| It's easy to find great food in Chicago today. You can't | | | | Chickpea |
| swing a dead cat on most main thoroughfares without | | | | The Palestinian cuisine is this little hot spot will win over |
| hitting at least 2 or 3 restaurants that have stars by | | | | anyone. Even the skeptic in your crew who thinks they |
| their names in the newspapers, magazines and guide | | | | don't like Middle Eastern food. |
| books. | | | | The kibbeh appetizer with yogurt cucumber salad is a |
| It is a little harder to find great food for a reasonable | | | | great way to start. Then try the tabouleh, my favorite |
| price. You can drop a Ben Franklin in many of these | | | | baba ghannouj and the huge fafafel plate. Don't miss |
| restaurants for lunch. Without wine. | | | | the hummus topped with grilled beef tenderloin and |
| But, even though it is difficult, it isn't impossible. | | | | pine nuts and the sumac-spiced roast chicken |
| Here are 3 choices for great food at reasonable | | | | (available on Saturdays.) |
| prices in Chicago. | | | | End with a piece of traditional baklava. |
| Amarinds | | | | No alcohol available or allowed. Cash only. |
| This wonderful Thai spot is a great place to start. And | | | | Chickpea - 2018 W. Chicago |
| stay. | | | | Maiz |
| Order the honey-drizzled crab rolls and the "decorative | | | | The specialty here is Mexican street food. The taste is |
| pancake" as soon as you sit down. You won't regret it | | | | authentic and so is the price -- cheap. |
| and it will give you time to choose from all the Northern | | | | The corn mesa is made on-site for picaditas, |
| Thai specialties on the menu. | | | | huaraches, tlacoyos, corundas and more. Tacos and |
| Try the ground chicken in Chiang Mai Larb (but what | | | | enchiladas are available for the less adventurous as |
| out for the spicy heat!) or the pad kee mao with wide | | | | well as a wide variety of salsas and fillings. |
| noodles and veggies coated in a tamarind/chili sauce. | | | | Finish with goat's milk crepes with walnuts. |
| Wine and beer are available if you choose. | | | | Beer and cocktails are served. It's cash only. |
| Amarinds - 6822 W. North | | | | Maiz - 1041 N. |