food and drink
Casual eating in a civilized setting. A pretty rare bird these days in Chicago where both the restaurant and bar scenes are often over the top frenzied.
We've been here with friends a number of times and all have been delighted. Imagine a 10 x 10 foot kitchen providing cooked to order dinners for 150 diners. Truly amazing.
Think, is the result of many years of exploration by Ryvkah Goodman and her husband, Omar Rodriguez the restaurant's co-owners. I was immediately captivated by this couple and their unarranged marriage and asked how they pulled off both that and of course the restaurant.
The two met about 15 years ago at Carlucci's, a former Lincoln Park outpost where Omar worked. Ryvkah was there with some friends late one night and Omar seemed particularly taken with her. His parents were Mexican and Brazilian, a combo not usual in her own parents' circle. She figures they were finally so desperate for grandchildren that they acquiesced pretty easily.
After about 3 years, the couple married and opened an upscale sandwich shop in the west Loop. The fare included special turkey and corned beef made by Omar but even that didn't bring in the larger numbers of patrons they'd wanted.
A storefront on Western near Fullerton seemed better so they moved about 5 years ago, continuing the sandwiches but 1 1/2 years into it Ryvkah suggested that Omar try offering the food he really loved best, more sophisticated offerings with an Italian focus. That did the trick so now they have two dining rooms and are open seven nights a week. There's also a room upstairs available for special events.
Think is a BYOB and the couple prefers it that way. Once you have a liquor license you must be willing to accept deliveries all day long, a problem for this dedicated couple with two school age children.
Conveniently, there's a liquor store, Danny's Liquors kitty-corner from Think. Funny place. They accept cash only and even have a cash station just inside. The wine selection seemed considerably better than most.
We especially liked the duck risotto, the seared scallops, and the Prince Edward Island mussels with a magical red sauce. (I hope you're not scared of mussels!) Pastas are homemade with few exceptions. The Think and arugula salads are both easy favorites. Specials are available every day.
The name. "Think of a good restaurant to go to" says it all.
Think cafe is at 2235 N. Western Av. Phone 773.394.0537 for reservations.
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