We will be visiting Chicago late June and attending a 10 p.m. performance of Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater & Cabaret at 3133 N. Halsted St. Does anyone have a restaurant recommendation in that area? Would prefer something a little different, perhaps ethnic. Thank you!

Yoshi's Cafe, at 3257 N. Halsted, has sort of a contemporary blend with French and Asian elements. Haven't been since Yoshi went to a value-priced broader menu, but he is a wonderful cook, and his wife Nobuko a wonderful front-of-the-house presence. Phone is 773-248-6160

Thank you, Marilyn!

Trattoria Gianni is on Halsted near the theatres and is one of my favorite specialized Italian restaurants anywhere. I found it after reading an Esquire magazine article on where to find the best Tiramisu in the country. They were rated tops, but the Tiramisu (which you MUST have) is only part of the story. They have all sorts of inventive pasta and seafood dishes and some of the best Portobello mushroom appetizers I have ever tasted. I have gone back many times and never been disappointed, nor have friends I have sent there.

pj,

we are also in Chicago end of June early July and seeing Blueman (which we have seen before and loved). Our favorite restaurant in that area is Arcos de Cuchilleros, a Spanish tapas place. It has great food and the whole "tapas" thing is our favorite way to eat...let me know if you need more info or are not familiar with tapas.

Maria

We ate at Leona's as we were short of time(pizza)when we saw Blue Man but someone at my office had suggested Mia Francesca for Italian at 3311 N. Clark, one of his favorite restaurants. BTW, you don't want to arrive late for the performance unless you want to be part of the performance!

Thanks everyone for your ideas. Sounds like we have some terrific options!

For something really different, try Ethiopian food at Addis Abeba on 3521 N. Clark, or Mama Desta's Red Sea on 3218 N. Clark. Both places are pretty casual... and on the same block, so you can check both out and see which you'd like better.