Fodor's Expert Review Perry Street Brasserie

Chef-owner Steve Dowe explains that the name of his restaurant is a play on words and relates to the monumental brasses that hang majestically on the walls of this romantic spot about a block from the Galena River. Making brass rubbings—and teaching others the craft—has been a longtime hobby of the native English man and his wife Renee. Another side love? Making his own organic spice mixes. Dowe has used the blends in his recipes for nearly 45 years and is now bottling six varieties under the name AcroAma Inc. But you'll be happy you left the cooking to chef Dowe when you taste his spot-on petite beef tenderloin, paired with quail; or grilled lamb with homemade lamb sausage; or his sautéed Gulf shrimp with olives in a Provencale sauce. Top it all off with the signature chocolate cup dessert: a bowl of solid Swiss chocolate filled with creamy dark and milk chocolate ganaches.