I love walking into a restaurant, dolled up for a Friday night date, and feeling like I could be sitting in someone's kitchen. Executive Chef/Proprietor Joncarl Lachman answers my prayers at his quaint yet fabulous establishment, Home Bistro (3404 N. Haslted), situated in the heart of Boystown.
Lachman's "unpretentious, cozy, and comfortable cafe" is easily one of my favorite nooks in this bustling city. The BYO's comfy dining room sits about 40 people, and its dim lighting, stunning artwork, and simple table decor make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I rarely visit HB without my stunning GBF, and our typical adventure starts by opening a bottle of Malbec, a shared favorite. We don't waste time and immediately order the Artichoke and Edam Fritters, served with garlic aioli, before our server can even light the candle on our table. Since the servings aren't overwhelming, we splurge for the Mixed Olives, Fried Haloumi Cheese (don't pass up smothering a piece with strawberry jam!), and the very decadent Almond Stuffed Dates- wrapped in bacon and baked with brown sugar, these are more like a dessert than an appetizer and I can't help but lick my fingers after each bite.
As we move on to bottle #2, we delve into some seriously delicious entrees. In my life, I've tried some amazing burgers, but the HB Lamb Burger, served on a pretzel roll with melted brie and garlic mayo with a side of truffle fries, is a forced to be reckoned with. I was also pleasantly surprised with the Braised Chicken in Phyllo, infused with moroccan spices and served with a parsley-tomato couscous, this entree is lick-the-dish good. The Phyllo was light and airy, better than I've had a some of the city's best Greek restaurants. I do recommend taking the pass on the Shrimp entree; the champagne butter is a little heavy and pales in comparison to Chef Lachman's other masterpieces.
Don't forget to bring a bottle of Moscato (or at least a nice dessert wine) because passing up dessert is not an option. Ranking #1 on my list is the Lemon and Brown Sugar Bread Pudding because, really, what says cozy comfort food like a savory bread pudding?
Completely content, totally full, and a little bit tipsy, it takes a crane to pull us to our feet. Thank goodness Roscoe's dance floor is only a few steps away...
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