By Marie Balice Ward | December 2008

Shopping for the holidays? Want to eat out with friends and family? Whatever your holiday food needs, the food merchants and eateries in this area can fulfill them.

BAKED GOODS

Bake for Me! 608 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 957-1994, and 350 N. Clark St. (312) 644-7750. Also, opening this month is a new location: 4305 S. Halsted St., (773) 624-9900. Bake for Me! features festive cakes, wedding cakes, fancy tortes, pastries, and assorted cookie trays. Cakes for children are very popular items on Saturdays at Bake for Me! Also, there are wedding cake tastings held on one Saturday each month. Other specialties include logo and photo cookies, fresh strawberry and chocolate mousses, and carrot and German chocolate cakes. A special cake is featured every month for office birthdays and other occasions. Visit www.bakeforme.com for details about the monthly specials. Eight- and teninch cakes always are available (for up to 16 people). Custom or larger cakes (for 50 or more people) are available by calling 24 hours in advance. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Clark St. location is closed on Sat. All locations are closed on Sun.

Ferrara Bakery, 2210 W. Taylor St., (312) 666-2200, www.ferrarabakery.com. Ferrara’s signature cannoli cake, along with a wide variety of party cakes, cookies, candies, biscotti, and pastries have been a family tradition at Ferrara Bakery for more than 100 years. Wedding cakes and sweet tables are among Ferrara’s many specialties. On weekdays, Ferrara serves a full lunch menu, dining in or to go. Luncheon specials include many pasta dishes, soups, pizza, salads, as well as hot and cold sandwiches. Ferrara also features a daily espresso bar. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

BARS, LOUNGES, AND CLUBS

BeviAmo Wine Bar, 1358 W. Taylor St., (312) 455-8255. In Little Italy, BeviAmo Wine Bar’s cozy atmosphere enhances the experience of an extensive selection of international wines. Wine tasting and cheese pairing are featured every Tuesday, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. For those seeking something other than wine, there also is an extensive martini menu. Mellow, laidback, live entertainment is available on Fri. evenings. Other nights there is a DJ spinning something for everyone’s musical taste. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. , Sat. 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Sun. 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Little Joe’s Circle Lounge, 1041 W. Taylor St., (312) 829-5888, fax (312) 829-0261. Established in 1946, Little Joe’s is operated by the third generation of the Assenato family. The atmosphere — an eclectic blend of rustic, contemporary, and Victorian details — is very comfortable and inviting. Among the interior features at Little Joe’s Circle Lounge is track lighting with Italian–imported shades in green, two plasma televisions behind the bar, and a Touchtone jukebox. The Assenato family offers the highest standards in hospitality. The fare is simple, well prepared, abundant, and competitively priced. Kitchen hours: Mon. through Sat. 11 a.m. to closing. Bar hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to closing, and Sat. 3 p.m. to closing. Little Joe’s Circle Lounge is closed on Sun.

M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 447-0201, fax (312) 922- 7120, info@mloungechicago.com, www.mloungechicago.com. M Lounge is an intimate martini lounge featuring jazz music, an array of specialty martinis, and fine spirits. Live jazz performances are held at no cover charge. And, M Lounge is an exceptional alternative to the sports bar scene for Monday night football. Celebrate New Year’s Eve without having to pay those high up-front fees. Ring in the New Year with friends in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. M Lounge also can host holiday parties, from six people to 30 people. Looking for something a bit larger? Inquire about hosting a private event. Early booking is recommended. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 4 p.m. to Midnight; Fri. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. M Lounge is closed on Sun. for private events. Valet parking is available on weekends.

