MKT_2010

Overview:

Both the meal and the ambiance at the Green Zebra were above expectations! Having not only low lighting, but also position lights underneath small palm trees really gave the inside of this restaurant a very unique look. The fried brussel sprouts with balsamic vinegar were quite irresistible and are something I have been attempting to recreate in my own kitchen. The other comments are correct, you will not miss any sort of meat with a menu like this. The food creativity and flavors are out of this world! Even with the many thousands of restaurants in Chicago, this experience is a "must repeat!"

Special Dishes:

Squash Soup, Fried Brussel Sprouts

harrinca

Overview:

Angelina's is a cozy little spot--Unexpected as its nestled between a bar and a Jewel Osco. It has great, simple Italian food and excellent wines to choose from.

Special Dishes:

Eggplant Parm.

JeffHarms

Overview:

I was invited to dine at El with a good friend who writes for the food industry. I didnt really know what I was "in for". What transpired was a very pleasant surprise. Chef Foss, formerly of Lockwood and Meatyballs, was extremely cordial and welcomed all guests at the onset of the meal to his "dinner party". The dining room is simply a small sectioned off area of the kitchen. While we were there, 12 were in attendance. Everyone eats each course together and is free to get up and wander into the kitchen to watch the guys prepare.

The presentation of each course is stunning, clearly trained well in this area. We had a 13 course meal, and each course was reasonably sized to allow you to make it through! I wont go through each course, but I would say about 75% of the menu was amazing. The remaining 25% needs some work. Sometime flavors come together in ways I've never experienced (Everything Bagel) and other times it's overpowering and heavy handed. Dessert needs some attention, but again the presentation was amazing.... rose petal essence under a bowl of chocolate cake, raspberries and rose ice cream.

Everything is very casual, and it's byob. The server was great, and played background music from his own itunes collection, very fun.

Overall a fantastic experience! Foss is still working out the menu, and in a few months I cant wait to go back to see where it has gone! While the location is very obscure, it's worth the journey to try this different take on a restaurant.

Special Dishes:

chicken salad, everything bagel, char, scallop

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

Stacy Johnson

Overview:

Small, cash only pizza place. Menu changes regularly but good thin crust pizza. Pizzas are on the small side but tomato, basil, and mozzarella is only $10. Very good flavored sausage as well.

Special Dishes:

farm egg and sausage pizza, mozzarella basil and tomato pizza

Cassidy V

Overview:

I dare say that Sparks Steak House provided me with the best steak I've had throughout the 5 boroughs. I immediately ordered the Sliced Steak served with fresh mushrooms and bordelaise sauce. The meat was a large cut, and was cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of redness. I ended my meal with the Chocolate Truffle, which was rich and delicious.

I will definitely be returning to Sparks when I'm in the mood for a hardy steak!

Special Dishes:

Sliced Steak, Chocolate Truffle

Cassidy V

Overview:

If you are looking for affordable Indian food that is delicious and quick.. pick Ruchi. I visited Ruchi mid day and was delighted with the well seasoned curry and affordable pricing. I ordered the vegetarian thali lunch special, served with a platter of rice, curry, and two pieces of naan. I recommend Ruchi for anyone looking for spicy curry and fast service.

Special Dishes:

Vegetarian Lunch Special

Cassidy V

Overview:

The ambiance of the restaurant was romantic, candle lit tables, white cloth napkins, and soft music. I especially enjoyed the giraffe decorations covering the walls of the restaurant.

I began with the Tomato Tart, (fresh sprouts, sweet tomatoes, and cheese). My second course was the Loup de Mer, fresh fish with a flaky flesh. The sauce topped off the fish perfectly!

Even though the restaurant is fine dining, you are still allowed to dress casual.. after all it's Santa Monica!

Special Dishes:

Tomato Tart, Loup de Mer

Elizabeth

Overview:

As a Chicagoan, I definitely have my choice of where to eat pizza. I heard great things about Tony's and had to stop in and try!

We ordered the Margherita - which could've just been the best EVER. Tasty, perfectly crunchy and soft, just the way you would imagine it in heaven LOL.

We were seated near the brick oven so I watched them make lots of pizzas. They put the cheese shavings on first, then the toppings and the sauce is on top. The toppings don't fall off this way. Great job guys!

Special Dishes:

Margherita Pizza

Elizabeth

Overview:

Really enjoyed the cuban sandwich that I ordered here. Fresh bread, sauce was mild but tasty, and great quality meat. Their coffee is amazing, I ordered this first and sat outside with a few friends. Saw a few pups on the patio, which was also nice. I love when places allow you to bring your dog.

Everything they do is simple, plated nicely with a small side of tasty olives or pickles. The ingredients are extremely fresh, which is why I don't mind paying $11 for a sandwich.

Special Dishes:

Cuban sandwich, coffee

Elizabeth

Overview:

Came here on a Sunday night with a large group of restaurant/bar industry folk for a birthday. The staff was very accommodating as they created a table for 20+ by creating a large L out of the bar tables. We are a group that doesn't mind ordering everything and sharing it all, so needless to say we had a lot of food. Everything was great! I really enjoyed the cheese and charcuteri plate because that's my thing but I also remember really loving the pizza.

They have a large patio outside with picnic tables, which could be fun in the summer. We came in the winter so we weren't able to take advantage of the outside seating.

Keep in mind they are a rock bar, so don't expect anything on 96.3 to play here!

Will def. stop back soon if I'm in the neighborhood.

Special Dishes:

Cheese and Charcuteri, Pizza