| It's easy to find great food in Chicago today. | | | | Chickpea |
| You can't swing a dead cat on most main | | | | The Palestinian cuisine is this little hot spot will win |
| thoroughfares without hitting at least 2 or 3 | | | | over anyone. Even the skeptic in your crew |
| restaurants that have stars by their names in the | | | | who thinks they don't like Middle Eastern food. |
| newspapers, magazines and guide books. | | | | The kibbeh appetizer with yogurt cucumber salad |
| It is a little harder to find great food for a | | | | is a great way to start. Then try the tabouleh, |
| reasonable price. You can drop a Ben Franklin in | | | | my favorite baba ghannouj and the huge fafafel |
| many of these restaurants for lunch. Without | | | | plate. Don't miss the hummus topped with grilled |
| wine. | | | | beef tenderloin and pine nuts and the |
| But, even though it is difficult, it isn't impossible. | | | | sumac-spiced roast chicken (available on |
| Here are 3 choices for great food at reasonable | | | | 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 | | | | Chickpea - 2018 W. Chicago |
| start. And stay. | | | | Maiz |
| Order the honey-drizzled crab rolls and the | | | | The specialty here is Mexican street food. The |
| "decorative pancake" as soon as you sit down. | | | | taste is authentic and so is the price -- cheap. |
| You won't regret it and it will give you time to | | | | The corn mesa is made on-site for picaditas, |
| choose from all the Northern Thai specialties on | | | | huaraches, tlacoyos, corundas and more. Tacos |
| the menu. | | | | and enchiladas are available for the less |
| Try the ground chicken in Chiang Mai Larb (but | | | | adventurous as well as a wide variety of salsas |
| what out for the spicy heat!) or the pad kee mao | | | | and fillings. |
| with wide noodles and veggies coated in a | | | | Finish with goat's milk crepes with walnuts. |
| tamarind/chili sauce. | | | | Beer and cocktails are served. It's cash only. |
| Wine and beer are available if you choose. | | | | Maiz - 1041 N. |
| Amarinds - 6822 W. North | | | | |