Jason Franzke

Stopped in to Bonci to finally try out their Roman-style pizza. The restaurant is very small and is located on Sangamon, north of busier Randolph St. The restaurant doesn't have a single table in it. Just stools for counter space along the walls. Not the best setup for patrons who'd like to sit and enjoy their food. I arrived shortly after Bonci opened and several different pizzas were already out and ready. I ordered a slice of their Prosciutto Cotto pizza and a slice of their Spicy Eggplant (pictured). Pizza is sold by weight here, so when you order, they just lift the pizza up and slide a scissor down the side of it, cutting off a slice whenever you tell them to. After heating the slices up, they sliced them both up into bite-size bites (pictured.). Definitely different! The pizza, though, was delicious. Both slices, delicious. Would very highly recommend and can't wait to go back and try some other pizzas!

Stopped in for a late breakfast at the Gracie Mews Diner. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. Ordered their Cuban Sandwich, which was disappointing. The sandwich was basically pork and pickles and was not particularly flavorful. The service was good and the restaurant is clean but I did not particularly enjoy my meal there.

Stopped by The Mansion for breakfast and was very pleasantly surprised! This restaurant is spacious, the service is wonderful, the food is excellent, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal that wasn't the least bit rushed. I tried one of their specialty breakfast sandwiches called "The York" (pictured), and it was delicious! Loved it. Would absolutely recommend The Mansion to anyone looking for a wonderful breakfast/brunch experience.

Stopped in to Chez Nick's for dinner after a long day and was very pleasantly surprised by a wonderful meal. I started with a very refreshing cocktail (pictured), called "The Show Goes On." Started off with an Elote appetizer which was three mini pieces of corn-on-the-cob (pictured), which was quite tasty. My entree was Lobster Mafaldine Scampi. I truly have never had anything quite like this dish before. There was an ample portion of lobster in this dish with the mafalde and a generous portion of heat (spice) throughout, which was both unexpected and appreciated! Loved this dish. Finished with the Chocolate Chip Cookies dessert, two amazing chocolate cookies served with a small glass of cold milk, a perfect finish to a great meal. Would highly recommend!

I've heard for a long time about the greatness of the Au Cheval burger. Today was the day to give it a try. We arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes after it opened and it was already full! After a short wait, we were seated and dug into some VERY tasty french fries (pictured with fried egg) and a very tasty burger as well. Is it the best in Chicago? I don't know, but it is a very, very good burger. Place has a great vibe and the service is terrific! Loved my meal here and will happily return.