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Va bene
After living in Florence for a summer abroad, I’m always up for homemade Italian, specifically pasta. My boyfriend introduced me to Da Andrea on one of our first dates and we went back this weekend with some friends for a hearty Italian meal.
Both the ambiance and the food set this trattoria apart from all the others. The dining room is designed like a family’s table at home transcending comfort the moment you’re in the door. The décor is modest and traditional, and we got a cozy corner table against the front window. Most importantly, they make their own pasta from scratch right in the kitchen. You can’t get more fresh or homemade than that.
As would be expected, the wine selection’s vast and the server’s have great recommendations. We chose a Chardonnay del Salento, which accompanied all four pastas splendidly. Every meal comes with soft, thick bread with light garlic and olives on olive oil for dipping. We added a prosciutto appetizer, which came with light, warm English muffin-esque bread and was plenty for the group.
Each of us ordered a different pasta, though, and we sampled each others. I got homemade saffron fettuccine with fresh vegetables and black olive puree. I’m typically not a fan of red sauce and mushrooms aren’t my veggie of choice, but my dish was delightful. The sauce was rich and smooth, the combination was flavorful and satisfying, and the noodles were functional with my fork (you know it matters). The black olive puree added the perfect touch of sweetness. I particularly loved my boyfriend’s homemade cavatelli with shrimp, fresh salmon in a light pesto sauce, because of the unique noodles and green sauce. The shrimp and salmon were well proportioned, fresh and delicious. The whole creation had a crisp, almost zesty taste and wasn’t overwhelmingly filling.
To our surprise, the final bill came out to $106 for four pastas, a starter, a bottle of wine and two coffees: that’s unbeatable in the city. A $50 date at a cute, cultured place with great food is win-win-win. I highly recommend Da Andrea for a nice, semi-casual date, especially if you’re in the mood for some carbs. It’s a great experience all-around.
Location: 35 W 13th St.
Subways: 4/5/6, L, or N/R/Q to Union Square
Price: $25 a person
Contact: www.daandreanyc.com
Every so often, I go visit a friend of mine who moved so far northwest that although I think she’s technically still in the suburbs, I don’t consider her part of the Chicago metropolitan area. We were roommates, she started dating her (now ex) husband after both of them were in my wedding party, and we had kids about six weeks apart. We still get ourselves and our kids together whenever we can, and I have to admit I’m amazed at how many restaurants and chains exist in Algonquin and vicinity. I’ve never heard of most of them. Some are national and some are local. And even though she’s in the middle of nowhere, I love trying new places so I enjoy visiting her and going out to eat.
She and her daughter received a coupon from the public library for a place called the Colonial Cafe, which I’ve since learned is a local chain based in the western suburbs. In fact, a few weeks after we had our first breakfast there, we happened to be in St. Charles, and we visited what turns out to be the original location.
The Colonial Cafe looks exactly like one of those family-friendly breakfast restaurants, some of which are great, and some of which are less than great. It has a comfortable but not special appearance and I’m pretty sure I’ve passed some of their locations many times without even registering them. The restaurant features lots of booths and tables. Older people come here, families come here. It’s not exactly an urban hotspot, with locations in Naperville and St. Charles and Elgin and Crystal Lake and Aurora.
But the food here is more than decent–and I say that coming from a region that has spawned Walker Bros. Pancake House, among others, and offers me plenty of outstanding breakfast options. I’ve now had a couple of meals here, including a biscuits and gravy breakfast and a simple soup-and-sandwich combo, and both have been very tasty. The iced tea is also very good, which is pretty much my standard for returning to any restaurant. My son prefers to stick with the mousehead-shaped pancake, which is not called a Mickey Mouse pancake but I’m pretty sure everyone calls it that anyway.
But here’s the main reason we returned a second time:
This baby here is called a Kitchen Sink. It includes six scoops of ice cream in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, along with three toppings (chocolate sauce, pineapple sauce and strawberry sauce, if I recall correctly), two full bananas, whipped cream and chopped almonds. And of course, a cherry. It actually comes in a mini kitchen sink on a stand, and you get a bumper sticker with it. The entire dessert costs about $13.50, and my growing five-year-old boy and I were able to eat about half of it by ourselves.
