By Marie Balice Ward

A special someone, some nice food, and a great Valentine’s Day will result. With superb restaurants, bars, bakeries, and other food shops in this area, your Valentine’s day is sure to be one to remember.

DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS

Bake for Me! 608 W. Roosevelt Rd. (312) 957-1994; 350 N. Clark St. (312) 644-7750; and the newest location in Bridgeport/Canaryville: 4305 S. Halsted St. (773) 624-9900. The Bake for Me! Shop 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 chocolate mousses, and carrot and German chocolate cakes. A special cake is featured every month for office birthdays and other occasions. Visit the Bake for Me! newly recently expanded website at www.bakeforme.com for details about the monthly specials. Eightand ten-inch 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 4:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. except for the Clark St. location, which is closed on Sat. All shops 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 for more than 100 years. Wedding cakes and sweet tables are among Ferrara’s many specialties. On weekdays, Ferrara serves a full menu, dining in or to go. Among its wide selections are a variety of pasta dishes such as shells with vegetables, as well as a variety of pastas and sauces. Ferrara also serves soups, pizza, and salads as well as hot and cold sandwiches. Ferrara features an espresso bar daily. Hours: Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DINING

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 scallopini, mussels marinara, and penne a la puttanesca. Specials are offered daily. Bruna’s also has an extensive wine list and imports a specially selected Chianti and 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 everyday 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.

Burger Baron, 1381 W. Grand Ave., (312) 733-3285, www.burgerbaron.net. Thirty years ago, Burger Baron opened with the desire to create home style breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable prices within a warm, family atmosphere. Burger Baron still is fulfilling its dream. Egg selections, omelets, French toast, and rolls are only some of the breakfast choices. At lunch, Burger Baron offers sandwiches of all types including Burger Baron’s “Great Burger,” as well as many other American, Italian, and Greek selections such as gyros, hot dogs, Italian beef and more, in addition to low-carb wraps that also are available for dinner. Burger Baron also offers a wide selection of entrees including Greek specialties and BBQ dinners. Entrees come complete with salad or coleslaw and a choice of fries, Greek style potatoes, or rice. Online ordering is available for takeout. Free parking available. 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.

Café Bionda, 1924 S. State St., (312) 326-9800, fax (312) 326-9801, www.cafebionda.com, Cafebionda1@yahoo.com. Bionda means “blond woman” in Italian, noted the Café’s partners, Joe Farina and Gerard Burke. Farina is a seasoned chef with more than 20 years of experience, and Burke is responsible for the classic interior design of the restaurant. Since June 2006, Café Bionda has offered authentic Italian dishes including homemade meatballs, Fontanini sausage with sautéed red and green peppers, baked clams, veal Francese, osso bucco, escarole, and beans to name but a few of its selections. Café Bionda’s full bar includes a signature martini list and a vast array of red and white wines. Its main dining room seats 70, with a private room for up to 50 persons, and two mahogany bars that each seats 15 people. Parking is free in the lot behind the restaurant, with valet parking available after 5 p.m. on weekends. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sun. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Chicago Curry House, 899 S. Plymouth Ct., (312) 362-9999, fax (312) 362-0799, www.curryhouseonline.com. Chicago Curry House is the only restaurant in the downtown Chicago area that offers Indian and Nepalese selections. Chicago Curry House’s recipes are simple, natural, low fat, and from authentic recipes. Selections include chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables. The delectable tandoori dishes are very low in cholesterol. The tandoori is a barrel-shaped clay oven that is used for baking bread (naan), vegetables, roasting lamb, chicken, and seafood with charcoal at about 600 degrees. Among favorite appetizers are momo (a Nepali item), the vegetable platter, tandoori peskush (platter of samplings of tandoori specialties), and samosa (coneshaped pastry stuffed with meat). Favorite entrees include special dinners under $18 such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori lamb, and tandoori prawns. Chicago Curry House also offers a variety of breads including cheese naan. There is also an extensive dessert menu. Popular desserts include gullab jammune (fried milk pastry dumplings in saffron syrup-served hot) and rassmalai (flat round cottage cheese poached in milk and garnished with pistachios). The atmosphere is romantic, complemented with soft music and attentive service. Chicago Curry House offers a private party room, a full bar, and carry out and delivery service as well as catering. Hours: Open every day. Luncheon buffet, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 3 to 10 p.m.

