I began my meal with the Zen Green Tea Mojito ($10), which was incredibly delicious.  I loved the light Green tea liquer that mixed fantastically with mint and 10 Cane Rum.  I certainly recommend this to any of you who are fellow mojito fans. 

In terms of food, I was pleasantly surprised.   I came in hungry and somewhat uncertain.   I mean, what kind of food do you expect when going to a university village?  Exactly - fast eats, cheap dinners and bars!  So, when I say I was pleasantly surprised I mean it surpassed these expectations and delivered some solid eats. Specifically, I enjoyed the Omakase Sashimi Deluxe (pic below) due to the very large and thick sashimi pieces on the plate.  Really, I have never seen sashimi cut so thick, but I have certainly seen it cut into teeny tiny pieces before.  These huge Salmon slices were just Delish!

 But, I was not a huge fan of the orange slices laying below the sashimi.  To me, it overpowered the delicate taste of this fresh sushi.  I suppose it was an aesthetic decision of sorts.  I would certainly order this again though.

I have to say - although service was hit-or-miss at times - the menu certainly offers something for everyone.   We all have had that "person" in our group who is just not a fan of sushi.  And, that is perfectly fine - really!  However, it can prove to be a problem when hitting an all sushi restaurant.  With Kohan Japenese, you will not run into this problem.  They offer Korean eats, sushi and various options from the Teppan Grill.

Of course, with this extensive menu, I had to see how the Korean dishes stacked up (pic below).  I enjoyed the short ribs, which - incredibly- were not fatty at all!  I loved that.   The Bugogi, a Korean Beef dish, was tasty.  In terms of the Kimchee, I have had better.  I can't identify what was off, other than it didn't taste as exceptional as I have had before. 

Overall, Kohan Japanese is a great place if you are in the neighborhood.  I would sit by the sushi bar to see all the action.  The main dining room offers vibrant colors and a view of the Teppan Grill action, if you are into that.

FYI- it seems that they have half price martinis and cocktails on Saturday nights.  Also, on Mondays they have a Korean Dinner Special for two.

And, speaking of politics,  let's toast to our presidential hopeful.  Whether your candidate is McCain or Obama, you can cheer on your choice at  Plan B Bar & Kitchen. 

I appreciate how Plan B Bar & Kitchen is making it fun- and I am sure it will even be lively- to get political.   In fact, these two wonderful cocktails - available up until election day - will allow you to show your presidential pride.  Check them out:

1. "Ciroc Obama" ($8) - "Make your Vote Count"

Ciroc Vodka, a splash of Chambord and freshly squeezed lemonade served in a rimmed highball glass with sugar and a slice of lemon.

2. The "John McCane"  ($8) - "A Drink you Can Believe In"

10 Cane Rum, Malibu Rum, Godiva White Chocolate, Creme de Cassis, Frangelico and a slash of cream served in a martini glass rimmed with Hershey syrup and sprinkled with sprinkles.

Even though I have not been to Plan B  Bar & Kitchen, I just really thought this idea was cute, especially with the final debate being tonight. Please let me know your thoughts if you do hit up Plan B!

Now, for more on why I think fall is fabulous...  

With the cool air whistling by and the trees changing colors -I am really feeling it in my blood - it is time to get cozy with some spicy foods in the kitchen!  What is not to love about that!

And I have already begun this journey of new fall foods.  In the past week, I have busted out my all time favorite, the Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread, which 1,871 people have rated for a cumulative average of 5-stars.  Not so bad!  Incredibly, I - for the first time - battled a butternut squash  to make a delicious Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Soup from Allrecipes.com.  I say it was a battle because trying to peel that guy, with all his curves and details was grueling!  But, I did it.  And it  really was worth the arm exercise because it turned out just right.  This Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for fall, offering savory and spicy fall flavors.

So -be it your favorite candidate or savory fall foods- we all have something to toast to this season!