As it turns out, Colonial Cafe is known for its ice-cream treats. The restaurant features 15 regular flavors, but the two-page ice-cream menu includes concoctions like turtle sundaes, five-scoop sundaes, apple pie a la mode, black cows, a create-your-own-sundae option, shakes and some sort of layered treat called a “chipper.” It certainly gives us a reason to go back.
Colonial Cafe and Ice Cream
7 locations in the western and NW suburbs
www.colonialicecream.com
El Chalan
I’m not ashamed to admit it, but I’ve been here twice within the past week. The first time was with my (now) former coworker, who wanted to show me what real Peruvian food tasted like. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera, so I had to go back. (What can I say, I’m really dedicated to my job.) The second time I brought my friend J, a law school student that I was able to convince to stop studying and get food with me. He’s so nerdy and cute like that.
El Chalan is situated in the basement of a row house, so be careful or you might just miss it! Both times that I went were for lunch and it was extremely busy. But seeing as how most people there are on their lunch break, I can’t imagine a wait being too long.
The friendly staff starts you off with complimentary bread, butter, and spicy mustard. (Warning: it’s really spicy!) The bread, which had a hint of sweetness, was served warm so that it perfectly melted that buttah. And I, nor either one of my lunch companions, were brave enough to slather that spicy mustard on our bread.
For drinks, my coworker recommended we try “El Chicha.” It’s a sweet drink made of purple corn, cinnamon, and other goodies. It tastes very similar to the Jamaican drink “sorrel.” Although not a drink that would please all palates, I found it to be extremely refreshing.
The first time around, I ordered the Lomo Saltado, which is beef cooked with fried potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, all served with a side of rice. The dish was simple yet very fresh and flavorful.
For my second time, I ordered the Cabrito Norteno, which is goat stewed in beer, vinegar, onion, and spice, served with a side of rice and beans. The goat was stewed to perfection. The meat fell off the bones and was so tender. And the sauce was rich and delicious served over the rice.
And for my next visit, cause I have to bring my sister, I’m going to have to order their paella and chicken, which they warn you takes up to 25 minutes to make. But if they are anything like their beef or goat dishes, I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.
Address: 1924 I St NW
Phone: (202) 293-2765
Price: $10-25
Chicago Originals Restaurant Week, Jan 17-29
Chicago’s official Restaurant Week takes place in February, but starting Monday you can participate in the Chicago Originals version.
Chicago Originals is an organization of local and independent restaurants. This event won’t be nearly as large as the city-wide one, but it does include some excellent local eateries. And since the hook for Restaurant Week is fixed-price 2-, 3- and 4-course meals at a reasonable price ($29.11 for dinner and $29.11 bottles of wine), this is a great time to try some well-respected regional favorites.
The restaurants participating in this promotion are:
Bella Bacino’s, Chicago and LaGrange
Cafe Bernard, Lincoln Park
Cafe Central, Highland Park
Co-Si-Na Grill, Chicago
Cyrano’s Bistrot & Grill, Chicago
Dinotto Ristorante, Chicago
El Nuevo Mexicano, Chicago
Hemmingway’s Bistro, Oak Park
Kiki’s Bistro, Chicago
Le Titi de Paris, Arlington Heights
Mizu Yakitori and Sushi Lounge, Chicago
Oceanique, Evanston
O’Briens Restaurant, Chicago
Restaurant Michael, Winnetka
Sweets & Savories, Chicago
Trattoria Roma, Chicago
This list includes restaurants both in Chicago and around the suburbs, and many of them are critically acclaimed, so take advantage–that is, if the holiday festivities haven’t depleted your budget too much.
For more information and Restaurant Week menus and specials, visit www.chicagooriginals.com. You’ll have to check with the individual restaurants for exact details; Oceanique, for example, runs its Restaurant Week specials through February 6.
Logan Tavern
So our intentions were to go to Churchkey for some of their fabulous drinks and food, but after being unable to fight/death glare our way into getting a table, we decided to take our business elsewhere. Luckily, we didn’t have to walk very far when we found Logan Tavern, a place I’ve walked past a thousand times but never entered. (I think I get distracted by the Lulu Lemon store that is two doors down, but who knows.)
