The spot:Since its July opening, Cafe 103 (1909 W. 103rd St. 773-238-5115) has had North and South Side foodies alike flocking to Beverly. Shirley and Blair Makinney, who also own gourmet food shop Beverly’s Pantry next door, serve contemporary American cuisine in a warm, hospitable room with only nine tables. During the week, you’ll find a neighborhood crowd, but weekends draw folks from all over the city. Chef Thomas Eckert (formerly of Vermilion and Monsoon) has a hit with his tandoori artic char, served with potato gnocchi, ham hock, baby red lace spinach, red orach (mountain spinach) and chicken broth ($24). To avoid the dinner rush, stop mid-day instead. Cafe 103 just started serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Our pick from the lunch menu: a half-pound Kobe beef burger dressed with roasted pears, spinach, pistachios and blue cheese, served with fries ($12).
The bottle: The Makinneys recommend picking up a bottle at nearby Armanetti Beverage Mart (10000 S. Western Ave. 773-239-2800). “We e-mail them our newest menu so they can make recommendations if someone needs it,” Shirley Makinney says. Armanetti manager Tom Gibbons suggests pairing a bottle of 2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand ($16.99) with any seafood or poultry dish. And the earthy 2003 Castellani Toscana Campomaggio ($15.99), a red blend, is a good choice to support the rich Kobe burger. Hey, why not have a glass of wine at lunch? Cafe 103 charges a $3 corkage fee per bottle.
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What you’re saying about Cafe 103
“Food was phenomenal — all of it. … Excellent presentation, impeccable food, fabulous staff.” — Frankie
“Wow ! A very good haute cuisine restaurant in Beverly. … Wonderful tastes play with and off each other delightfully. A gem.” — Djinn
“Unimpressed. … We waited 25 minutes for a table when there were five tables open, and they never sat during our dinner. It would have been nice if the staff offered to open our wine while we waited. The food was good but not worth the high prices.” — Suzanne
“The menu is small, but loaded. Service was attentive yet relaxed. … Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of ingredients. Love the BYO — big savings for me.” — BJ
– Got a favorite BYOB spot? Post your review of any restaurant in the city at metromix.com
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