My review of Las Palmas: Beautifully prepared, incredibly authentic food with the freshest ingredients. Best tableside-prepared guacamole (yes, better than Adobo). Try the crab-stuffed tilapia with spicy mushroom-and-garlic ragout. Finish your meal with the chocolate tamale–to die for. The setting’s very laid-back yet elegant, and the service is excellent.
Favorite BYOB: Coast (2045 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-5775). An amazingly delicious sushi spot in hipster [Bucktown] that’s BYOB? Brilliant. I bring Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio.
My favorite brunch spot: M. Henry. I always have the vegan special (and I’m nowhere close to being a vegan). Plus, everything is organic.
Best under-the-radar spot: Parlor (1745 W. North Ave. 773-782-9000). This beautiful-but-casual little restaurant on North Avenue serves incredibly fresh, high-end “comfort food” with a very reasonable price tag.
My guilty pleasure: Fogo de Chao (661 N. LaSalle St. 312-932-9330). Guilt factor No. 1: the endless amount of food, food, food. The salad bar is decadent, delicious and enormous. Guilt factor No. 2: the endless amount of meat, meat, meat. You simply can’t say no. Guilt factor No. 3: the amount of money you will spend. Go hungry, leave so full you won’t be able to eat for the next two days.
Jessica Zweig
‘Hood: Buena Park
Age: 24
5 favorite spots: Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market. 312-850-5005), Las Palmas (1835 W. North Ave. 773-289-4991),Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron St. 312-664-2727), M. Henry (5707 N. Clark St. 773-561-1600),Aladdin’s (614 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-327-6300)