Mitchell’s Tap, 3356 S. Halsted St., (773) 927-6073. Mitchell’s claims the largest selection of domestic and imported beers in the entire Bridgeport community area. Ideally located for all sporting events, before, during, and after, Mitchell’s is conveniently located only ten minutes from downtown and sporting events. Food is served for all Bears games at half-time at Mitchell’s. On Sun., Dec. 7, Mitchell’s will host a chili cook-off; entrants are invited to stop by in advance to sign up and get a free tee shirt. There will be first, second, and third prizes. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

South Loop Club, 701 S. State St. (at Balbo Dr.), (312) 427-2787. A popular South Loop destination for about 20 years, South Loop Club offers a substantial food menu that includes burgers, Buffalo wings, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, seafood, veggie burgers, spicy black bean burgers, and side dishes. It draws students from the nearby universities, tradespersons, and professionals. Thirteen TV screens bring a wide variety of sports games to patrons simultaneously. South Loop Club also offers sporting events packages for patrons to view games from around the country. A Golden Tee golf machine, jukebox, and electronic dart games add to the entertainment. The South Loop Club offers 80 different beers on tap and bottled and a fully-stocked bar. Carryout also is available. South Loop Club helps patrons celebrate special events in a special, fun atmosphere. The kitchen and bar stay open until last call. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DESSERTS AND FUN

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, 850 W. Jackson Blvd., (312) 738-3610, fax (312) 738-3611. Hawaiian coffees, smoothies, baked goods including muffins and bagels, as well as a limited assortment of juices are among the offerings at Maui Wowi for sit-down, carry-out, and limited delivery enjoyment. Fresh soups are available Monday through Friday. Retail sale items include bagged Hawaiian coffees, boxed teas, and Hawaiian snacks. A conference room is available for small group meetings and the store can be reserved for private parties or themed events. Maui Wowi also caters corporate and private parties and provides a portable tiki hut. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sat and Sun.

PLACES TO EAT

Bacchanalia Ristorante, 2413 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-6555, fax (773) 254-6565, www.bacchanaliachicago.com. Bacchanalia has just received a prestigious Zagat award, being named as one of America’s top 1,000 Italian restaurants. Bacchanalia means “feast,” and it delivers on its name with regional home cooking from the Luca and Pisa areas of Italy. Located in the Heart of Chicago community, Bacchanalia has been family owned and operated since 1979. All dishes are made to order with the finest ingredients; nothing is pre-made. House specialties include chicken Vesuvio, filet mignon, veal parmigiana, and a wide range of pasta entrees. Carryouts and catering are available. Bacchanalia is ideal for the holiday parties and catered holiday events. Valet parking is available for $7. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sat. 4 to 10 p.m., and Sun. 3:30 to 9 p.m.

Bruna’s Ristorante, 2424 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-5550. Since 1933, Bruna’s has served fine Italian cuisine including a variety of pasta dishes and meat and fish entrees. Some of the most popular dishes are veal scaloppini, mussels marinara, and penne a la puttanesca. Specials are offered daily. Bruna’s also has an extensive wine list and imports a personally-selected vino nobile di Montepulciano. The most popular dessert is Bruna’s own tiramisu. Other popular dessert specials include chocolate mousse cake and wild berry tart. Gelato also is available, with pistachio being a favorite. Reservations are accepted. Carryout is available. Valet parking is offered every day except on Mon. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Buffalo Wings & Rings, 3434 S. Halsted St., (773) 579-9469 (WING), www.bwrbridgeport.com. American fare with favorites including chicken wings and tenders and burgers with fries are served at Buffalo Wings & Rings. A full bar offers daily specials. Tuesdays are trivia nights with prizes awarded. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to midnight.

Burger Baron, 1381 W. Grand Ave., (312) 733-3285, www.burgerbaron.net. Burger Baron was “born out of the passion to serve good food that will not break the bank.” Burger Baron serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a pleasant family style atmosphere. Breakfast sandwiches, egg selections, omelets, and French toast are only some of the breakfast choices. Sandwiches of all types including Burger Baron’s “great burger,” patty melt, cheeseburgers, Italian beef, Italian sausage, hot dogs, ribs, corned beef, fish, sub, steak, chicken, Phillies, and gyros are available. Burger Baron also offers a wide selection of dinner entrees. There are desserts, soft-serve ice cream, and milkshakes to choose from as well. Takeout is available. Happy holidays from Sam Louckes and the entire staff. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Sun.

