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2009 Eat Out Awards
2009 Eat Out Awards Readers’ Choice Awards
Best Italian
MIA FRANCESCA
Other nominees Anteprima, Riccardo Trattoria, Spiaggia, RoSal’s, Terragusto
Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin never ate here; no one’s been whacked in the bathroom; and the first generation, led by chef-owner Scott Harris, still runs the joint. Precisely because Mia Francesca can’t rely on mythology and nostalgia like half the multigenerational family joints down in Little Italy, it can’t rest on serving dry chicken Vesuvio, waxy salami and factory-farmed produce. Instead, it serves up well-executed trattoria classics like zingy asparagus, blue cheese and tomato salad, and simple, airy gnocchi tossed with light marinara and a chiffonade of basil. All this in a warm, wood-trimmed dining room filled with sepia-toned modern photography and blissfully devoid of checkered tablecloths and cheesy Chianti-bottle candleholders. 3311 N Clark St, 773-281-3310.—Michael NagrantReaders’ Choice Awards: Best New Bar | Best Beer Bar | Best New Restaurant | Best New Middle Eastern | Best Brunch | Best Loop Lunch | Best Italian | Best New Frozen Yogurt | Best Thai | Best New Vegetarian | Best Tapas | Best Thin-Crust Pizza | Best Barbecue | Best Corner Tap | Best Burger Photo gallery | Readers’ Choice Awards | Critics’ Picks | Video from the ceremony
Time Out Chicago / Issue 215 : Apr 9–15, 2009
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CAFÉ BA-BA-REEBA is original? It may be the oldest but nothing is more Spanish than Cafe Iberico. My personal test of a real tapas joint: ask id they serve Pacharan, imported sloe berry liquor popular in Spain and rarely found here. Last I ate at Ba Ba Reeba, they didn't serve Pacharan or half the authentic dishes listed on Iberico's menu.
Someone should do a review on Uncle Sammy's on Fullerton. This place is one of the best places for sandwiches in the city and the brownies are stupid good. There are always people lined up at lunch and I had never even heard of the place? These guys need to market their awesome product. I think people would really come here after the bars if they knew it was open.
Where is Chilango- the cool Mexican restaurant in Upper Street??
The food is absolutely fantastic! Each dish I've tried is succulent and has just the right amount of spices. They do need to have some sign or such though, very hard to find, easy to drive past without noticing.
What's with the weird comments here? Chickpea is fun, has great food (although I'm sure not everyone will agree but do they ever?), is incredibly friendly and it's really really reasonable. They are hard to find (no sign) and confusing (you order at the counter, pick up your silverware and napkins and they bring the food to your table). But it's got great atmosphere and a free pinball machine. I could keep coming back here just for the baba-ghannooj. Highly recommended. Check out reviews on yelp.
CAFÉ BA-BA-REEBA is by far the best tapas restaurant inthe city. I highly suggest checking out Mon Ami Gabi as well. The peppercorn steak is tremendous.
I can't believe Meli Cafe wasn't an option. Hands down best brunch in the city.
I love the plain yogurt to stir my purist tastes.
Really? With all the new places in Chicago, _this_ is what TOC readers chose? For shame.
Angels and Kings? Honestly?
I don't understand how this place gets rave reviews. I'll agree - the hummus is delicious, but that's where it ends. The entree specials are bland and definitely missing Middle Eastern spice! There must be a better newcomer than this place. I wanted to love it, but I just didn't. Not in the coziest neighborhood either.