By Marie Balice Ward

This community’s restaurants, bars, and food stores offer the best in seasonal dining and food-and drink related gifts. Enjoy a meal or some holiday cheer as you take a break fromthe holiday hustle.

BAKED GOODS

Bake for Me! 4305 S. Halsted St. (773) 624-9900 and 321 N. Clark St., (312)-644-7750. All of the Bake for Me! shops feature festive cakes, wedding cakes, fancy tortes, pastries, and assorted cookie trays. 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 a newly recently expanded website at www.bakeforme.com for details about the 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.

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 and cookies, as well as its 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 selections are a wide variety of pasta dishes, Neapolitan style pizza, and more. Chicken Marsala is a favorite choice at Ferrara. Also served at Ferrara are soups, pizza, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches. An espresso bar is available daily. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 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.

BARS, LOUNGES, AND CLUBS

BeviAmo, 1358 W. Taylor St., (312) 455-8255. Follow on Facebook. BeviAmo, which is Italian for ‘let’s drink,’ is a full bar. An extensive variety of wines from California have been carefully selected, including a new draft wine. Also served at BeviAmo are an assortment of cocktails, martinis, beer, scotch, and whiskey. Holiday parties are being scheduled at rapid pace, so anyone interested in a personal or business holiday party is encouraged to book it as soon as possible. There are performances with live piano/guitar and vocals with John Sabal on Friday nights. Every other Saturday a jazz band performs. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Sun. 6 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 green shades imported from Italy, two plasma televisions behind the bar, and a Touchtone jukebox. The fare is simple, well prepared, abundant, and competitively priced. Kitchen hours: Mon. through Fri. 5 to 11 p.m. Bar hours:Mon. through Sat. 5 p.m. to closing. Little Joe’s Circle Lounge is closed on Sun.

260 Sports Bar & Grill, 260 W. 26th St. (312) 706-8100, www.260-sportsbar.com, info@260group.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. 260 Sports Bar & Grill is part of the 260Group. In addition to an extensive menu that includes appetizers such as a selection of wings and nachos, and cottage fries with cheese and other toppings, there are 8 oz. prime hamburgers with a selection of cheeses and other add-ons, and chocolaty desserts. There are also daily specials at 260 Sports Bar & Grill. For Monday Night Football, there are $12 buckets of beer and $1 select beers in cans. Tuesday is Open Microphone Night with $2 tacos (steak or chicken) with a minimumof two, $5 Patron (tequila) shots, and $2 Corona beer in bottles. Wednesday there is Team Trivia with $2 beer all day and $3 well cocktails. Friday is Karaoke Night, featuring $4 Margaritas and $2 Budweiser draft pints. College Game Day is on Saturday with $3.50 Absolut vodka, $4 bombs, and $2 Coors Light 22 oz. drafts. Sunday is NFL Game Day; Sunday drink specials are $3.50 bloody Marys and mimosas, $12 Miller family beer buckets, and $12 Coors Light buckets. Special offers of food items are for dine-in only. Hours:Mon. throughThurs. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to midnight.

FOOD AND FESTIVE TREATS

Cermak Fresh Market, 3033 S. Halsted St., (312) 460-3460, www.Cermakfresh.com (website undergoing some changes and additions). Cermak Fresh Market is a full service grocery store that caters to an array of cultures. Market staff take pride in their commitment to serving customers with the freshest and highest quality foods and personal attention while maintaining competitive prices. Its departments include produce, bakery, deli, hot foods, meat and seafood, beverages, and ethnic foods, in addition to a wide selection of groceries. Staff put an emphasis on service. Especially for the holidays but also available any time of year, Cermak Fresh Market offers a wide selection of samplers and platters from its deli and produce departments. Any custom order will also be met for the holidays. Entire holiday meals—from appetizers to desserts—can be prepared by the kitchen staff. Cermak Fresh Market strives to make the shopping experience pleasurable with courteous and helpful staff. Any item that cannot be found in the store will be ordered for the customer’s convenience. Delivery of groceries, dinners, and platters also is available. Cermak Fresh Market also has locations in Naperville, Batavia, Oswego, and Aurora. Its Halsted St. store is open Mon. through Sun. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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 the restaurant 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 the holiday parties and catered holiday events. Valet parking for $7 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 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 specially selected Chianti and vino nobile di Montepulciano. Themost 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 to 10 p.m.

