Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Only in Chicago
PIZZA
We have three pizza styles in Chicago: Chicago style, also
known as deep-dish, which is thick-crusted and often
demands a knife and fork; stuffed, which is similar to a pie,
with a crust on both top and bottom; and thin crust. Many
pizzerias serve both thick and thin, and some make all three
kinds.
Three of Chicago's best gourmet deep-dish restaurants
are
Pizzeria Uno
(p. 74),
Pizzeria Due
(p. 74), and
Gino's
East
(p. 71). In River North,
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
, 439
N. Wells St. (at Hubbard St.;
&
312/828-9800
), bakes both
deep-dish and thin-crust pizza, and even has a low-fat-cheese
option.
Edwardo's
is a local pizza chain that serves all three
varieties, but with a wheat crust and all-natural ingredients
(spinach pizza is the specialty here); locations are in the Gold
Coast at 1212 N. Dearborn St. (at Division St.;
&
312/337-
4490
); in the South Loop at 521 S. Dearborn St. (between Con-
gress Pkwy. and Harrison St.;
&
312/939-3366
); and in Lincoln
Park at 2622 N. Halsted St. (at Wrightwood Ave.;
&
773/
871-3400
).
America—which means plenty of fresh fish and some bold flavor
combinations. The overall vibe (and price tag) is Miami-chic rather
than beachcomber casual, with a long, gleaming white bar, artfully
draped curtains, and a buzzing, boisterous clientele.
Whether you graze tapas-style or want to fill up with a hearty
meat entree, you should definitely start with one of the house spe-
cialty ceviches, such as the Fire and Ice (which mixes tuna, calamari,
chiles, coconut, and lime for a unique spicy-yet-cool experience).
Among the entrees, the Churrasco De La Costa—a tender beef ten-
derloin topped with a tasty, mildly spicy chimichurri sauce—lives up
to its billing as a house signature dish. The Brazilian-inspired Xim
Xim (chicken and giant shrimp in a coconut sauce with roasted
cashews) is flavorful and ideal for smaller appetites.
465 E. Illinois St. (between McClurg Ct. and Lake Shore Dr.).
&
312/464-1700.
http://
delacostachicago.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $21-$38. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Sun-Thurs 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm; bar open
until 1am Fri-Sat. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand, then a short cab ride.