The first one, Vertigo Sky (pic below) - located on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa at 660 N. State- is absolutely going to be my new hot spot.  Fun and interesting drinks, a great mix of people and lively music quickly welcomed us as we arrived.   What I absolutely - and without one doubt - loved was the outdoor area covered in faux grass and  curvy wooden benches.  Bright balls of light illuminated my drink and my conversation, making for a perfect ambiance.  And....the BEST part yet...was the floor-to-sky wall of glass.  I have to admit my curious side came out a bit, as I was trying to peer into the open windows in the condos next door.  I found some very unusual decor in some of these places, which led to some interesting cocktail conversations .  ***Please do not think bad of my eavesdropping - they left their blinds open after all! 

The guys enjoyed some local beer and I went for the unique and fun drink selection that was often served in very convenient carts.  Loved the sushi too! Mmm....

A sign of success - I actually went to this bar two nights in a row!  And, we hit up Portillo's afterward for hot dogs.  As you can tell, fun times.

Our next stop- Rebar, Trump International Hotel & Tower at 401 N. Wabash- had caught my attention when I recently heard Trump discussing what is on his mind - the 92-story gem  of a tower in downtown Chicago and his thoughts on the bailout.  I would rather skip the depressing bailout discussion and get on with my  exciting thoughts on Rebar, located in the 2nd tallest building in the US after the Sears Tower (Go Chicago!).

As I approached the building I knew I was in for a treat of sorts -the stunning lobby seemed to wet my appetite for what was to come and I was certainly expecting a view. 

Rebar delivered on that! Offering sweeping views of the Chicago River and of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, I immediately grabbed a sofa right next to the view.

 Rebar, named after the 50,000 short tons of reinforced steel, stood strong in the service and the trendy drink options.  The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and attentive.  She helped me pick out a solid drink, the homemade pink lemonade with champagne ($15).  I liked it, but will probably go for something else next time.

The people were very "Real Housewives of Chicago" with a mix of 30 & 20-somethings.  I found it an excellent place to people watch and to river watch, so I was entertained.  The decor- not my style per se, but perhaps it is Donald's.

All in all, it may be a pricier spot by Chicago standards, but it is worth the trip to check out the building and to have a fun time!  Oh, and the sushi was delicious too.

So, with this gorgeous room (as you can see on the right), I wasn't sure that the restaurant would stand up to it in elegance and history. What I realized, is that you really can't compare the two.  Lockwood Restaurant surely has every bit of elegance of this room, while offering modern luxury (below).   I loved the mini chandeliers throughout the restaurant and thought the white chairs were so fun!

Now that decor is out of the way, I know that you all are wondering about the main thing- food.  Did I like it? Is the chef any good? Is it worth the price?  Yes. Yes. And, yes.

First off, I went crazy over the buffalo'ed wing.  So ingenious and an absolutely incredible appetizer.  This little bite of chicken, stuffed with cheese on a small bone, offered gigantic amounts of flavor.  And, the side of Corona to go with it was the perfect complement.  I strongly recommend asking Lockwood to serve the baby Corona with yours too!

Other highlights?

The Butter Poached Sable topped with lobster and served with a not-too-heavy corn chowder was out of this world.  The fish was of the "melt in your mouth variety" and the corn chowder was skillfully complemented by the addition of sausage.  Definitely, a must try.  I mean, how can you go wrong with butter poaching?

Loved, as well, the Foie Gras Rosh Hashana!  It really felt like I was welcoming in the fall with this dish.  And, Chef Phillip Foss certainly created a symbolic masterpiece with this one.  The Foie Gras served with pomegranates represent good deeds and the apples with honey amaranth symbolize hopes for a sweet year.  All of this was served on a potato cake of sorts.  Mmm...I certainly welcomed my fall with flavor and good wishes.

For dessert, the banana with blis maple syrup, peanut butter ice cream and beer gelee offered the perfect final touch for the night.  Of course, this dessert had to be complemented with bacon - "the new black!".  I have been seeing bacon everywhere lately...and, don't get me wrong...I am not complaining by any means.  It was decadent, yet light at the same time and I appreciated the peanut ice cream that added a superb nutty flavor.

