Palette Bistro

Excellent Food and Service!

by sheppac at Citysearch

We just loved Palette. The first time we went we had the best steaks we have ever had in Chicago--perfectly cooked! The next time we went, we were on our honeymoon on Thanksgiving. They had such a nice meal for Turkey Day Dinner, but not so pretentious that my Iowa husband didn't get his good old meat and potatoes fix!

Very reasonable prices and awesome service too. Love it!!!

Hidden Treasure in Lakeview

by martinip at Citysearch

I'm one of those people who frequents the same restaurant over and over because I'm confident of the quality and service once I've found a place that pleases for me. I'm not very adventurous. But stepping into Lucca's restaurant the other night, at the insistence of a group of friends, I am now determined to change my behavior.

The dinning room was the type of European bistro you would expect to find in a 1940's movie. Rich wood, subdued lighting, 8 foot French doors leading to leading to a patio that lacked only a view of Notre Dame on the Seine.

After seating, the server and back waiter immediately brought us crusty bread, fresh from the oven accompanied by our choice of traditional butter or olive oil for dipping, sprinkled with, Romano cheese. The pumpkin soup was velvety without over richness that cream soups can have leaving the pumpkin flavor to stay bright. Trusting the flavors of the main ingredient must be the chef's philosophy, no over spicing on anything I tasted but certainly not insipid, just fresh and prepared with obvious respect for the food. My pasta primavera was perfect, just a bit of crispness left in the vegetables. The Jack Daniels Lamb shank was a surprise in tenderness and flavor, not braised to death. The brisket was one of those melt in your mouth affairs.

I found the servers attentive, unobtrusive, and possessed of knowledge of their product.

This place is going on over and over list.

What a hidden gem...

by johnonthego at Citysearch

...Lucca's is. Our group strolled in by chance after attending a performance at the Athenaeum and, wow, were immediately floored by the charm of its intimate setting. White table cloths and wood floors. Beautiful bar and gorgeous fireplace. And blessedly quiet. None of garroulessness that makes dining out at city bistros such a chore.

The wine, food and service were all first rate, beginning with warm, delicious bread , which I learned is baked from scratch on site each and every day. I then proceeded with the imported escargot -- generous-size pieces dipped in garlic butter sauce and served with toast points. Very good indeed.

Next came the pumpkin soup. Fabulousl Upon inquiring, I learned that it is a local award winner and one of the restaurant's chief calling cards. Taste it and you'll see why.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Carbonara Fettucini, which was comprised of parmesan egg pancetta, Italian sausage and brocolli. I've been burned on variations of classic carbonara before, but not this time. Exquisite. And a very generous serving indeed.

My companions and I passed the plates, as it were, so I also was able sample some of the other menu items. I was particularly impressed with the Smoked Beef Brisket, among the most succultent , tasty and tender I've ever had. The Braised Lamb Shank with Shiitake Mushrooms was another favorite.

Great wine and mixed drinks from the bar, as well.

Needless to say, we took a pass on dessert. We were too full and contented.

I wonder why this place doesn't advertise. I don't live in the immediate neighborhood so don't get the neighborhood buzz on great dining establishments like this.

I'm just glad we happened upon it. We'll be back. And next time we'll save room for dessert.

very uncomfortable -erie not sure of the word

by whilliam at Citysearch

its almost mindblowing that a staff could be so lost as to how to take care of guests,and its not that they dont care its that they are totttttallllly incompitent. I ate my luke warm dinner as i watched a one member of the staff glare at a TV??? what? really? a tv in a restaurant why? and it was on?? equippeed with no knowlege of food or wine i was pleased to know that the staff was up to date on american idol. The server seemed as if it were his first day. the staff interacted with each other as if no guests were in the restaurant. Akward freeky bunch made me feel like i just pulled into some hick town where i wasn't really welcome. odd place odd experiance overall.

• Pros: dining room
• Cons: service ignorance weirdness

Very disappointing.

by WilliamL at Citysearch

I've walked by the restaurant several times and finally decided to try it. Big mistake.

The service was pleasant but very slow and disorganized. The telephone was ringing loudly throughout. The food was bad, really bad yet highly priced.

I normally wouldn't leave a comment but I truly feel cheated out of a decent amount of money and a nice evening.

• Pros: Neighborhood feel. Friendly staff.
• Cons: Food, No music, telephone ringing, high prices.