Buffalo Wings & Rings (BW&R), 3434 S. Halsted St. (773) 579-9464. www.BWRBridgeport.com, Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/buffalowingsandrings, and Twitter: @bwrchicago. During this holiday season, Santa Claus is coming to Bridgeport on Sat., Dec. 10, to spread holiday cheer and help raise money for the Edward Hines VA Medical Center at BW&R. In addition to having Santa meet with children there will be caroling by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) a cappella choir, face painting, balloons, and a craft table where families can make holiday cards to be delivered to patients at Hines. BW&R will collect comfort items for the newly arriving patient at Hines, including toothbrushes, combs, toothpaste, and shampoos. There will also be a special raffle at BW&R, with proceeds for a special spring event at Hines. BW&R has a brand newlook and features more than 20 different styles of wings, handcrafted burgers, gyros, and other specialties. With a capacity of more than 150 people, BW&R is the largest restaurant/sports bar in the Bridgeport area, with more than 20 HDTVs and outdoor patio during appropriate weather, as well as free shuttle to White Sox and Bears games. Free parking. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to2 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to midnight.

Café Bionda, 1924 S. State St., (312) 326-9800, www.cafebionda.com. Follow on Facebook. Café Bionda offers an extensive selection of Italian cuisine delights for both lunch and dinner and as carry outs. Its distinct entrance, which includes outdoor seating in favorable weather, is surpassed only by the menu choices, which are complemented by a wide variety of wines as well as a full bar. Ideal for business lunches and dinners. Among its luncheon offerings are appetizers such as grilled or fried calamari, an antipasto platter, char-grilled Fontanini sausage, seven salads, six pasta dishes, severalmeat and fish sandwiches, and five sides. The dinner menu consists of appetizers including clams and mussels, shrimp cocktail, eggplant rotolo (rolled eggplant with filling) and grilled calamari. There are five salad selections for dinner, and eight entrees as well as chicken, veal, and eggplant prepared in parmigiana or Milanese style. There also are daily specials offered at both lunch and dinner. Café Bionda is ideal for parties and events. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. lunch from 11 a.m., and dinner to 11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. dinner is served to 1 a.m., and Sun. from11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Calabruzzi’s Café, 3304 S. Halsted St., (773) 247-9999, www.calabruzzicafé.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. With a blend of Abruzzese and Calabrese cuisine specialties, Calabruzzi’s Café is a family-run business, which started in April 2011. The familymakes its own tomato sauce and olive salads, and many of the items on the menu have been handed down from previous generations. Everything at Calabruzzi’s Café is homemade and made to order. Among the most popular items at Calabruzzi’s Café are rabbit, clams, lasagna, and pizza. The pizza comes in three sizes and is available in single or double crust with myriad topping choices. Another favorite is the oven baked calzone—a pizza pocket—which can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. Especially popular as a topping is Calabruzzi’s homemade sopersatta as a pizza and calzone ingredient. Calabruzzi’s also offers a wide selection of appetizers, pasta entrees from ravioli to gnocchi (potato dumplings), chicken, and egg plant dishes in addition to its sandwiches, which include Italian beef and Italian sausage, meatball, and breaded steak with red sauce. Desserts include a house specialty “pizzelle cannoli,” a pizzelle cookie rolled and filled; tiramisu; and homemade gelato (Italian ice cream). Hours: Mon. through Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Chicago Curry House, 899 S. Plymouth Ct., (312) 362-9999, fax (312) 362-0799, www.curryhouseonline.com. Zagat-rated Chicago Curry House offers Indian and Nepalese selections, from various regions of those countries. Chicago Curry House’s recipes are simple, natural, low fat, and authentic. Selections include chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetables. Delectable tandoori dishes are very low in cholesterol. The tandoori is a barrel-shaped clay oven that is used for baking bread (naan) and vegetables and roasting lamb, chicken, and seafood with charcoal at about 600 degrees. Among appetizers are momo, a vegetable platter, tandoori peskush (a platter of samplings of tandoori specialties), and samosa (cone-shaped pastry stuffed with meat). Special dinners under $18 are a great value and include chicken tikka masala, tandoori lamb, and tandoori prawns. Chicago Curry House also offers a variety of breads including cheese naan. 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, carry out and delivery service, and catering. Hours: Open every day including holidays. Luncheon buffet 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 3 to 10 p.m.

