Review: The Scout, Part 2

At some point, hopefully before the football season starts, you'll get a chance to check out The Scout in the South Loop. If you do, don't be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone. More than likely, you'll enjoy your picks. You can read my review of The Scout by clicking here.

Here is my take on a few other dishes I tried during another visit. The Scout's prices are moderate so expect to shell out $10 to $19 for a meal, which usually includes two sides.

I've had wine and beer at the eatery, but I didn't pay enough attention to the libations to rate the offerings. The red wine was fine; the dark craft beer I tried was a bit too bitter for my taste.

Other Items:

Black Angus Pot Roast

Black Angus Pot Roast: Get it. No discussion really needed. This flavorful roast rests atop mashed red-s
kin potatoes. I've had this one twice, both times equally delicious and filling. Price: $14.

Slider Trio

Slider Trio: This sampling of buffalo chicken, angus pot roast and short rib teaser has more bun than meat. Make sure it's served hot. For the price, you're better off getting a complete meal. Price: $12.

El Mirano: This is a decent burger made with chorizo, fontina cheese, roasted poblano peppers and avocado. I didn't taste much of the chorizo however. The avocado topping gave the burger a buttery finish. I swapped regular fries for the sweet potato fries. Price: $12.

Click here to read my first review.

Review: The Scout Offers Great Food, Atmosphere and Service



BBQ Pulled Duck with Sweet Potato Fries

I've walked or driven by The Scout on South Wabash numerous times wondering what it was and what it offered. I even pigeonholed it as another overpriced sandwich shop. Boy, was I wrong!

I, along with my friend Melissa, ventured into The Scout on what was one of those rare sunny days this year. I was immediately impressed and happy with our selection. The restaurant -- even its open floor layout -- was inviting and nothing like I expected.

Spicy Green Beans

The South Loop establishment is a hip neighborhood restaurant with a bar and big-screen televisions for watching sports. To call this eatery a neighborhood bar and grill would be a disservice. Even to call it an upscale bar is a bit misleading. The food alone in this joint places it in another league, which neither a bar and grill nor upscale bar can fully claim.

Seating is plentiful and appropriately spaced so you're not squeezing by another diner. Natural light streaming through the huge front windows makes you forget about the bar in the back and side or the TVs positioned throughout the restaurant. Staff and patrons are cheery and friendly. I think that natural light helps.

Now the food! Melissa ordered the Black Angus Pot Roast with red-skin mashed potatoes. It was a moist and well-seasoned dish served in a pewter kettle bowl. I ordered the BBQ Pulled Duck with aged gouda on a pretzel bun. My sides were sweet potato fries and spicy green beans. My meal was scrump-dilli-cious; yes, I just made up a word.

What impressed me was everything on my plate was tasty, even the sweet potato fries, which I've never taken a liking to until now. Two small issues I had with my food -- a tad overcooked beans and unmelted gouda -- were minor. I left nothing on my plate.

Would I recommend this place? You can tell by this point, right. Will I return? No doubt, whether it's to watch a game or just grab a bite to eat while hanging out or passing through the South Loop.

The Scout Review, Part II

Review: Zapatista Offers Fresh and Refreshing Mexican Cuisine

I'd been scoping out Zapatista for some time now. I'd drive by en route to some place else and make mental plans to check out the restaurant at some point. I finally followed through, trying the shrimp and steak fajitas with an organic rustica margarita at the South Loop location in Chicago.

 I was very pleased with the service, which was courteous and fast, food quality(decent portions) and ambiance. Everything, especially the guacamole, was fresh and full of flavor. The setting is spacious, inviting and welcoming. Though it offers free Wi-Fi , it's not the place to do work.

The food is filling but not heavy so Zapatista works well for dinner before theatre or any event. I'd recommend it for first dates as well as a place to just enjoy delicious cuisine at a affordable price.

Give it a try this weekend. You won't be disappointed.