Tunisian Resturant?

I am looking for a tunisian resturant. My brother-in-law thinks I don't like him. He is from Tunisia and lives in a small town in southern illinois. So I thought it would be a nice gesture when he comes up to visit to take him to an authentic tunisian place, except I don't know one. I'm not really looking for a french resturant that serves a few tunisian dishes but really an authentic tunisian place. Any suggestions? Thanks! Heather

You're in luck. Or he is.

I think that's the only Tunisian restaurant, but there are various Moroccan and Algerian ones around too.

Yeah I had read that previous to posting, I was just hoping maybe there was another to give us some options! As I know the Hookah part would really effect my sister-in-law.

Carthage Cafe is, as MikeG suggests, a good choice; you might also consider Couscous, which is not as good but may be preferable given the part of town you're in: http://www.chicagoreader.com/cgi-bin/rrr/details.cgi?RestaurantName=socca&Cuisines=African&SearchByCriteria&numb=3447

Um... I think the word "only" meant there aren't other options.

You're welcome.

As I know the Hookah part would really effect my sister-in-law.

Although as I recall, nobody was on that side smoking until near the very end of our meal.

Mike G wrote:

As I know the Hookah part would really effect my sister-in-law.

Although as I recall, nobody was on that side smoking until near the very end of our meal.

It probably depends somewhat on the time of day, too, but there's really no way to know when the hookahers are going to light up. If smoke is a problem, then Carthage Cafe is a problem, though I found the scented air kind of pleasant (and it is a well-ventilated room).

I know carthage is a problem which is why I was looking for another option. I've gone to the hookah part and have never known it to be empty. And I don't want to do the hit or miss because I really do want to take him to a nice resturant and give him a taste of home. If his wife isn't happy then I know he won't be.

If you really want to show an in-law love, how 'bout making the meal yourself? The fact that you're making the effort counts more than the actual taste of the food, so it works even if you can't cook.

I have a recipe for a killer Tunisian Chickpea Soup. If you want it, PM me. You can buy harissa and other cheat components at the Middle Eastern Bakery and Grocery.

Middle Eastern Bakery and Grocery
1512 W. Foster Ave.
Tel: (773) 561-2224

crrush wrote:If you really want to show an in-law love, how 'bout making the meal yourself? The fact that you're making the effort counts more than the actual taste of the food, so it works even if you can't cook.

I've been toying with the idea of making a brika at home. Seems like it would be fairly easy: some egg roll wrappers, a fryer, and maybe an egg, potato and onion inside. Dash of harissa, bada bing.

David Hammond wrote:

crrush wrote:If you really want to show an in-law love, how 'bout making the meal yourself? The fact that you're making the effort counts more than the actual taste of the food, so it works even if you can't cook.

I've been toying with the idea of making a brika at home. Seems like it would be fairly easy: some egg roll wrappers, a fryer, and maybe an egg, potato and onion inside. Dash of harissa, bada bing.

Don't forget the tuna!

eatchicago wrote:

David Hammond wrote:

crrush wrote:If you really want to show an in-law love, how 'bout making the meal yourself? The fact that you're making the effort counts more than the actual taste of the food, so it works even if you can't cook.

I've been toying with the idea of making a brika at home. Seems like it would be fairly easy: some egg roll wrappers, a fryer, and maybe an egg, potato and onion inside. Dash of harissa, bada bing.

Don't forget the tuna!

If I recall correctly, the brika I had at Carthage Cafe didn't have tuna in it, though that would certainly be a fine addition (and tuna showed up in other parts of the meal). I get the sense that brika is an "open form," and you can pretty much load it with whatever you got.

David Hammond wrote:If I recall correctly, the brika I had at Carthage Cafe didn't have tuna in it, though that would certainly be a fine addition (and tuna showed up in other parts of the meal). I get the sense that brika is an "open form," and you can pretty much load it with whatever you got.

I'm sure it is indeed an "open form". My brika at Carthage Cafe had tuna on one side, an runny egg in the middle (which Mike G was jealous of), and just an onion-y mixture on the other.

The tuna and egg combo made it for me.

Best,
Michael

That Mike G. better be careful-One of the commandments as I recall:
"Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Runny Egg".

Now that Carthage Cafe is hookah-only is there anywhere to get Brik in Chicago? Or is my best option DiY http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=20137 ?