An extra special congratulations goes to Restaurant Michael, (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka; 847-441-3100) for earning several TOP honors from Zagat:
• Listed HIGHEST of ALL for “Worth the trip” with a score of 28.
• Receiving honors for "Business Dining" alongside Topolobampo with another 28. Other top nods for business dining include Les Nomades and Alinea.
• Rated a 28 for “Winning Wine Lists” alongside Arun’s and Topolobampo. Les Nomades and Alinea topped out the list with 29s.
• With a 28 for “Top Food,” Restaurant Michael joins other top restaurants like Arun’s, Topolobampo, Tallgrass and Tru. The highest score of 29 was received only by Les Nomades, Alinea and Schwa.
• Also notable is the “Top Service” rating of 27, the second highest ranking Zagat reviewers dished out. Alinea, Les Nomades, Tru and Vie all received top nods with 28.
“Namesake chef and ‘personality’ Michael Lachowicz is ‘always there, interacting with his guests’ at this Winnetka ‘winner’ where his ‘exceptional,’ ‘delicate and flavorful’ New French fare with ‘spot-on pairings’ is served in an ‘elegant but casual’, ‘conversation-friendly’ room by a staff that ‘works well together’; it’s admittedly ‘pricey’, but ‘worthwhile for celebrating, relaxing or rewarding a good client.’”
The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Valet is available on Friday and Saturday. Major cards accepted. For more information contact Restaurant Michael at (847) 441-3100 or www.restaurantmichael.com. “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RestoMichael.
Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), known for its contemporary American cuisine by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, and strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products, is also featured in the new Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide:
"’Surprising for a suburban hotel restaurant’, this ‘green’-minded ‘find’ in the Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn incorporates ‘fresh selections from local purveyors’ in its ‘reasonably priced’ New American cuisine and offers a ‘modest’, ‘interesting wine list with organic selections’; a ‘knowledgeable staff’ and ‘beautiful’ ‘prairie-style décor’ featured recycled wood and earth tones underscore the ‘sustainable’ scene, even if ‘they’re not reinventing the wheel.’”
At Glen Prairie, breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day. For more details, contact the restaurant at (630) 613-1250 or visit www.glenprairie.com. Tweet them at @glenprairie.
Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein; 847-970-6900) features a Zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine under the direction of executive chef Robert Packer. Zagat gave Karma high ratings for Décor with a score of 27 in the company of other top restaurants including Avenues, Alinea, Sixteen, Les Nomades, Tru, Everest and Spiaggia.
“’Surprised’ surveyors swear ‘you’d never guess that this gorgeous’ Asian ‘fine’ dining and ‘awesome cocktails’ amid ‘darkly minimalist’, ‘romantic’ surroundings; it’s a little pricey but ‘has that edge you’re looking for when it’s a special occasion.’”
Karma serves breakfast 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Doubletree Libertyville Mundelein. For reservations, call Karma at (847) 970-6900 or visit www.karmachicago.com. Tweet them at @karmamundelein.
May Street Market (1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago; 312-421-5547) offers contemporary American created by chef/owner Alex Cheswick.
“’Excellent’, ‘creative’ New American fare comes with a ‘beautiful’, ‘arty presentation’ at this West Loop ‘find’ with ‘fair prices’ and ‘friendly service’; while the ‘understated’ modern chic setting is at times ‘a little loud’, patrons appreciate that ‘you can talk’; P.S. there’s also patio seating and a ‘reasonably priced, interesting wine list.’"
May Street Market is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. May Street Market offers BYOB every day. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.
Act One Café (1330 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4550) recently opened in Rogers Park. Zagat gave a shout to the new digs in the guide’s introduction:
• “Rogers Park will welcome American cuisine from Act One Café”
Act One Café is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar is open until 10 p.m. weekdays and until Midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (773) 381-4550 or visit www.actonecafe.com.
Congratulations to all Kurman Clients for their placements in Zagat’s Chicago Restaurant Guide for 2010/11. Pick up the new Zagat at local retailers or visit www.zagat.com.