With deep red walls and red brocade chandeliers, cloistered alcoves outfitted with cushy sofas and sweeping fringe curtains, and an orchid on every plate, Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge seems designed to seal the deal. The sexy late-night lounge serves booze-spiked bubble teas and a menu of luxurious small plates created by chef Radhika Desai, former sous chef at Vermilion: Sweet Heat Shrimp was five juicy grilled crustaceans glazed with a tangy sauce of garlic, curry, and honey; the Between Green salad was an ample portion of mixed greens spiked with avocado, mushrooms, candied cashews, and caramelized onions. Baturas, a house specialty, are a twist on the Punjabi classic, the crispy fried bread stuffed with spicy ground beef, scallions, and shiitakes. At $18 the lobster trifecta—a trio of bisque, lobster spring rolls, and lobster cakes—is the most expensive thing on the menu. Items added since my last visit include a tuna flatbread with scallions, truffle oil, and fresh wasabi and goat cheese tarts with roasted garlic, crushed hazelnuts, and chives. On Valentine’s Day a seven-course prix fixe menu with a vegetarian option includes a bottle of organic wine, a half bottle of rosé champagne, and Teuscher chocolates; it’s $80 per person. —Martha Bayne
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Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors
Sweets & Savories
1324 N. Milwaukee, 773-292-0585
4129 W. Lawrence, 773-725-1812
1534 W. Fullerton, 773-281-6778
