I'd like to go to this place, but I've never been, and other than burek I don't know what to ask for (I've had the burek at Devon Market many times, i didn't even know what they were for the first year!). Should I still call? Or just go on a Saturday and see what she has? I'd hate to show up and bother her if she has nothing ready but I also am kind of uncomfortable calling up a place I've never been and asking for food I know next to nothing about.

She'll almost always have a salad, a burek, and probably a few other things. She seems to be on a stuffed cabbage kick lately. But, as has been said many times, it's like going to your new best friend's house. It's okay to just show up and ask what she has. It'll be a memorable experience.

Deta gets reviewed in the Chicago Tribune

Very cute - all the clouds of cigarette smoke drifting in from those forlorn tables outside.

I'm happy that Deta's is getting publicity. Last time I dined at Deta's we were the only table that night, but she specializes in winter-season cuisine and perhaps business will pick up.

"My daughter thinks this place would never last. She says, 'You don't speak enough English, Mom! How you open a restaurant when you don't speak English?' I say, 'My food will speak for me.'

"Now I'm on the computer -- 35,000 people read about me on the computer. That mean at least 35,000 people like my food."

Now it is up to 37,000, but whose counting?

nr706 wrote:Deta gets reviewed in the Chicago Tribune

best quote from the review: 'My food will speak for me.'

Is it possible to get a reservation at Deta's for something like Easter (yeah I know, good luck kid!...just curious). I wasn't sure if she takes them and I didn't want to be offensive by calling and asking if someone could answer first! Thank in advance.

Deta's is very low key. Don't be afraid to call. Deta can probably suggest a special menu.

Deta's Cafe
7555 N. Ridge
Chicago
773-973-1505

I'd be surprised if she doesn't take the day off to celebrate with her family. Or maybe her family is all the people not smoking, nosiree, no smoking there, at her restaurant.

If you don't have any luck, you can get similar burek (though they're not rolled as prettily), roasted lamb and other such things to go at Sandy's Bakery & Deli, 5857 W. Lawrence (a few doors east of Delightful Pastries).

I wouldn't be at all shocked - I think it was Mother's Day the last time I met nr706 there; the family Deta had all gathered there for their celebration, so she just kept the restaurant open - and kind of welcomed us in to her own family's dinner. IIRC, nobody smoked indoors (if the weather is nice, you will have to walk through the smokers in the outside cafe, though)

Nobody bites - she will be happy to take your question over the phone; while her English isn't perfect, she communicates well.

I'm going to be in Deta's neighborhood tonight and would like to pick up some food to bring home. I can't find a menu online. Does anyone know if there is one somewhere?
I know I'll get some bureks and salad, but would probably like to get one other thing for the family.

I don't think she has a menu online, but it wouldn't really matter, because she really doesn't have a set menu. I'd suggest calling ahead and asking what she has, or what she feels like making. There are usually several bureks, a salad, and a rich chicken soup, but otherwise, call ahead.

I showed up on a Monday night at around 5 and she had 1 burek left. And she didn't seem to really want me to sit down. Is there a good time to try this place?

I finally made my way up to Deta's this week to give the place a try. I had tried her burek at the LTHForum 5th Anniversary Party, but had never actually been in-person. While I found the place charming, I wasn't thrilled by the food. We tried everything on offer: soup, salad, burek.

The chicken noodle soup was good, though lacking in salt and suffered from overcooked noodles. The cucumber/tomato/pepper/feta salad would have been a great summer-time salad, had it not been made up of pale, flavorless, industrial tomatoes. Finally, the burek were good (we tried cheese and spinach/cheese), but not the ethereal pastry and filling experience I hoped for.

If in the area, I'd definitely stop in for a burek to go, but I can't imagine going back and ordering anything else.

-Dan

GAF wrote:
As for smoking, Deta does obey the rules by not serving foie gras. And in truth, once we arrived the restaurant was non-smoking. But there are some restaurants in which tobacco smoke should be defined as a condiment.

I have actually almost never driven by deta's and NOT seen someone smoking, its become a little game we play, like trying to find a UPS truck parked legally. Even as a smoker, I'm somewhat taken aback by it.

By far my favorite thing at Deta's is her homemade bread, though slightly oily, it's got a nice crackle and crumb to it, and is perfect for a wide variety of dipping foods. Not always available, but if you let her know you want some, she's more than happy to make you some and even call you when its ready

I read somewhere (Time Out maybe?) that Deta is no longer at her namesake cafe. I figured if that was true, it would have been mentioned here. Scoop?

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:I read somewhere (Time Out maybe?) that Deta is no longer at her namesake cafe. I figured if that was true, it would have been mentioned here. Scoop?

My understanding is that Deta is on (a possibly open-ended) vacation back home. In the meantime, the son of a friend/relative (I wasn't clear on the relationship) has taken over operations, using the recipes and techniques taught to him by Deta. I think he's picked it up pretty well and he's also introduced the cabbage burek, which may well be my favorite one. It's not as crisp as some of the others because of the moisture in the cabbage, but it's really delicious.

cilantro wrote: I think he's picked it up pretty well and he's also introduced the cabbage burek, which may well be my favorite one. It's not as crisp as some of the others because of the moisture in the cabbage, but it's really delicious.

Deta had been offering these in the winter; I completely agree; I will go so far as to say they ARE my favorite.

I'll third the cabbage burek, which Deta herself served to me in early August of this year. Loaded with black pepper, with a luxurious, rich flavor and texture.