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I ordered a jumbo dog by mistake @ Branko’s Sandwich Shop. It really wasn’t a problem. BRANKO'S SANDWICH SHOP: 1118 W FULLERTON; 773-472-4873

@pennypollack: Funny how the shaved roasted lamb in Branko’s gyro basket looks kinda like shoe leather, but it melts in your mouth. BRANKO'S SANDWICH SHOP: 1118 W FULLERTON; 773-472-4873

The manju buns @japonais_chi looked like they were on steroids, and the braised pork got lost in all that puffiness. JAPONAIS: 600 W CHICAGO; 312-822-9600

The really nice thing about the lobster spring rolls @japonais_chi was that I could taste lobster in every bite. JAPONAIS: 600 W CHICAGO; 312-822-9600

@pennypollack: The spicy tuna tartare @japonais_chi was almost too pretty to eat. I said “almost.” JAPONAIS: 600 W CHICAGO; 312-822-9600

Just 2 desserts @ Siunik (Skokie): a many-layered honey cake and pastrylike gatta (both kinda dry). Not bad, but best to have a cup of tea close by. SIUNIK ARMENIAN GRILL: 4839 OAKTON, SKOKIE; 847-329-4200

The vege wrap @ Siunik (Skokie) must be a foot long. Many yummy veggies, but mushroom pilaf made the whole thing too salty. SIUNIK ARMENIAN GRILL: 4839 OAKTON, SKOKIE; 847-329-4200

@pennypollack: At Siunik (Skokie), I picked a green salad & hummus to go with the chicken kebab. Hefty chunks were smoky & juicy. SIUNIK ARMENIAN GRILL: 4839 OAKTON, SKOKIE; 847-329-4200

Wish the pork chop @ Fox & Obel the Market Bistro had more flavor but, heck, with red cabbage and new potatoes, the whole shebang comes in under $9. THE MARKET BISTRO AT FOX & OBEL: 401 E ILLINOIS; 312-379-0132

This Maine crab cake got dinner got off to a weak start @ Fox & Obel the Market Bistro: The crabmeat tasted canned. THE MARKET BISTRO AT FOX & OBEL: 401 E ILLINOIS; 312-379-0132