Where Shall We Eat?

Munchin’ and Musing

When I eat out, I consider a number of things: menu, ambiance, location, hours/days, seating, parking, service, my guests’ preferences. I seldom get the whole package. But I come near. Most often, I select one of the places shown below, depending on what I’ve a hankerin’ for at the time.

Let’s Eat Out

I’ve a list as long as my arm of places I want to try—or try again. Yes, after a two-year hiatus, I have a lot of catchup on my plate (pun intended). Sadly, there’s only three meals in a day and I’d do well to reduce that to two. Hmm . . . maybe two and a half.

When my friend, Beth, was in town recently, we had a leisurely side walk lunch in The Loop.

Dining Decisions

When discussing the “Where shall we eat?” question, you, undoubtedly, have a number of choices you rotate among. One size may fit all in some clothing, but no restaurant fits every taste and budget. Restaurant selections are very personal. That’s why there’re so many of them.

So here’s where I show up most often, depending on my food mood:

Type of Restaurant/Name

Memory Lane; Fountain on Locust; Crown Candy
Asian Fusion: Akar, iNDO, Mai Lee, Lona’s Li’l Eats, Saigon Cafe
Sushi: Nippon Tei (moving to The Hill this fall with new name: Sado)
Street Side Cozy: Fork & Stix, Winslow’s
European: Brasserie, The Crossing, Balkan Treat Box, Cafe Provencal, YaYas Euro Bistro, Peppe’s Apt. 2; Benevolent King, Louie; Scottish Arms, Acero
Noodles: Nudo House, Corner 17
Burger: 5-Star
Seafood: Oceana
Greek: Katerina’s
Mom and Pop: Banh Mi So #1
Down Home: Piccadilly on Manhattan, Southwest Diner
Outdoor Chic: Olio, Bishop’s Post, Seven
Upscale Chain: Brio
Deli: Pickles, Gioia’s, Blues City; Mom’s
Latin: Wheat & Maize; Havana Cafe
Cajun: Broadway Oyster Bar
BBQ: Pappy’s Smokehouse
Vegetables Forward: Vicia
The Hill: Anthonino’s Taverna, Zia
Treat for Guests: Tony’s
Fun with Chopsticks: Soup Dumpling
An Island Evening: Yellowbellyilp
Southern Living: Grace Meat+Three