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 674-2200, fax (312) 842-5274, conniespizza.com. “Pizza is just the beginning,” say Connie’s proprietors. Connie’s has been open since 1963 and is a proud official sponsor of Taste of Chicago, Gospel Fest, the Chicago White Sox, the UIC Flames, Wrigley Field, Brookfield Zoo, and other Chicago attractions. Connie’s Pizza has served the entire Chicagoland area with pizzas of all types as well as a wide selection of entrees, salads, and sandwiches; the restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine. Connie’s also specializes in catering for social gatherings such as weddings, as well as corporate luncheons or dinners of any size, provided by its off-site full staff of catering experts. Pickup, delivery, and eat-in accommodations are available. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Damenzo’s Pizza, 2324 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-1142. Pizzas of all shapes—thin, thick, and stuffed—are available at Damenzo’s with a wide selection of toppings. Damenzo’s also serves Italian entrees such as lasagna, ravioli, eggplant parmesan, and sandwiches. Among Damenzo’s generous-sized sandwiches are Italian beef, Italian sausage, and meatball. Catering is available. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

DePasada, 1517 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-6441, fax (312) 243-6277. This very popular eatery continues DePasada’s tradition of fine Mexican food made popular at its original location: 1108 N. Ashland Ave. Family-run, DePasada has for more than 20 years featured burritos, tortas, tostadas, tacos, and many other delectable selections. All choices are made from family recipes that have been handed down through generations. DePasada’s flan and tres leches cake (three-milk cake) are very popular. DePasada offers delivery after 6 p.m. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to midnight.

Eppel’s Restaurant, 554 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 922-2206, fax (312) 596-1202. A 45-year-old breakfast and lunch eatery now under new management, Eppel’s offers its warm hospitality for breakfast and lunch daily except for major holidays. The restaurant seats 100 people and is located between Jefferson and Clinton Streets, in the strip mall across from Best Buy. Eppel’s is wellknown for its down-home atmosphere and hearty breakfast specials with choices of eggs, meats which include ham off the bone, grits, waffles and wings, and homemade biscuits with gravy. Lunch specials range from braised short ribs, oxtails, hearty meatloaf, and homemade fried chicken and fried catfish, among other choices. Eppel’s offers a large selection of sandwiches including panini. All sandwiches are served with French fries and homemade soup. Full service carryout is available. Hours: Daily from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except major holidays.

Fogota Village Restaurant, 1820 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 850- 1702. A delicious blend of Italian and Mexican cuisine, Fogota serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most popular for breakfast is its “Breakfast Fogota” selection. For lunch, a buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fogota is a BYOB restaurant. Hours: Sun. through Wed. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thurs. through Sat. 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Franco’s Ristorante, 300 W. 31st St., (312) 225-9566. Located just north of U.S. Cellular Field, Franco’s is known as “the small place with the big taste.” Open since 1989, it offers the finest multi-regional Italian cuisine including made-to-order pastas, gnocchi, linguini with clams, and fettuccine with chicken and mushrooms as well as a variety of fish and meat selections and daily specials. One of Franco’s trademark entrees is a 2-1/2 inch thick pork chop served with oven-roasted potatoes. The finest ingredients are used for its homemade recipes. The 40-seat eatery has an excellent wine list and full bar. Its sister restaurant is Franconello, located in the Beverly community, open since 1994, and Franconello, 1301 S. Halsted St. Call Franco’s for all your catering needs. Carryout also is available. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat. 3 to 10 p.m. Closed on Sun. and Mon.

Franconello’s Italian Restaurant, 1301 S. Halsted St., located in University Village, (312) 421-1301. This Italian restaurant serves allhomemade appetizers, entrees, and desserts. It specializes in rosemary pork chops, sausage and peppers Franconello style, and pastas, including homemade gnocchi. Among the dessert specialties are tiramisu, cannoli dip, carrot cake, lava cake, and gelato, also all homemade. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sat. 3 to 11 p.m. and Sun. 2 to 9 p.m.

