Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MODERATE
La Sardine
FRENCH/BISTRO Sister to Jean-Claude Poilevey's pop-
ular Le Bouchon (and named after a critic's description of that tiny Bucktown
bistro), this more spacious and gracious destination is bathed in a honeyed glow
and sensual aromas wafting from the open kitchen and rotisserie. La Sardine has
the classic bistro look as well as warm, friendly service that make this the Ran-
dolph Street version of a neighborhood restaurant.
Well-prepared versions of bistro standards include the delicate bouillabaisse in
a lobster-saffron broth; ragout of super-tender rabbit, onions, and mashed pota-
toes; steak frites; sensational escargots bourguignon; onion soup; and salade Lyon-
naise (greens, bacon lardons, croutons, and poached egg). The dessert menu boasts
a frozen Grand Marnier soufflé with strawberry coulis and a warm passion-fruit
soufflé with crème anglaise. At lunch, choose from an abbreviated menu of appe-
tizers and salads, soups, sandwiches, and entrees, or opt for a hearty
plat du jour,
perhaps tuna niçoise on Monday, or duck legs braised in red wine with mush-
rooms and potato purée on Thursday. There's also a daily $20 three-course lunch
featuring soup or salad and your choice of entree and dessert.
111 N. Carpenter St.
&
312/421-2800.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $13-$19. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-11pm; Sat 5-11pm.
INEXPENSIVE
Wishbone
SOUTHERN/CAJUN/BREAKFAST One of my best
friends—a transplanted Chicagoan who now lives in New York—always has one
request when she comes back to town: dinner at Wishbone. It's that kind of
place, a down-home, casual spot that inspires intense loyalty (even if the food is
only good rather than outstanding).
Known for Southern food and big-appetite breakfasts, Wishbone's extensive,
reasonably priced menu blends hearty, home-style choices with healthful and
vegetarian items. Brunch is the 'Bone's claim to fame, when an eclectic crowd of
bedheads pack in for the plump and tasty salmon cakes, omelets, and red eggs
(a lovely mess of tortillas, black beans, cheese, scallions, chile-ancho sauce, salsa,
and sour cream). However, brunch at Wishbone can be a mob scene, so I sug-
gest lunch or dinner; offerings run from “yardbird” (charbroiled chicken with
sweet red-pepper sauce) and blackened catfish to hoppin' John or Jack (vegetar-
ian variations on the black-eyed pea classic). The tart Key lime pie is one of my
favorite desserts in the city. The casual ambience is a good bet for families (a
children's menu is available).
There's a newer location at 3300 N. Lincoln Ave. (
&
773/549-2663
), but
the original location has more character.
1001 Washington St. (at Morgan St.).
&
312/850-2663.
http://wishbone.epagecity.com. Reservations
accepted, except for weekend brunch. Main courses $5.25-$9.50 breakfast and lunch, $6.95-$14 dinner. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon 7am-3pm; Tues-Fri 7am-3pm and 5-9pm; Sat 8am-3pm and 5-10pm; Sun 8am-3pm.
Finds
Kids
4 The Magnificent Mile & the Gold Coast
A great many tourists who visit Chicago never stray far from the Magnificent Mile
and the adjoining Gold Coast area. From the array of restaurants, shops, and
pretty streets in the area, it's not hard to see why. The Gold Coast is home to some
of the city's wealthiest, most tradition-bound families, people who have been fre-
quenting the same restaurants for years. But newer places like Tru are carving out
their own culinary niches. Restaurants here are some of the best in the city—and
their prices are right in line with Michigan Avenue's designer boutiques.
