Flo

1434 W. Chicago Ave.
312.243.0477
Mexican

I first saw this restaurant on "Check, Please," being reviewed for a fabulous breakfast. I actually went for dinner instead. This cute little restaurant is kind of located out way west of downtown. You walk in and feel the intimate setting right away--it is like a cozy apartment decorated with really cool, funky art. Instead of the typical chips and salsa, they bring out sliced bread with a tasty pepper spread. (I am not sure if it was a kind of pepper spread, but I do know that it was good!) I ordered the portobella mushroom ravioli in a white cream sauce. It was really good--very flavorful and tender. I also tried a bite of the catfish tacos, which were very savory! Overall, our whole table enjoyed their meals and the menu was quite extensive, making me want to go back there again. I did, however, order a mojito, which tasted kind of funny and was too strong. So I would not recommend that.

Sweet Maple Cafe

1339 W. Taylor St.
312.243.8908
Breakfast

I had heard so many rave reviews of this breakfast joint, so of course I wanted to try it! Having tried twice before, and seeing that the wait was WAY TOO long, I finally made it there for breakfast on a Sunday morning at 9 am! (We still had to wait a good 20 minutes!) This cafe is really cute, looking very "southern old-style." The waitstaff was happy and pleasant, making the atmosphere lively and upbeat. I ordered the corned beef hash, which came with a cornmeal biscuit on the side and two eggs. The corned beef hash was very tasty, as were the sides. The food was fresh and flavorful and I would definitely go back there, but I don't know if I would necessarily wait hours to get into this place.

Cho Sun Ok

4200 N. Lincoln Ave.
773.549.5555
Korean

Although I am not a huge fan of Korean food, I have to say that this experience was a good one. This was my second time at this restaurant, but the first time I did not order the Korean BBQ. What makes the Korean BBQ experience so fun is that you can cook your food on a flat skillet on your table! I ordered the bugogi, which is marinated beef, I think. The beef was tender and flavorful and every meal comes standard with a bunch of little Korean appetizer dishes. One thing about this place is it is small and it gets crowded. So go on an off night or early for dinner. And it is hard to tell if the waitstaff can speak English, because they will just come over and cook your food "the right way" without saying a word. Plus, you won't forget this experience for days to come, since you walk out of there smelling like Korean BBQ! (Wear junky clothes and don't plan on going out on the town afterwards! :) )