The Better Letter

Do Tell, Donatella!

It’s a spicy little place for a strip mall.

Saturday night and the joint is jumpin’ at Bluegrass! Owner Jim Lederer, a restaurant veteran, leaves nothing to chance.

Get thee to Restaurant Michael, “a Personal Creation by Chef Michael Lachowicz.”

First things first: Pascal Berthoumieux, the oh-so charming and dapper owner/maitre d’ of Evanston’s terrific new restaurant, is spoken for, so that shouldn’t be your reason for visiting the restaurant.

When I heard that Jimmy Bannos (of perennial favorite Heaven on Seven) was opening a new restaurant with his son, Jimmy Jr., and Scott Harris of Mia Francesca, my ears perked up.

Finding a restaurant in Highwood is like catching fish in a barrel; it ain’t rocket science. But choosing a place that’s really special, one you’ll want to return to again and again? Not so easy. Luckily, we made a reservation at Sage Grille.

This adorable, bright and sunny restaurant is just what the doctor ordered on a recent wintery North Shore day.

Jacky’s is back! Formerly known as Jacky’s Bistro and once run by famed chef Jacky Pluton; Jacky’s has found new life under the ownership of David Lipschutz (longtime owner of seminal vegetarian restaurant Blind Faith Café) and Chef Jonadab Silva.

The delightful treats at Abigail’s in Highland Park are well worth the extra calories.

Shopping makes me hungry. Come to think of it, most activities make me hungry. So by the time I walk out of the beautiful new Lowe’s at Waukegan and Willow, I’m just about ready to eat the wallpaper paste I just purchased there.

Long ago, the Greeks conquered Troy. This fall, they have conquered Winnetka—at the wonderful new Greek restaurant, Avli Estiatorio, located inside the Laundry Mall.

There are times when a girl needs a piece of red meat and nothing else will do. When that occasion arises, I recommend that you head over to Pete Miller’s in Wheeling.

This new offering in Northbrook is an offshoot of the original Zapatista in downtown Chicago, with plans to open in Naperville in the near future.

Retro is all the rage this year, which might help explain the resurrection of The Claim Company. A North Shore institution, the last one closed in 1997. But it’s back, and bigger than ever--or at least so I’m told since I missed the restaurant in its heyday—with old favorites and new menu additions.

Yes, I know it's only been open for a few weeks. Normally I would give a new restaurant a month or 2 to hit its stride before a review, but with pros like Carlos and Debbie Nieto (of Carlos' and Café Central fame) running the show, an early visit seemed like a safe bet.

As if I didn’t feel old before, I feel downright ancient after a recent visit to Sunda Restaurant in River North. It’s the kind of aggressively groovy restaurant that ages you instantly upon entering.

Open since 1999, this Evanston favorite has not lost a step; actually, it gets better each time I go. Owner Victoria Fonseca and Chef/owner Victor Hernandez create a delightful dining experience. The menu is filled with delectable choices - so much so that it is difficult to choose. My solution? I return again and again.

Hidden in a nondescript commercial block in Uptown, Marigold is an oasis of exotic deliciousness. It's set up much like a narrow railroad apartment– the only natural light comes in through the front window– but they make the most of the space they have.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.