This week's column looks at two very different restaurants that are in the same neighborhood: Lake View.
SpritzBurger ( 3819 N. Broadway; www.spritzburger.com ) is a collaboration between well-known culinary masters The Hearty Boys and Gale Gand that opened on Valentine's Day. The Boys' eatery Hearty had occupied the same spot, but things have been revamped, to say the least.
One of the many bright spots at this space consists of the homemade sodas that are partially responsible for the eatery's nameand that stand out as much as Matthew Lew's wall art. ( Check out the chipmunk sipping on the east wall and the Mona Lisa doing the same above the stairs. ) Attention has been paid to detail, even regarding the pickled vegetables each patron has at the table.
As for the "burger" part, this restaurant offers much more than the standard beef pattiesalthough those are done quite well. My friend's Amish B&B was a delicious concoction with Salemville Smokehouse blue cheese and thick-cut bacon along with greens and house garlic mayo. However, my turkey burger ( with havarti, apple-ginger chutney and greens ) was every bit as good. There are also burgers incorporating everything from chickpea patties to Spamin other words, there's something for everyone.
Also, don't pass on the many other items, including various salads and appetizers such as the crispy chicken livers, which my guest and I liked even though the garlic didn't quite "behave" as it was supposed to.
Lastly, don't forget the desserts. Gand, a James Beard-winning pastry chef, naturally knows what she's doing. For us, the high point was probably the simplest item: Rice Krispie treats with salted-caramel and chocolate-fudge dips. I highly recommend this place.
Then, there's Bites Asian Tapas ( 3313 N. Clark St.; www.bitestapas.com ), which incorporates fusion down to its very name, which mixes "Asian" with "tapas," appetizers rooted in Spanish culture. ( The fusion/eclectic mix is also apparent in the restaurant's decor, which includes traditional Asian items with neon signs and old-school record players.
The ideal way to enjoy Bites' tapas dinner menu is to order a variety of dishes from the six menu categories. Servers bring all the necessary sharing plates and serving pieces ( in addition to silverware if you're not so comfortable with the chopsticks ), so it's easy and fun.
The menu is neatly divided into six sections: Meaty, Under the Sea, Meatless, Buns, Sides and Last Bites ( desserts ). I'm not sure who named some of the items, but they can be provocativeand it can be an interesting experience ordering those items: For example, fried boneless chicken served with Asian whiskey sauce is called "Drunk Chicks."
However, despite any awkwardness in ordering, eating the items was sublime. The Oriental paella ( crab-fried rice with egg, tomato and scallion ) was wonderful, and the crab croquettes and "Sexy Shrimp" ( shrimp wrapped in a crispy wonton with sweet chili sauce ) weren't far behind.
And you know what also work? The desserts. With offerings like ginger-lemon cheesecake and cookie-dough chopsticks, you must make roomor at least order them to take home.