RT Asian Food Mart - Great Filipino in North Chicago

I've just returned from the LTH North Lunch Group meeting at RT. Helen (our Filipino Food Maven) and Cathy2 are weekly diners at this cozy spot in the middle of a small strip mall in North Chicago.

The front of the store has an oddball selection of Filipino dry goods. There are several freezer cases towards the back of the store that carry stuff I've never heard of.

At the back of the store is a smallish steam table crammed with all sorts of starches, seafood and meaty Filipino delights. Nothing in the steam table is marked. Everything was fresh. We got a quick tutorial of what's what from a gentleman who I suspect was the owner. Everyone in our group ordered the $6.50 combo of white rice and two sides. You can substitute the white ride for noodles or go 1/2 and 1/2. Perhaps Cathy2 or Helen can chime in as to the specific sides available. There's a cooler full of canned soft drinks and fruit nectars.

My wife joined us for her inaugural LTHNLG meeting. She grew up in California and one of her best friends is Filipino. She took some photos of today's lunch options and sent them to her friend because it reminded her of the food she had numerous times at her friend's mom's house. Her friend texted her back with a seal of approval.

Seating is very limited. A couple of small two tops up front and two rectangle tables in the back. We quickly made friends with two Filipino gentleman who were sitting there before us and they let us push the two tables together to accommodate our group.

It was a good call by Cathy2 to call this meeting for 11:30. Shortly after we placed our orders, a bit of a line developed.

To quote another LTH'er - RT Asian - count me a fan!

RT Asian Food Mart
2234 Green Bay Rd - 1/2 block south of MLK.
North Chicago, IL 60064
(847) 473-2730
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rt-asian-food-m ... th-chicago

Thanks for the thorough review, Dave. I am glad to get some more information about this place and to hear that your wife liked it too. There's practically no information about it on the internet. I am afraid I couldn't afford another extended lunch hour away from work this month. But I will watch for this place next time I'm up that way.