Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opera
ASIAN This place has nothing to do with
Aida
or
La Boheme,
but
the mood is certainly theatrical at the South Loop's most happening spot. The
newest concept from the folks behind Red Light (p. 122) takes classic Chinese
dishes to the next level. You'll know you're in for something far beyond Chinatown
when you walk past the dramatic velvet curtains and take in the bold red-and-
orange decor, not to mention the grand staircase leading up to the private dining
room. Signature East-meets-West dishes include a spicy crab cake served with
“chopsticks” (skinny crab-stuffed spring rolls), and peppered filet mignon served
over a brandied beurre blanc with a side of broccoli in black-bean sauce. Even egg
foo young gets an upscale makeover with the addition of lobster and fresh peas.
Do make sure to save room for dessert, whether it's one of the light homemade
sorbets, or the more decadent Tao of Chocolate (a liquid-center flourless chocolate
cake with sticks of frozen chocolate mousse). The building used to house a film
warehouse, and the storage vaults in the back have been converted into cozy din-
ing nooks—the best tables in the house for romantic couples.
1301 S. Wabash Ave. (at 13th St.).
&
312/461-0161.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $15-$25;
degustation menu $60. AE, DC, MC, V. Sun-Wed 5-10pm; Thurs 5-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight. Subway: Red
Line to Roosevelt/State.
Petterino's
STEAK/AMERICAN Named for Arturo Petterino, maitre d'
at the Pump Room in the days when it swarmed with celebrities, Chicago's
newest steakhouse re-creates the feeling of downtown dining in the 1940s and
1950s. Located in the new Goodman Theatre building, Petterino's is a popular
pretheater option, so book early if you have to catch a show. The dimly lit din-
ing room is decorated in dark wood with red leather booths, and the overall feel
is relaxed rather than hyped-up. The menu is straightforward and filled with
classic American big-night-out favorites: veal chops, New York strip steak, slow-
cooked beef brisket, and some fresh fish selections. Pastas include baked ravioli
and fettucine Alberto (a version of Alfredo with peas and prosciutto). Among
the old-time appetizers, you'll find shrimp
de jonghe,
coated with garlic and
bread crumbs, and an excellent tomato bisque soup. In keeping with the restau-
rant's entertainment connection, some dishes are named after local celebrities; a
nicely done salad of chopped mixed lettuces and blue cheese is named for long-
time
Sun-Times
columnist Irv Kupcinet. The lunch menu offers smaller versions
of the dinner entrees, along with a good mix of salads and sandwiches.
150 N. Dearborn St. (at Randolph St.).
&
312/422-0150.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $14-$35
dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 4-11pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Ran-
dolph/Washington or Brown Line to State/Lake.
Rhapsody
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN The fine-dining restau-
rant inside Symphony Center (with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an
outdoor dining area and a small park) is a hit with the concert-going crowd, as
much for the setting as for the food. Rhapsody has, however, experienced a
revolving door of chefs in the past few years, so the menu and service have suf-
fered from a lack of consistency.
The current menu emphasizes contemporary American dining with Italian
and French influences. Foie gras and smoked salmon show up on the appetizer
list, as do crab cakes and seasonal soups (asparagus in the spring, mushroom in
the fall). Entrees include an all-American lamb stew with baby carrots, pearl
onions and red potatoes; pastas with fresh seasonal vegetables; and a good selec-
tion of seafood (including an impressive—though pricey—lobster salad). There
is always at least one vegetarian option, in addition to the chef 's daily risotto,
