The western boundary of Lincoln Square is the Chicago River or, farther north, the North Shore Channel. The Tribune story messed up the community. After I complained complete with links to official maps, they published one of their tiny corrections.

Sarajevo Restaurant had a complete gut job, not a face lift. Definitely the plushest Bosnian restaurant in Lincoln Square FWIW. I have only had one lunch there, but it should have a repeat visit and most likely thread of its own.

A friend and I had a taste for Cuban food at lunchtime today and after reading recent mention in another discusson of Amira’s Trio situated across the street from Sol de Mexico we wanted to check it out, so that was our destination at 12 Noon. When we arrived at Amira’s Trio, however, we were met by a note on the door advising that, today, it wouldn't open until 4 p.m. Disappointed, because we'd driven from the West Ridge neighborhood, we scrambled for a 'Plan B.' My friend had been suggesting for some time now that I should try the fould at Con Sabor Cubano - and that's were we headed.

Moving down Lawrence Avenue on a Saturday afternoon is always a challenge, because of heavy traffic - and today was no different. Parking was a problem because my friend is handicapped and can't walk far from the car, but we finally found a space across the street.

Con Sabor Cubano





The moment I walked through the door of the restaurant I felt comfortable. We were warmly greeted by the owner and also by someone whom I'm assuming is his son. To the left of the restaurant is a tattoo parlor, to the right the live/fresh poultry store.

Menu Board



Menu



Dinner special, with Ropa Vieja meat (right) and special with Picadillo Crillo (left)



Though I'd originally intended to order just a ropa vieja sandwich I opted, instead, for one of the daily specials: the ropa vieja plate. My friend ordered another of the specials, featuring picadillo crillo.

Ropa Vieja Dinner



The plate included a small lettuce/tomato salad, a large mound of white rice and three pieces of deliciously carmelized tender maduros bananas. Served on the side, in separate small bowls were some of the best black beans I've ever tasted, anywhere, and the flavorful ropa vieja meat. I can't name the spices it was cooked with, together with the tomato's, but the meat almosted melted in mouth and the flavor was pleasantly noticible but nothing overpowered it. The black beans could easily have been served as an entree of its own. Cooked with the beans were olives and garlic. Bread accompanied the meal. Garlic and cilantro was spread on (inside the cut) of the same compressed/crusty bread used for the sandwiches. What a meal!

Rum Raisin Bread Pudding



I don't often eat bread pudding, but when I saw it on the handwritten menu board it caught my eye - and interest. It was very dense, heavy and the rum raisin sauce tasted as if they poured some rum into it at the last minute. Flan would have been my typical dessert choice, but this hit the spot and made for a very complete and filling meal.

When we walked into the restaurant at 1 p.m. maybe 3 other people were sitting and eating. When we left at 2 p.m. each table was filled, as were each of the seats at the counter which spans one wall. We observed, also, three or four people coming and going with take-out orders. Father and son Perez stopped at our table a couple of times to apologize for their not spending more one-on-one time with us. A gracious family, proud of their restaurant.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my first visit to Con Sabor Cubano. As for Amira's Trio? I'll intend to give it a try in the near future.

Con Sabor Cubano
2739 W. Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 728-2226
http://www.consaborcubano.com
Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.