Gio’s Cafe, 2724 S. Lowe Ave., (312) 225-6368, www.gioscafe.com. Gio’s offers Southern Italian cuisine — especially from Sicily. Gio’s was ranked as a top ten favorite and described as “a Bridgeport neighborhood surprise: the amazing Gio’s, a little wonder restaurant and retail store offering top Italian dishes at lunch and dinner. It’s a festive BYOB party place.” Gio’s is ideal for holiday parties and catered events during the holiday season. Gio’s Cafe offers daily specials at good prices. Gio’s numerous specialties include fresh fish and meat specials, cavatelli vodka, chicken Vesuvio, arrancini (rice balls), and sausage and peppers appetizers. Nothing is pre-cooked. Carry out, delivery, and catering are available. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sun.

Howie’s, 1310 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 461-0944, fax (312) 461-0555. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Howie’s, an established neighborhood eatery, serves breakfast all day and every day, with steak and eggs and breakfast burritos as the most popular selections. Howie’s also serves burgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, gyros, Italian beef sandwiches, turkey burgers, fish, salads, and more. The Buffalo chicken is one of the most frequently enjoyed sandwich choices. Soups and chili are also available at Howie’s including vegetarian and meat chili—all homemade. For desserts, Howie’s features milkshakes, including a fresh banana shake, and freshly baked cookies. Winter hours: Mon. and Tues. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wed. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lawrence’s Fisheries, 2120 S. Canal St., (312) 225-2113, fax (312) 225-7468, www.lawrencesfisheries.net. “The fish place at the bridge” began 58 years ago as a wholesale/retail fishing operation, and now is an acclaimed fast casual restaurant with carryout and business delivery service. Open 24 hours every day, Lawrence’s specializes in fried shrimp, fish chips, catfish, and chicken made fresh on site and cooked trans fat-free, using family recipes. Other favorites at Lawrence’s include frog legs, seafood nuggets, scallops, cod, oysters, boiled shrimp, and a variety of fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Beer and wines now also are served at Lawrence’s. Business delivery is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon. through Fri. in the South Loop and West Side. Faxed orders are welcome.

Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St., (312) 226-9529, fax (312) 226-0633. A West Loop fixture since 1938, Palace Grill is open for breakfast starting at 5 a.m. every day except Sun., when breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Owner George Lemperis, like his father before him, serves everything from bacon and eggs to pancakes and omelets and hash browns. For lunch, Palace Grill offers hearty homemade soups including split pea, minestrone, and Boston clam chowder. Lighter fare includes fresh spring mix, Cobb, or Greek salads. The Palace Grill burger is a half-pound of beef served on Greek bread. Other sandwiches include roast beef, turkey clubs, and hot meatloaf served with real mashed potatoes. There also are daily specials. Beer and wine are available. Catering also is offered. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pancho Pistolas, 700 W. 31st St., (312) 225-8808. Authentic Mexican cuisine is featured at Pancho Pistolas including a wide selection of appetizers, lunch, and dinner including Mexican specialties such as carne asada, enchiladas suiza, flautas, chiles rellenos, burritos, tacos, tortas, tosadas, and seafood. Everything is home made from original recipes. Pancho Pistolas has a full bar with margaritas as one of the most popular choices. Carry out and delivery are offered. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Polo Café & Catering, 3322 S. Morgan St., (773) 927-POLO or (773) 927-7656.

