DANK North Chicago Spring Festival Dance
On Saturday, April 16, DANK North will be chasing the winter demons away with a Spring Party featuring the famous Paloma German Band. The price of admission is only $10, and babysitting will be available. No excuses now! Delicious German/ American food and all sorts of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available to purchase. This event, from 6 p.m. to midnight, will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the fifth floor of the historic DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Free parking is available just north of the building in the Corus Bank Lot. This family-friendly event will benefit the DANK North German language school program. Dressing in traditional attire is not only welcomed but also encouraged.
DANK Chicago North (the largest chapter of the largest German-American Organization in America) is a benevolent non-profit German-American Organization. Its purpose is to preserve the German culture, traditions, and language. Membership is open to anyone wishing to join, and the group draws members from all over the Chicago area. The DANK Haus has been serving German hospitality (Gemütlichkeit) for over 45 years.
For more information, visit dank.org or contact DANK Secretary Bill Taney at (773) 561-9181 or bill@taney.net.
Uno Di Martino hosts grand opening
An exciting new Italian restaurant has found a home in Lincoln Square. Uno Di Martino opened its doors to the public a few weeks ago and plans to have a Grand Opening Party for its neighbors on Saturday, March 12, from 4 pm to 11 pm. With food prepared by experienced chefs (brothers Chef Martin Ontiveros and Chef Geronimo Ontiveros) this new addition to the area promises a fine dining experience. Stop by Saturday to sample their tasty Italian food and welcome them to the neighborhood. Uno Di Martino is located at 2122 W. Lawrence Ave. and can be reached at 773-878-0695 or 773-878-1326.
Indulge at O'Brien's
Step into Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood at O'Brien's. Step into the main dining room and enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood, chicken, veal and pasta entrees. Free valet parking, cigar friendly piano bar and private rooms for your celebration await you. It's open daily at 11 a.m., with a Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended; visit obriensrestaurant.com. O'Brien's Restaurant is located at 1528 N. Wells St., (312) 787-3131.
More than pizza
Pat's Pizzeria offers delicious thin-crust pizza, pasta, seafood, vegetarian entrées and more. Outdoor dining is available. Take out, dine in or delivery—you'll enjoy it no matter how you get it. Parking is free. Pat's Pizzeria is located at 3114 N. Sheffield Ave., (773) 248-0168.
Simply sumptuous, sophisticated
Find an elegant yet cozy ambiance in the heart of trendy Roscoe Village. Piazza Bella's menu offers sumptuous Old World favorites with a light, sophisticated touch. Try the Lasagna Della Nonna, Pollo Parmigiana or Fettucine Alla Nettuno (with clams, shrimp, mussels and scallops). You'll love the gourmet pizza and panini. The hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Delivery is available. Piazza Bella Trattoria is located at 2116 W. Roscoe St., (773) 477-7330.
Prego for pleasure in dining
Lincoln Park's newest taste of Italy has opened. Qualita vita is quality of life and Buon cibo means good food, and both are available in great abundance. Ask for a table on the patio this summer for dining under the stars. Prego is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday until 11 p.m. and Sunday until 9 p.m. Call for reservations. Prego Un Ristorante Italiano is located at 2901 N. Ashland Ave., (773) 472-9190.
Ranalli's Up North: Fast, hot, delicious
Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, ribs and much, much more make this Ravenswood area family restaurant unbeatable at satisfying any cravings you might have. Cozy dine-in, prompt pick-up, hot fast delivery and quality custom catering are all available. And don't miss the outdoor patio! Ranalli's Up North brings all the downtown quality and service you've come to expect from Ranalli's to your neighborhood! Ranalli's Up North is located at 1522 W. Montrose Ave., (773) 506-8800.
Authentic English pub
Red Lion Pub, Chicago's only authentic English pub, is an Anglophile's delight with lots of memorabilia and a real London phone booth. Come for conversation, stay for the food... it's good! It's convenient to theater, movies, readings and special events. Try Twilight Tales on Monday night, when local authors read their works of various genres: science fiction, mystery, romance and western. Red Lion Pub is located at 2446 N. Lincoln Ave., (773) 348-2695.
Rustic Southern Italian foods
To recreate the relaxed way of life and foods of Calabria, Via Carducci offers typical rustic Southern Italian foods, considered one of the best diets in the world with plenty of natural ingredients. Everything's fresh! Enjoy regional Italian wines that complement the cuisine of Southern Italy. Dine in, carry out or ask for delivery. Via Carducci is located at 1419 W. Fullerton Ave., (773) 665-1981.
La Donna: Delicious
Are you looking for authentic Italian cuisine? Do you love downtown’s atmosphere, but prefer to do without the downtown prices? Try La Donna Italian Cuisine, located at 5146 N. Clark in Andersonville. Exceptional service combined with delicious food and a sizable wine and drink menu make La Donna a must visit for Italian food lovers.
