Tony’s Restaurant Reviews

Great Food and charming atmosphere, We Ship Cheese – right from their business card – believe it! This is one of our favorite spots when we’re in the Galena (Illinois) area; it’s just across the Illinois border.

Broasted chicken, all white meat, is the specialty and enough of a reason to dine here. The building is an historic landmark affiliated with the cheese factory (creamery) in town. Desserts are of the “homemade” kind – ask for the strawberry/rhubarb pie when in season.

210 West Water Street
Shullsburg, WI, 53586
(888) 331-1193

Sun-Thurs 8am to 10pm
Fri & Sat 8am to 11pm

Authentic, authentic, authentic Mexican food served in a cheerful atmosphere – the bright colors lift the spirits, and you too can lift a few, since they serve great margaritas (ask for one of the better Tequilas recommended by the bartender).

And why not try some guacamole? The quest for the best continues. Theirs stands up to Rick Bayless’ stuff at Frontera and the Mambo Grill’s stuff as well (both in Chicago) – and even to the good deal Chipotle chain stuff. But the atmosphere is what this place is all about; friendly and cheerful beyond compare.

My chicken enchiladas with mole were the best I’ve ever had – the mole sauce delicate and not overpowering – and the tortilla wrapping was so well prepared that it melted in your mouth. Choosing all refried beans and no rice may not always be a good idea, but the beans were tasty and fatty and worth the calories – my attempt to reduce some carbs.

Wines by the glass are underwhelming, so stick with a beer or margarita.

This place is also a bakery, and open 24 hours! Housed in the historic market square, with La Margarita restaurant next door, I suggest this place though it is not located on the touristry San Antonio Riverwalk – let’s support the one of a kind places (though this place really doesn’t need any more press).

$

218 Produce Row – at Commerce and San Saba
(210) 225-1262

www.mitierracafe.com

A visit to a 3 star restaurant is usually done with some doubt and diminished expectations because this type of initial hype often does not live up to your expectations. This place deserves a high rating, though I won’t go into the semantics of prior ratings. Instead, let’s talk about the food.

Cocktail selections reflect the modern times – and you can order the standard premium spirits which are presented appropriately – no fanfare, just solid cocktails. Wine list is very creative with selections from around the world – even Oregon Pinot Noir(s) that stand up to world class wines. Pricing is fair with many by the glass choices.

My salad of Boston Bibb with pumpkin seed vinaigrette garnished (ever so lightly) with roasted pepitas and sweet potato frites was fresh and adequate. The roasted pork tenderloin with apple and onion saute’ spaetzle and mustard jus was flavorful and beautifully presented and ample in each portion segment. Breads include whole grain and unusual ones (and the butter is fresh creamery style). Desserts are quite exceptional and include assorted artisan Quebec cheeses along with a conventional flourless cake and fresh fruit adaptations. After dinner spirit choices reflect the cosmopolitan Toronto diversity.

(And by the way, one of the entrees was Kobe beef brisket accompanied by oh so many wonderful things!)

Al in all a place worth a visit and a very high rating. It’s also in a very interesting part of Toronto. The nearby beach area will be worth another visit as it too looks like the Yonge Street area and parts of Manhattan (and Chicago’s near north side).

$$ to $$$ depending on wine choice

1097 Queen Street East
Toronto
(416) 405-9906
Kimberley Saunders

verveine.ca

Our second dinner (and later lunch and brunch – couldn’t get enough of this place) during the Ebert Overlooked Film Festival brought us to this cutely named place – our first impression of the name wasn’t very positive. Well, well – what a pleasant surprise. Sitting at the bar for dinner on a Friday night couldn’t have been more fun – Champaign locals are interesting and low key, and proud of their town.

My Chicken Gordon Bleu, with lots of extra sauteed vegetables, was nicely prepared in the Milanese style. My guest’s fish entree with vegetables was also delicious. All entrees are really large enough to share. The lunch menu was also varied but had few protein-only items. Brunch offered exceptional omelettes.
This is our favorite place in Champaign.

Wines by the glass were well priced, and the wine list adequate, though we didn’t really peruse the entire list.

$$

114 West Church
Champaign, IL 61820
near the Amtrak Station
(217) 359-7377

opened in 1983

During our first visit to Roger Ebert’s Overlooked Film Festival, our first dinner experience was at this tin ceiling spot on a corner in Champaign. It’s located in the “old town” section of Champaign and is wife-and-husband owned and operated; support your local merchants, especially if they do a good job. The decor is inviting, with Day of the Dead (and other) icons hanging about.

