To shell and back
Katharine Boyda
‘Hood: Uptown Age: Over 39
5 Favorite spots: Dorado (2301 W. Foster Ave. 773-561-3780) Noon O’ Kabob (4661 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-279-8899) Think (2235 N. Western Ave. 773-394-0537) Unique So Chique (4600 N. Magnolia Ave. Suite C 773-561-0324) Half Shell (676 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-549-1773)
My review of Half Shell: Tucked in a basement, Half Shell has been packing them in since it opened in 1968. What keeps this gem going while hundreds of restaurants come and go? A simple formula: superb, fresh seafood at prices you can’t believe. My favorite: grilled jumbo shrimp with vegetables that are always plump and perfectly prepared. The runaway best seller is the crab legs that are literally stacked in a huge pile on each plate. Don’t forget to try the hard-to-find smelts and frog legs. Enjoy the lollipop on every plate and a beautiful summer evening on the outdoor patio.
My favorite BYOB: Think is well named. The city’s top BYOB spot, it never fails to offer a hard-to-decide menu combined with excellent service. The mussels are prepared in a unique tomato sauce; a recent fennel salad special dressed in a tangy lemon dressing; and, oh, the chocolate dessert had us fighting for the last bite.
My favorite brunch: Tiny and tucked in the back of a small Uptown boutique, Unique So Chique’s weekend brunches are top-notch. The limited menu offers a variety of omelets and quiches served with rosemary potatoes and fresh fruit. The scones are simply melt-in-your mouth delicious!
Best under-the-radar spot: Dorado has unbelievable upscale food with a Mexican twist. BYOB is an added plus.