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) CONNIES, fax (312) 842-5274, www.conniespizza.com. Follow Connie’s on Facebook and Twitter for coupons, specials, events, and more, proving that “Pizza is just the beginning” as the staff at Connie’s Pizza say. Since 1963, Connie’s Pizza has served Chicagoland with a wide selection of pizzas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches; the restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine. Connie’s also specializes in catering for social gatherings including weddings and corporate luncheons or dinners of any size, with catering provided by its off-site full staff of catering experts. Connie’s Pizza is a sponsor of the Chicago Fire, the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames, the Allstate Arena, and Brookfield Zoo. Pickup, delivery, and dine in accommodations are available. Connie’s also offers a private dining area. Free parking available. Connie’s offers shuttle service to sporting events and conventions. 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.

Couscous Middle Eastern Cuisine, 1445 W. Taylor St., (312) 226-2408, www. couscousrestaurant.com. Cous-cous restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine specializing in dishes from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. From appetizers to soups, salads, entrees, and beverages, Couscous serves meat, fish, and vegetarian selections. The chef recommends trying the vegetarian, lamb, chicken, and fish couscous selections. Also delectable favorites are the falafel humus, kebabs, and tabbouleh. Street parking is available. Hours: Mon. through Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 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, and 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.

Francesca’s on Taylor, 1400 W. Taylor St., (312) 829-2828, fax (312) 829-2831, www.miafrancesca.com, follow on Facebook and Twitter. The flavors of Rome, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio come together at Francesca’s. The menu also includes gluten-free selections. There are different menus for lunch, dinner, special events, and for children. The trattoria-style atmosphere at Francesca’s on Taylor is lively, contemporary, and casually sophisticated with good, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices. Special events areas provide for groups of 10 to 200. Special request reservations can be made at (888) 937-9009. In addition, the restaurant offers carry-out. It will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, but closed on Christmas Day. Lunch hours: Mon. through Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner hours: Sun. and Mon. 4 to 9 p.m., Tues. through Thurs. 4 to 10 p.m., and Fri. and Sat. 4 to 11 p.m. Other Francesca’s restaurants are at various locations in the city and suburbs.

