The Belgium-based beer giant took over the beloved Chicago beer institution today. Lots of people are skeptical that it spells the end of a local company that balanced quality and quantity, but there’s reason to hope. And if that doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other craft bottles in the cooler.
@pennypollack: If I lived in Little Italy, I would be eating the chopped salad @ Salatino’s three times a week. SALATINO’S: 626 S Racine; 312-226-9300
You can order Dough Boys pizza @ Salatino’s, but beware the price of each topping—small pizza $2 per; large pizza $2.50 per. SALATINO’S: 626 S Racine; 312-226-9300
The long, chewy strands of spicy, oily, tomato-y spaghetti arrabbiata @ Salatino’s demand to be slurped—not cut, not twirled. SALATINO’S: 626 S Racine; 312-226-9300
SINGLED OUT: The treat is part doughnut, part coffeecake, pure guilty pleasure
The bittersweet chocolate tart @ Antico is truly special, but so are the freshly made zeppole (think Italian beignets). ANTICO: 1946 N LEAVITT; 773-489-4895
The chef @ Antico knows his way around monkfish. Under this pile of pencil-thin asparagus is a beautifully crisped, juicy fillet. ANTICO: 1946 N LEAVITT; 773-489-4895
If I ruled the world, the veal Milanese @ Antico would be a signature primi instead of an occasional special. ANTICO: 1946 N LEAVITT; 773-489-4895
@pennypollack: The sweet potato soup @ Custom House Tavern is so addictive, it should come with a warning label. CUSTOM HOUSE TAVERN: 500 S Dearborn; 312-523-0200
It takes guts for a non steak house to boast about its dry-aged bone-in rib eye. Bragging rights hereby awarded to Custom House Tavern. CUSTOM HOUSE TAVERN: 500 S Dearborn; 312-523-0200
