Food and fun are yours to explore locally for Valentine’s Day 

By Susan Fong  

Spend Valentine’s Day with a special someone, add some delicious food, and a great time will result. This community has restaurants, bars, bakeries, and other food emporia that will fulfill your every culinary need on this romantic holiday.

BAR GUIDE           

            Junior’s Sports Lounge, 724 W. Maxwell St., (312) 421-2277 At Junior’s Sports Lounge, with more than 30 TVs fit into 5,000 square feet, you can watch a game from many angles. Twelve appetizers appear on their menu, including Diablo wings with five different sauces. Evening eats include sandwiches, burgers, and desserts. Drink and appetizer deals rotate weekly. Among their signature cocktails are cucumber fresca, a homestyle berry-lemonade with vodka, and several choices of mojitos. There also are more than 30 beer offerings. A DJ also is on site. Event or party service are available; ask about the red room with open bar. 

Little Joe’s Circle Lounge, 1041 W. Taylor St., (312) 829-5888, fax (312) 829-0261. Established in 1946, Little Joe’s now is operated by the third generation. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, offering the highest standards in hospitality. Antiques and history dominate the décor. The simple fare is well prepared, abundant, and competitively priced. Check out the daily bar specials. Visitors now can enjoy a touch tune jukebox as well as the two back bar plasma TVs. Kitchen hours: Mon. through Sat. 5 to 9 p.m.; bar hours: Mon. through Sat. 3 p.m. to midnight. Closed Sun.

Martin’s Corner Bar & Grill, 2058 W. 22nd Place, (773) 847-5515. Located in the Heart of Chicago/Pilsen community, Martin's has been family owned and operated since 1951. Open early and closing late, Martin's stays busy attracting a steady but diverse crowd. Check out their food specials such as a large char grilled burger with fries at $5.25, 30-cent chicken wings Monday through Thursday, or 83-cent burgers on Saturday. On Fridays baby back ribs are the special at $9.99. Highly recommended are the breaded steak sandwich and homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Pool tables are free. The bar has rotating drink specials and a great selection of imported and craft beers. Hours: grill 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; bar 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Morgan’s Bar & Grill on Maxwell Street, 1325 S. Halsted St., (312) 243-4800. Morgan’s Bar & Grill offers 24 beers on tap and 12 flat screen televisions, catering to the University of Illinois at Chicago crowd as well as others. This neighborhood restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and desserts.

Students get $2 off of all food items with valid student IDs. American menu includes barbeque, pizza, seafood, steaks. Saturday offers prime rib dinner specials, for $14.95 and $16.95, that include soup or salad, vegetable, and potato. All soups are homemade. Tuesday is ladies night with martini and beer specials. Live entertainment every Saturday after 8 p.m. Full service bar with rotating drink specials. Catering, party, and event services also offered. Hours: Sun through Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

South Loop Club, 701 S. State St., (312) 427-2787. Billed as an intown bar and grill with a neighborhood flair, South Loop Club touts 60 different bottled beers, 20 different drafts and a fully stocked bar. A popular South Loop destination for two decades, South Loop Club offers a substantial food menu that includes burgers, “world famous” Buffalo wings, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, seafood, veggie burgers, spicy black bean burgers, and side dishes. It draws students from the nearby universities, tradespersons, and professionals. Nine TV screens bring a variety of sports to patrons, said co-owner Nick Vranes. South Loop Club also offers sporting events and packages for patrons to view games from around the country.

