Bistrot Margot
The very best mussels in white wine and herb sauce. . French bread with sweet butter. The Bistro Salad. Super wine list. French beers. Snails. Wonderful French food.
PROS: And they have an outdoor cafe.
CONS: None.
Arizona Inn
We've been here many times. Rooms and cottages with private patios. Beautiful gardens, many birds. A pool. Great meals. Quiet. A fine library. A great place to have an event or a party.
PROS: Delightful.
CONS: No.
Doing It With Care
If you want to look like a million dollars but pay considerably less, this is the place. Dresses, suits, sweaters, t-shirts, pants -- but all beautiful.
PROS: A treat to see good design.
CONS: Bone.
Fannie May Fine Chocolates
A Chicago institution. Great candies. For a whhile they were closed and then came back. Maple nut chocolates. Better than any other kind. It's so good!
PROS: Delicious.
CONS: No.
Red Door Spas
My husband gave me a Christmas present of a whole day at the spa. Manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, waxing, (not that I needed that) a super haircut and make up application and many other wonderful things. . I looked so relaxed and good no one knew me.
PROS: Pure delight.
CONS: Noone.
Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli
The tallest corned beef, brisket or pastrami sandwiches. Matzo ball soup. A variety of hearty things to eat, And salads. We've never been able to finish a whole sandwich. Try white cake with caramel frosting, but leave a piece for me please.
PROS: Come famished.
CONS: No.
Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop
Since I grew up in this neighborhood, this was always a special treat. A pastry shop. Hand made cookies, chocolates, marzipan animals. Sit at a little round table and have a great light lunch and glass of wine, but save room for an extraordinary pastry.
PROS: If you're dieting, don't go.
CONS: No.
The Drake
Harp music. Comfortable chairs and tables. A magnificent tea tray, layered with sandwiches, scones and pastries. The endless pot of superb tea. Gosh this is nice.
PROS: Just great.
CONS: No.
North & Clark Cafe
Part of The Historical Society, and a nice place to rest and eat after exploring the museum. Food is light. Good soups and pastries. A nice selection of teas. A pleasant room and a good place to talk.
PROS: Order a slice of pie.
CONS: No.
Orsos Restaurant
A piano playing softly. Wood panneling. Tin ceiling. Soft lights. Yes, and great Italian food. But outside in the little garden, order a shrimp and onion pizza and a glass of chianti. Watch the man feed the beautiful German shepherd some of his bread. A treat for the dog and diners.
PROS: Tortiloni in brodo.
CONS: No.
