Grape Leaves vs. The Pasta Shoppe (Oak Park)

My friend and I are going out to dinner in Oak Park tonight and would like to try something new. We've been to Winberie's, Cafe Le Coq, Cucina Paradiso, etc. She lives in Forest Park and so we are also familiar with those offerings.

By browsing on Metromix I've come across two places that look good for a relaxed, and inexpensive, night out: Grape Leaves and The Pasta Shoppe. Do people have any opinions on either of these places? I realize each offers to different cuisines, but any general input would be appreciated. Just looking for a friendly, comfortable place to chat and have some good food.

Thanks,
Katy

KatyK wrote:My friend and I are going out to dinner in Oak Park tonight and would like to try something new. We've been to Winberie's, Cafe Le Coq, Cucina Paradiso, etc. She lives in Forest Park and so we are also familiar with those offerings.

By browsing on Metromix I've come across two places that look good for a relaxed, and inexpensive, night out: Grape Leaves and The Pasta Shoppe. Do people have any opinions on either of these places? I realize each offers to different cuisines, but any general input would be appreciated. Just looking for a friendly, comfortable place to chat and have some good food.

Thanks,
Katy

Honestly, neither thrills me much. For Italian I'd prefer Jimmy's in Forest Park or Salernos now in OP.

But given the choice, I'd pick Pasta Shoppe. Once upon a time, Grape Leaves used to be an above average place, but over time it has gotten completely gross--and I have been burned so many times by giving "one more chance".

Gee, I don't know about the Pasta Shoppe -- it's in an okay location (if eating on a well-kept alley/walkway is to your liking), but I believe they are maybe C+ Italian at best. I probably don't need to tell you this, but if you go, avoid the Italian beef (my dad ordered it and was very disappointed). I get their deli stuff now and again, and it's just okay in a pinch.

Grape Leaves has been inconsistent over the years. May not be a bad choice.

Frankly, if I wanted to eat in that area, and had already gone to Le Coq, I'd probably chose Papaspiros. I think this place does very credible Greek food (probably the best between place west of the Loop in Chicagoland), and it's not a bad room...for Oak Park.

David Hammond wrote:Frankly, if I wanted to eat in that area, and had already gone to Le Coq, I'd probably chose Papaspiros. I think this place does very credible Greek food (probably the best between place west of the Loop in Chicagoland), and it's not a bad room...for Oak Park.

Man, I was just coming back to this thread to suggest Papaspiros.

I think it's probably the best choice not on the OP's list. But it's Oak Park, so that's not saying much.

If you're really just asking between those two, then I'd definitely choose Grape Leaves. It's been many years since I went to the pasta shop, but I was decidedly unimpressed and nothing in the intervening years has caused me to reconsider. Grape Leaves at least is real people cooking real food. Try anything with lamb in it.

Why not to go the The Pasta Shoppe

vs
Pasta Shoppe is good.

You seem to be quite sure you don't want other suggestions, so I'll refrain from suggesting you check out this discussion.

Thanks for your input. I chose those two places based solely on the fact I've been to neither and would like something new.

But looking at the thread for Oak Park treasures (http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=109518#109518), there do seem to be lots of options I've overlooked...thanks for calling my attention to it.

Katy

KatyK wrote:My friend and I are going out to dinner in Oak Park tonight and would like to try something new. We've been to Winberie's, Cafe Le Coq, Cucina Paradiso, etc. .... Just looking for a friendly, comfortable place to chat and have some good food.

Are you limited to Lake st. and Oak Park Avenue? I'm going to doubt that C grade Italian and C grade Mid Eastern will qualify as new
You've probably had the exact same food from both Pasta Shoppe, and Grape Leaves at a different restaurant. If you are not limited:
maybe a trek up to North Ave, hang a left, and find Amarind's on N side of st. for thai.
S to Madison for New Rebozo
La Majada in S. OP (enchiladas ONLY!!!!!!! - do not stray from this suggestion)

If ya wanna get grungy, and be in a funky neighboorhood gem, I'd recommend the Depot American Diner on Roosevelt. I have a feeling the Chef (s) over there would enjoy your company (very jovial.) - and desserts are MUCH better than you'd expect.

La Bella would be a short walk to Marion, although, as I recall, Paradiso was better, but I used to know head chef at Paradiso, so I might be biased.

Maybe you could try whatever (re)incarnation Jamie's or Milk and Honey is called now and report back. There's also always a newly re incarnated Italian restaurant on E side of op avenue south of the tracks.

seebee wrote:

KatyK wrote:My friend and I are going out to dinner in Oak Park tonight and would like to try something new. We've been to Winberie's, Cafe Le Coq, Cucina Paradiso, etc. .... Just looking for a friendly, comfortable place to chat and have some good food.

