Improv Kitchen

It sounds gimmicky, but I tried to approach Improv Kitchen with an open mind. It's not the first place to combine food & improv - Frankie J' on Broadway comes to mind - but it's certainly a very interesting implementation of the concept. There are set shows (for Friday, I believe they were at 7, 9 and a late show - we were there for the 9). They seem like they'll seat you just about any time, but since there's a $10 cover to get in it makes sense to time your arrival with the shows. Every table has a flat-screen tv, and each can interact separately with the improv guys in a studio next door. The shows are far more interactive than a typical interactive show. A few other quick observations:

The food was much better than I would have expected. We had a couple of appetizers and split a fairly generous plate of lamb chops. Prices aren't out of line considering food quality (but then they do add in the cover charge).

The room is very slick; nice design. The TV improv setup works well; makes it a much more personal experience than a typical improv show. Be aware they have cameras and can watch you too. Maybe not the place if you want to remain an annonymous audience member.

The improv performers weren't great, but they weren't bad either - it's probably a tough venue for them.

It was a fun evening, overall.

A lot of money went into this place. If you like improv, try it soon. I give it 6-9 months, tops.

(In the words of Monty Python) And now for something completely different:

Saturday night was at Bite - the essence of funky. Most of the main menu items are faily standard - sandwiches and pastas, etc. = but the specials are usually a bit more adventurous. The goat cheese involtini appetizer (which is on the menu) is excellent and big enough for two to split. Excellent spicy blackened amberjack with a good corn pudding, and the pork scallopini with endive casserole, while not particularly spicy, also went well with te Shiraz we brought.

Oh, and it's BYOB, and prices are extremely reasonable. We split one appetizer and had two entrees for $31. And we were ordering some of the most expensive things they offered.

Improv Kitchen
3419 N. Clark St.

Bite Cafe
1039 N. Western Ave