I've only lived in Chicago for six years so I never got to eat at Ann Sather during it's heyday. However, my wife and I went to the location in Andersonville several times over the last few years and found it to be terribly overrated, overpriced, and the hostess/owner to be quite rude. The decor was charming and the only thing that brought us back. I guess I won't be missing it.

shlo wrote: I guess I won't be missing it.

It sounds as if Tom Tunney will be re-opening soon.

I just read the Reader article about property taxes in Andersonville and was vastly amused to read the Wooden Spoon people whining about how that was going to hurt their business.

I can think of at least one other problem they have.

I've only lived in Chicago for six years so I never got to eat at Ann Sather during it's heyday.

What heyday?

sundevilpeg wrote:What heyday?

Way, way back in the day. When Wrigleyville was just called Lakeview & there was gang graffiti and iron grates at the stores by the L stop at Addison. Before the gentrification of Lincoln Park had moved all the way north into Uptown. When Belmont & Sheffield was mostly a working class neighborhood that poor young student/post college types could afford. Back when Ann Sather ran a nice little Swedish diner on Belmont, next to the funeral home that the Tunney's moved it into later. Back when her cinnamon rolls were a little smaller, less sweet-gooey, and baked so that they fought back a little, the dough was more than just a pillow for holding cinnamon and frosting. Back when the attitude you got from the wait staff was of the "waddaya want, hon?" variety, not the "I'm doing you a favor waiting on you" variety. Back when the food was reasonably priced and the fried potatoes had a good, crunchy crust on them.

Back when it was a great neighborhood diner, in other words.

Giovanna

Giovanna,

What you describe and what has been lost is pretty sad. In some respects, Ann Sathers has been gone a very long time.

Thanks for the time travel.

Regards,

titus wong wrote:Needless to say, the probability of my walking into Benny's Grill a second time is low.

Titus,

Akkkkkkk, is about all I have to say about Benny's Grill. Not so much for the down on your luck atmosphere or food, I only had a cup of coffee and I have an well practiced ability to achieve a high level of suspension of disbelief in the search for good food, but the amazing onslaught of venom I felt from the owner*, a 90-lb Asian woman who was ready, willing and, probably, able to kick my a**.

Oh well, no biscuits and gravy on the menu anyway.

Enjoy,
Gary

*I am assuming she is the owner.