Ad Categories: Food and Wine

I fell hard for the loup de mer @goosefootchi. A really nice touch—tapioca pearls in a Meyer lemon sauce. GOOSEFOOT: 2656 W LAWRENCE; 773-942-7547

@pennypollack: Rich and rosy Angus beef almost plays second fiddle to a study in carrots @goosefootchi. I said almost. GOOSEFOOT: 2656 W LAWRENCE; 773-942-7547

The tender crisp peapod shoots @ Lao Hunan were so popular at my table, I barely had time to snap this photo. LAO HUNAN: 2230 S WENTWORTH; 312-842-7888

About tai gan Hunan-style: “It’s a special vegetable that grows underwater,” said the waitress @ Lao Hunan. Undoubtedly true, but it had the flavor & texture of marinated twigs. Must be an acquired taste. LAO HUNAN: 2230 S WENTWORTH; 312-842-7888

@pennypollack: The fried eggplant at Lao Hunan looked & tasted like a Chinese New Year party w/plenty of chile peppers to provide fireworks. LAO HUNAN: 2230 S WENTWORTH; 312-842-7888

Shrimp and grits @2SparrowsChi were a mixed bag: shrimp juicy & spicy; grits dense & clotted. 2SPARROWS: 553 W DIVERSEY; 773-234-2320

We took the egg option for the grilled sandwich @2SparrowsChi, but it was still no big deal & the Tater Tot thingees were greasy. 2SPARROWS: 553 W DIVERSEY; 773-234-2320

@pennypollack: Fresh salmon BLT on a potato roll @2SparrowsChi has all the right stuff. But why did it take an hour to prepare? 2SPARROWS: 553 W DIVERSEY; 773-234-2320 

The menu @ Wok’nFire covers a lot of pan-Asian ground. Maybe too much. I found comfort in shrimp fried rice. WOK'N FIRE: 108 E SCHILLER, ELMHURST; 630-993-0888

The sushi sampler @ Wok’nFire plays it safe with tuna, salmon, and a California roll. WOK'N FIRE: 108 E SCHILLER, ELMHURST; 630-993-0888