Posted by Tammy at 8:00 pm
Jun 172009
Cyrano's Cafe sits in a sunny spot along the Chicago River.
Looking for a casual lunch away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue? Try Cyrano’s Cafe. Here you can find a decent selection of sandwiches, quiche and spreads while watching the tour boats go up and down the river. You can’t get a glass of tap water at the cafe, but there are bottled drinks as well as a full bar. Cyrano’s Cafe is only here through the end of Summer so make a point of stopping by.
A generous whipping of salmon spread.
Cyrano’s Cafe & Wine Bar on the Riverwalk
South bank of the Chicago River, between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
The chorizo-stuffed madjool dates are a house specialty and were a hit at our table.
We recently met up with Scot and Ben from Dinner Voyeur at Avec to sample the Mediterranean inspired cuisine and share our love of food. The communal tables encourage you to chat with neighboring diners, and as a result, the narrow restaurant is loud and jam-packed. They don’t take reservations at Avec, so plan to join the masses early if you want a seat at the table. Listen in to find out if the food was as good as the company.
(13.0 M)
Show Notes:
00:00 – 03:05 Expect the unexpected — Thoughts on no reservations and dining space
03:06 – 04:26 How the menu works
04:27 – 09:50 The small plates, the wine, the beer, and eating things that are white
09:51 – 10:33 Fish, fish cheeks, etc.
10:34 – 12:03 The sweet stuff
12:04 – 14:12 Wrap-up and sign-off
The baccala is pickled and tasty, a refreshing addition to the table.
Avec
615 W Randolph
Chicago, IL
Get directions
| |
Bridget’s Ratings |
Tammy’s Ratings |
| Food Quality |
4 |
4 |
| Value |
4 |
4 |
| Service |
5 |
4 |
| Ambiance |
3 |
3 |
| Overall |
8 |
8 |
Average price per person: $55
Online buzz about Avec:
Citysearch
My Social Standards
TripAdvisor
The perfectly sliced grapes were the highlight of the Brie.
Cafe Barnard is a Lincoln Park staple. But what is it about its French fare that keeps folks coming back? Tammy and I brought friends to dinner to test the menu and find out.
(26.2 M)
Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:21 The mystery French place
01:22 – 04:26 Lived-in charm, basket-o-bread, baked Brie, and escargot
04:27 – 06:33 Wine and service commentary
06:34 – 13:28 Main dishes A.K.A. a game of chess with sauce
13:29 – 18:08 Dessert and dessert wine not so sweet
18:09 – 19:06 Ratings and sign-off
Cafe Bernard
2100 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL
Bridget’s Cafe Bernard Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Overall: 5/10
Tammy’s Cafe Bernard Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 2/5
Overall: 5/10
Average price per person: $45
The steak is very peppery but some thought it better than those at a fancy steak house.
Online buzz about Cafe Bernard:
Citysearch
Metromix
Yelp
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