food and drink
Oh dear. A family of four we know was visiting Chicago from Seattle and the younger family members, ages 11 and 13 were keen on seeing the fireworks at the Pier. We wanted to meet them but our sensibilities were going to be stressed, we knew, if we had to eat at the garish-looking places there. Time was short since we all 
wanted to attend Wednesday night's concert at Millenium Park at 6:30 and the fireworks began at 9:30.
I had an inspiration to try Fox and Obel's Cafe at 401 E. Illinois, a short distance from Navy Pier where, when the weather is good there's a choice of eating outdoors at the sidewalk cafe or indoors alongside the grocery store.
They open at 8:30AM, Monday through Thursday and at 8 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Inside they're open til 9PM. Hours at the outdoor cafe which seats 28 are a bit later on weekends.
Instead of the overpriced junk food at Navy Pier we had our choice of things like:
gazpacho w/ avocado; hummus plate w/cucumber, tomato and olive salad; sandwiches such as: maine lobster club; roast beef and blue brie; charbroiled black angus steakburger or classic grilled cheese and more. among salads: southwestern or grilled chicken caesar, cobb or fresh fruit. larger plates included halibut veracruzana, spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with pesto, steak frites (pictured at right) and crazy chow fung noodles. yummy looking desserts too. chocolate mousse, berry crisp, fresh asst'd pies, cheesecakes, ice creams and more. prices range from $3.75 for a cup of soup to $20 for steak frites and there's lots in between.
The food was proclaimed very good by all. I had a lobster club on marvelous fresh bread with a crunchy crust. The lobster was terrific!
Parking, regular or valet, is free for 90 minutes at the AMC theater garage just east of F & O. We parked at AMC ourselves because the valet closes early but delving into the depths of the garage was a bit daunting. Perhaps someone at F & O or at the theater can give some hints.
As you may know, Fox and Obel is actually an upscale grocery store. Perhaps because it's off the beaten track they thought of the cafe idea. The indoor space is a bit worn-looking but the food and the attentiveness of the staff makes up for it. When you compare it to the over the top and over-priced food court at the Pier, this becomes a swell, very casual alternative for a quick meal.
You just place orders at the counter and pay for them there. A number system with tags at your table, ensures that your order makes its way to you quite soon.
Another possibility is ordering a picnic or selecting your own to eat at the Pier, the park or somewhere else.
Fox and Obel Cafe, 401 E. Illinois. Call 312.379.0112 for additional info.
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