By Marie Balice Ward

What is summer fun without a great meal or refreshing beverage? A variety of culinary delights await you in this community, which offers some of Chicagoland’s best eating, drinking, and food shopping experiences.

SUMMER TREATS

Bake for Me! 608 W. Roosevelt Rd. (312) 957-1994, and its newest location in Bridgeport/Canaryville, 4305 S. Halsted St. (773) 624-9900. The Bake for Me! shops feature 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 www.bakeforme.com for details about monthly specials. Eight- and ten-inch cakes are always 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. Shops are closed on Sunday.

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. Now open seven days a week. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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, as well as 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 pasta dishes such as shells with vegetables, as well as a selection of pastas and sauces. Ferrara also serves soups, Caprese pizza, salads and cold and hot sandwiches. An espresso bar is available 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.

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, sandwiches, and salads 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 6 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun.

RESTAURANTS

Amelia’s Mestizo Grill, 4559 S. Halsted St., (773) 538-8200, www.ameliaschicago.com. Amelia’s offers upscale Mexican cuisine that Time Out Chicago calls a fusion of French, Italian, Chinese, and Mediterranean. Online reviews online rate Amelia’s among the very best restaurants in the city. While all of its lunch, dinner and weekend brunch offerings are very popular, the quesadilla de huitlacoche and empanada and taquitos de congrejo stand out among the most popular. Amelia’s encourages you to BYOB. Street parking is abundant and free. Hours: Lunch, Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. brunch 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner Mon. through Thurs., 4 to 9 p.m.; Fri. 4 to 10 p.m.; and on Sat. and Sun., dinner starts at 3 p.m.

Bacchanalia Ristorante, 2413 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-6555, fax (773) 254-6565, www.Bacchanaliachicago.com. Bacchanalia has 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. Carry-outs and catering are available. Bacchanalia is ideal for holiday parties and catered holiday events. Valet parking is available. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sat. 4 to 10 p.m., 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, 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 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.

Chicago Curry House, 899 S. Plymouth Ct., (312) 362-9999, fax (312) 362-0799, www.curryhouseonline.com. Chicago Curry House 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. Tandoori dishes are low in cholesterol. The tandoori is a clay oven that is used for baking bread (naan) and vegetables and roasting lamb, chicken, and seafood with charcoal at about 600 degrees. Among the favorite appetizers are momo (Nepali item), a vegetable platter, tandoori peskush (a platter of samplings of tandoori specialties) and samosa (cone-shaped pastry stuffed with meat). Dinners under $18 are a great value. Chicago Curry House also offers a variety of breads including cheese naan. There also is 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 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 326.3443 fax (312) 842-5274, www.conniespizza.com. Pizza is just the beginning, Connie’s staff says. Since 1963 Connie’s Pizza has served the entire Chicagoland area with wide selection of pizzas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches, specializing in Italian cuisine. Connie’s also specializes in catering for social gatherings including weddings, as well as 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, the 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 dine-in accommodations are available with 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-can-eat 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 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 1108 N. Ashland Ave. Family-run, DePasada for more than 30 years has featured burritos, tacos, and tortas, with fabulous steak. There also are many vegetarian choices. DePasada’s flan and tres leches cake (three milk cake) are not to be missed. 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. A 45-year-old breakfast and lunch eatery is now under new management, Eppel’s offers its warm hospitality for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant seats 100 and is located between Jefferson and Clinton Streets in the strip mall. Eppel’s is well-known for its down-home atmosphere and hearty breakfast specials with choices of eggs; meats, including ham off the bone; pancakes, grits, and 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 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. There currently is a lunch special–$5.00 gourmet burgers with homemade potatoes. Franco’s is 40-seat eatery with 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. Franco’s Ristorante 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. Another location is Franconello’s Italian Restaurant in the Beverly neighborhood, 10222 S. Western Ave. Franconello’s 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. And, as summer is here, so is Franconello’s dining al fresco venue. 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.

Holiday Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 740 W. Randolph St., at Halsted 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/after events, Holiday Grill is known for its great portions at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at affordable prices. They also have a full stocked bar, TVs for Bulls and Blackhawks games, a jukebox, and free wi-fi. Carry out is available. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St., (312) 226-9529, Fax: (312) 226-0633. Palace Grill is a home eatery to 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 has been named “best breakfast restaurant in Chicago” by restaurant critic Pat Bruno. Palace Grill is open for breakfast starting at 5 a.m. every day 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 are served also. Catering is offered by Palace Grill. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. 5:30 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 are pizzas with various toppings. A favorite 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.

Ruby’s Ribs, 3551 S. Halsted St., (773) 823-1889, www.rubysribs.com. In Bridgeport now for one and one-half years, Ruby’s Ribs on March 19 earned top honors from Pat Bruno of the Chicago Sun-Times, who called Ruby’s “one of the city’s top five beef brisket sandwiches.” Ruby’s Ribs is a cozy, 17-seat storefront eatery where meats – tip ribs, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and beef brisket – are all slow roasted and come with a selection of seven homemade sides–barbecue spaghetti, scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, and cole slaw. The rib slabs are more than two lbs. before roasting. Hours: Tues. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed on Mon.

Salerno’s Restaurant, 1201 W. Grand Ave., (312) 666-3444. This restaurant with four locations, including Michael Salerno’s in Glenview, offers a near limitless menu of southern Italian specialties. Among its offerings are thin- and thick-crust pizza; a wide selection of pasta dishes including homemade lasagna and manicotti; veal, chicken, ribs, homemade beef and Italian sausage, 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.

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 2009-2010. Featuring a modern, high energy atmosphere, Tapas Valencia has a décor that 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, and 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. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 4 to 10 p.m., Fri. 4 to 11 p.m., Sat. 5 to 11 p.m., and Sun. 4:30 to 9 p.m.