It’s bad enough that the city of Chicago just upped its sales tax by a quarter point (effective this July), but that’s on top of last year’s quarter point restaurant-tax hike. Now Cook County wants to do the same! It’s conceivable that we’ll soon be paying 12.25 percent tax on meals in certain areas of the city. We think it’s time for a tax revolt. Explore out-of-town (or county) options to make a statement–or, at least, get full trying.
Miramar
The North Shore’s been a-rockin’ ever since this French bistro opened earlier this year. Owner Gabriel Viti, who won acclaim for his elegant fine-dining spot, Gabriel’s, across the street, took a decidedly more casual turn with this venture. The interior features reclaimed subway tiles and basic bistro accoutrements. On the menu, expect classics such as shrimp de Jonghe (9.50 appetizer, $19.95 entree) and steak frite ($18.95). The Cuban influence shines with pressed ham and cheese sandwiches ($7.95) and slushy, citrusy Hemingway Daiquiris ($7.50). DJs, holiday parties and (starting Jan. 26) free salsa lessons keep the momentum here going strong. 301 Waukegan Ave., Highwood, 847-433-1078.
Metra stop: Highwood stop, one block north across the street.
Vie
It took them 71 years, but last year Western Springs finally discovered that Prohibition ended, granting its first liquor license since that era to this stylish newcomer. Owner Paul Virant, a Blackbird alum, made the most of the newfound freedom with an 85-bottle list as well as “Vie-tinis” like Winter Mint (vodka, peppermint schnapps and Godiva white chocolate liqueur, $11). But food is still the main attraction. Highlights include appetizers like herb ricotta gnocchi, served with braised rabbit and winter squash ($11) and entrees such as farm-raised chicken breast en chemise, served with chicken sausage and spicy escarole ($21). Vie’s down-to-earth approach even includes a menu glossary for those who don’t know en chemise from a jus de poulet. 4471 Lawn Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-2082.
Metra stop: Western Springs stop. Walk one block east to Lawn Ave. Turn right.
Market at Glen Tower
So, you’re stuck in Glenview and you need a wagyu fix. Listen, we feel your pain. Whenever we’re craving a bite of Kobe, we just head here. In addition to wine-tasting seminars and cooking classes, this gourmet grocery store offers an in-house cafe with barbecue pork loin ($6.97), grilled prime rib ($7.97, Thurs.-Sat.) and a domestic-variety Kobe beef burger ($7.87). Need something to wash it down? Choose a bottle from their wine selection and the staff will uncork it for you on the spot. 2050 Tower Dr., Glenview, 847-486-9118.
Metra stop: North Glenview stop. Walk about a half-mile west to West Lake and to Patriot Blvd. Turn right.
Le Francais
Didn’t follow this fall’s dining gossip? Let us boil it down: Chef Michael Lachowicz left this legendary French spot; and Roland Liccioni, who rose to fame here as its second-ever chef before leaving in 1999 to start Le Nomades (where he’s no longer involved) and then Le Lan in 2005 (where he still is), is back. But even if you have heard the news, you’ve probably never dined here. So why not get dressed up and go? Liccioni’s trying to lure younger diners by offering a la carte dining in addition to the $90 seven-course prix-fixe menu, bringing down the average tab to about $70-$78 per person. 269 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-541-7470.
Metra stop: Not really, but who wants to get all dressy to ride the train?
Flossmoor Station
Feel like going casual? Just hop on the Metra and get off at Flossmoor and–guess what?–you’re at this eponymous brewpub. (Pretty convenient, we’d say.) Built in 1906, the building was converted to a brewpub in 1999. Now, commuters down gussied-up pub grub and a pint of brewmaster Matt VanWyk’s wheat sensation, Station Master ($3.50)–one of eight varieties made on premises. Try a Kegger Dog, a quarter-pounder all-beef dog blanched in brew ($5.95) or a half-pound hand-chopped sirloin burger ($7.50). 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor, 708-957-2739.
Metra stop: It basically is the Metra stop.
