Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
516 N. Clark St.
&
312/644-7700.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses $11-$33. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm; F ri-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun noon-10pm. Sub way/El: Brown Line t o Mer-
chandise Mart; Red Line to Grand. Bus: 22 or 65.
134
Osteria Via Stato
Finds
ITALIAN At Osteria Via Stato, the choices are plenti-
ful, and the food is served family-style; so bring your brood and enjoy a real Italian feast.
A set price of $36 buys y ou a full, E uropean-style meal: a range of antipasto plates
(smoked salmon, salami, warm focaccia, and mor e), two pasta dishes (ser ved family-
style), and a meat entr ee (the only dish y ou actually choose fr om the menu). P astas are
usually a mix of hear ty and light; pappar delle with fr ee-range chicken ragu might be
served alongside gemelli with sage and br own butter. Entrees include halibut M ilanese
with lemon-herb br eadcrumbs; braised por k shank with white beans and bacon; or
chicken Mario, a simple chicken br east perfectly seared with butter and oliv e oil. If you
want to keep things simple with drinks, ask for the “J ust B ring Me Wine” pr ogram,
which matches a glass of wine to each course at thr ee different price lev els (the most
affordable level, $15, is a great deal). They'll bring you unlimited helpings of everything
except the entr ees, so come with an appetite. The kids' menu is adequate but nonde-
script, with hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and pasta with marinara sauce. L unch
follows the same format, but there are fewer antipasti, and the entrees include salads and
panini.
620 N. Stat e St. (at Ontario St.).
&
312/642-8450.
w ww.leye.com. K ids' menu , highchairs , boost ers.
Reservations recommended. Set price $36 per person dinner, $20 lunch; kids' menu $8. AE, DC, DISC, MC,
V. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm; M on-Thurs 5-10pm; F ri-Sat 5-11pm; Sun 4-8:30pm (bar open lat er). Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Grand.
Reza's
Value
MIDDLE EASTERN Whether your kids ar e already avid eaters
of Middle Eastern food or you want to start exposing them to it, Reza's is a good option.
With high ceilings and exposed brick, this warm and family-friendly restaurant is housed
in a former micr obrewery. Specialties include a deliciously rich chicken in pomegranate
sauce, and kids might go for one of a v ariety of kebabs. D espite the menu's meat-heavy
emphasis, there's a full selection of vegetarian options, too. The appetizer combo is a nice
option for families; it includes hummus, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and other stand-
bys nicely presented in a red lacquer bento box. Reza's has another location in Anderson-
ville, at 5255 N. Clar k St. (
&
773/561-1898
), but the Riv er North spot is the most
convenient for visitors staying downtown.
432 W. Ontario St. (at Orleans St.).
&
312/664-4500.
Highchairs, boosters. Main courses $9.95-$17. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Sat 11am-midnight. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
5
Scoozi
ITALIAN Families should plan to visit Scoozi on Sunday evening, when the
restaurant gives kids “make your own pizza” time fr om 4 to 5pm (fr ee for childr en 11
and under). Chefs show kids how to make a pizza, then pop them in the wood-burning
oven. Kids dine on their culinary masterworks, and you get a nice stretch of “adult time”
at the table while your little chefs are at work.
Scoozi's sprawling loft space has been its home since 1986, the y ear it opened and
began serving up authentic I talian cooking—a r eal pioneering effor t at the time, com-
plete with focaccia in its br eadbaskets. Scoozi's menu is no longer unique, but Chicago-
ans r eturn for its r eliable lineup of I talian flav ors. A ppetizers include an antipasti bar
(favorites are orzo with shrimp and wood-roasted mushrooms); deep-fried calamari with
basil, aioli, and arrabbiata sauce (a spicy tomato sauce); or small pizzas, such as one
smothered with garlic spinach, o ven-roasted tomatoes, and goat cheese. M ain courses