This Zagat rated establishment is known for its spectacular presentation. Vegetarian dishes are available, but for the meat lovers out there the Petto di Pollo Ripieno and the Scalappini alla Genovese are essential dishes to try. And then comes dessert… A meal at La Donna isn’t complete without trying one (or more!) of their delectable desserts.
La Donna offers a "buy one get one free entrée" coupon available in this section of Inside Publications, and proudly serves a Saturday and Sunday brunch as well as early bird and fixed dinner menus. Ask about the specials on weekdays. Diet- and vegetarian-friendly, La Donna offers valet service on weekends and has private party rooms available. For more information, call (773) 561-9400 or visit ladonnaitaly.com.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
For over 23 years Andies Restaurant has served customers with its unique meals and distinctive style. Three and a half years ago Andies, located at 5253 N. Clark St., expanded from its storefront operation to a large, airy eatery with seating for any size group. The high demand for its delicious Mediterranean food helped propel Andies into its new home where it accommodates vegetarians and meat lovers alike with its extensive menu. Combining Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, Moroccan and other eastern Mediterranean influences, Andies offers a delicious dining experience at an affordable price.
Although the atmosphere of the restaurant is wonderful, it is the food that really deserves praise. Health is first and foremost at Andies. A wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and seafood dishes as well as a vast selection of chicken and meat dishes provide a menu that can satisfy anyone.
At this Andersonville favorite, the servers are attentive and the prices are fair. Open for lunch and dinner, this Zagat award winning restaurant is worth trying. Catering is also an option.
The hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Brunch on Saturday or Sunday runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $14.95. For reservations, call (773) 784-8616.
For more information, log on to andiesres.com. Visit Andies on Clark or its sister restaurant at 1467 W. Montrose Ave.
Celtic Crown offers a bit of Ireland
Dine in or carry out at this new Irish public house. It delivers "a bit of Ireland" from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. daily. Enjoy a nice variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees and sandwiches, with daily specials. It offers TV sports, pool, darts, live music; the kitchen is open late. Celtic Crown is located at 4301 N. Western Ave.; call (773) 588-1110.
Find artisanal cheeses at The Cheese Stands Alone
Founded by Matt and Sarah Parker, this shop offers familiar cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella and provolone as well as more exotic varieties such as Cabrales, Chimay and Epoisses. "We want everyone to come in, and to not be intimidated," says Matt. The 100 varieties include artisanal cheeses from North America, as well as imported cheeses from Europe and around the world.
In addition, customers can pick up gourmet crackers or fresh bread, pate, hummus, mustard, olives and fresh mayonnaise. Cooks will appreciate the imported pastas, fresh sauces and a line of Scottish soups from Baxter. Try the signature collection of about 10 to 15 varieties of Belgian style chocolates, all handmade by Sarah.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m., closed Monday. The Cheese Stands Alone is located at 4547 N. Western Ave.; call (773) 293-3870.
'Total quality' at Golden Nugget
It's a clean, attractive restaurant in a very convenient location. But that's not why the customers keep coming to Golden Nugget, 1765 W. Lawrence Ave. The big draw is the satisfying food.
"Practically everything is homemade," said Cathy Guzman, who manages the restaurant. "No pancakes can beat ours. We have fresh homemade soup daily. We make our own al fredo sauce, and spaghetti sauce, and chili, and salsa." The cooks use the best ingredients for the meals as well. Only Certified Angus Beef products—fresh, not frozen—are used, even for hamburgers. You'll find real butter, premium orange juice, grade AA extra large eggs, and 100 percent Colombian coffee instead of a blend. The fruit is fresh, not canned or frozen.
The entire menu is served 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The location next to the Metra platform at Ravenswood and Lawrence avenues is perfect for people who ride the trains or buses; they can enjoy breakfast before work or stop in for a meal afterwards. Many appreciate the full carry-out menu that enables them to bring a real dinner home with no hassle.
Golden Nugget, 1765 W. Lawrence Ave., is open 24 hours a day, serving the entire menu. (Italian style spaghetti at 7 a.m., a breakfast burrito at midnight? No problem.) The phone number is (773) 769-6700.
Boxcar café old-fashioned, cozy
In the heart of Lincoln Park is the BoxCar café, with trains that transport ice cream and other yummies directly to your table. "We wanted to start a place that was fun and had personality," said owner Daniel Cowing. "We had a three-year-old child, and every time we went out for coffee, he would go crazy after about 20 seconds because there was nothing to keep him interested." This place is different. "We have model trains delivering smoothies and ice cream...right to the table. It is really set up like an old-fashioned shop, and is a very cozy place." Trains run along the ceiling and in the window. Draw on the floors or walls with chalk, or play with toys and games for all levels.
BoxCar café offers delicious sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, breakfast pastries, beverages, smoothies, muffins, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, the Caboose Menu for Kids, and a 10 percent discount for students and seniors. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The BoxCar café is located at 723 W. Wrightwood Ave.; call (773) 325-9560. |