Lockwood Restaurant is a wonderful place to dine in style and to truly enjoy a luxurious dinner - in terms of decor and in food!  I have to say that Phillip Foss, who has worked at Le Cirque, the King David Hotel, Bistrot Margot, The Four Seasons, Maui and the Newport Room, Bermuda, certainly has innovation and great taste at the forefront of his mind at Lockwood Restaurant.  I am delighted to have him in Chicago.

As a side note, let me first say that I truly appreciated the name of the restaurant, Cuatro.  Apparently the owners are four siblings with a passion for Latin food and for this growing area, just a bit south of the Roosevelt CTA.  The ambiance of the restaurant was fun, and dare I say, intriguing at the same time.  Most of  the intrigue came from the unique art on the walls, which kept conversation stimulating and interpretive.

Cocktails, like bread, often seem to offer me the first impression of what is to come.  And...I was SO PLEASED.  I usually go for the simple, yet refreshing, plain mojito, although I became a bit daring on this night and opted for the Pomegranate Mojito made with 10 cane rum.  Let me just tell you..it was insanely flavorful, fresh and had a fabulous zing about it.    

The Cuatro Margarita rocked too!  I felt that I could not get enough of these refreshing drinks.  And, if I had closed my eyes and taken a sip, I am convinced that I would have saw a glistening blue Caribbean ocean in view.

Mmmm....okay, we are moving right along to main eats, although it is hard to stop thinking about these outstanding drinks.

I enjoyed the Coctel Vuelve a La Vida, which serves up scallops, salmon and mini-shrimp ceviche wrapped in avocado slices.   I must say, that I have missed these wonderful ceviches, since moving from California, where Mexican delights, such as this, are often served. Covered by a tamarind-aji panca vinaigrette, this ceviche offered a light and appetizing way to begin the meal.

Time to talk main courses.  Loved!  Loved! Loved the Moqueca De Mar!  I am a sucker for seafood and love it even more when it is immersed in a decadent broth, like this one.  The spicy coconut milk and tomato broth was a superb complement to the loads of seafood within it!  I could not get enough of the mussels, shrimps, scallops, squid and tilapia. Although, I am not a big fan of plantain tostones (fried food has to be exceptional for me to want to add it to an almost perfect dish ) - it did soak up the broth nicely, if you are into that.  The coconut rice was a delight too and our wonderful and helpful server suggested dipping the rice into the broth before eating.  That was yummy.

My husband enjoyed the Bistec a la Parilla - a Uruguayan strip topped with green chimichurri, served with a twice baked chorizo potato and sauteed spinach.  He was taken aback by the size and shape of this beautiful cut of meat.  I loved the chimichurri on top, which gave this medium rare beauty a good zip due to the cilantro, olive oil and garlic.  The potato offered a unique take on the normal twice baked potato by adding the chorizo topping.  Overall, this is a truly enjoyable option.

I really want to try the Pistachio Praline Ice Cream next time I go back.   That does sound like the perfect way to end this fabulous meal, in retrospect. 

All in all, this meal has left me wanting more!  I want more of my Moqueca De Mar for sure! I want more cocktails and I want more of that wonderful experience. I highly recommend Cuatro. 

The menu is fabulous, not over-priced and it certainly left me happy!

What you absolutely must try, and what keeps me coming back - in addition to the wine- is the Triple Pepperoni Pizza.  It is incredible - with a triple dose of pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, light basil and the perfect touch of white truffle oil - what is not to love?  And, chef/owner Jonathan Fox, who is also a certified sommelier, couldn't agree with me more.  He actually said that this pizza was the inspiration for La Madia.  I can see why, and you can too, even though the below picture does not quite do it justice.

Beyond this delicious pizza, I am completely impressed by La Madia's dedication to wine!  I actually headed over to the Varietal Chardonnay Tasting this past week,  and truly enjoyed 5 different wines.  It actually seemed like the perfect way to toast to the end of the summer!

My favorite? Noblet, Pouilly Fuisse, 2007 from Burgundy France, which was moderate bodied, balanced and offered hints of citrus.

