665765 Mon Nov 09 06:59:09 -0800 2009 5 7 Chicago Area 0 5166705 I need a few recs for 2 dinners, 2 lunches and one breakfast (the latter in the loop). We would like a "locally-sourced" or at least provenance- based place (we were thinking Publican for one night but we would welcome other suggestions) and we would like a Mexican place for the other night - a step or two up from a taqueria, but nothing as high end as Bayless' places. It is possible that a good sushi place could replace the Mexican. We would also like to know the closest decent cupcake place to the loop? And a place for good takeaway sandwiches - last time we went to Pastoral (not sure if it is still open) and they were pretty good - anything similar? Thanks Mon Nov 09 06:59:09 -0800 2009 42720 chemfemme 1 5166878 Here are some great places to check out: Province - farm-focused, Latin-influenced cuisine, in the West Loop Ina's - incredible breakfasts by one of Chicago's favorite chefs, West Loop More - upscale cupcakes, downtown Mercadito or De Cero - great Mexican Sandwiches - go to Jerry's on Madison or Fox & Obel Cafe Mon Nov 09 08:05:20 -0800 2009 5166705 253783 Chandraram 2 5173442 I wouldn't exactly say More is downtown. Sugar Bliss is downtown (115 N. Wabash). More is way over on Delaware and State. Wed Nov 11 12:50:43 -0800 2009 5166878 216146 sis2catbat 1 5171333 Publican is a great choice. Also consider Mado in Wicker Park--it's a BYO that specializes in locally sourced. For Mexican, there is a great new place in Lakeview called Chilam Balam. It serves small plates and is also BYO. If you want a more authentic feel, you could check out Pilsen, a Mexican neighborhood. Nuevo Leon is great. For Sushi, the best place in town is somewhat off the beaten path--Katsu in Rogers Park. Mirai Sushi in Wicker Park is a bit more trendy and also great food. Mado: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/travel/31bites.html Chilam Balam: http://www.chilambalamchicago.com/ Nuevo Leon: http://www.nuevoleonrestaurant.com/ Katsu: http://www.yelp.com/biz/katsu-chicago Mirai: http://www.miraisushi.com/ Tue Nov 10 17:03:16 -0800 2009 5166705 176160 jasonkc99 2 5173086 For breakfast in the South Loop check out Bongo Room. Not too far away from the Bongo Room is a good Italian deli for take-out sandwiches, Panozzo's: http://www.panozzos.com/ Nuevo Leone is a very good family place, but IMO only about half a step up from a tacqueria (altho a very good tacqueria). Somewhat higher up on the staircase (but not to the heights of Bayless) and also in Pilsen is Mundial Cocina Mestiza : http://www.mundialcocinamestiza.com/ Others at similar price and quality to search are Sol de Mexico, Mixteco grill, Salpicon. Wed Nov 11 10:49:14 -0800 2009 5171333 10261 jbw 3 5176129 Well - We went to Province last night and it was terrific - heading out for cupcakes right now. Will report back. Thu Nov 12 11:01:47 -0800 2009 5173086 42720 chemfemme