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Since our jobs consist largely of writing and researching, Christine and I are confined to a computer and desk for a good portion of our work week. That being said, we love to get out and try new wines. Though we pretty much like the same type of wine, it is always fun to see how different servers interpret my request for a wine that is: red, full bodied, full of berries (but not fruity) and anything with cherries is preferable. Thus far, we have had really good luck and have had the chance to taste a wide variety of red wines from different regions and years that are yummy. I seem to get too lost in the wine and conversation to really notice the food, unless we are starving, which lately seems to be ALL the time.


Le Bar, Hotel Sofitel

Freda: Last week we decided to head over to Le Bar in the Hotel Sofitel for some food and wine. I love the Sofitel. I like the atmosphere in Le Bar, the seating, the colors and the very cozy, intimate feeling you get while there. This is a great place for romantic dates, first dates and if things really heat up and get sizzling--and I don’t mean the steak either--you can get a room! How convenient.

The waitress suggested a Red Meritage (Cabernet Sauvignon blend) from California and made by Lyeth. It is a deep garnet red with hints of blackberry, raspberry and plum. It was very robust and had a smooth finish. It was over the top!

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With our wine we decided to keep it light and have a bowl of soup which indeed was very filling. I love soup and Le Bar has good soup. That day we had the special, which was Potato and Leek soup! It was delicious. I will let Christine describe it for you. She will do a much better job than I.

Christine: In terms of style, Hotel Sofitel is definitely not mine. In fact, in the six plus years that I have lived in Chicago, I have never experienced even the slightest desire to step inside. That being said, I am glad we stopped in, as there were some undeniable high points to our excursion.

The soup, for one, was absolutely perfect. In fact, it was, I would venture to say, exactly what both of us were craving on that cold, snowy (typically Chicago) day we decided to make our way over to the Sofitel. A smooth puree of potato and leek, the soup would have made any Irish chef proud. A nice added touch were the small chunks of leeks that could be found throughout the soup and which had been generously sautéed in butter—the result of which is always good. Actually eating the soup, however, was a bit puzzling, as the tiny tables were barely large enough to accommodate the size of our soup bowls. Though of course, Le Bar is exactly that—a bar and not a restaurant.

The wine itself was enjoyable, though not my favorite. I am a huge fan of full-bodied, dry wines—particularly Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Napa Valley. Call me picky, I don’t mind, but I have never been a huge fan of blended wines. I couldn’t even articulate the reason—I just know that I’ve never found one that I truly enjoy. It takes a lot to impress me in terms of wine and while this one was a great accompaniment to a quick meal, I wouldn’t go out and buy the bottle.

My final word? Though the Hotel Sofitel is not somewhere I could see myself hanging out on a Saturday night, it’s definitely a nice place to visit if you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a light lunch or a quick snack. Another great feature is that—at least on the day we were there—it wasn’t overly packed, so that I felt I could sit back and enjoy myself instead of feeling some strange man’s elbow plough into my shoulder blades every few seconds. (That review is coming soon).

L’Appetito

Freda: Another place that we visited this week, which may not be as sophisticated but is a great place to go when you are in the mood for some good ole Italian food, is L’Appetito, located on 30 E. Huron in Chicago. We went with a very hearty appetite and ordered half of the menu. From their fresh pizza by the slice to their pasta to their tostinos, we topped it off by splitting a homemade chocolate chunk cookie!

Located in the gold coast this is a place you take a girl when you think you really like her, like mamma’s good old fashion cooking! www.lappetito.com

Christine: L’Appetito is a great bang for your buck, as the saying goes. Not to mention the fact that it’s a great remedy for those days when you are absolutely starving and anything that has grease, cheese and more grease is what you happen to be craving. While it’s definitely not a place to eat everyday if you happen to be watching your weight in any fashion—and the expansive display of cookies at the cash register doesn’t exactly help either—it’s perfect for a once in a really blue moon type of occasion, particularly when you’re looking for a quick, hot lunch on the run. I ordered the veggie version of the tostino—complete with a hot, comforting combination of cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes—and would absolutely go back for another taste…in about another month or so.

It should be noted that L’Appetito also doubles as a kind of ‘Italian Convenience’ store. Though there isn’t a huge selection, they do have an interesting assortment of coffee, snacks and sweets, along with jars of my absolute favorite chocolate spread—Nutella.

My final word? If you don’t want to spend more than ten dollars on your lunch but still want to get something tasty that hasn’t sat out on a shelf for the last several weeks (preserved only by the wretchedness that is trans fats), make sure to stop by L’Appetito for a bite.