I hope to return soon, to  this contemporary pizzeria, to enjoy more of the Varietal Wine Tasting Series. They are offered on Tuesdays from 5-7.  Here is the schedule:

September 16- Pinot Noir

September 23- Chianti

September 30- Roses

I figure $25 for a tasting of 5 wines and passed hors d'oeuvres is a great deal.

La Madia is also offering a Fall Cooking Class with a Wine Tasting Series on Saturdays beginning October 4 from 11:00 -1:00.   This seems intriguing to me.  For $30 you get a cooking class, recipes, wine tasting and paired wine.

Here is the calendar:

October 4: Pizza

November 1: Classic Italian Sides for Entertaining

November 15: The Perfect Italian Holiday Party

For reservations for any of these events, you can contact La Madia at (312) 329-0400.

See you there!

My take on SUSHISAMBA?  It really offers a lively and unique ambiance. It seems perfect for those ladies, or even young couples, in search of a fun night spot.  

I was also amazed that SUSHISAMBA not only is a Brazilian restaurant, but a Japanese and Peruvian one too!    And, I noticed, the menu represents these great countries.

As many of you already know, I love myself a Brazilian drink (Caiparinha's...mmm...), so this restaurant was right up my alley. Some of the other drinks I want to try soon include the Pisco Sour (Pisco Brandy, egg white, sugar and fresh lime juice) from Peru, the Samba Juice (Bacardi Island Breeze Wild Berry low cal rum, acai puree with guarana, passion fruit puree, creme de banana and guava juice) and the traditional, but always yummy mojito (rum, sugar, lime, mint). 

Now, I have a good reason to return, and I didn't even mention the sushi yet.

And, speaking of sushi, there is an interesting event coming up that does highlight Sake and Sushi that seemed interesting to me.

Here are the details and answers to questions you are most likely asking.

Interactive Sushi + Sake 101 Class (with the new Sommelier - Mark Ryan)

When is this thing happening?  Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 6:30-8:30 at SUSHISAMBA RIO.

But which dates?

• September 16
• October 21
• November 18

What are we really talking about? A 2-hour class offering 5 flights of Sake with a variety of SUSHISAMBA signature dishes... mmm!  You know, things we love like sushi rolls, edamame, tempura  and sashimi.  Plus, Sushi Chef Kitano will be offering sushi-making tips and tricks of the trade.

What is the Damage?  $75 per person with a limit of 20 people per class.

How do I sign up for this fun event?  Call SUSHISAMBA RIO at 312-595-2300

Part of this ritual, is me heading to Whole Foods on the weekly basis for my Allegro coffee.  When I go, I eagerly look at the different varieties.  Should I choose something from the Americas?  Africa or Arabia? The Pacific?  Doesn't it almost sound like I am going on a mini-vacation?  How fun!  What I have learned is that coffees from the Americas offer a sweet and balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and nuts.  Africa and Arabia coffees offer fruit and floral bouquets.  Doesn't that sound like what every woman wants to wake up to?  And, last but not least, The Pacific variety offers full-bodied and earthy flavors that are perfect for the winter with richer foods.   

I appreciate Allegro in particular because they have an excellent commitment to the environment and the wonderful coffee growers who harvest these great beans.  Allegro offers organic coffee that, of course, is free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and all that nasty stuff.  I certainly don't want to drink any of that!

In the spirit of great coffee, I want to offer all my Epicurista readers the inside scoop on how to taste coffee effectively.

1. Aroma- What is the fragrance of the brewed coffee?  Hey, we smell wine, why not coffee?  Seek out hints of caramel, carbon, fruit, spicy tones, and more.
2. Flavor-  Of course you have to taste it to truly analyze the aroma, acidity and body.
3. Acidity or Brightness- Again, like wine, check the acidity.  Seek a palate cleansing value, which is found in higher altitudes.  It should be lively too!
4. Body- Skinny or Healthy looking?  Just kidding.  This is talking not about our weight, but the actual weight of the coffee on your tongue.

You may want to be like me and get your coffee on a weekly basis to preserve the freshness.  I store my coffee in an air tight tin, which seems to work well. 

Let me know your favorite coffee too, I am always seeking the latest and the greatest, as you all know.

