You love to go out. We love to go out. You love to eat. We love to eat. You love to drink. Well, you get the idea. So when you're itching for the lastest Chicago nightlife has to offer, check out The Extrovert for up-to-the minute details on the scene.
ALL BOTTLED UP: Cafe 103
The spot: Since its July opening, Cafe 103 has had North and South Side foodies alike flocking to Beverly. Shirley and Blair Makinney, who also own gourmet food shop Beverly’s Pantry next door, serve contemporary American cuisine in a warm, hospitable room with only nine tables. During the week, you’ll find a neighborhood crowd, but weekends draw folks from all over the city. Chef Thomas Eckert (formerly of Vermilion and Monsoon) has a hit with his tandoori artic char, served with potato gnocchi, ham hock, baby red lace spinach, red orach (mountain spinach) and chicken broth ($24). To avoid the dinner rush, stop mid-day instead. Cafe 103 just started serving lunch Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our pick from the lunch menu: a half-pound Kobe beef burger dressed with roasted pears, spinach, pistachios and blue cheese, served with fries ($12).
The bottle: The Makinneys recommend picking up a bottle at nearby Armanetti Beverage Mart. “We e-mail them our newest menu so they can make recommendations if someone needs it,” Shirley Makinney says. Armanetti manager Tom Gibbons suggests pairing a bottle of 2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand ($16.99) with any seafood or poultry dish. And the earthy 2003 Castellani Toscana Campomaggio ($15.99), a red blend, is a good choice to support the rich Kobe burger. Hey, why not have a glass of wine at lunch? Cafe 103 charges a $3 corkage fee per bottle. -- Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor.
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