Try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2006

Why do I still have this item when it says “2006”? oops! lol.

3554 N. Clark St.

Went here for brunch over the weekend. Outstanding value—everything on the menu was $5, and it was worth the money. Great coffee, too.

3242 N. Clark St.

Neighborhood sushi joint. The nigiri was decent, but this place had the best California rolls I’ve ever had. I’d go back just for those rolls.

1655 W. Cortland St.

To be fair, I wasn’t sober when I ate here. I remember my pumpkin ravioli smelled of maple syrup. Maple syrup wasn’t a good idea on a 3-martini stomach…just sayin’. I may have to try Jane’s again to a get a better sense of the place.

633 N. St. Clair St.

It was a very Republican place to eat fish.

Posted the podcast episode for the Capital Grille:
http://www.chicagobites.com/2006/03/chicago_bites_07_capital_grill.htm

135 W. Madison St.

A friend wanted pancakes for dinner, so we popped in here. Convenient location and typical diner fare. It’s good that I found this place ‘cause the Cambridge Inn closing had me in a tailspin.

1 W. Washington Street
http://www.atwoodcafe.com/

Wow. Spectacular food in an incredible space. I had options from the prix fixe menu—> Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, and Dark Chocolate Soufflé Cake with peanut butter-fudge ice cream and warm fudge sauce. Yummmmmm!!!

4156 N. Kedzie
http://www.arunsthai.com/home.htm

Four-star Thai cuisine, in my neighborhood no less! I walked past this place a hundred times without seeing it. Spectacular layering of flavors, incredible presentation and excellent service! It’s a little pricey, but it was worth a trip.

My podcast about our Arun’s visit:
http://www.chicagobites.com/2006/03/chicago_bites_06_aruns.htm

3747 N. Southport Ave.

Excellent penne & vodka. Very reasonably priced.

3647 North Southport