My recent visit to Powerhouse Restaurant not only accomplished this feat- but it achieved it with great historical gusto!

Powerhouse Restaurant is located at 215 N. Clinton.  Interestingly enough - it once was the Western Railway Power Plant -and is known for its 233-foot smokestack. Despite this smokestack, I do recommend keeping your eyes open, because the restaurant can be easily missed in the Fulton River District area.  Once I stepped in however, the historical roots seemed to smack me in my face. The restaurant actually shakes and you can hear the trains as they pass below. While some diners might find this fact annoying, I found the noise of the trains only to add to the charm. I also loved how the staff seemed to embrace the history of the place.

The superb service also started immediately as I entered the restaurant. My husband and I were welcomed by owner, Jimmy Alexander, and it became quite apparent to me that he never lost his Greek charm that he used in the days while owner of the Pegasus in Greek Town.  The dining room has a “simple elegant” feel to it. I recommend asking to sit in the full booths, which exude an old-time Chicago feel.

Once seated, I was inspired by the menu. I genuinely appreciated the  seasonal options and the fact that they offer more than just steak.

I started off with several starters.  Our waiter recommended the Lemon Risotto (left).  It did not disappoint. With a creamy, oh so creamy (don't tell me how much butter is in there!) texture and light summer flavors of lemon, this is a dish that was just a perfect start to my August meal.  The pine nuts, marscapone and arugula were a perfect addition.    To top it all off, it was impeccably paired with the Paul Goerg Brut Rose. 

Our waiter also recommended the Romaine Hearts salad. To be honest, I really didn’t think there would be anything special about a Romaine Hearts salad. However, I was wrong. It was fantastic! My husband- who is not a big salad eater- couldn’t stop eating it. So what’s the secret?

It is all about Alexander's Garlic Dressing.- and a secret it is. According to our waiter, the owner was up at 2 am making the secret sauce. I don’t know if I buy this…but I will order the salad again! Besides the dressing, you can't go wrong with quail eggs, bacon or shallots, either.

Now onto the main entree.  If you like crust on your steak, with almost a rub like consistency, go for the Prime Rib-eye.  It offers flavor and texture on the outside and perfect tenderness within.  If you are a fish person, I would try the Grilled Swordfish (below), which is normally served with Lobster Risotto.  Although, mine was served with custard instead (I believe they were out of the lobster ravioli - so sad!), I still enjoyed it.  It was light and flavorful and I enjoyed the delicacy of the custard with the fish.

On to the fun sweet stuff now!  Dessert!  I must say I was hesitant and resistant to the highly recommended Sweet Potato Doughnuts served with Brown Butter, Apples, Pepitos and Cinnamon Sabayon.  However, as I found myself eating these with tremendous fervor and taking more than my fare share, I quickly realized a need to re-evaluate my disdain for sweet potatoes.   Wow, this amazing dessert sits in a class by itself.  The 2006 Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvee was just perfect with this sweet treat.

There is no doubt that after dinner, sometime this fall, I will be going on a little walk.  Destination?  Powerhouse Restaurant, to chow down on this scrumptious dessert !

Overall, Powerhouse Restaurant packed a palatable punch that has left me excited to return.  I know I wasn't the only one who agrees because as I left the restaurant I heard many other "ooh's and aah's" regarding the menu and the Blueberry Cake, which I will try next time.

Much acclaim to the chef, Jeff Mauro (North Pond & Charlie Trotter's), and his team for a great night!

The bread is the perfect thickness, just about as soft as you could possibly imagine and lightly touched with sesame seeds to give it that perfect appeal. I am convinced  this fabulous bread brings what could be just a normal Parma to a whole new stratosphere.  Of course, one cannot go wrong with the mouth watering ingredients between the bread either!  The fresh mozzarella, basil and prosciutto marry perfectly with the olive oil that is usually doused on the bread.  But, douse away!!! As far as I am concerned, this only adds to the flair of this mouth watering sandwich. 

Can someone please give me a MMMMM....!? 

Best of all, you can enjoy this sandwich for less than $10.