TAAMI Kosher Restaurant - Touhy Avenue

Driving down Touhy a couple of days ago, I noticed a new soon-to-open kosher restaurant (at least I assume it will be kosher by all of the CRC logos on the sign and windows). I believe it is where Jimmy Fong's was (later the New Wok) at 2931 West Touhy. I didn't quite catch the name, but it was something like Tami or Takmi.

The sign on the front of TAAMI Kosher Restaurantsays "Open", but it looks deserted/empty inside and not ready to open yet. I walked by there Thursday and Friday (before Shabbos). The location is just E. of Sacramento, between Sacramento and North Shore Bakery.

Bill wrote:The sign on the front of TAAMI Kosher Restaurantsays "Open", but it looks deserted/empty inside and not ready to open yet. I walked by there Thursday and Friday (before Shabbos). The location is just E. of Sacramento, between Sacramento and North Shore Bakery.

Well, I was sort of close on the name. When I drove by there, I noticed a lot of glass cases inside, so I assume they plan a substantial carry-out section. From Bill's photo, I see that Taami is indeed located in the Jimmy Fong's/New Wok space (2931 West Touhy). I like that they re-used Jimmy Fong's sign, which has a really cool 50's design.

The restaurant, yesterday, had a new sign in the window indicating the carry-out/deli section (situated just inside the entry) was open - giving the impression the restaurant section was not ready yet. I saw several trucks of various tradesmen parked in the parking lot on the west side of the building. The display cases in the front section were empty. With the Jewish New Year upon us the next 48-hours or so, I doubt much progress will be made in the coming days.

Taami Restaurant at 2931 West Touhy Ave in West Roger's Park in Chicago is indeed open. The name Taami means "MY Taste" in Hebrew. It opened unofficially at the end of Sept. but due to all the Jewish holidays it has been closed on and off for the past month. Now that the holidays are over, it will be open Sunday through friday and will begin opening Sat nights after Shabbat in the near future. It is a strictly kosher meat and parve restaurant which has a small but changing menu of deliciously spiced home style cooking with infusions of varied cultural influences.The menu is evolving on a daily basis. Taami will have a grand opening in the near future. In the meantime try it, the food is wonderful and the restaurant is roomy and comfortable.

Bill wrote:The restaurant, yesterday, had a new sign in the window indicating the carry-out/deli section (situated just inside the entry) was open - giving the impression the restaurant section was not ready yet.

LTH,

TAAMI is open for business, both in-house dining and carry out, though when I approached the open sign was off and the restaurant appeared deserted. Soon as I sat down the story changed, friendly person popped out of the back, water, pickle/beet, menu, napkins. I ordered a coffee and said I was waiting for one more. "Relax, enjoy, no hurry"

We started with Hummus, and Moroccan Cigars, hummus was heavy on the tahini, a style I like, and Moroccan Cigars were crisp and spicy, though the accompanying sauce reminded me of watery ranch dressing.

Toasted Pita, Pickle/Beet, Moroccan Cigars, Hummus



I asked for harissa and received a brutally hot punch in the mouth habanero sauce and, by comparison, mild giardiniera. The hot sauce was all upfront heat and my first taste boinged my head off the ceiling like a cartoon character.



Cabbage salad seemed a poorly conceived mix of finely shredded cabbage and the same watery sauce that accompanied the Moroccan Cigars, Moroccan Eggplant nicely roasted cuminy cubes. I liked the bit of sweetness that come from long slow roasting, but thought the cumin overpowered. My lunch companion found Moroccan Eggplant best dish of the day.

Moroccan Eggplant



TAAMI was holding its own up until the entrees then fumbled the ball. Our $12 half order of Shnitzel was dry beat into submission chicken breast served with choice of two sides, dull flavored rice and sacredly dressed Israeli salad.

Shnitzel, half order



Ta'ami combo plate, half order $18, consisted of dry chicken breast, overcooked chicken thigh, chewy beef and springy textured kufta kabob. Sides of fries was limp, corn and peppers tasted like they were served by a scowling school cafeteria lunch lady with too tight hair net instead of our friendly interactive waitress.

Ta'ami Combo, half order



We were given a couple of desserts on the house, cool whip topped frozen strawberries, and a check that caused wide eyes and a couple of deep breadths.

TAAMI is a friendly place that, like Taboun Grill, serves a niche in the community, though as someone who does not keep kosher I do not see myself returning anytime soon.

Enjoy,
Gary

Taami Kosher
2931 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, Il 60645
773-465-6600

I live close by and the front looked attractive so I stopped in. Its a kosher deli with a sticker price shock.
Although the food looks good, deli salad and middle eastern looking fare it is extremely expensive I thought
with dishes running up to 15 dollars a pound.
I have a feeling kosher food tends to be very pricey, The Howard Jewel kosher meat section meats also are very pricey, it must be due to its designation.
I must also say the workers in the deli showed no interest in me at all, odd for a new business, unless they profile their customers ahead.

do they make any salami's, corned beef or pastrami (in-house)?

ab wrote:do they make any salami's, corned beef or pastrami (in-house)?

Not that I saw, just a few lonely looking salads in a deli case.

It will come as no surprise to any actual reader of this thread that there is paper in the windows at this place.