The Village Idiot

When a bar/restaurant has a name like the Village Idiot, there is bound to be buzz surrounding it. If the name immediately conjures images of frat boys chugging Bud Lights and munching on questionable popcorn and peanuts, you might want to rethink your plans to take your former college buddies there when they are in town and cruisin’ for a boozin’. The Village Idiot might cater to a younger crowd, but the New York-esque atmosphere houses professional, impeccably dressed patrons looking for fine wines by the glass, eclectic beers, and food that goes above and beyond standard bar fare.

Because the Village Idiot draws inspiration from English pubs, the menu features standards like the juicy upscale pub burger, fish ‘n chips and pork sausage. For those looking for a finer dining experience, there are a host of other options, like a goat cheese tart, warm frisee salad with sherry shallot vinaigrette, and a cornmeal-battered catfish served with black eyed peas. Dessert options include a warm chocolate chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream, and a much-revered strawberry shortcake. As for the bowls of peanuts and stale popcorn? You’ll have to look elsewhere on the always bumping Melrose Avenue.

With the upscale menu, classic décor and more sophisticated beverage offerings, the Village Idiot has become a hot spot for many in the entertainment industry to grab drinks during the work week, or rub elbows on the weekends. Despite the presence of celebrities and young professionals, the Idiot also attracts a host of characters from the surrounding West Hollywood neighborhood who are looking for a nice glass of beer, and lively conversation with their friends. While the sophisticated atmosphere has potential to be off-putting, ultimately, the ambiance is warm and welcoming. Just be sure to bring cash for the valet, and an iron will for the wait to use the one stall in the ladies’ bathroom.

The House

The house is a magnificently restored 1854 carriage house located in Gramercy Park, New York City. Here,we can host from your intimate special affairs to your most important corporate functions.We pride ourselves on the highest quality,attention to details with the upmost professional service in our charming,warm and romantic space.

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English - Chicago Bar

If you are one of those people who think English and Irish are the same thing, you'd be shocked at the differences between your Lincoln Park-frat-boy-Irish-pub and English, located at 444 North La Salle Street . C'mon-here, you'd find a WAY more mature crowd at least 1 whole year out of college…

The smorgasbord of appetizers we ordered was my favorite part of the meal because, as Mom always said: there's no way those little pieces can fit any calories in 'em. And that's probably the only rule of hers I ever followed.

The English Fries tossed with sea salt and parsley and served with a side of curry sauce and the English Crisps - waffle fries topped with smoked cheddar, braised shredded pork, scallions, red cabbage and sour cream- were my favs, obviously, because I'm a total sucker for any form of fried potato that lends to dipping. The Warm Bacon Spinach- Artichoke and Goat Cheese Dip served with a toasted baguette is not your ordinary spartichoke appy. The Goat cheese bite contrasted nicely with the toasted bread and, as usual, there was not enough on the platter to give everyone their fill.

The English House Salad, consisting of country greens, grape tomato, carrot gaufrette shaved red onion and goat cheese tossed in a walnut dressing, was the obvious choice for lunch, given the heart attack onset during the appetizer phase of the meal. The healthful salad was loaded with plenty of goat cheese and colorful veggies and I’d like to believe it helped balance out some of the grease I’d consumed just moments earlier. The Deconstructed Meatball Sandwich to my right and Chopped Salad to my left had my friends fappy (full and happy), but my overstuffed esophagus couldn't find room for even a sample of their food.

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Via Carducci La Sorella

Amid the dive bars and high-end boutiques lining Wicker Park's Division Street, this inviting Italian eatery had intrigued me since day numero uno. Via Carducci La Sorella, similar in menu to the sister spot on Fullerton, was the first conquest on my list to becoming Wicker Park's most prestigious restaurant & food critic. Joined by my posse (my mom and sister) and completely disguised as your ordinary sorority girl-gone-Chicago (not such a stretch) I don't think our waiter knew that his Italian hospitality would play such a role in my love affair with this under-rated charmer.

After waiting only 15 minutes for outdoor seating on a Saturday night (didn't think it was possible, didja?), I was in great spirits and ready to try the Southern Italian deliciousness I'd heard so much about. Our attentive server made sure that we received the most authentic experience and his adorable Italian accent didn't hurt one bit either.

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