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 326-3443, fax (312) 842-5274, www.conniespizza.com. Since 1963 Connie’s Pizza has served the entire Chicagoland area with a wide selection of pizzas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches. Connie’s specializes in Italian cuisine, and also specializes in catering for social gatherings including weddings and corporate luncheons or dinners of any size, provided by its off-site full staff of catering experts. Connie’s Pizza is a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Fire, Brookfield Zoo, University of Illinois at Chicago Flames, the Allstate Arena, and the Sears Center. Pickup, delivery, and dinein accommodations are available, as is a private dining area. Free parking available. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, Sun. and Mon. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Damenzo’s Pizza, 2324 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-1142. Pizzas of all shapes and sizes– thin, thick, and stuffed starting with single servings to oversized pies for families and parties—are available at Damenzo’s with an extensive selection of toppings. Damenzo’s also serves Italian entrees such as pasta choices including manicotti and linguini with clam sauce, as well as sandwiches including vegetarian selections. Damenzo’s also serves ciabatta bread sandwiches, daily specials such as all-you-caneat pizza, and a variety of side dishes. Catering and carryout are 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. DePasada to wishes to extend its appreciation to its many loyal customers for nine wonderful years–and counting—in Little Italy and for the many years of loyalty by its customers at DePasada’s 1108 N. Ashland Ave. location. Family-run, DePasada for more than 30 years has featured burritos, tacos, and tortas with delicious steak and other main ingredients. There also are many vegetarian choices. DePasada’s flan and tres leches cake (three milk cake) are dessert favorites. DePasada is open Sun. through Thurs., 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Fri. and Sat. 7 a.m. to midnight. Breakfast is served from 7 to 11 a.m.

Eppel’s Restaurant, 554 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 922-2206, fax (312) 596-1202. This 45-year-old breakfast-and-lunch eatery now is under new management, offering warm hospitality. The restaurant seats 100 people and is located between Jefferson and Clinton, in the strip mall across from Best Buy in the heart of the revitalized Roosevelt Road shopping district. Eppel’s is well-known for its downhome atmosphere and hearty breakfast specials with choices of eggs, meats which include ham off the bone, pancakes, grits, waffles and wings, homemade biscuits with gravy, and more. Lunch specials range from braised short ribs, oxtails, hearty meatloaf, and homemade fried chicken and fried catfish, among a host of other choices. Eppel’s also 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.

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 fine 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. The 40-seat eatery has an excellent wine list and full bar. Its sister restaurants are Franconello, located in the Beverly community, open since 1994, and Franconello,1301 S. Halsted St. Catering and carryout also are 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 all homemade 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 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun., 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Gem Bar Lounge, 2700 S. Loomis St., (773) 847-8140. Gem Bar Lounge —listed on Metro-Mix — is located “where Bridgeport begins,” according to the management. Gem is a friendly neighborhood bar and lounge that has been family-owned since 1920. “At the river, drop in” is its motto, due to its location: the south branch of the south fork of the Chicago River. Gem offers daily drink specials and a full bar, with televisions throughout. Recently started is Karaoke on Wednesdays from 8 to 11 p.m. Gem Bar Lounge has abundant street parking. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Holiday Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 740 W. Randolph St., (312) 207-0924, web site with downloadable menu and featured daily specials www.holidaygrillandbar.com. Holiday Neighborhood Grill & Bar has been a neighborhood eatery for more than 30 years. Near the United Center for convenient dining before or after events, Holiday Grill is known for its great portions at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at affordable prices. Holiday also has a fully stocked bar, TVs for Bulls and Blackhawks games, a jukebox, and free wi-fi. Carryout is available. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. to 3 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 60 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 prepared fresh on site and cooked trans fatfree, 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, soft drinks, and juices are served at Lawrence’s Fisheries. 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. Palace Grill is an eatery patronized by famous Chicagoans of all walks of life including the Chicago Blackhawks, Mayor Richard M. Daley, and reporters. “You just don’t know who will walk in,” said George Lemperis, owner. A West Loop fixture since 1938, Palace Grill was named “best breakfast restaurant in Chicago” by restaurant critic Pat Bruno. Palace Grill is open for breakfast starting at 5 a.m. everyday except Sun., when breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Like his father before him, Lemperis serves fresh, homemade selections — everything from bacon and eggs to pancakes, omelets, and hash browns for breakfast. At lunch, Palace Grill offers hearty, homemade soups such as split pea, minestrone, and Boston clam chowder. Lunch fare includes fresh spring mix salad, Cobb, or Greek salads. Sandwich selections include the popular skirt steak sandwich, the Palace Grill burger — a half-pound of freshly-ground beef served on Greek bread — as well as roast beef, turkey clubs, and hot meatloaf served with real mashed potatoes, among other choices including daily specials. Beer and wine also are served. Catering 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.

