109761 Fri Jun 08 12:15:21 -0700 2001 5 7 Chicago Area 0 591869 The old standbys no longer suffice. For all of us spending our days in the south loop, anyone know of a hidden gem of a restaurant that will bring the beauty back to my lunch hour. Please provide me with some inspiration. Fri Jun 08 12:15:21 -0700 2001 0 Freemonster 1 591874 Have you tried Mannys at Jefferson and Roosevelt? How about the cafe at the Art Institute? You're also a quick cab ride to Chinatown and Little Italy. Hope this helps you. Tue Jun 12 03:17:50 -0700 2001 591869 0 bryan 2 591875 There a good Thai place in Printers Row called Taste of Siam, along with a few posh places like Prairie and Printers Row. Also, one solace I've discovered when I really, truly am revolted at the thought of going to an Alonti one more time is the Cafe at the Harold Washington Library. It's delightful. Also a Zoom kitchen just opened up on State. A fellow South Loop luncher, Michael Wed Jun 13 12:29:29 -0700 2001 591874 0 Michael Spinella 3 591906 No one likes Gourmand? I've never actually had the food but I love the ambiance. Mon Jun 25 16:29:09 -0700 2001 591875 0 Aaron 4 592720 try gioco at 1312 s wabash. the former sous chef of spiaggia is cooking some kick-ass italian at reasonable prices. Tue Sep 04 17:55:22 -0700 2001 591906 0 howard 3 592098 I have to disagree about the Taste of Siam on Dearborn. I have tried them numerous times, and each time the food was mediocre to bad. If you want greasy-type food, try the South Loop Club. Basic bar food, but good. Also Blackie's at Polk and Clark, is fine, but the menu is limited. Trattoria Caterina has lunch specials for about 6 bucks. Fri Jul 20 14:39:41 -0700 2001 591875 0 Pam