A Golden Tee golf machine, jukebox, and electronic games add to the entertainment. South Loop Club helps patrons celebrate special events in a unique and fun atmosphere. Carryout is available. The kitchen and bar stay open until last call. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS

Ferrara Bakery, 2210 W. Taylor St., (312) 666-2200. Since 1908, Ferrara has made many of the Italian treats not found at other bakeries plus plenty of American favorites. Choices include special cookies, cannoli, miniature and specialty pastries, assorted biscotti, chocolate covered almonds, and cakes for all occasions. Lunch and dinner items are available. Ferrara also offers cappuccino and espresso. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

            Scafuri Bakery, 1337 W. Taylor St., (312) 733-8881. This specialty Italian bakery features handmade cookies, cakes, and other treats from authentic recipes. A variety of breads are baked fresh each day. Scafuri also features frozen entrees made from scratch: ravioli, cheese manicotti, meatballs, lasagna, cavatelli, bracciole (meat rolls), eggplant Parmesan, and other selections. Hours: Tues. through Sun. 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Closed Mon.

 

DINING

            Bacchanalia Ristorante, 2413 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-6555, fax (773) 254-6565. Bacchanalia means “feast,” and it delivers on its name with regional home cooking from the Luca and Pisa areas of Italy. Located in the Heart of Chicago community, Bacchanalia has been family owned and operated since 1979. All dishes are made to order with the finest ingredients; nothing is pre-made. House specialties include chicken Vesuvio, filet mignon, veal Parmigiana, and a wide range of pasta entrees. Carryouts are available. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sat. 4 to 11 p.m.; Sun. 3:30 to 9 p.m.

            Bruna's Ristorante, 2424 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-5550. Since 1933, Bruna's has served fine Italian cuisine including a variety of pasta dishes and meat and fish entrees. Some of the most popular dishes are veal scaloppini, mussels marinara, and penne ala puttanesca. Specials are offered daily. Bruna's also has an extensive wine list and imports specially selected chianti and vino nobile di montepulciano. The most popular dessert is Bruna’s own tiramisu. Other dessert specials include chocolate mousse cake and wild berry tart. Gelato also is available, with pistachio being a favorite. Reservations accepted; carryout available. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun. 1 to 10 p.m.           

            Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 326- 3443, (312) 842-5274 www.conniespizza.com. Pizza is only the beginning of this Italian restaurant. Open since 1963, Connie’s is entering its 45th year of serving Chicago. This is a dine-in restaurant with takeout and catering service. Expanding from pizza to full multi-course Italian meals, the menu includes Connie’s signature lasagna, custom marinara sauce, chicken vesuvio, panini, and, of course, their famous Chicago style deep-dish pizza, Connie’s Pizzeria now is in eight locations. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. noon to 10 p.m.

Damenzo’s Pizza, 2324 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-1142. Pizzas of all kinds—thin, thick, and stuffed, with a wide selection of toppings¾ are served at Damenzo’s. The restaurant also offers entrees such as lasagna, ravioli, eggplant parmesan, and Damenzo’s generous-sized sandwiches including Italian beef, Italian sausage, and meatball. Catering is available. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

DePasada Restaurant, at a new location at 1517 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-6441, fax (312) 243-6277. This eatery continues DePasada’s tradition of fine Mexican food made popular at its original location, 1108 N. Ashland Ave. Family run, DePasada for more than 20 years has featured burritos, tortas, tostadas, tacos, and many other delectable selections. All choices are made from family recipes handed down through generations. DePasada’s flan and tres leches (three milk) cake are popular desserts. DePasada offers delivery after 6 p.m. New hours include breakfast. Hours: Sun. through Thurs.7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 7 a.m. to midnight.

Dine restaurant, 733 W. Madison St. (Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Hotel), (312) 602-2100, fax (312) 602- 165. www.dinerestaurant.com.  An eclectic interior design combines vintage elements \such as antiqued glass, terrazzo flooring, a zinc bar, and oversized print art with contemporary supper club atmosphere created for  Dine by nationally recognized restaurant design firm the Puccini Group, based in San Francisco. Semi-private and private dining options are offered. Chef Chris Turano’s featured menu includes a generous selection of American specialties for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Ask about Dine daily drink specials that are offered all day long. Hours: Sun through Thurs. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 6 a.m. to midnight. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Parking is free with validation.

