By Susan Fong
You and that special someone do not even have to leave the neighborhood for a Valentine?s Day treat. The following local restaurants, bars, and food establishments are ready to make Feb. 14 or any other day a get-together to remember.
DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS
Bake for Me! 4305 S. Halsted St. (773) 624-9900, and 321 N. Clark St., (312) 644-7750, www.bakeforme.com. Hours at both sites: Mon. through Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both are closed on Sunday. Bake for Me! has become an area favorite for cakes, breakfast, and lunch. Cakes are its specialty. Started in 1993, this bakery has grown to include several different retail store locations.
Whatever the occasion, custom cakes offer many choices of layers, fillings, frosting, icing, and sizes. There are great offerings for special occasions like weddings. Assistance with a Bake for Me! wedding cake is available, with a specialist on site. Bake for Me offers seasonally appropriate monthly special cakes, along with myriad hand-made pastries and cookies, perfected with only the finest ingredients. Check for Bake for Me?s Valentine specialties. Catering service includes breakfast, lunch, dessert, and snack trays.
Chicago Curry House introduces diners to a variety of tastes from Nepal and India.
Ferrara Bakery, 2210 W. Taylor St, (312) 666-2200, www.ferrarabakery.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Since its founding in 1908, The ?Original? Ferrara Inc. has featured the highest quality of cannoli, pastries, wedding cakes, cookies, and cakes for all occasions.Third-generation Ferrara?s family members continue to proudly carry on the traditions set in place by founders Salvatore and Serafina Ferrara. A wide variety of authentic Italian pastries, coming in full size and miniature, make for wonderful wedding sweet tables as well as all other occasions. Ferrara Bakery also offers a full service espresso bar and an extensive selection of items for luncheon, take-out, and catering. Luncheon is offered Monday through Friday, while catering is offered seven days a week. Selections include pasta, salad, sandwiches and pizza.
DINING
Bruna?s Ristorante, 2424 S. Oakley Ave. (773) 254-5550, info@brunasristorante.com, www.brunas2424@
yahoo.com. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. 1 to 10 p.m. Bruna?s Ristorante is the third-oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago, opened in 1933 and bought by Luciano Silvestri, a native of Siena, Italy. Bruna?s Ristorante concentrates on central and northern Italian cuisine and incorporates many Silvestri family favorites.
Frequent trips back to Italy also provide many new dishes on Bruna?s menu. Among the selections are a wide assortment of pasta dishes, veal, and more. Bruna?s Ristorante is well-known for its tiramisu, considered one of the best in the city. Bruna?s Ristorante also is well-known for its extensive wine list, composed mainly of Italian wines and various California selections. Bruna?s serves Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine by the glass or bottle; the restaurant imports this selection directly from Italy.
Sara and Bill Roberts invite you to Coffee Alley for a drink to warm your heart.
Calabruzzi?s Caf?, 3304 S. Halsted St., (773) 247-9999, fax (773) 376-5414, calabruzziscafe@gmail.com, www.calabruzziscafe.com; Calabruzzi?s can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Calabruzzi?s is open Sun. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The restaurant is closed on Monday. The family comes from the Calabria and Abruzzi regions of Italy. This family owned restaurant features specialties from central and southern Italy, specifically the family?s native areas.Its menu includes items from pizzas to seafood, homemade pastas to chicken, vegetarian selections, and panini. Weekend specials are varied and seasonal. There is a delectable selection of desserts. The full bar features wines, beers, and a full range of cocktails. Calabruzzi?s provides carry out, delivery, and catering. There is free parking in the rear of the restaurant. Mention the ad in the Gazette to receive your Valentine?s heart-shaped pizza (16-inch) with one topping for $11.99 plus tax, or 10% off of your dine-in dinners in February.
Chicago Curry House, 899 S. Plymouth Ct., (312) 362-9999, fax (312) 362-0799, www.curryhouseonline.com. Open every day including holidays. Hours: Luncheon buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 3 to 10 p.m. Zagat rated Chicago Curry House introduces diners to a variety of tastes from Nepal and India. There is an all-you-can-eat brunch/buffet every day. The menu recipes are authentic, simple, natural, and low fat. Favorite entrees include specialty dinners under $18 such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori lamb, and other tandoori entrees, as well as a variety of breads including a cheese naan. Got a taste for sweets? Try Chicago Curry House?s extensive dessert menu featuring items such as gullab jammune (fried milk pastry dumplings in saffron syrup, served hot) and rassmalai (flat, round cottage cheese poached in milk and garnished with pistachios).
