Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finds
Ethnic Dining near the Loop
CHINATOWN
Chicago's Chinatown is about 20 blocks south of the Loop.
The district is strung along two thoroughfares, Cermak
Road and Wentworth Avenue as far south as 24th Place.
The spacious, fairly elegant
Phoenix,
2131 S. Archer Ave.
(between Wentworth Ave. and Cermak Rd.;
&
312/328-
0848
), has plenty of room for big tables of family or friends
to enjoy the Cantonese (and some Szechuan) cuisine. A
good sign: The place attracts lots of Chinatown locals.
Penang,
2201 S. Wentworth Ave. (at Cermak Rd.;
&
312/
326-6888
), serves mostly Malaysian dishes, but some lean
toward Indian and Chinese (they've even added a sushi bar
to complete the Pan-Asian experience). Sink your teeth into
the
kambing rendang
(lamb curry in 11 spices) or the bar-
becued stingray wrapped in a banana leaf.
LITTLE ITALY
Convenient to most downtown locations, a few blocks'
stretch of Taylor Street is home to a host of time-honored,
traditional, hearty Italian restaurants.
Expect to wait well beyond the time of your reservation
at
Rosebud on Taylor
, 1500 W. Taylor St. (at Laflin St.;
&
312/942-1117
), but fear not—your hunger will be satis-
fied. Rosebud is known for enormous helpings of pasta,
most of which lean toward heavy Italian-American favorites:
deep-dish lasagna and a fettuccine Alfredo that defines the
word “rich.” I highly recommend any of the pastas served
with vodka sauce. Another location is near the Mag Mile at
720 N. Rush St. (
&
312/266-6444
).
John, the classic Southern dish of brown rice, black-eyed peas, and
ham (there's also a vegetarian version, hoppin' Jack). The tart Key
lime pie is one of my favorite desserts in the city. The casual ambience
is a good bet for families (plus a children's menu is available).
1001 Washington St. (at Morgan St.).
&
312/850-2663.
www.wishbonechicago.
com. Reservations accepted, except for weekend brunch. Main courses $5-$10
breakfast and lunch, $6-$15 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 7am-3pm;
Tues-Thurs 5-9pm; Fri-Sat 5-10pm; brunch Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