Having never been there or even glanced at their menu, we were not sure what to expect. But seeing as how it was my friend’s last day in the states for the next two years, she was delighted to find that they served good old American cuisine. Their menu had an array of options, so it’s perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. After much debate, my friend went with her first option of a burger with all their toppings, which consisted of bacon, mushrooms, avocado, and cheese. With a mouth full of food, she so elegantly stated that although she’s had a better burger, the toppings really made it stand out.
I ordered the Wasabi encrusted meatloaf, which normally comes with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, but for an extra dollar, I was bold and substituted it for the crab and shrimp mac and cheese! The meatloaf was moist and the Wasabi crust gave off a subtle heat.
And although it’s not your typical mac and cheese, think more of an alfredo sauce over pasta, it was still really cheesy, nicely seasoned, and I actually liked it better than most mac and cheese’s I’ve tried.
Also, my meal came with the soup of the day: chicken and black bean!
Logan Tavern’s good food and warm atmosphere makes it a place worth taverning…I mean traveling to.
www.Logantavern.com
Address: 1423 P Street Northwest
Phone: 202) 332-3710
Price: $4-30
For the past 6 or-so years, my parents and I have been in a love/not-so-love relationship with Kansas City’s Thai staple, Lulu’s. I have many fond ties (Thais?) to the restaurant, including a first date or two and many a First Friday. Perhaps that’s why I keep coming back, year after year, through good times and better.
Since first moving to St. Louis (which has an amazing batch of Thai restaurants on Grand Street) and more recently to New York (enough said), I’ve become a bit of an Asiatic snob and, thus, may be judging my most recent trip to Lulu’s a bit too harshly. It may also have something to do with the fact that I branched away from their amazing (and my staple) tofu basil fried rice (extra spicy) and opted instead for chicken red curry this time around. In retrospect, the food was all fine. But keeping in mind that a Thai restaurant with a good ambiance is hard to come by in Kansas City, it was actually pretty great.
We started with a notable pair of shrimp spring rolls–made so by their immense size and tasty pair of dipping sauces. My mom, a devout lover of Tom Yum soup, went for a large bowl of it along with a side of rice to dump in for added heartiness. As previously mentioned, Lulu’s red curry had me yearning for her basil fried rice, but regardless, it left me warm and satisfied, and with a carry out container for another day’s lunch
But perhaps the most memorable aspect of this time’s visit was Lulu’s new locale! Once situated amongst a batch of indie galleries, salons, shops and the Architectural Salvage on Southwest Boulevard, Lulu’s has recently moved about a block down into a shiny new loft-like space replete with tons more seating. This is likely to be welcome news to First Friday-frequenters who once had to wait in long lines for Lulu’s excellent happy hour once monthly. The new digs (and spanky-new bar chock-full of Boulevard ales!) should promise shorter lines on those busy Fridays.
To the chagrin of who looked to be the owner, after lunch I (catlike) stalked around the new space snapping pictures of the many delightful eating nooks and Crossroads-appropriate decor to share with you, lovely readers. Yet, I managed to get out before he had to escort me out.
All in all, while my standards may have changed, it goes without saying that I will return the next chance I have to go home. It’s everything a local eatery should be: accessible, friendly, consistent and laden with memories.
Location: 230 Central St., Kansas City, MO
Price: Under $15
Phone: (816) 474-8424
New Website: Coming Soon
Home for the Holidays: Church Food
Typically the phrase “church food” conjures images of bland communion wafers and the blood of Christ. When you think of food from the Garden of Eden you might think of lush garden vegetables or the forbidden fruit. Occasionally the neighborhood church might sponsor a chili supper or your run-of-the-mill bake sale, but rarely do any of these religion-themed edibles bring to mind vegan enchilada tortes, sweet potato burritos or vegetarian meatloaf.
Cue Kansas City’s Eden Alley. Located in the basement of the Unity Temple–a non-denominational church (temple? congregation?) that welcomes diversity at its weekly services and encourages spiritual and emotional enlightenment through free yoga and meditation classes–Eden Alley is not your typical church rumpus room. One time they even hosted the always bombastic (and certainly not church-friendly) Chuck Palahniuk for a book signing.