The restaurant is the perfect place for romantic dining. Chicago Curry House offers a party service, a full bar, carry out and delivery service, and catering. On Thurs., March 1, Chicago Curry House will open its newest Nepalese restaurant at 1301 S. Michigan. Ave.; name to be announced.
The Coffee Alley, 1152 W. Taylor St., (773) 663-4650, www.thecoffeealley.com. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Opened in December 2012, The Coffee Alley was conceived by Sara and Bill Roberts. With a street alley d?cor situated in an 1887 building, the owner wanted to establish a haven for the University of Illinois at Chicago/Taylor Street community that would blend with the historic values of Little Italy.
The menu includes a selection of specialty coffee drinks, dark roasted with a smooth flavor, originating from Colombe in Philadelphia, There also is a selection of pastries and hand-crafted paninis and Royal pot pies. The paninis are specially created by Sara, who is known in her homeland of Venezuela for the restaurant quality she provides One of The Coffee Alley?s favorites is the ?Chicago Fire,? which features prosciutto, mozzarella, and fresh tomato and pesto sauce. Live entertainment is offered on most Saturday nights, and there are planned open microphone and poetry slam nights. Wi-fi also provided.
Enjoy a delicious heart-shaped pizza or the many pasta and entree selections at Connie?s Pizza.
Connie?s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 326-3443, www.conniespizza.com. Follow Connie?s on Facebook and Twitter for coupons and specials. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. and Mon. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ?Pizza is just the beginning!? is the slogan at Connie?s Pizza. Since 1963, Connie?s has feted Chicago with a selection of pizzas, Italian entrees, salads, and sandwiches.Connie?s Pizza excels in catering packages for social gatherings including holidays, weddings, and corporate luncheons and dinners for any size or any occasion. Customers can create packages selected from the preset catering menu, or choose to create their own combinations. The restaurant?s main dining room at the Archer Avenue location seats over 400 persons, with two private dining rooms seating 250 and 150 people. Additionally, there is a new bar area with flat-screen televisions to follow events and sports. Pickup, delivery, online ordering, and dine in accommodations all are available at Connie?s Pizza. Parking is free, and there is shuttle service to various events and conventions.
Conte di Savoia Inc., 1438 W. Taylor St., (312) 666-3471, fax (312) 666-3386. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Conte di Savoia West (second location), 2227 W. Taylor St., (312) 666-4335, Mon. through Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, log on to www.contedisavoia.com, or follow on Facebook. Since 1948, Conte di Savoia has served as a European-style specialty market. Conte?s assortments of deli meat, cheese, olives, and salads are unsurpassed. It has garnered an outstanding reputation for its custom made sandwiches and subs. Customers also can purchase fresh homemade pastas and Italian sausages.
Conte also has a very extensive vintage and Italian regional wine selection, olive oil choices, gourmet Italian foods, frozen Italian sauces, Italian coffee, imported chocolates, candies, cookies, biscotti, imported cakes, and other hard-to-find specialty items. Sandwiches and prepared foods such as lasagna are available.
Damenzo?s Banquets, 741 S. Western Ave., (312) 421-5065, www.damenzospizza.com. For more than 25 years, personal and corporate events and parties have been a ?cut above? when celebrated at Damenzo?s Banquets. The venue on Western Avenue accommodates up to 175 persons for lunches, dinners, and receptions. Southern Italian menu items as at Damenzo?s Pizza and Restaurant (see below) are offered to banquet hosts and hostesses as choices. Damenzo?s Banquets has earned a reputation for its reasonable prices. The cocktails and passed hors d?oeuvres (choice of four from a list of seven) package can include either a bar with beers, wines, and well drinks, or a premium- brands and bottlebeer bar package. The family-style menu is offered as table service or buffet. Banquet offerings include a choice from among nine items as an appetizer for lunch, and two choices for dinner. Call to discover their course options. Specialty, individually- plated main courses are also available.