            Eppel’s Restaurant, 554 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 922-2206. A 45-year-old, 100-seat breakfast and lunch eatery, Eppel’s specializes in full breakfasts including grits and ham off the bone as well as a wide selection of egg dishes. Known as a business lunch establishment, Eppel’s offers a large variety of sandwiches as well as daily specials and select ethnic dishes, fresh fruit plates, and salads. Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Carryout and parking available.

            Express Grill, 1260 S. Union Ave., (312) 738-2112. “Home of the Polish sausage.” Fast food takeout with pork chops, all beef hot dogs, Polishes, homemade burgers, grilled chicken, and fish sandwiches. These Polishes are made locally for Express Grill. For Black  History Month, all sandwiches with fries cost $1.50 Mon. through Thurs. 3 to 5 p.m. throughout February, Mon.-Thurs. 3.to 5 p.m.
Hours: Open 24/hours daily.

            Franco’s Ristorante, 300 W. 31st St., (312) 225-9566. Located just north of U.S. Cellular Field, Franco’s is known as “the small place with the big taste.” Open since 1989, it offers fine multi-regional Italian cuisine including made-to-order pastas, gnocchi, linguini with clams, and fettuccine with chicken and mushrooms as well as a variety of fish and meat selections and daily specials. One of Franco’s trademark entrees is a 2-1/2- inch pork chop served with oven-roasted potatoes. The 40-seat restaurant uses the finest ingredients for its homemade fare and offers an excellent wine list and full bar. Call Franco’s for all your catering needs. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat. 3:30 to 9 p.m. Closed Sun and Mon.

Franconello Restaurant, 1301 S. Halsted St. (312) 421-1301. Opened in August 2007, the second Franconello (another is located in the Beverly community) offers an elegant dining experience, with hardwood floors, wooden tables, and velvet curtains. Franconello prepares a trademark house entrée of 2 1/2-inch pork chops with oven roasted potatoes. The restaurant's extensive menu includes pasta specials such as cheese-filled gnocchi, seafood dishes, and other regional fare such as seafood risotto and New York steak Vesuvio. A few appetizer highlights are spicy sausage-stuffed banana pepper and acclaimed sausage Franconello with roasted peppers. Other temptations are outstanding desserts and a full service bar with martinis. This is a great place for business meetings or small gatherings; call for details. Located one block south of Roosevelt Road, with valet parking available. Hours are Mon. through Thurs. 4 to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Hashbrowns, 731 W. Maxwell St., (312) 226-8000, fax (312) 226- 8080, www.hashbrownscafe.com. As its namesake would imply, the signature dish here is hashbrowns, made with sweet potatoes. Hashbrowns is open for breakfast and lunch, with breakfast available anytime. Besides the five other hashbrown dishes, there is an assortment of omelets named after Chicago street names, such as the Maxwell Street, and other breakfast specialties. In addition to the eggs dishes, there are the old standbys like pancakes and waffles. House hashbrowns served with all egg dishes. For lunch there are chicken sandwiches, panini, various burgers, salads, and a homemade soup of the day. A family friendly restaurant,  there is a kids’ menu also available. Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Breakfast available anytime. 

Jim’s Original Hot Dog, 1250 S. Union Ave., (312) 733-7820. Since 1939, home of the original Maxwell Street Polish sausage. Jim’s is fast food takeout at its best, serving Polishes, pork chops, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish, pop, and fries. Besides Union Ave., Jim’s operates locations on 95th St. and a third to open soon in Calumet City. Open 24 hours daily.

Joy Yee Noodles, 1335 S. Halsted St. (312) 997-2128, www.joyyee.com. Joy Yee’s combines the best of Asia with its large selection of classic and pan-Asian noodle dishes and entrees at affordable prices. In addition to a long list of appetizers, the noodle shop offers a variety of soup broths to combine with a choice of meats and vegetables to suit varied dining fancies. Carryout and delivery available. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun noon to 10 p.m.