Are you limited to Lake st. and Oak Park Avenue? I'm going to doubt that C grade Italian and C grade Mid Eastern will qualify as new
You've probably had the exact same food from both Pasta Shoppe, and Grape Leaves at a different restaurant. If you are not limited:
maybe a trek up to North Ave, hang a left, and find Amarind's on N side of st. for thai.
S to Madison for New Rebozo
La Majada in S. OP (enchiladas ONLY!!!!!!! - do not stray from this suggestion)

If ya wanna get grungy, and be in a funky neighboorhood gem, I'd recommend the Depot American Diner on Roosevelt. I have a feeling the Chef (s) over there would enjoy your company (very jovial.) - and desserts are MUCH better than you'd expect.

La Bella would be a short walk to Marion, although, as I recall, Paradiso was better, but I used to know head chef at Paradiso, so I might be biased.

Maybe you could try whatever (re)incarnation Jamie's or Milk and Honey is called now and report back. There's also always a newly re incarnated Italian restaurant on E side of op avenue south of the tracks.

I don't believe Thyme and Honey has reopened. I believe that whole block is under consideration for renovation of some sort.

I haven't been to La Majada in probably 20 years. It used to be THE only restaurant in Oak Park to serve alcohol.

Depot Diner grungy? I don't agree with that characterization at all...though that description certainly applies to the surrounding neighborhood (maybe that's what you meant).

David Hammond wrote:Depot Diner grungy? I don't agree with that characterization at all...though that description certainly applies to the surrounding neighborhood (maybe that's what you meant).

That's EXACTLY what I meant. Thanks for clarifying. The Diner itself is
a neat little joint in the middle of a not so neat little hood.

seebee wrote:

David Hammond wrote:Depot Diner grungy? I don't agree with that characterization at all...though that description certainly applies to the surrounding neighborhood (maybe that's what you meant).

That's EXACTLY what I meant. Thanks for clarifying. The Diner itself is
a neat little joint in the middle of a not so neat little hood.

I think, though, that the Diner could be the impetus to start sprucing up other areas of the hood...and I believe that process may already have started. It could be an example of how one place can make a difference to the whole vibe of a barrio which is, indeed, in transition.

I certainly am hoping that is the case. There are some neat little joints in this neck of the woods. Maybe the new Wishbone will boost the trend you are talking about.

seebee wrote:I certainly am hoping that is the case. There are some neat little joints in this neck of the woods. Maybe the new Wishbone will boost the trend you are talking about.

Maybe...but as in other parts of Chicagoland, a few blocks can make a big difference, and there's more than a half-mile between Wishbone and Depot, and they are in different cities (Berwyn and Da Island).

Between the two I'd choose Pasta Shoppe, since I've never liked Grape Leaves. You sure you've tried all there is to try in Forest Park? Set on Oak Park? Does it have to be that intersection? I love Papaspiros. There's also sushi right there. Kyber Pass not far. Um, Hemingway's Bistro? Buzz Cafe not super far. Nola's is OK.

seebee wrote:I certainly am hoping that is the case. There are some neat little joints in this neck of the woods. Maybe the new Wishbone will boost the trend you are talking about.

The VI family sanning one sleep-over daughter hit the almost OP Wishbone the other day--you look out the window and wonder what the hell those townhouse's are going for. I'm a long time Wishbone fan, and this meal hit all the usual Wishbone highs.

First of all, they have a limited cocktail menu, but what they are offering they do well. A recent sod at Zingerman's Roadhouse really convinced me of the value of fresh squeezed juices in cocktails. This made with fresh lemonade whiskey sour was as good.

Then, on to the meals; typically, I have an easier time picking a main than the side. My wife and I easily settled on the salmon cakes and the pulled pork and then bargained on the sides before settling on black eyed peas/rice, mac n' cheese, spinach salad and mashed sweets. The dishes came with bonus slaw (a different type on each plate) and corn muffins.

Perhaps because Wishbone exists in a strata between edge and soul it gets less love than it deserves. In fact, I'd admitt that originally, back in the Grand Avenue day, I found it a bit on the precious (or was it pretentious) side. Over time, I disavowed any critical thoughts. When my parents had their office across the street or the girls went to school nearby, we were VERY frequent visitors of Wishbone. (Luckily, we've tended to follow Joel N, who was glad handing at Berwyn, and his presence typically means more attention to that Wishbone). I find the combination of care in cooking and classic flavors at a reasonable pricepoint hard to resist.

Oh, and dessert, did I mention dessert. It's actually (nearly always) a bit hard to get to dessert at Wishbone after all that food (and I love their garlic vinegrette so I'm often even fuller), but desserts should no be missed. For one thing, they always include a ball of Cathy2-swoonable whipped cream, surely some of the best whipped cream north of Gayety ice cream; for another, well they're so damn good. The red velvet cake was exactly what it's supposed to be and did not go over-board as others can.

Wishbone's a real plus to the Oak Park scene, even if across the street.

VI