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

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

A sandwich shop like no other- Panes Bread Cafe

3002 N. Sheffield ave
{Sheffield + Wellington}

(773) 665-0972



At an unbelievable value (all sandwiches are $5.95, salads $5.75) Panes has the most comforting, hearty menu that's sure to please greasy-spoon seekers as well as strict vegetarians. Anyone and everyone has a favorite in this neighborhood bodega, with appetizers, pizzas, pastas, cookies, sweet Oaxacan treats, soups, salads, specials, and over 19 diverse sandwiches (that's a mouthful) Panes has it all. The charm and warmth is so inviting; you get the sense that you're eating a sandwich in your long-lost, yet lovable, eclectic, crazy aunt's kitchen. With "Bread Cafe" in their title Panes better have something to prove when it comes to baking. Effortlessly they do, all of the varieties back up their bold statement. The bread is made in-house and amplifies everything it's paired with tenfold.
Right smack in the middle of the sheffield drag connecting Wrigleyville to Old Cabrini and right off the Wellington Brown Line stop, Panes is accessible to any traveler. Bring cash, no credit cards are accepted. Some notables on my last trip:

{White bean and cauliflower soup with roasted bacon bits. Home-made, warmed rosemary bread for dipping}

{Portabella sandwich. Grilled portabella mushrooms, home-made pesto sauce, tomatoes, and melting mozzarella on tomato bread served with Lays potato chips}

{El parisano with special requests. Grilled chicken, smoked ham, swiss cheese, tomato, and honey mustard served on white bread with chips. Modifications Panes was happy to make: substituting the white bread for fresh wheat and adding a large helping of avocado slices}

This little gem will make you jealous of Lakeview residents who are within walking distance. Try it for the quality and price, become a regular for the bread.