Last week, when I gave WGN-AM’s newly arrived morning man, Greg Jarrett, a list of restaurants he needed to visit to bolster his Chicago cred, his first remark was, “I’m going to need more than 50.”
A man after my own heart.
But I had the foresight to solicit reader and listener suggestions for the names of restaurants I’d missed, and you came through as I knew you would. There are topics on which Chicagoans are largely ambivalent; dining out is not among them.
I have room for a small fraction of your recommendations, but here are some of the best (edited for space; we’ll list more next week).
“Noon-O-Kabab on Kedzie is the go-to spot for Persian, and Al-Khayam has great Lebanese food. And really, how could you leave out Hot Doug’s?” (Elena O’Curry)
“Our favorites are La Scarola on Grand Avenue. Also Volare at Grand and St. Clair.” (Rodi Glass)
“I am ashamed of you for leaving out Le Vichyssois [in Lakemoor].” (Ralph Bernstein)
“Superdawg Drive-In should have been included.” (Hot Dog Fan, Chicago)
“A place I love is A Tavola, on the 2100 block of West Chicago Avenue. Incredible food, great service and a lovely patio in summer.” (Diana Webb)
“How could a real Chicagoan come up with a list without including even one rib place? I favor a legendary spot like Twin Anchors.” (Larry Schmidt)
“Best Ethiopian: Ethiopian Diamond. Best place ever for ice cream: Margie’s Candies, which has an old-fashioned soda fountain. Best pastries: Ann Sather for cinnamon rolls.” (Laura Honeycutt)
“I highly suggest you both dine at Naha. Trust me, the short-rib burger with foie gras will change your life.” (D., Lakeview)
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Missed the original story and want a chance to weigh in? Go to chicagotribune.com/greg. We’ll have more reader favorites next week.
