‘Hood: University Village
Age: 31, but who’s counting?
Favorite spots: Tomboy (5402 N. Clark St. 773-907-0636), Zealous (419 W. Superior St. 312-475-9112), Cafe Laguardia (2111 W. Armitage Ave. 773-862-5996), Cafe Iberico (739 N. LaSalle St. 312-573-1510) and San Soo Gap San (5247 N. Western Ave. 773-334-1589)
Mini-review of San Soo Gap San: When the need for kimchi calls at 2 in the morning, San Soo Gap San answers. … Open 24 hours. All Korean food, all the time. The atmosphere isn’t exactly Spiaggia, but they do a mean Korean-style BBQ! You can cook it yourself or, for the less adventurous, they will cook it for you. They give you more complimentary panchan (side dishes) than any other Korean restaurant I have been to in the city. A mix of all races, ages and walks of life visit this restaurant.
Most romantic restaurant: Webster Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster Ave. 773-868-0608). OK, so [it’s] not technically a restaurant, I suppose, but you get a great glass of vino without the pretension and hoopla.
My last meal on Earth would be at: Arun’s (4156 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-539-1909) because who can say no to curried lobster?
My favorite under-the-radar spot: Flo (1434 W. Chicago Ave. 312-243-0477). This strip of Chicago Avenue is probably uncharted waters for many. Great service and laid-back attitude. Love the free chips with creamy-with-a-kick dipping sauce. They make a mean mojito!
My guilty pleasure: Portillo’s (100 W. Ontario St. 312-587-8910). When the need for red meat and melted cheese calls, who can answer better than Portillo’s? Go for the cheeseburger with everything, cheese fries, and chocolate shake–cholesterol test afterward optional.