On my visits to Kansas City, this place is always at the top of my to-do list. And in a city where meat, BBQ and excess reign supreme (I promise I’ll review one of KC’s infamous BBQ joints one of these days) it is refreshing to nosh on some vegan delights.
However, Eden Alley does not limit itself to bland tofu and tempeh. Rather, it takes these base ingredients and creates comfort foods that could fool even the most devoted of meat-lovers. On my numerous trips I’ve tried the “meat” loaf, the enchilada torte and their famous tacos–all of which were solid, filling, flavorful and beautiful to look at. On this trip, however, the moms and I stuck to soups and salad (a lady has to watch her figure during this season of sweets and over-the-top formal meals).
She had the Betty Bailey Berry salad–and yes, the waiter tested my mom’s propensity for tongue-twisters–with greens, cous cous, apples, dried cranberries, oranges, red onions, candied walnuts and a poppyseed dressing. I had the Chef’s Choice with falafel crumbles, taziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, brown rice and a red wine vinaigrette. Both were totally refreshing and unbelievably fresh.
However, the item of note was the tomato bisque soup: i.e. the best soup I have ever had in my life. My mom was spot-on when she said that it had a shockingly citrus-ey taste for a creamy bisque. Add in some bleu cheese and local cream and I turn into a 14-year-old girl on AIM…OMFG. SO GOOD.
Also of note is their honey butter which is (apparently) vegan. How they manage vegan butter that rivals even the best European butter, I’ll never know…
On a cold, wet winter day, my mom and I left warm and happy–which is saying a lot for vegan delights.
Price: Under $15
Location: 707 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO (On the Plaza)
A Small Stretch of 18th Street
A Small Stretch of 18th Street
Chicago has no shortage of great food and ethnic flavor. The Pilsen neighborhood on Chicago’s near Southwest Side is famous for authentic Mexican food and traditions. On a small stretch of 18th Street in Pilsen, three gems stand out among the rest – Café Jumping Bean, the Nuevo Leon Restaurant and panaderia BomBon.
My perfect day in Pilsen would start with a visit to the Jumping Bean Café, a small, quirky coffee shop and café on 18th & Bishop. The Jumping Bean is small but offers limited seating and free wi-fi. Familiar beverages like café Americano and lattes are very good, but the Mexican hot, called chocochino chocolate rocks! The food is good too, especially the black bean burger. For under $10.00, you can get a fresh-made sandwich and a drink and feel good about it. The Jumping Bean supports local artists by displaying and selling some of their original art.
Hands down, the best restaurant on 18th Street is Nuevo Leon. The food is so good, that on weekends, there is a line that sometime spills out the door onto the street to get a table. The prices can’t be beat, with $12.00 for a Filete al Nuevo Leon entrée that includes a strip steak, guacamole, frijoles and potatoes. Alambres is a skirt steak Shish-Ke-Bob, served with bacon, large slices of green pepper, onion and tomato, guacamole, rice and beans. Patrons span the generations and ethnicities. Street parking is sketchy and be sure to feed the meters. Nuevo Leon is cash only, but there is an ATM is located on-site.
BomBon is a boutique bakery opened by Laura Cid, a pastry chef famous for her work at Rick Bayless’ restaurant, Topolobampo. BomBon makes arguably the best tres letches cakes in the City. Tarts, cakes, desserts are available in single serving potions. There is no stopping in Pilsen without a stop at the BomBon.
Keep in mind, this is one short stretch of street in a neighborhood that has a lot more to offer that what is posted here. My recommendation? Plan a day the National Museum of Mexican Art, especially during the Dias de Los Muertos exhibits, grab a chocochino at the Café Jumping Bean, have lunch/dinner at Nuevo Leon and grab some desserts to go at BomBon.
Café Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th Street
Chicago, Il 60608
(312)455-0019
Neuvo Leon Restaurant
1518 W 18th Street
Chicago, Il 60608
(312)421-1517
BomBon
1508 W 18th Street
Chicago, Il 60608
(312)733-7788
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312)738-1503
www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
I want Moore.