Freddie’s, 701 W. 31st St., (312) 808-0147, fax (312) 225-0305, Freddies701@aol.com, www.freddieson31st.com, and follow Freddie’s on Facebook. Freddie’s opened its doors more than 20 years ago. Most recognized for its pizza selections, Freddie’s offers thin crust, regular crust, deep dish, and stuffed varieties. Freddie’s also features its own homemade pizza puffs. In addition to its signature pizzas and pizza puffs, Freddie’s lunch and dinner selections include Italian beef, Italian sausage, breaded steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, salads, and pasta. There is a free parking lot behind Freddie’s. Delivery and carryout also are offered. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 9 a.m. to midnight, and Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Gemellato Ristorante, 258 W. 26th St. (312) 706-8081, www.260-sportsbar.com, info@260group. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. This classic Italian cuisine restaurant offers traditional and contemporary Italian selections for dinner and brunch on Sundays starting in December. Among the delectable appetizers at Gemellato Ristorante are bruschetta, calamari, mussels, Italian sausage with peppers, steamed little neck clams, an antipasto platter, and an extensive selection of salads, including the popular Panzanella salad made with foccacia bread with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh mozzarella cheese. “First plates” at Gemellato include a variety of pasta dishes with chicken, seafood, and vegetarian pesto and marinara sauces. “Second plates” feature chicken, seafood, fish, veal, filet mignon, and New York strip steak. There is also a selection of sides from which to choose. Desserts include ricotta and cream cheese cake, grilled rum cake, tiramisu, profiteroles, spumoni, and vanilla bean ice cream. Gemellato Ristorante has a full bar and an extensive wine list. Carry out and off premises catering also are offered. Hours: Wed., Thurs., and Sun. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and brunch on Sun. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gio’s Café & Deli, 2724 S. Lowe Ave., (312) 225-6368, www.gioscafe.com. Gio’s was created in April 2001 by Giovanni Liuzzo (Gio), Ignacio Bautista (Nacho), and Víctor Quezada. Gio’s features homemade Italian foods with a Sicilian touch. An informal place, Gio’s creates an atmosphere of being transported to Grandma’s kitchen. Every dish is made to order and customers can add any ingredient. Gio’s Café & Deli’s goal is to use quality ingredients even with the simplest dish. The team’s vast experience—acquired by being part of other very successful Italian restaurants—contributes to Gio’s Café & Deli’s success. Liuzzo, Bautista, and Quezada have worked together since 1992, having very loyal customers throughout the years. Gio’s Café & Deli also offers a variety of unique Italian products such as imported cheeses, oils, meats, fresh pasta, fresh sausage, sauces, and other goods. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sun. open only for private parties and catering.

Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St., (312) 226-9529, fax (312) 226-0633. Palace Grill is frequented by famous Chicagoans of all walks of life including members of the Chicago Blackhawks, former 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 hashbrowns 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, and Greek salads. Sandwich selections include the popular skirt steak sandwich, the Palace Grillburger—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. In addition to being open every night before all Blackhawks home games, hours are 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.

Pancho Pistolas, 700 W. 31st St., (312) 225-8808. Authentic Mexican cuisine is featured, including a wide selection of appetizers, and lunch and dinner including Mexican specialties such as enchiladas suiza, flautas, chiles rellenos, burritos, tacos, tortas, tostadas, and seafood. Everything is home made from original recipes. Pancho Pistolas has a full bar with margaritas as one of the most popular choices. In addition, carryout and delivery service are available. Major credit cards are accepted. 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.

Pompei, 1531 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5179, www.pompeipizza.com. 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. Another 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. There also are holiday specials prepared only once a year. 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.

Rook’s Corner American Bistro, 625 S. Ashland Ave., in the Marriott’s Medical District hotel, (312) 529-6050, fax (312) 529-6095. The Rook’s Corner American Bistro restaurant seats 50 people initsnewly renovated dining room. The restaurant also offers two private dining areas for a more intimate occasion. Rook’s also has a lounge andbar area that offers a wide range of specialty cocktails such as the Magnificent Mile, a martini made from a local vodka and gin distillery, North Shore. Rook’s also offers awide range or locally sourced beers from Goose Island and Two Brothers Brewery. The Rook’s Corner American Bistro chef specializes in traditional French and American fare, as well as a variety of other cuisines. The restaurant features weekly specials such as crab crusted halibut with a parsley cream reduction and polenta cake, as well as pan seared salmon with truffle mashed potatoes and a shiitake cream sauce. The menu places great emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients with a focus on traditional French flavors and flare. A variety of house made desserts also are offered such as our decadent white chocolate and bing cherry brioche bread pudding as well as a delectable flourless honey almond cake for gluten free customers. Hours: Mon. through Sun. for breakfast 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch 11 a.m. to 5 pm, and dinner 5 to 11 p.m. The lounge is open Sun. through Thurs. 2 p.m. to midnight and Fri. and Sat. 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sweet Maple Café, 1339 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-8908, www.sweetmaplecafe.com, facebook.com/sweetmaplecafechicago. 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, and 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, fried pork chops. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Tapas Valencia, 1530 S. State St., (312) 842-4444, info@meson-sabika.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’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, 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. noon to 9 p.m.