Polo Café was named as Taste of Chicago’s “best” by the Chicago Tribune. Rick Kogan of WGN-Radio said, “This is one of the City’s hidden treasures.” Chef/Owner Dave Samber continuously creates new culinary experiences at his restaurant that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Lunch Mon. through Fri., and dinner on Fri. and Sat., as well as brunch on Sat. are served. The extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, soups, seafood, meat entrees, and sandwiches, as well as desserts. Polo Café also has a full bar. In addition, the old theater building next door has been converted to a private event venue for Polo Café as the “Old Eagle Room” and accommodates 100 persons. Among the historically significant features are a Rodgers 360 theater organ, 20-channel audio/DJ system, and a rare Wurlitzer concert grand piano. Polo Cafe also offers catering off-site for any occasion. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sat. Brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompei, 1531 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5179. This bustling 225-seat eatery also accommodates groups of up to 100 people for holiday gatherings in its La Stanza di Pompei party room. Popular items include pizzas with various toppings. Quite popular is Pompei’s “pizza strudel” —an original creation. Other favorites include pastas, salads, daily specials, and fresh breads. Homemade desserts, cappuccino, and espresso also are served. Pompei specializes in express catering for delivery or pick up. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Punky’s Pizza & Pasta, 2600 S. Wallace St., (312) 842-2100, fax (312) 842-2102. Featured on CenterStage, Punky’s offers eat-in, delivery, and carryout for its vast selection of Italian pizza, pastas, entrees, and sandwiches. Great for family and group dining, Punky’s also offers soups, salads, and sandwiches including Italian beef and grilled chicken with roasted peppers. Open daily. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Salerno’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, 1201 W. Grand Ave., (312) 666-3444, 1-(800)-Salerno, www.salernospizza.com. Since 1966, the Salerno family has been serving Southern Italian cuisine in the Chicago area. Now, it offers delectable selections at its locations in Chicago, Oak Park, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, and Glenview. There are thin and thick crust pizzas; appetizers; salads of various types including fish, grilled chicken Caesar, antipasto salad, and more; pasta dishes; sandwiches such as Italian beef, eggplant parmigiana, veal parmigiana, and subs; entrees including chicken, veal, steaks, and ribs; house specials such as pasta fagioli, lasagna, potato gnocchi, and desserts. Salerno provides private party accommodations as well as catering. Orders can be placed on line. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. noon to 10 p.m.

Sweet Maple Café, 1339 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-8908. A 1940s style eatery, Sweet Maple Café offers breakfast and lunch during the week, and brunch specials on the weekends. Sweet Maple uses deliciously creative recipes for pancakes and French toast, homemade biscuits, muffins, and egg dishes, among other selections. Lunch fare includes homemade soups and sandwiches such as turkey with homemade potato chips. There also are abundant desserts. Weekend brunch items include salmon cakes, fried pork chops, and more. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Taylor Made Pizza, 1220 W. Taylor St., (312) 850-2000, fax (312) 850-2002. Taylor Made Pizza specializes in deep dish and thin crust pizzas with a vast selection of toppings. In addition to pizzas, Taylor Made features sandwiches and appetizers. There is an eat-in area for 20 persons. Carryout and delivery also are available. Hours: Sun. noon to 11 p.m., Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

SPECIALTY ITEMS

Edible Arrangements, 1212 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5440, fax (312) 421-5441, www.ediblearrangements.com. Fruits designed into bouquets and baskets to resemble table centerpieces are featured at Edible Arrangements. Tropical fruits as well as homegrown selections are available along with dipped fruits in boxes, including gourmet dipped apple wedges, dipped orange segments, and strawberries. Fudge selections, Mylar balloons, and plush bears also are featured as accessories. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Panozzo’s Italian Market, 1303 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 356-9966, fax (312) 356-9965, www.panozzos. com. The folks at Panozzo’s say “buone feste” (happy holidays). Panozzo’s stands ready to add a taste of Italy into this holiday season. From party trays, housemade lasagna, and custom catering to bountiful gift baskets and delectable panettones, Panozzo’s features a full-line of fine Italian specialties including artisanal Italian meats and cheeses, a wide array of local and imported pasta and rich sauces, a great selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as beer and wine. Deli sandwiches are extremely popular at Panozzo’s. Among the most popular are prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, homemade Italian sausage and peppers, housemade Italian beef, and special meatballs. Hours: Tues. through Fri. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.