Pompei, 1531 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5179. This bustling 225-seat eatery also accommodates groups of up to 100 people in its La Stanza di Pompei party room. Pompei also has several other locations including in the Loop. 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.

Salerno’s Restaurant, 1201 W. Grand Ave., (312) 666-3444. This restaurant, with five locations including Michael Salerno’s in Glenview, offers a near limitless menu of southern Italian specialties. Among its offerings are pizza, a wide selection of pasta dishes, veal, chicken, ribs, and sandwiches. Salerno’s also provides take-out including homemade pasta sauce. Its homemade desserts feature, but are not limited to, homemade gelato, tiramisu, and cannoli. Salerno’s is available for private parties and has free parking. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun. noon to 10 p.m.

Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar, 1312 E. 53 rd St., (773) 324-3700, fax (773) 324-3710. With two kitchens, the Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar offers a complete menu starting with appetizers, soups, salads, and drinks. Its sushi selections include maki/rolls, house maki, nigiri, sashimi, and more. Steak, chicken pesto, and Mediterranean caprese are some of the sandwich selections. Individual sized pizzas are authentically thin. In addition to Italian sodas and traditional beverages, Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar offers organic infusion drinks and fresh fruit smoothies. Among the drink specials at Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar are half-off bottles of Sake on Mondays, and half-off bottles of wine on Tuesdays. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 10:30 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. Weekend brunch items include salmon cakes and fried pork chops. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Tapas Valencia, 1530 S. State St., (312) 842-4444, info@mesonsabika.com, www.tapasvalencia.com. Tapas Valencia was named the No. 1 Spanish restaurant by Chicagoland Zagat in 2008-2009 and was voted “Most Romantic” Open Table 2009 as well.. Tapas Valencia features a modern, high-energy aesthetic atmosphere, Tapas Valencia’s décor includes mosaic walls in the style of Joan Miro. The menu, authentically from Spain, includes an extensive assortment of hot and cold tapas including vegetarian, veal, beef, chicken, fish, seafood as well as signature paellas. Tapas Valencia’s paella also features vegetarian, fish, and seafood as well as chicken and shellfish choices. Desserts at Tapas Valencia are not to be missed—flan of the day and bittersweet chocolate terrine are only two of a distinct variety. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 4 to 10 p.m., Fri. 4 to 11 p.m., Sat. 5 to 11 p.m., and Sun. brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Taylor Made Pizza, 1220 W. Taylor St., (312) 850-2000, fax (312) 850-2002. Taylor Made Pizza specializes in stuffed and thin crust pizzas with a vast selection of toppings. Taylor Made’s specialty is a stuffed pizza filled with spinach and mushrooms. In addition to pizzas, Taylor Made features sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts including cannoli. There is an eat-in area for 20 persons. Carryout and delivery are also 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 3 a.m.

University Village Marketplace Eateries and Fine Dining, Roosevelt Rd., Halsted St., Union Ave., and Maxwell St. (UIC South Campus), (312) 413-8387. Along Halsted St. and Maxwell St., there is a plethora of restaurants and casual eateries serving the entire University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) community as well as the Near West, South Loop, and downtown areas and beyond. A unique culinary experience can be enjoyed for Valentine’s Day and everyday. Eateries range from coffee shops to fine dining and everything in between including Dinner by Design, where customers make their own dinners with the expertise and assistance of a training staff. Destinations to stop in for a break or pick up something along the way include Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Express Grill, Jamba Juice, Pop This! Popcorn Shop, Massa Italian Café, Jim’s Original Hot Dog, Quinzos Subs, Reggio’s Pizza, Wow Café & Wingery and Perry’s Deli.

Sit-down and fine-dining experiences can be enjoyed at Franconello Italian Restaurant, Hashbrowns, Joy Yee Noodles, Junior’s Sports Lounge, Kohan Japanese Restaurant, Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant, and Morgan’s on Maxwell. For every taste and every occasion, University Village Marketplace eateries and fine dining restaurants have much to offer.

GREAT GIFTS

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 chocolate-dipped bananas, dipped apple wedges, dipped orange segments, and strawberries. Fudge selections, Mylar balloons, plush bears, and more also are featured as “accessories” for an extra touch. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.