Archive for August, 2008

In the world of writing, they say you should never judge a book by its cover. Well, in the world of food, the same goes for restaurants.

Set in a strip mall on 63rd Street, just past the Target when you’re headed east to downtown Downers Grove, Bok Choy’s neon, red sign, sandwiched between two dance studios, doesn’t exactly scream ambiance. In fact, the overall effect is so unappealing, I can’t even bring myself to post a photo for you, lest you rule it out entirely, like we almost did.

Inside, things are better: dozens of little tables with white tablecloths and silver chairs accented by deep blue glasses and contemporary art. There’s a small bar area in the corner, not much bigger than the wet bars in the basements of nice homes, and a lounge/seating area offers magazines, I presume for patrons who are waiting to dine.

We went on a Friday night recently, at around 7:30 p.m., a time when more popular restaurants would offer 45-minute wait times and too-crowded floor plans. But at Bok Choy, we were seated immediately, becoming one of only four occupied tables in the restaurant. There was one waitress.

Sticking with my usual stand-by at Chinese restaurants, I ordered the cashew chicken, which was served in a large, modern white bowl and filled with vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, cashews, onions and a thick brown sauce, along with white rice on the side.

Also typical of my experiences at Chinese restaurants, my portion size was much more food than I needed. I ate it again for lunch the next day and still had more for a third meal. The prices are reasonable, my chicken costing less than $10.

All in all, a great place to try for a quiet night of good Chinese food that doesn’t break the bank. I should add, though, avoid the chicken pad thai at all costs. I’m told the rice noodles were soggy, and for the chicken, there were no words.

Neighborhood: Downers Grove, southwest suburbs of Chicago

http://www.bokchoycafe.com/

2117 63rd St
Downers Grove, IL, 60516
(630) 960-9882

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As a DePaul alumna, I’m a big fan of Lincoln Park, the Chicago neighborhood known for its graystone buildings, tree-lined streets and rich character. But, just between us, what I really love are the restaurants. And of all the Lincoln Park restaurants, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co is one I love a lot.

Step inside this Lincoln Park landmark, and you enter a dimly lit, wood-heavy restaurant that’s, nine times out of ten, packed with people. Those awaiting seating stay in the front benches or move into the glass-enclosed room at front. A man—the man—comes by to ask you how many and to give you the wait time. He doesn’t write anything down. He’ll remember your face.

On the large, folding menu, there are pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads. The Mediterranean-style flat bread is a house specialty, and it’s definitely worth trying and sharing. Large and doughy, boasting the smell of garlic and herbs, it overflows on the plate they place it on. It tears easily, with a consistency similar to naan or pita, and is delicious.

While we’re talking about food, can we just focus on the pizza pot pies for a minute? I’m borrowing the below photo from the restaurant’s Web site, so you can see what I’m describing. Triple-raised dough creates a sturdy crust, which is inverted at your table when you are served, letting the homemade sauce flow into the center. According to ChicagoPizzaandOvenGrinder.com, the sauce is made of “olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, whole plum tomatoes and a special blend of cheeses; sausage made from prime Boston butts; and doorknob-size, whole, fresh mushrooms.” For those who don’t eat meat, there’s also a vegetarian option available.

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2121 N Clark Street
(at Dickens Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 248-2570 || www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com

On Yelp || On Centerstage Chicago || On eOpinions

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