Kohan Japanese Restaurant, 730 W. Maxwell St., (312) 421-6254, www.kohanchicago.com. Japanese cuisine includes sushi, steak, and other grilled selections with a teppan-grill-fitted kitchen to view the chef in action. A newly opened second dining room offers Korean tabletop grills in addition to regular fare. Carryout and delivery available. Hours: Lunch daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner Mon. through Thurs. 5 to 11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sun. 5 to 10 p.m.

Lalo’s, 733 W. Maxwell St., (312) 455-9380, fax (312) 455-9382, www.lalos.com (then click on the locations link). With several locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs, Lalo’s offers authentic Mexican specialties, appetizers, and entrees including fajitas, enchiladas, carne asada, shrimp, and seafood specialties. Desserts include flan and tres leches cake. Famous for its margaritas, Lalo’s also has a full bar. DJ music is featured after 10 p.m. Wed. through Sat., with mariachis on Fri. Carryout, delivery, and catering are available. Liquor selections available with catering orders. Valet parking is available. Regular restaurant hours: Sun. through Tues. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wed. and Thurs. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

            Lawrence Fisheries, 2120 S. Canal St., (312) 225-2113, fax (312) 225-8879. “The fish place at the bridge” began 57 years ago as a wholesale/retail fishing operation and now serves as a fast, casual restaurant with carryout and business delivery service. Open 24 hours every day of the year, the location offers a unique view of the Chicago skyline. Lawrence’s specializes in French fried shrimp, fish chips, catfish, and chicken cooked fresh on site using family recipes. Other favorites include frog legs, seafood nuggets, scallops, cod, oysters, and boiled shrimp. Besides the fish fare, Lawrence’s offers soups, salads, and desserts. Business delivery available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon. through Fri. in the South Loop and West Side. Faxed orders welcome. Online: www.lawrencesfisheries.com.

            Massa Italian Café & Gelateria, 807 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 433-0123. Situated on the corner of Halsted St. and Roosevelt Road, Massa is a comfortable and casual Euro style café for serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its Italian-inspired menu includes grilled paninis, pizzettes, panzerotti, arancini, salad, and fried dough. Their signature item is gelato in flavors including Nicciola, pistachio, and tiramisu. All gelatos and sorbets are made on site. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

            Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St. (312) 226-9529, fax (312) 226-0633. This West Loop eatery has been a fixture since 1938. Palace Grill is open for breakfast every day starting at 5 a.m., except Sun., when breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Owner George Lemperis, like his father before him, serves everything from bacon and eggs to pancakes and omelets and hash browns. For lunch, Palace Grill offers hearty homemade soups including split pea, minestrone, and Boston clam chowder. Lighter fare includes fresh spring mix, Cobb, and Greek salads. The Palace Grill hamburger is a half-pound of beef served on Greek bread. Other sandwich choices include roast beef turkey club and hot meatloaf with real mashed potatoes. Daily specials offered; beer and wine available. Palace Grill also offers catering. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

            Panozzo’s Italian Market, 1303 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 356-9966, fax (312) 356-9965, www.panozzos.com.  Just as the name implies, Panozzo’s Italian Market recreates the classic Italian neighborhood market at its South Loop location. Chef John Asbaty has created a small but well crafted menu of entrees, sandwiches (hot and cold), salads and fresh breads that include panino Italiano tradionale, grilled eggplant sandwich, and traditional lasagna Bolognese, among others. Panozzo’s deli features artisanal cured meats and baked breads and a choice of Italian cheeses. The marketplace also offers all the ingredients to cook an Italian meal at home, along with a selection of homemade sauces, pastas, and desserts.

Catering is available. Check website for full menu, catering options, and daily food specials. Hours: Tues through Fri. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.