Damenzo?s Pizza & Restaurant, 2324 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-1142, www.damenzospizza.com. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to midnight. Since 1985, Damenzo?s has grown considerably in regional recognition. People come from all over to try the huge slices of pizza, pizza puffs (calzones), and Italian beef sandwiches that are staple menu items. Damenzo?s has recently expanded its menu to include a variety of deli menu items, including sandwiches made with a choice of panini, focaccia, and ciabatta breads. Also at Damenzo?s is an assortment of salads and made-toorder fresh pasta dishes. Beyond the myriad choices of pizza?regular, pan, and stuffed with a wide variety of topping choices?is an extensive lunch and dinner menu featuring Southern Italian cuisine.
Stop by The Drum & Monkey for a Valentine?s Day celebration. The bar evokes the friendly tradition of its Glasgow namesake.
DePasada Restaurant, 1517 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-6441, fax (312) 243-6277. Hours: Sun. through Thurs 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 7 a.m. to midnight. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. DePasada is a family-owned and run restaurant with a home-friendly ambience and staff. DePasada Restaurant opened its first location at 1108 N. Ashland Ave. more than 35 years ago and its Taylor Street-University of Illinois at Chicago location more than 12 years ago ? both are neighborhood favorites. With long-held family recipes, DePasada is well-known for its charcoal broiled steak and chile rellenos.Favorite vegetarian items include delicious tacos, burritos, and tostadas. For dessert, don?t forget to try the flan and tres leches cake (three milk cake). Accompany your meal with a Mexican drink, such as Jarritos or Mexican Coke. Atmosphere in this restaurant will make you feel at home. Deliveries are made after 2 p.m.
The Drum & Monkey, 1435 W. Taylor St., (312) 563-1874, thedrumandmonkey.com. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11a.m to 2 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. The Drum & Monkey evokes the friendly tradition of its Glasgow namesake in Scotland. The location also is used as a set for the television show Chicago Fire. Check out Drum & Monkey?s daily food and drink specials. Favorites include Friday all-you-can eat fish and chips, and Reuben and pork cutlet sandwiches. Appetizer and happy hour from 4-to-6 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Drum & Monkey offers a wide beer selection that includes craft domestic, European, and Irish favorites.
Specials include a ?mini trio dealer?s choice? of a cheeseburger, pulled pork, and buffalo chicken with fries for $7. Chili made with Guinness is $5. The atmosphere s eclectic, with Tuesday karaoke nights and Thursday ?college night..? Look for the shuffleboard and free Wi-fi. All are welcome.
Eppel?s Restaurant, 554 W Roosevelt Rd, (312) 922-2206 or (312) 922-6118, fax (312) 596-1202, www.eppelsrestaurant.com. Hours: Mon. through Sun. 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Originally located on the old Maxwell Street, Eppel?s Restaurant remains for many of its breakfast and lunch patrons a wonderful recollection of the old Maxwell Street Market days. Eppel?s currently is located in the Roosevelt Road shopping district between Canal and Desplaines Streets. Known for its ham-off-the bone and catfish choices, the restaurant?s menu offers still offers an amazing selection of breakfast items such as eggs with meat, breakfast steaks and chops, eggs Benedict, omelets, breakfast skillets, panini, pancakes, waffles, French toast, bagels, croissants, biscuits and gravy, and more. Heartier selections include seafood, steak, and chop entrees served with sides including Eppel?s signature soups.
Other choices include meat, fish, and vegetarian burgers, and a jumbo hot dog. There are also fruits, juice, pies, ice cream, and American and specialty coffees. Carryout orders also are available.
Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St., (312) 226-9529, fax (312) 226-0633. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the Palace Grill can be seen famous people from all walks of life, from former Mayor Richard M. Daley, to Channel 7?s Ryan Chiaverini, to members of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Palace Grill has been a West Loop fixture since 1938. Named ?Best breakfast restaurant in Chicago,? by the Chicago Sun-Times, Palace Grill serves fresh, homemade selections ? from bacon and eggs to omelets and hash browns for breakfast. For lunch, Palace Grill offers hearty homemade soups and salads. Lunch fare also includes a fresh spring mix salad and Cobb or Greek salads in addition to sandwiches. Check out their specials throughout the day. Whether heading to a game or looking for a great eating, the Palace Grill is the place for friends and family alike. Beer, wine, and champagne also are available.
