Restaurant Reviews

Italian, Restaurant Reviews

Ugo’s Review: Casual Vibe, Remarkable Italian Flavors

Ugo’s, an Italian neighborhood gem of Logan Square is set to close its doors to the public on Sunday, March 18th after being open for 2.5 years. Ugo’s is located on 2833 W. Armitage Avenue and is a cozy, casual Italian spot serving delicious, yet affordable Italian fare.  It’s often overlooked by Osteria Langhe across the street.  And while Osteria Langhe is quite delicious, it is also quite expensive so Ugo’s is more of the down to earth, neighborhood Italian spot where you don’t have to pay an extravagant amount of money to have a delicious meal.  

Coffee/Tea Shop Reviews, French, Restaurant Reviews

La Boulangerie Review: Get Your Crepe On

La Boulangerie is a small, cozy and modern looking Parisian boulangerie with a wide assortment of traditional French pastries, breads, coffee, and tea.  They also have some substantial lunch items like sandwiches and savory crepes.  I am a big fan of savory crepes and and while they weren’t on the menu at this specific location they let us customize the crepe to our liking.  

Fusion, Restaurant Reviews

Proxi Review: Eclectic, Global Street Food in a Rustic Warehouse

Proxi represents the best of fine, creative, and adventurous cuisine in Chicago.  Their concept is eclectic twists on global street food served tapas style in an open, beautiful, and modern dining environment.  I love how open this restaurant is without it feeling overwhelming and chain-like.  High-ceilings, chic lighting, and a rustic decor create a refined, but not stuffy ambience.  Over-sized leather booths and brass mirrors give it a funky, yet sophisticated feel.  It was a special occasion so we were seated at the Chef’s Table with a lovely view of the chefs and all of the live action in the kitchen.  

Chinese, Restaurant Reviews

Imperial La Mian Review: Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Hand-pulled Noodles and Fresh Dim Sum

I had been wanting to try Imperial La Mian for quite awhile as I’ve seen it recommended in food blogs but was reticent as it’s located in River North and I don’t really enjoy River North vibes.  I am willing to brave River North for delicious food though.  Upon walking in you are greeted by the hosts and there are two separate areas, one is kind of separated from the rest of the restaurant with brighter lighting and families (didn’t want to sit there) and another area is more open, dimly lit, and by the bar (much better choice).  It was a busy Saturday night and we had reservations so we were sat down almost immediately, which I appreciated.

French, Restaurant Reviews

Mon Ami Gabi Review: A Warm Journey to Paris

Mon Ami Gabi is a classic Parisian style Bistro, it is upscale, but not stuffy.  You walk in and are taken by the charm and ambience of a bistro in Paris with their dark wood pillars and accents interspersed with little chalkboards that have seafood specials written in French.  The tan/beige wall color with the darker wood and larger windows provided that cozy, French ambience.  The lighting is dim making it a perfect space for an intimate friend dinner or romantic date.

Best of Chicago, Indian, Restaurant Reviews

The Spice Room Review: A Complex and Dynamic Bite of India

Spice Room finally graced the Logan Square restaurant scene in the spring of 2016.  It’s a small, quaint restaurant with club music, pretty decorations and lights, and a very attentive staff.  The service is consistently friendly, quick, and on top of things.  The older gentleman is always excellent with those water refills, which is necessary if you are sensitive to spice.  

New American, Restaurant Reviews

Bite Cafe Review: A No Frills, Authentic Dining Experience with True Vegetarian Options

Bite is one of my favorite brunch and dinner spots.  I love everything about the ambience here.  It’s easygoing, unpretentious, and the servers aren’t too cool to give you decent service.  I always enjoy the music as its eclectic and unpredictable, but at times very familiar.  The other night they were playing my favorite Cursive songs that brought me back twelve years ago.