After seeing DC’s very own Granville Moore featured on an episode of “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” I knew this place had to be phenomenal. I mean would Bobby Flay (call me!) lead me astray?
The answer: Never.
Wanting to beat the rush, and cause we were famished, my sister and I headed to Granville Moore as soon as their kitchen opened. (I swear we have really busy lives.) Having already eaten there before (last time she had the Jalfrezi moules that she loved!), she wanted to try something new and went for Bleu moules, also known as the mussels that won them their victory on “Throwdown.” Although, I am not a fan of bleu cheese, I still liked the sauce. The blue cheese wasn’t overpowering or too salty like some blue cheeses can be. Oh, and it didn’t hurt that the sauce also contained pork belly, shallots, spinach, white wine, and lemon.
Meanwhile, I’m a BIG fan of corn. Really, who isn’t? So I ordered the Spicy Corn moules, which had charred corn, lime, and a roasted garlic-chipotle cream. The broth was perfection. I could be given a bowl of only the broth and be content. And just as I was about to ask for a spoon (can’t let the broth go to waste, now can I?), our waitress brought us out sides of bread to soak up our broth. It’s like she read our minds…or just knew that the broth is just that good.
Also highly recommended are their frites. The frites come with a large array of dipping sauces. We went with the truffle aioli and the chipotle mayo. I’m sorry ketchup…who? You will not be missed.
Oh, and they also have an extensive beer list. Beer lovers rejoice!
Even two (very full) bowls of mussels and fries later, it was safe to say, Granville left us wanting Moore.
Address: 1238 H St, NE
Phone: 202-399-2546
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun -5 p m-12 am // Fri-Sat 5 pm-3 am
Price: $4-20
Adams Morgan
On a brisk Saturday morning, I escaped the confines of Georgetown and ventured into Adams Morgan, an area abounding with cultural vibrancy. Historically a hub for immigrants, Adams Morgan has grown into a diverse cultural center attracting both foreigners and young professionals. Thus, the neighborhood has become a curious combination of authentic ethnic culture and city chic. When walking down the streets of Adams Morgan, expect to see an empanada stand nestled next to a chic frozen yogurt café. From college students to young professionals, all types of people visit Adams Morgan seeking not only unique cuisine but also exciting night life.
In order to fully experience the distinctive character of Adams Morgan, try both the authentic ethnic and hip joints in the neighborhood. Adams Morgan is especially known for its activity after dark. One of the most popular spots for nightlife is Madams Organ, an Adams Morgan landmark where “beautiful people go to get ugly.” Offering jazz music on a nightly basis, Madams Organ serves soul inspired cuisine in a quirky, upbeat atmosphere.
A true Adams Morgan experience would not be complete without experiencing the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. From Ethiopian to Brazilian to Honduran, Adams Morgan features cuisine from all corners of the globe. My personal favorite is Julia’s Empanadas, a Latin American fast food joint. Serving dishes for under $4, Julia’s Empanadas offers unsurpassed authentic cuisine. The vegetarian, chicken, and strawberry-ricotta cheese empanadas are especially scrumptious.
Although the restaurants and nightclubs attract a variety of people to Adams Morgan, these spots do not define the neighborhood. Rather, the people you meet and the sights you see make your experience memorable. When I visited Adams Morgan, I remember admiring gorgeous Victorian homes on one street and eating an authentic Mexican empanada and talking with Hondurans on the next. While in the neighborhood, you can never anticipate who will you meet and what you will learn. Adams Morgan’s distinctive character cannot be replicated in any other Washington neighborhood and reminds its visitors of the beauty and vibrancy of cultural diversity.
Popular Adams Morgan spots:
2003 18th St., NW, Washington DC, (202) 667-5370
1834 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, DC (202) 462-6310
2465 18th St. NW, Washington, DC (202) 387-3845
2327 18th St., NW Washington DC (202) 667-4355
2463 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC (202) 667-0088
Julia’s Empanadas
2452 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 328-6232
Meskerem Ethiopian
2434 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 462-4100
Himalayan Heritage
2305 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 483-9300
Jyoti Restaurant
2433 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 518-5892
Amsterdam Falafelshop
2425 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 234-1969
