112758 Mon May 12 08:57:56 -0700 2003 4 7 Chicago Area 0 612764 About a week ago, I posted a long review of Andalous Moroccan Restaurant on Clark. In recalling my experience there, one thought occurred to me that I had not expressed in the review because it did not deal directly with my meal. Upon reflection, I think it is worth mentioning now. In the course of my meal I spoke with Hadj, who I believe to be the owner. As we talked about many things, a homeless man with a huge plastic bag on his shoulder came into the entryway but no further. He waved to Hadj, waited until his wave was acknowledged, and then went outside again. Hadj explained that he fed the homeless man when he stopped by. In return, he asked only that the man not enter the restaurant proper because he was smelled bad. I can't recall the last time I saw a restaurateur do such a simple, generous, thing. I have no doubt that there are others, perhaps even many others, who do such things, unobtrusively and with no thought of recognition. Still, I thought his act worthy of mention on a board often consumed with other things. His act was a surprise--and a pleasure--to witness. Gypsy Boy Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/112720#612453 Mon May 12 08:57:56 -0700 2003 0 Gypsy Boy 1 612780 It's probably better for business to keep a smelly homeless person out of the restaurant by offering up some food, rather than risk them coming into the establishment, so the act is not completely selfless or philanthropic. Still, it's a more kind-hearted gesture than threatening to call the cops, so I applaud what the owner did. I have only seen this once before, at the Cambridge House coffee shop on Ohio. The owner gave a homeless man a cup of milk in a styrofoam container, which I thought was a warm act of kindness from a restaurant guy I had always thought of as pretty tough. I also noticed something in New York a number of years ago, on several separate occasions (pre-Guiliani). Restaurant patrons were asking for doggie bags for their unfinished portions so they could bring them out to the street for any homeless people they might encounter. I don't know if people still practice this in New York, but I found it to be very thoughtful indeed. Mon May 12 14:59:32 -0700 2003 612764 0 Old School 2 612791 Care to comment on Cambridge House? It seems like the kind of place that would deliver exactly what it appears to offer--decent if unexceptional diner food. I just walked past it today, in fact, wondering if anyone here would have anything else to offer, perhaps any dishes that they prepare exceptionally well. Thanks, Aaron Mon May 12 16:11:30 -0700 2003 612780 0 Aaron D 3 612793 Can't comment on anything exceptional, but can confirm that they are what they seem - classic big menu coffee shop. Used to work in the neighborhood and lunch there a lot, but it's been a while. I suspect that big breakfasts are good there, in keeping with the tradition. Mon May 12 16:19:47 -0700 2003 612791 0 mark 1 612784 I was there for the first time about a month ago, and I agree with most of the coments made on the board so far. While I did not think my meal was outstanding, I though it was better than most. The thing that made this place most memorable was the charismatic Hadj. He was tremendously friendly, and offered great insight on Moroccan culture. I was impressed by his demeanor and am not at all surprised by his kindness to the homeless man. Mon May 12 15:21:16 -0700 2003 612764 0 Shirley