PLACES TO EAT

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! 2024 N. Halsted St. - Official Web Site

This popular Spanish restaurant is always filled with patrons; its high-energy atmosphere makes it irresistible. The crowd is lively and there is an ongoing whirlwind of activity as waiters rush around bringing orders.
Spanish is certainly the theme here; besides the food, the décor gives off a distinctly Latin flavor. There are tiles on the walls, huge murals brightening up every room, and understated salsa music playing overhead. As for the food itself, the specialty at this restaurant is tapas. Tapas is the Spanish tradition of small-sized dishes, which allows you to sample several different items from the menu.

Take this opportunity to try a wide variety of dishes; the beef and chicken dishes, in particular, are excellent. Try the rioja short ribs with manchego mashed potatoes; the meat is tender and wonderfully accented by the mashed potatoes. The beef skewer is reminiscent of barbecue, with horseradish cream and red onions as garnish. The chicken breast comes with roasted peppers and is garnished with goat cheese; this is a simple but savory dish.

One of the café’s specialties is the goat cheese baked in tomato sauce. This dish comes with garlic bread and is the perfect addition to your tapas experience. Consider getting two orders of this one; it goes fast!

For dessert, try the rice pudding; it is made with white chocolate and tastes like traditional rice pudding, but with a little kick.

Vanille Patisserie, 2229 N. Clybourn Ave. - Official Web Site

Owned by husband-and-wife-team Dimitri and Keli Fayard, both accomplished pastry chefs with years of experience, Vanille Patisserie is the best of French pastry right here in Lincoln Park.

This small bakery is set into a cozy space, with sophisticated yet simple décor. There are funky lamps hanging from the ceiling, tasteful frames adorning the walls, and a huge, brightly lit display case taking center stage.

You can carry-out a wide selection of pastries, or dine in at one of the tables and chairs set along the window. Either way, you will enjoy personable service and delicious dessert.

Vanille Patisserie offers a range of pastries. There are croissants and petit fours, as well as tarts of every flavor. Some of these include the Tarte Vanille, Tarte Banane and Tarte Citron. There are also brownies, tiramisu and interesting-sounding cakes (try the Sicilia, which is pistachio cream, cinnamon mousse and vanilla nut sponge, or the Carapoire, which is chocolate cake, caramel mousse, pears bavaroise and diced pears.)

Of course, the entremets, or mousse cakes, are not to be missed either. Recommended are the Printemps, made of white chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and vanilla cream, as well as the chocolate-lover’s dream, the Manjari, made with chocolate mousse, chocolate cream and flourless chocolate cake. Both of these small cakes literally melt in your mouth; they are decadent but not at all heavy. The cakes are clearly made using high-quality ingredients, as is evident by the delightful taste. The entremets are pleasing to the eye as well, appearing in imaginative shapes and colors. They are as decorative as they are delectable!

Vanille Patisserie can cater as well, providing sweet tables for events of up to 2000 guests. Also available are custom cakes, made fresh to order with handcrafted sugar decorations. Sugar showpieces, chocolate showpieces and chocolate gift boxes can also be custom-ordered.

BARS/CLUBS

Kingston Mines, 2548 N. Halsted St. - Official Web Site

This blues club has achieved almost legendary status in Chicago; its name is synonymous with good, solid, traditional blues. No twists, no surprises, and especially no gimmicks. Come here for the music, the food and the conversation.

Kingston Mines is set up as two stages with a bar in between. Thus, two bands can play at the same time. The décor is dark but the club itself is not dim; the rooms seem bright although understated. What makes this club special is that it is designed with the audience in mind; the music is not deafening, making conversation possible. Moreover, it seems that comfort is key; the chairs are inviting and it is clear that wherever you sit, you will be comfortable and close to the stage.

Food is typical bar food, such as hamburgers and chicken wings. Admission fee is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends; student admission is free on certain nights. Kingston Mines is open until 4 am Sunday through Friday, and 5 am on Saturdays.

PLACES TO STAY

Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park, 644 West Diversey Parkway - Official Web Site

The Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park (Ill.) is just minutes from the Magnificent Mile, McCormick Place, Chicago Loop and Merchandise Mart. The hotel is within two miles of cultural institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago and area shopping. Guests can walk to Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago beaches. The hotel is seven miles from O'Hare International Airport.

Complimentary continental breakfasts are served daily and fresh coffee is available in the hotel lobby. Complimentary newspapers, meeting space and laundry facilities are located on site. The hotel features an on-site pool, and guests receive complimentary access to a fitness facility next door. High-speed Internet access is also available.

Guestrooms at the Chicago Days Inn Lincoln Park feature triple-sheeted beds, in- room safes and satellite television. Private bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and small vanities.

TOURS

Chicago Historical Society Walking Tour, Lincoln Park Neighborhood - Official Web Site

The Chicago Historical Society offers a walking tour of Lincoln Park. The tour lasts two hours and covers the history, architecture and local flavor of Lincoln Park neighborhood. Expect the attention to detail that is characteristic of the CHS as you get to know Lincoln Park. The tour meets at the entrance of the Fullerton L stop. Tour days are Fridays at 1:00 pm and Saturdays at 10:00 am. Cost: $10. 312.642.4600. Advance registration recommended.

Chicago Architecture Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo Architecture - Official Web Site

Get to know the Zoo in a completely different way! The CAF offers a tour that explores the architecture at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Zoo boasts architecture from the 19th through 21st centuries, including styles such as Neoclassical, Prairie-style and Postmodern. The 2-hour tour meets at the east entrance of the Zoo. Cost is $10 for non-CAF members. Senior and student discounts are available. Advance registration not necessary.

For your convenience, the locations of all the businesses mentioned in this article are shown on our Lincoln Park Neighborhood Map.

Lincoln Park Web Links:

• Lincoln Park Feature Article

• Lincoln Park Neighborhood Map

Chicago Neighborhood Information

• See our Chicago Neighborhood Overviews & Map.