Ad Categories: Food and Wine

Sorry Waterleaf. The pear-and-vanilla tart Tatin got wrecked by overcooked pears and a soggy bottom. WATERLEAF: 425 FAWELL, GLEN ELLYN; 630-942-6881

The Navy Pier-esque potato hoop around the juicy quarter chicken @ Waterleaf made us laugh. WATERLEAF: 425 FAWELL, GLEN ELLYN; 630-942-6881

@pennypollack: Waterleaf (Glen Ellyn) delivers no-filler-whatsoever crab cakes—a crusty, peppery, generous app. WATERLEAF: 425 FAWELL, GLEN ELLYN; 630-942-6881

I would have liked the French onion soup @ Waterleaf even better if the Gruyère had been gratinéed. WATERLEAF: 425 FAWELL, GLEN ELLYN; 630-942-6881

Chocolate brownie w/caramel & chocolate sauces @BigBowlBuzz. Asian? No (unless you count the coconut ice cream). Crowd pleaser? Yes. BIG BOWL: 60 E CEDAR; 312-640-8888

Couldn’t find the flavor in the Shanghai shrimp & scallops @BigBowlBuzz. BIG BOWL: 60 E CEDAR; 312-640-8888

@pennypollack: The table fave @BigBowlBuzz: Spicy sesame peanut noodles. Loved the presentation too. BIG BOWL: 60 E CEDAR; 312-640-8888

Antipasto salad @ Mama Milano Pizza Bar has lots of good stuff, but less dressing would make me happier. MAMA MILANO PIZZA BAR: 1419 N WELLS; 312-787-3710

@pennypollack: Chicago-style pully stretchy cheese on a thin crispy crust @ Mama Milano Pizza Bar. A little ground pepper brought it home. MAMA MILANO PIZZA BAR: 1419 N WELLS; 312-787-3710