Because of Memorial Day (which we spent remembering Trapped in the Closet scene by scene), here are two weeks’ worth of blog reviews for your consideration
• Brunch generally a good bet at New Southern Big Jones, but make sure your beignets are freshly fried [TOC Blog]
• Despite all the promise of organic/local/seasonal ingredients at the newly-reworked Cafe at Wild Things! at the Lincoln Park Zoo, most of the food is conventionally sourced, and crappy to boot [The Stew]
• The only thing worth eating at Deta’s Cafe is the burek, but it’s so worth eating, wow [The Stew]
• A vegan can survive at Epic Burger on the hot, oily fries. Also, they make mushroom burgers [Drive-Thru]
• At not-too-expensive Frontera Grill, you can sample what made Rick Bayless famous without feeling like you bought the farm [Gastronomic Bypass]
• Fondue is romantic per the obvious sexual symbolism, and Geja’s Cafe continues to be up to the task of providing that kind of atmosphere [Chicagoist]
• Despite being in soft opening, graham elliot churns out a flawless haute comfort experience [Chicago Foodies]
• Hard to do better than Hai Yen for casual Vietnamese south of Argyle [Gastronomic Bypass]
• Seafood temple L.2O is successfully bridging the gap between haute and molecular gastronomy (and worth the money) [Hungry]
• A largely positive assessment of chef-driven Mado recommends the antipasti and chicken dishes [Chicagoist]
• Many mixed reviews for Mundial Cocina Mestiza (although this one’s positive), but the one thing they all agree on is the BYOB policy [Gastronomic Bypass]
• Another vote for the “Park 52 is fine by Hyde Park standards, so-so by Jerry Kleiner standards, and not worth the trip in either case” ticket [Food Chain]
• South Side culinary school restaurant The Parrot Cage is tasty and affordable, but the 9/20 rating from Bridget and Tammy means it won’t change your life [Chicago Bites]
• Cell phone-free Perry’s Deli in the Loop makes an excellent classic sandwich with turkey, ham, and the undersung Russian dressing [Chicagoist]
• New American bistro Tallulah gets 11/20 from Bridget and Tammy, but the potential for greatness is there [Chicago Bites]
[Photo: R. Kelly pretending to be ice cream in a waffle cone; “pls lik me?” via TheBestGossip]