            Polo Café & Catering Bridgeport USA, 3322 S. Morgan St., (773) 927-POLO or (773) 927-7656, www.polocafe.com. Polo Café will celebrate its 18th anniversary with pure romance at its special prix fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day. What started out in 1985 as Polo Nuts and Candy Etc. expanded to serving food on Valentine’s Day 1990. Polo Café has consistently received “three R’s” (the top ranking) from the Reader newspaper, and Rick Kogan of WGN-Radio said, “This is one of the city’s hidden treasures.” Chef/Owner Dave Samber continuously creates new culinary experiences at his restaurant. Lunch on Mon. through Fri. and dinner on Fri. and Sat. as well as brunch on Sat. are served.

The extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, soups, seafood, meat entrees, and sandwiches, as well as desserts. Polo Café also has a full bar. In addition, the old theater building next door has been converted to a private event venue for Polo Café as the “Old Eagle Room” and accommodates 100. Among the historically significant features are a Rodgers 360 theater organ, 20-channel audio/DJ system, and a rare Wurlitzer concert grand piano. Polo Cafe also offers catering off-site for any occasion. The 18th anniversary prix fixe dinner is $60/person, plus tax and gratuity (full premium bar available) on Thursday, Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 from 6 until 8 p.m. in its elegant Old Eagle Room where Chicago’s renowned theatre organist, Stan Zimmerman, will play musical favorites. Reservations are required. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 3  p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sat. brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

            Pompei, 1531 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5179. This bustling 225-seat eatery also accommodates groups of up to 100 in its La Stanza di Pompei party room. Popular items include pizzas with various toppings; Pompei’s original creation, pizza strudel; pastas; salads; daily specials; and fresh breads. Homemade desserts, cappuccino, and espresso also are served. Pompei specializes in express catering for delivery or pick up. This spring, the restaurant opens The Garden, an outdoor eating area. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Quiznos Subs, 1332 S. Halsted St., (312) 563-9010. Quiznos is a fast food submarine sandwich, salad, and soup restaurant. For the health conscious diner, the menu offers a variety of subs weighing in at fewer than 500 calories. Breakfast and desserts also are available. Catering, delivery, and pickup also offered. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Reggio’s Pizza, 1339 S. Halsted St., (312) 455-1211, www.reggios.com. Family owned and operated, Reggio’s began as a retail pizza carryout and delivery operation and grew into today’s pizzeria offering dine-in service along with carryout and delivery. Famous for its butter crust, Reggio's offers the option of ordering your pizza thin or deep dish with a variety of toppings. Other menu items include pastas, salads, entrees, desserts, and the widely acclaimed wings and southern fried chicken made from home recipes. Online ordering also available. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. to midnight.

Rooks Corner/Rooks Lounge (Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC) 625 S. Ashland Ave., (312) 529-6050, (312) 529-4331. Rooks Corner is an upscale yet comfortable American bistro located in the Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC. Rooks’ Corner is a contemporary take of American traditional favorites. The menu offers a variety of salads, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts as well as a full dinner menu with hand carved steaks as  well as fresh seafood brought indaily. Daily breakfast buffet offered for $11.95 and a more extravagant Sunday Brunch for $25.95.

There also are two private dining rooms for more intimate settings. The adjacent bar, Rooks Lounge, is outfitted with spacious booths and two flat-screen TVs. There are a number of signature cocktails and martinis. Kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. to provide restaurant menu for bar patrons. For the weekend of Feb. 16, Rooks Corner offers a Valentine’s  weekend special— buffet dinner for two—at $59 per couple. Buffet includes a seafood station, prime rib, salad buffet, and the chef’s selection of romantic desserts. Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Bar hours: Sun. through Thurs. 2 p.m. to midnight. Fri. and Sat. 2p.m. to 1 a.m.

