Need Schaumburg Recommendation

I'm going to meet a friend for dinner tonight in Schaumburg. We are meeting at Maggiano's in the Streets of Woodfield, but I plan to hijack her at the door and try to find something a bit less chain-oriented. I realize that's a tall task in the Woodfield area. I used to know the area pretty well, but I haven't been out there in a while. Any suggestions? Doesn't necessarily have to be a non-chain. Just somewhat distinctive and good. I think fish is out, but anything else goes. Thanks.

I don't know how you feel about Chinese, but I always recommend Yu's Mandarin on Golf Rd, just east of Roselle Rd by Carmax & Outback Steakhouse. I love Yu's spicy eggplant.

The chefs cook behind a window and sometimes perform a noodle cooking show. They do get packed on the weekends though, so be prepared to wait if you go during the dinner rush. I'm not sure if they accept reservations or not.

200 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 882-5340

Yu's is a very good choice and if you have a taste for Greek, try the Greek Village Taverna. Also Wildfire is pretty good. There is a new place on Golf called The Bamboo Room and Bahama Breeze, have not tried it yet. For Irish food and drinks there's the Curragh in Woodfields parking lot next to Lord and Taylor.

Giallo wrote:Doesn't necessarily have to be a non-chain. Just somewhat distinctive and good...

Bahama Breeze is presumably one of the new concept chain-restaurants brought to us by the inventor of Red Lobster and the inimitable Olive Garden. This I know from the article which Erik M recommended for reading in (last month's) Vogue ("Chain Game"). To my mind, that doesn't bode well for the likelihood of it being even "somewhat distinctive and good", but maybe someone has been there and can offer a non-prejudicial opinion. I got the impression from the article that it's supposed to be a higher level sort of place than the Lobsters and Gardens with their all-you-can-eat specials, so who knows...

According to the aforementioned article, the menu is "mainly modified chain-generic rather than truly Caribbean"... Cuban sandwiches, Jamaican Jerk, conch chowder... Beware of the flying shrimp...

Corporate conch?... Scungill

I had dinner there w/a friend in Feb'03. I had high hopes as the online menu sounded delicious and a co-worker raved about it. I was sorely disappointed as the portion size was teeny - and I am a small eater! I ordered some pasta dish that was supposed to be spicy - which lacked flavor and kick. I'm hardly a picky critic, but I knew that I would not be returning.

I've been to Bahama Breeze. The food was prepared fairly well. It is definitely a chain experience though. I'd eat at Maggiano's rather than take the time to go over there.

I haven't been to a local one, but I've been to Bahama Breeze in Florida and Ohio. It's basically a fern bar with a Caribbean theme and food to go with tropical drinks. It's reliable and can be fun, with some decent dishes, but I'd group it with Chili's, T.G.I. Fridays and places like that.

I'd agree with bibi rose, that Maggiano's is likely to be a better experience. Too late for the original poster, but I'd recommend Sabor.