The entrees combine Asian, European and South American ingredients – and all looked interesting; Thai black rice was one of the side dishes. We chose the Tapas route – 2 salads, a sausage and pat� plate, portobello mushroom, cheese plate, and olives marinated in oil and citrus. All were well presented and prepared.

Wines by the glass are reasonable, and wine list looked adequate.

$$

119 North Walnut
Champaign, IL
near the Amtrak Station
(217)398-7729

www.radio-maria.net

Sheep herders, stop on by before the sheep transfer from the valleys to the moutains (or vice versa) and sample Basque style entrees in Arnold’s sunny state. Apparently the city of Bakersfield was a gathering point for Basque region immigrants and the area still boasts a Basque population that can support several of their ethnic restaurants.

The special of the day was “BBQ’d” beef which was really good quality beef with a mild sauce, prepared that day (the waiter stressed that their dishes are freshly prepared and the specials vary quite a bit).

The pleasant surprise was the home style presentation which included soup, a side of pink beans, hot sauce, marinated tongue, and a salad. The entree came with vegetables and the best french fries I’ve had in ages. I relented and had flan for dessert (a standard presentation).

Next time I’ll try one of the lamb specials, or Chicken a la Basquaise (boneless breast with swiss cheese and Basque tomato sauce).

Not a beer lover’s place; short but fairly priced wine list.

$$

200 Oak Street
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 327-2915

Published 3/19/04 in the New York Times: 36 Hours: In Bakersfield, CA

OK, so let’s start by not condemning American German restaurants as not being “really” German – these places are in the USA so why not enjoy their version of ethnic cooking; if I want the best spargel (white asparagus) of course I have to go to Germany (or Switzerland).

This is the real thing with loads of history – begun in 1865 (when Lincoln was winning the war). Check their web site for the complete historical story.

Their neighborhood is being gentrified – close to the University of Cincinnati – so don’t be afraid to visit the area – especially during the warm weather when their outdoor seating area is open – can’t wait for the vines to leaf out.

Beer choices are excellent, and winos would not be totally disappointed with the wine list. Unbuckle your belt (or bustle) and enjoy the chicken schnitzel with artichoke compote with garlic vegetables (green beans for lunch) and a potato pancake to boot – the good, greasy kind with onions (I think) mixed in.

No time or room for dessert here!

$$

302 East University Avenue (at the corner of University and Highland Avenues)
Cincinnati, OH
you better call ahead for directions (if you don’t have a GPS system)
(513) 221-5353

“The Hill” district in St. Louis is about a 10 square mile area which has maintained its Italian ethnic flavor, as evidenced by the numerous restaurants in such a concentrated area – my first Cunetto visit was a happy occasion for the hungry tiger. Although it bills itself as a house of pasta, the menu is very extensive and includes many meat, chicken and seafood entrees – all served with a glass of their house wine if you choose. The pasta selections are extensive, including a dish given an Alba name which has a beef sauce base. My chicken with prosciutto and mushroom cheese sauce was very good, though the side of broccoli was overcooked (I had it as an upgrade instead of the side of pasta which is offered with a red or white cream and pea sauce – next time will try the latter). The house salad is of the chopped variety – also very good. Wine list is short but adequate with a nice selection of California (including Gundlach Bunchu Merlot and Cabernet) and Italian wines.

$$

5453 Magnolia (at Southwest)
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 781-1135

www.cunetto.com

American translations/versions of German food – belt busting portions when you’re ready for some fats and carbs; but for a lover of sausage and red cabbage and kraut (not too sour), it’s the place in town. I did try their BBQ pork ribs with their special sauce – give them a try.

$$

221 N. Minnesota St.,
New Ulm, MN
(507) 359-2071
on the main commercial strip
(so well-known in town that their address or phone number isn’t even printed on their take out menu)

My last visit in January 2004 confirmed the worthiness of their pub food, though it’s not the place to go if you can’t resist good and greasy fries and wonderful blue cheese burgers. It’s has the same owner for decades. An al fresco setting that’s casual and funky (except during fall, winter and early spring).

Look in the Sun Times for a coupon for reduced entree deal.

5910 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 275-2696

moodyspub.com