As my anniversary approaches, and I won't mention which one, I was reminded of a truly special Chicago secret restaurant. In the back of one of the Jeweler's malls on Wabash, behind the stalls of alternately pushy and/or completely distant salespeople, is a group of tables and a middle eastern lunch-counter. I was originally looking for an engagement ring and was distracted by falafel and chicken shwarma pita sandwiches. This time I'm spending less on jewelery so I figured I'd splurge and get the lamb special.
This place reminds me a bit of Pee Wee's Big Adventure where a fortune teller informs Pee Wee that his bike is in the Alamo.... in the basement. While it's not in the basement, the Oasis Cafe is in the 'way-back' of the Wabash Jeweler's Mall...
The lamb came over saffron rice with a stew of zucchini, yellow squash and carrots with a side of foul, garlicly broad beans with a touch of lemon juice and olive oil. The only thing separating the fare from the $15 option elsewhere is the strofoam plates and plasticware.
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The fact that it's a total secret place, except for the sign that's now on the street... and you're surrounded by the bustling and very odd world of gems and jewelery only serves to balance it out and in a half hour or so, as you're done eating and watching a pretty interesting crowd you will be very satisfied and take a much slower walk towards the door. While there's some interesting things in the cases the real find is in the back.
21 N. Wabash Street
*In the back of the Wabash Jeweler's Mall
Oasis is a wonderful hidden treat for for a cheap, healthy, lunch and an alternative to the rest of the Cosi/Starbucks/Chipolte-ridden Loop. They now have a placard out front of the Jewelry store, so it's much easier to find.
Posted by: Genevieve | February 25, 2006 at 12:42 PM
I was searching for posts on either fitness and cycling when I came across this blog. Not quite what i was looking for but I will give it **** for effort.
Posted by: Bell | October 09, 2010 at 08:28 PM