FEATURED RESTAURANT

Café 28

A Stylish Neighborhood Jewel

In these early months of Spring, we’ve ventured into one Chicago’s charming neighborhoods just north of Wrigley Field. An area currently known as East Ravenswood. Our restaurant choice is a popular spot called Café 28 known for it’s Cuban/Mexican Cuisine.

Placed on corner right near the Irving Park “L” stop, the windows are draped with strands of little white twinkle lights. When you step inside, the eclectic interior is as interesting and diverse as the neighborhood. Beautiful orange and gold walls and exposed brick offset the original ornate tin ceiling. And the walls are always hung with works of different Chicago artists, currently a wonderful Bulgarian artist named Valentin Simeonov Bakardjiev. (They have even had the works of the famous abstract expressionist Bob Drake … OK, he’s my husband.)

Usually you’ll be greeted by one of the charming owners, Berta Navarro or her son Ricardo Miranda. The wait staff is as friendly and relaxed as the atmosphere.

We started our meal with two house specialties: Cuban Tamales and Papas Rellenas. The Cuban Tamales is a layered dish with a beautiful presentation. It arrives at the table looking much like a miniature Lilly Dache Hat! Consisting of Cuban roast pork and caramelized onions stacked on garlic polenta with balsamic vinegar reduction, it truly is a delicate treat.

One of my favorite signature dishes is the Papas Rellenas: jalapeno mashed potatoes filled with a chicken stuffing and served with saffron cream. It is an unusual blend of flavors.

For our entrees, I chose the Almond Crusted Halibut and my husband Bob chose his favorite signature dish, Honey Jalapeno Pork Chops.

The halibut was just perfection. The crisp almond crust was so flavorful. And the light and flaky fish was accompanied by jalapeno mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus.

The Honey Jalapeno Pork Chops are in a class all their own. They have an incredible combination of sweetness with a slightly hot finish and they are served with homemade sweet potatoes.

Since I'm not a dessert lover, it was Bob’s job to sample the sweet stuff. He happily volunteered to try the Tres Leches. This is a moist coconut cake made with three kinds of milk. Served with a dollop of whipped cream on a plate swirled with raspberry sauce, I hear it was delicious.

Café 28 is also available for private parties and catering. They will take reservations for parties of 6 or more. Appetizers range from $4.25 to $7.50 and Entrees range from $9.75 to $17.50.