halsted {Halsted + Armitage}
(312) 951-2457

When it comes to big taste in tiny tacos, congratulations Big Star, you reign supreme. Taco Joint just doesn't cut it. The service was attentive but nothing to be wowed by, as you'd expect from a casual Mexican-Cantina restaurant. Unlike Zocalo (Taco Joint was developed by the same business group and chefs) which I thoroughly enjoyed for its rustic, smoky flavors, and authentic Dia de los Muertos-esque space, the Mexican fare at taco joint was mediocre at best.
Moving my uncertain opinion (I was optimistic that Taco Joint would be a fantastic Zocalo mini-me) into an assertive "no thanks" is the atmosphere at Taco Joint. It cannot compete with the minimalistic, cool vibe and insane outdoor seating you get at Big Star. It's unfortunate the way this restaurant space was conceived, it's totally disjointed and feels like you're eating in a dark, single-lane bowling alley. The hot pink and green logo had to be a tacky oversight- it reminds me of something you'd see on a sign at a cheesy theme park like Disney World. Or worse yet, Great America.
The house margarita was generic and the salted rim was not properly done, what bartender at a self-proclaimed TEQUILA bar doesn't know how to salt the rim? Two steps: line glass edge with lime and dip in salt. The only taco I would recommend was the "Tinga" the house "guac-salsa" in the taco was bold and added some much needed zing.
Price and portions were minimal- succinct with the food and drink end result. Go to the bigger, better Taqueria in town, Big Star.