Jaunted

Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine (Greek) - The establishment is not particularly modest when it comes to reminding people about their numerous accolades: Cityseach's #1 "Mediterranean Food," AOL City Guide's "Best Mediterranean," etc. But as a wise man once said, if you can do it then it ain't boasting. Venus's pastitsios - layers of ground beef and pasta which take 35 minutes to individually bake - have garnered particularly notable praise. We were more impressed about how they kept lighting cheese on fire.
Address: 820 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL, 60607

Coco Pazzo Cafe (Italian) - A foodie pick that regularly gets namechecked by local food critics, Coco Pazzo Cafe is a Tuscan restaurant just off the Miracle Magnificent Mile. Executive Chef Eric Hammond - first in his 1997 NYC French Culinary Institute class - differentiates the Cafe from its sibling Coco Pazzo by emphasizing the simplicity and style of Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its wine list, which is entirely Italian and heavy on selections from Tuscany. Outdoor seating is available during the spring and summer.
Address: 636 N. Saint Clair, Chicago, IL 60611

Sayat Nova (Armenian) - This restaurant is a touch schizophrenic. It's definitely a high-end establishment, with a location just off the Miracle Mile and prices to match. The interior is exquisite, with dim lighting and low-slung ceilings that make it a prime date location. The food is, in the most clinical sense, insanely good. Even Sayat Nova's hummus - which in the States seems to be synonymous with "pea-based gruel sold at Trader Joes" - is thoroughly authentic. On the other hand, we learn from Sayat Nova's webpage that on Saturdays they turn over the space to DJs for "Supernova Saturdays," which run 9pm-3am. Go figure.
157 E. Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

[Photo of fried onion blossom: Mirandala]

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