 

            Sweet Maple Café, 1339 W. Taylor St. (312) 243-8908. A 1940s style eatery, Sweet Maple Café offers breakfast and lunch during the week and brunch specials on weekends. Sweet Maple uses deliciously creative recipes for pancakes and French toast, homemade biscuits, muffins, and egg dishes, among other selections. Lunch fare includes homemade soups and sandwiches such as turkey with homemade potato chips. There also are abundant desserts. Weekend brunch items include salmon cakes and fried pork chops.  Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

            Taylor Made Pizza 1220 W. Taylor St., (312) 850-2000, www.taylormadepizza.com. This 13-month old pizzeria is the brainchild of four neighborhood friends. All doughs and sauces are created from old family recipes, made fresh daily with top of the line ingredients. Both thin and stuffed are offered with a choice of toppings. The house pizza is the Taylor Made
Special, a blend of spinach with mushrooms. Appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts also are on the menu. Pizza by slice is available.

New catering menu includes lasagna, mosticcoli, beef, sausage, and salad trays. Hours: Mon through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to 2a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; and Sun. noon to 11 p.m.

            Wow Café & Wingery, 717 W. Maxwell St., (312) 997-9969. Fast food Louisiana-based restaurant famous for its wings. The menu offers tenders, quesadillas, fajitas, wraps, and Texas toastburgers as well as desserts. Known for its sauce, sound, soul, and spice, this is a family style restaurant, where all foods are made to order with the freshest ingredients. Full service bar. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. to midnight; Sat. noon to midnight; Sun. noon to 10 p.m. Bar stays stay open one hour longer than kitchen.

 

FESTIVE TREATS AND FUN

Caribou Coffee, 1328 S. Halsted St. (312) 738-3570. Caribou's corner coffee shop serves up gourmet coffees and teas from around the world. Besides hot drinks, it offers an extensive selection of pastries and some fresh food products such as sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, and fruit. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fri. 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sat. 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun. 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cold Stone Creamery, 1316 S. Halsted St., (312) 226-2800, fax (312) 226-6502, www.coldstonecreamery.com. Cold Stone Creamery features a wide variety of gourmet ice cream selections with a large variety of individualized ice cream creations, such as ice cream cakes. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 1 to 9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 1 to 10 p.m.

Dinner by Design, 716 W. Maxwell St., (312) 209-8076, www.dinnerbydesignkitchen.com, simplify@dbdmaxwellst.com. This meal assembly kitchen saves customers time and ensures they enjoy nutritious meals because Dinner by Design shops, prepares, and plans their meals. Just call or visit the company’s website to select your menu items and then choose a date and time for your kitchen appointment to assemble your meals in a social setting. When you arrive, prepare six to 12 meals in two hours or less, then take your creations home, defrost as needed, and follow the heating/cooking instructions on the airtight containers. If time is extremely tight, Dinner by Design's trained staff will prepare your meals for pickup. Hours: Mon. through Fri., noon to 6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Edible Arrangements, 1212 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5440, fax (312) 421-5441. www.ediblearrangements.com. Fruits designed into bouquets and baskets are featured at Edible Arrangements. Tropical fruits as well as homegrown selections are available along with dipped fruits in boxes, including gourmet dipped apple wedges, dipped orange segments, strawberries, and a new addition, dipped banana slices. Fudge selections, mylar balloons, and plush bears also are available as accessories. For Valentine’s Day, the Valentine’s berry chocolate bouquet is featured in February. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Jamba Juice, 1322 S. Halsted St., (312) 738-3660. Juice bar offering fresh squeezed carrot, orange, and wheat grass juices as well as quick frozen fruit smoothies with boosters including ginseng, guarana, and green tea. Jamba also provides healthful snacks with no additives from small bakeries and producers, such as mini-loaves pretzels. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 6 to 9 p.m.; Fri. 6 to 9:30 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. After spring break, open evenings until 10 p.m.

            Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies, 850 W. Jackson St., (312) 738-3610. With the feel of the islands, Maui’s offers a wide selection of kona coffees, hot and cold espresso drinks, and its trademark Hawaiian smoothies in flavors such as pina colada and strawberry. A selection of pastries also is available. Great place to feel like you are in the tropics during the winter. Free wifi on site. Seating for 24 with additional conference room that seats 12; great for business or small meetings. Hours. Mon. through Fri. 7a.m. to 7p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday.