FDCH December 2011 : Page 28
dining Shopper’s Delight Holiday shopping is hard work. Reward yourself at these restaurants. BY BARBARA REVSinE A good meal is a sure cure for shoppers fatigue, so check out the following when your spirits need reviving. The Loop has its mojo back, and the restaurant scene is booming. TONI PATISSERIE & CAFÉ (65 E. Washington St., 312.726.2020), a charming French-style newcomer with marble-topped tables and picture-perfect pastries, does croissants and ham-filled biscuits for breakfast, salade Niçoise and baguette sandwiches for lunch and early evening, and quiche Lorraine from start to close. Diners interested in good food that’s also good for you have made the four-venue-and-growing PROTEIN BAR (235 S. Franklin St., 312.346.7300; 352 N. Clark St., 312.527.0450; 221 W. Washington St., 312.265.0532; 10 S. Clinton St., 312.612.5445) a local phenomenon. Vegetarian versions of virtually all of the salads, quinoa-based bowls, and wrap-style “bar-ritos” are readily available, along with vegan and gluten-free adaptations whenever possible. 28 FrontDesk / December 2011
Shopper's Delight
Barbara Revsine
Holiday shopping is hard work. Reward yourself at these restaurants.<br /> <br /> A good meal is a sure cure for shoppers fatigue, so check out the following when your spirits need reviving.<br /> <br /> The Loop has its mojo back, and the restaurant scene is booming. TONI PATISSERIE & CAFÉ (65 E. Washington St., 312.726.2020), a charming French-style newcomer with marble-topped tables and picture-perfect pastries, does croissants and ham-filled biscuits for breakfast, salade Niçoise and baguette sandwiches for lunch and early evening, and quiche Lorraine from start to close.<br /> <br /> Diners interested in good food that’s also good for you have made the four-venue-and-growing PROTEIN BAR (235 S. Franklin St., 312.346.7300; 352 N. Clark St., 312.527.0450; 221 W. Washington St., 312.265.0532; 10 S. Clinton St., 312.612.5445) a local phenomenon. Vegetarian versions of virtually all of the salads, quinoa-based bowls, and wrap-style “bar-ritos” are readily available, along with vegan and gluten-free adaptations whenever possible.<br /> <br /> Crowds are the norm on North Michigan Avenue, where the shopper-friendly restaurants are as busy as the stores. THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY (909 N. Michigan Ave., 312.255.9009) partners a sophisticated steakhouse ambience with impeccable service and eclectic menus. Expect prime steaks, chops and seafood at dinner, along with chicken pot pie and burgers.<br /> <br /> At PIERROT GOURMET (108 E. Superior St., 312.573.6749), the day begins with croissants and frittatas and ends with truffle glazed meatloaf and shepherd’s pie. The restaurant is run by the adjacent Peninsula Chicago hotel, so everything from the service to the cappuccino and the pastries is first-rate.<br /> <br /> Lincoln Park’s restaurants cater to the same savvy clientele as its retailers. Perpetually popular CAFE BA-BA REEBA! (2024 N. Halsted St., 773.935.5000) introduced Chicagoans to tapas in 1985. Pinxtos, the mini-plates concept native to northern Spain, were added a few years ago, followed by the option of single-size servings of paella.<br /> <br /> Casual, cozy and BYOB, DAWALI MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN (1625 N. Halsted St., 312.944.5800) offers a good selection of Middle Eastern dishes, many of them vegetarian. Popular options like kabobs and hummus are featured, along with shawarma, salads and stews. Baklava accompanied by a cup of robust Arabic coffee is a great finish.<br /> <br /> Bucktown and Wicker Park are home to boutique shops and unique restaurants like BIG STAR (1531 N. Damen Ave., 773. 235.4039) and LILLIE’S Q (1856 W. North Ave., 773.772.5500). The first focuses on tacos, artisanal beers and whiskey while the second pairs authentic Southern fare with equally authentic Southern barbecue. Musts include Big Star’s pork shoulder taco and Lillie Q’s three-meat sampler partnered with cornbread and collard greens.
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