What was once a kitschy cafe is now a svelte restaurant geared toward upscale rather than low-brow dining. Chef/owner Omar Rodriguez has punctuated the menu with Italian-based dishes and American and eclectic touches. The Think Salad includes lettuce, walnuts, bleu cheese, pears and balsamic vinaigrette. The appetizers, mostly seafood-oriented, include sauteed smoked salmon with capers and black caviar, Prince Edward Island mussels, and white asparagus with lemon juice, purple onions, blue cheese and fresh tomatoes. House entrees range from risotto with mushrooms, duck breast and red wine to roasted pork loin with horseradish mashed potatoes and green asparagus. Desserts, such as the espresso flan, are inventive and rich. A great date spot with candlelit tables and personal service.
Update: Omar Rodriguez tells us he’s planning a new BYOB eatery, and it’s going in right upstairs from Think (on the second floor). The concept will feature an upscale multi-course chef’s tasting menu with selections like venison, rack of lamb, baby lobster and a buffalo filet, with intermezzo courses in-between (think palate cleansers like sorbet). The new concept will be called Knew and it will debut in April of 2008.
Getting There
Parking:
Free Lot and Street
Public Transportation:
CTA Bus: #74 Fullerton
Blue Line Train: Western stop.
Wheelchair Access:
Yes
The Basics
Hours:
5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday;
Cuisine:
American Contemporary, International Fusion, and Italian
Meals Served:
Dessert and Dinner
Price Range:
$$$ ($16-$25)
Reservations:
Accepted.
Recommended on weekends.
Alcohol:
BYOB and Corkage Fee.
$4/bottle
Smoking:
No
Audience:
Adults / 18+
Features
Carryout:
Yes
Private and VIP Rooms:
For 50
Live Music:
Yes
Features:
Catering.
No dancing. No children's menu. No buffet.
Facilities:
No on-site store.
Worth Noting:
Recommended
Specialties:
Top sirloin with cranberry-chianti sauce, horseradish smoked salmon.
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