Savor the authentic Mexican cuisine at Pancho Pistolas and enjoy a Margarita along the way.
Pancho Pistolas, 700 W. 31st St., (312) 225-8808. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Authentic Mexican cuisine is featured at Pancho Pistolas, including a wide selection of appetizers, lunch, and dinner including Mexican specialties such as enchiladas suiza, flautas, chile rellenos, burritos, tacos, tortas, tostadas, and seafood. Everything is home made from original recipes. Pancho Pistolas has a full bar, with margaritas as one of the most popular choices. Carry out and delivery are offered. Major credit cards are accepted.Pompei on Taylor, 1531 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5179, www.pompeiUSA.com, follow on Facebook and Twitter. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pompei has an additional location that features table service at 8801 W. 143rd St., Orland Park (708) 403-8900. Corporate office at (708) 442-8884.
Founded by Luigi Davino in 1909, Pompei on Taylor St. now is a third generation family business offering a comprehensive selection of hot, gourmet-quality Italian dishes. The 225-seat eatery accommodates up to 90 people in its private party areas. Most popular at Pompei are its pizza with various toppings and the ?pizza strudel??an original creation. Myriad other choices include pastas, salads, daily specials, and
fresh bread and homemade desserts. Pompei offers express catering for delivery or pickup. Ask about Pompei?s corporate fundraising and sponsorship programs.
Salerno?s Restaurant, 1201 W. Grand Ave., (312) 666-3444, fax (312) 666-5158. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. noon to 10 p.m. Salerno?s other locations are in Oak Park and
Bolingbrook, and Michael Salerno?s is in Glenview. Salerno?s was founded in 1966. The location on Grand Ave. features appetizers, thin- and thick-crust pizza, a wide selection of pasta dishes, veal, chicken, seafood, and southern Italian specialties including eggplant parmigiana and Giambotta Calabrese ? a stew-like entr?e with sausage, boneless chicken, and pork loin in a light red sauce.
Extensive selections of salads, soups, sandwiches, and sides also are featured. Among the many homemade desserts are homemade gelato, tiramisu, and cannoli. Private dining rooms are offered at Salerno?s Chicago and Oak Park locations, seating from 20 up to 75 persons. Catering also is available. Salerno?s also delivers. Parking is free.
Stax Caf?, 1401 W. Taylor St., (312) 733-9871 fax (312) 733-9872, www.staxcafe.com, Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Recommended by the Michelin Guide and a 2012 and 2013 honoree by the Local Eats guide, Stax Caf? stands by its motto: ?Real breakfast done right.? This restaurant also has been rated as one of the best for food and service quality by Chicago Best Restaurant guides on the internet. Breakfast is always served, and lunch items are developed from the breakfast selection profile. All items are classically and simply prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients.
All egg choices include five different kinds of homemade bread, and even the presentation varies from the conventional. There also is a strong juice culture at Stax?only fresh-squeezed juices are served. Intelligentsia coffee is provided, with free refills. Specialty espresso-based coffee selections also are available. On weekdays, guests are welcome to linger.
Sweet Maple Caf?, 1339 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-8908, www.sweetmaplecafe.com, follow on Facebook. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., open daily except for Christmas Day, New Year?s Day, and ther major holidays. Offering a 1940s-era ambience, Sweet Maple Caf? is one of Chicago?s favorite restaurants for breakfast and lunch, with breakfast specialties during all hours the restaurant is open. All selections are created the old-fashioned quality way, including delectable sweet milk biscuits and ?notso- plain? buttermilk pancakes with pure Vermont maple syrup. Look for a range of eggs and egg white specialties, such as corned beef hash, chorizo and egg tacos, daybreak sandwiches, omelets, home fries with savory extras, and fish and eggs, featuring catfish nuggets served on Fridays exclusively.
For lunch, Sweet Maple offers homemade soups, build-your-own salads with a choice of vegetables, and meat items. The restaurant offers extensive sandwich choices with and without meat. You can choose to dine-in (with complimentary parking) or take food out. Catering and gift cards are available.
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