Lula Cafe--Need Alternatives

I have some relatives visiting from Vancouver, B.C. on Tuesday evening and I wanted to take them to Lula Cafe. They're used to the finest sustainable produce, meats and seafood and I thought I'd show them the Chicago-style version. Of course, Lula is always closed on Tuesdays. I'd like to find something comparable in the casual, mid-priced arena. BYOB is fine, but certainly not necessary. I'd really like to pick the right place to leave them with good Chicago-food memories. I thought about Erwin. I haven't tried Sola yet. Anything Italian is out. North Pond is a bit too upscale and pricey for this crowd. We may be headed to the Southside for some jazz afterwards, so I'd like to keep it south of Irving Park Rd. Can you recommend somewhere for our party of four? Thanks in advance.

I'd recommend TerraGusto on Addison. Outstanding pastas made with organic ingredients and locally sourced eggs. Just stick with the pastas.

Venturing slightly north of Irving Park - Bistro Campagne also uses oragnic ingredients and local farmers (and was among the first in Chicago to do so.

I'd recommend TerraGusto on Addison.

Also closed Tuesday.

How about Avec? Different atmosphere from fine dining, but certainly unique among the city's restaurants and of very high quality.

avec or maybe green zebra or scylla

You could try North Pond if you're up for a splurge.

The OP already said she didn't want to splurge on North Pond...And no Italian... Given those parameters, what about May St. Cafe? It's BYO, casual, toward the South Side, uses regional ingredients...

May St. Cafe
1146 W Cermak Rd
Chicago, 60608
(312) 421-4442

I don't think there's much sustainable or local about May St Cafe, but maybe you're thinking May Street Market?

Also probably out of the price range is Vie, which would be another good choice.

I think avec is your best bet.

From today's Metromix

Spring pickin's: arugula Steve Martin was actually wrong when, in "My Blue Heaven," he ranted that arugula is a "veg-eh-tah-ble." Sorry, Steve. It's an herb. Rich in vitamin C and iron, the cabbage-like plant yields a bitter bite when raw, but provides good crunch-factor for salads and tastes milder when cooked.
Eat it at: May St. Cafe
Chef Mario Santiago frequents City Farm at Clybourn and Cleveland Avenues for these colorful, fragrant greens. They burst with peppery smells when broken in half and are spicier here than any you get at your local grocery, he says. At his Pilsen eatery, Santiago hand-tears the herb for a salad tossed in a peach champagne and balsamic vinaigrette ($8).

purplestar wrote:Anything Italian is out.

Too bad, otherwise I'd recommend the newly retooled Timo, formerly Thyme. John Bubala is a proponent of seasonal, sustainable, local and, to boot, an excellent chef. Not to mention having an attractive, well run restaurant South of Irving Park.

Maybe Thyme Cafe

Enjoy,
Gary

Timo
464 N. Halsted St
Chicago, IL
312-226-4300

Thyme Cafe
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
773-227-1400

I'd vote for Erwin. They make a mean martini, which is half price on Tuesdays, as well as certain bottles of vino. You can't beat the atmosphere--sophisticated, but not stuffy. Fresh, but not hipster. Every time I've been in the restaurant, Chef Erwin makes the rounds, which is always impressive to out-of-towners.

If your dining companions don't like the 'scene' aspect, avec might not be a good bet. The food is outstanding, but the crowds can be a bit...annoying? I personally like the seating arrangements and some of the buzz, but if you want something comfy, personal and top notch, Erwin wins.

I feel "eh" about Erwin. I always leave feeling like it was overpriced just a bit.

I would suggest Volo to the OP. We were there last Friday. Good food but, sadly, no trilobites.

Alternatives a must for now. From Twitter:

Friends, Lula is sadly closed until further notice due to damage caused by Friday's storms. Check our Facebook for update

sundevilpeg wrote:Alternatives a must for now. From Twitter:

Friends, Lula is sadly closed until further notice due to damage caused by Friday's storms. Check our Facebook for update

Aside from the limited hours & days, today & tomorrow at their pop up store, there's always Nightwood.

What about Province? I find their food quite fresh and flavorful, the whole restaurant is green and sustainable and the pricing is flexible enough with those nice 1/2 dishes meaning you can try a range without blowing the budget.

Province
161 N. Jefferson St.
Chicago, IL 60661
312.669.9900