September/October 2001
In the Hood -
If you thought eating at spicy Mas or drinking at Big Wig was all the action on
West Division, you obviously still live in 847. Those spots are just the tip of
the strip. A corridor of bars and restaurants west of Ashland to Western awaits
Chicago-area hipsters looking for new places to haunt.
West Division
A few old-standbys still anchor the avenue: Smoke Daddy's Rhythm and Bar-B-Que
(1804 West Division), Leo's Lunchroom (1809 West Division), the artsy and
eclectic Rainbo Club (1150 North Damen), and the Gold Star Bar (1755 West
Division), the only dive left on Division still worthy of Nelson Algren's
heritage.
Bar impresario Dion Antic's Bar Thirteen (1944 West Division at Damen) leans towards a more urbane, lounge-lizard atmosphere with funky tunes, a comprehensive martini menu and an equally ample beer list.
Ravenous appetites will find many opportunities for satisfaction on Division.
For sushi, besides the high quality Mirai (2020 West Division), which features
rockin' rolls and sashimi, Bob San (1805 West Division) has the most amazing
fried tofu and vege-table tempura - and you can request your favorite veggies
(vegetarians unite!). Of course, shrimp, salmon, and spicy tuna abound and the
handrolls are as big as your head. For once, the outdoor patio isn't in the back, it's smack on Division and ideal for people watching.
Heading across the continent to the Philippines, Rambutan (2049 West Division)
will introduce you to a cuisine still foreign to many people's regular dining
rotation. Alimasag at Gata? That's pan-seared soft-shell crab served with summer
squash, snap peas and coconut with a spicy fish sauce. Kilaw (no, not coleslaw)
is ceviche topped with lumpfish and wasabi caviar.
Cuisine from the Philippines not your flavor of the month? You are a Chicagoan,
so you're allowed to go safe with Italian. Settimana Café (2056 West Division) features the famed
former-Mia Francesca chef's traditional specialties including Insalata Caprese with pine nut pesto and Penne con Salsiccia - pasta with Italian sausage, fontina cheese and green peas. Specials range from filet and strip steak to tilapia, mahi mahi, sea bass and salmon.
Nothing walks off a feast better than shopping. Noir (1740 West Division)
showcases the funkiest of the funk. Sassy tees, bad-ass jeans, retro jumpsuits -
all at a nice price. New apparel arrives regularly from California, Italy and
France. There's also Noir for Men a few doors west.
