Category Archives: random spottings

While the wooden façade is constantly being tagged, painted over, designed, painted and tagged again, the antique hammered brass door handle of The Violet Hour stays the same. Is there something slightly off about it, or has it just been through the wringer since its possible previous life on the front door of a Lake Forest mansion? Either way, I wish it wasn’t so hard to get past after 8PM.

1520 Damen Ave., 773.252.1500 (photo by Tonia Kim)

The answer to the zebrawood bathroom door post will be revealed this week, but in the meantime, a few hints about the venue’s previous life (before the cool bathrooms): 1). The place used to be filled with cushy orange velvet couches and chairs. 2) It was previously named for a famous Trader Vic’s bartender. 3) They were known for serving up a mean scorpion bowl. Hmmmm…

It’s the kind of place that seems like it could be swallowed up by new condos any moment, but the bizarre Mercury Cafe is still around in West Town. The floors are uneven, the air a little (OK, a lot) musty and random crap is stacked everywhere, but I still pop in for the decent menu of sandwiches on the cheap—like the turkey, guac and provolone. But even better than the great bread selection is the cup of sliced sweet pickles offered as a sandwich side. They may not make the best use of their obnoxiously large space, but they do know how to slice up a damn good pickle.

Garden fresh at North Pond

North Pond chef-owner Bruce Sherman heads to Green City Market for a lot of his summer produce, but some of it grows right outside the restaurant.  Anise hyssop, fennel, chives, basil, lovage and other fresh herbs are all hiding amid the flowers, and often find their way onto the menu. 2610 N. Cannon Dr., 773-477-5845

Cool italian ice sign off Taylor Street near UIC