Dinner For Four Near the Chopin Theatre, Tonight.

Holy short notice, Batman.

My husband, in-laws and I are suddenly in need of someplace at least reasonably nice/interesting near the Chopin Theatre tonight. We'll also need to be in and out in about an hour.

I'm at a loss. I definitely spend some time in that area, but can't seem to think of anything more parent-friendly than, say, La Pasadita. I'm not sure the in-laws are ready for that.

Would it be possible to get in and out of Bin Wine Cafe in an hour? On a Friday? My instincts say no.

I'm sure there's someplace on Division that I'm just blanking on, which is where your collective brain power comes in handy.

The Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 W Division: basically Division and Ashland

Podhalanka
1549 W. Division
(773) 486-6655

Rudy's Taste. It's just down the street, it's about the cleanest and friendliest ethnic place in town, food is comfy.

Rudy's

El Barco
1035 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-6850

I haven't been there for a while.

West Town Tavern
1329 W. Chicago
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 666-6175

Depending what time you go, you shouldn't have a problem getting out in an hour.

Mas
1670 W. Division
(773) 276-8700

Bob San Sushi
1805 W Division St

Moonshine (Bar & Grill food)
1824 W Division St

Smoke Daddy (BBQ)
1804 W Division St

Mac's (Bar & Grill food)
1801 W. Division St

Corosh (Italian w/nice patio)
1072 N Milwaukee Ave

Hi,

I second Podhalanka especially since it is next door.

I went there recently before seeing a play at Chopin. I had the sour borscht and, at the waiter's recommendation, a boiled egg sliced in half. The soup plus the complimentary rye bread and butter cost around $3.

Regards,

Not sure what your in-laws are expecting, but I think Bin Wine Cafe is a very fine place, and it would certainly not be out-of-bounds to expect a 60 minute meal. Depends on what you're looking for, of course, but BWC has a good range of bistro-type dishes and a fabulous range of cheeses and wine (and I'm guessing that, before a performance, you're not going to want to weigh down with a lot of food anyway).

Hammond

Mike G wrote:Rudy's Taste. It's just down the street, it's about the cleanest and friendliest ethnic place in town, food is comfy.

Rudy's

Has anyone been to Rudy's since they overhauled the menu? Last time I passed by, there was a big banner sign outside saying they had a new menu, so I went in and checked it out. Although I was between meals and didn't stop in to eat, the new menu looked a bit more "slick" (glossy and more professional), and there were some changes to the offerings (I'm pretty sure the fried chicken I've ordered there before was no longer on the menu), though I'm not really sure how substantive. I'm not sure if the changes are just a reflection of updating the menu or if there's a new cook, new owners, etc. Anyone know?

Same question, different year.

Giovanna

Marrakech Cuisine
1413 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
(773) 227-6451

It's BYO

I see 2-3 productions a year at the Chopin, was there tonight and remembered this thread. If equipped with a car (or bikes), dinner at Jam is an option, particularly during the week when--at least for now--it's been pretty empty. Service has been efficient enough that, even with the four-course tasting menu, a small group could get in and out in enough time for a pre-theater meal (maybe just over an hour). Another option, with the warm weather here, is Pizza Metro with its sidewalk patio. Both restaurants are BYO.

FWIW, though it closes this Sunday, TUTA's production of Bertolt Brecht's Baal is quite good.

Jam
937 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago 60622
773-489-0302

Pizza Metro
1707 W. Division St.
Chicago 60622
773-278-1753

Wanted to make a brief mention of Ruxbin, also right in the area near Chopin.

They just opened and are serving what I'd call New American inflected with Korean and Mexican notes. They're also a BYO. Shared the garlic fries accompanied by chipotle aioli, crispy eggplant, trout with dates, basil, and asparagus, chicken with onions, radishes and black beans, mussels in garlicky white wine broth, and hanger over cauliflower puree.

The chicken was a real standout, having a mix between SE Asian coconutiness and mexican deep, almost mole-like flavoring. The trout worked, despite my initial reservations about the dates (not a salty-sweet guy), though the asparagus was a bit over salted. Hanger was medium when it could have been medium rare, but was nicely marinated nonetheless (chimichurri) and the cauliflower puree was a better take on blander tuber based purees I've had elsewhere. Fries were excellent--a little limp, but the perfect texture for aioli dipping. The eggplant was done as a very light tempura, and I can't quite remember what accompanied it (I think jicama among other crispy things). Light and fully capturing early eggplant of the season.

The design of the place is all well thought out. Has a kind of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari meets Dutch airport cafe. Unfortunately no photos. Some available here: http://blog.emilyjohnstonanderson.com/2 ... t-rux.html

The place needs to work on pacing and the dishes seem like they are in a germination state, but it does seem to have real potential. Very cosy, reasonably priced (apps 3-7, entrees 16-23). I expect to return in a few weeks.

Ruxbin
851 N. Ashland
http://ruxbin.wordpress.com/

whocanitbenow wrote:Wanted to make a brief mention of Ruxbin, also right in the area near Chopin.

Thank you for the reminder. I lost track of their opening date. I'm excited to check this place out. Do you happen to remember the extent of any vegetarian options?

Oh, and a friend also alerted me to these additional photos of the space and food:

http://noshameadventures.blogspot.com/2 ... uxbin.html

whocanitbenow wrote:Wanted to make a brief mention of Ruxbin, also right in the area near Chopin.

Interesting, I just got an e-mail about them yesterday. LINK

SSDD