The spot: Visiting Uptown’s Cafe Too gives you two ways to feel good about yourself: First, you’re supporting a project of the Inspiration Corporation, which helps those in need gain culinary skills and experience. Second, you’re eating fresh, reasonably healthy food. A Saturday prix-fixe menu is a steal at just $16. The meal starts off with an appetizer such as green bean tempura with sweet Thai chili and soy sauce, or spicy chicken and pine nut wontons, then moves into entrees such as teriyaki-glazed salmon or spicy vegetable tofu stir-fry. Finish off with dessert such as housemade cheesecake. In addition to a comfortable indoor space with green, yellow and brick-wall accents, Cafe Too offers sidewalk seating.
The bottle: Wine store pickings in the area are a little slim. Head a bit north to In Fine Spirits (5418 N. Clark St., 773-506-9463), where the service is friendly and the selection is solid. Owner Shane Kissack recommends a bottle of Marco Real Rose, a Grenache-based wine with hints of strawberry and raspberry sweetness, making it good for both a summer day and a dish with some spice to it. Priced at 10 bucks a bottle, it’s another steal.
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READER REVIEWS
What you’re saying about Cafe Too
“I work nearby, so I go there all the time for lunch. I love everything. Also, I am impressed with the social service work that they do.” — Leah
“We made reservations for seven for brunch on a Sunday and the service was terrible. Our orders were taken after two other tables that came after us. It took an hour and a half from the time we sat [until] we got our food. … For all of our trouble, the waiter presented us with our bill and said that our drinks were free because of the wait. Big whoop! We had tea and coffee. I will not eat there again.” — Sean
“Finally! Fresh food at very reasonable prices in Uptown. The chicken roulade was delicious, and the space is bright, clean and contemporary — can’t wait to go back.” — Jason M.
— Agree? Disagree? Go to metromix.com to post your review of any restaurant in the city.
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metromix@tribune.com
