Yoshi's Cafe in Boystown

For me, Yoshi's Cafe is in the same bucket of restaurants as Las Fuentes--I've passed by it hundreds of times and have never managed to go inside. The difference with Yoshi's is that I had also heard that's its food is good. In fact, it's a Zagat-rated restaurant that has been in Lakeview for more than 20 years. And as Z and I found out with our friend Jim one cold, rainy Friday evening, it has earned its rating.

We started with a delicious bottle of Zinfandel while we poured over the menu. Yoshi's, which features a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, changes its menu fairly often, but some sort of foie gras pate seems to be a staple. And it should be. It was delicious.

After the foie gras and a salad, we moved on to the short ribs and a skate dish that was featured that evening.

Our appetites satisfied, we left Yoshi's in good spirits, but not before picking up some almond macaroons in take out containers that our server handed us as we walked out the door.

Yoshi's is open for dinner every day except for Monday and for brunch on Sundays. Management recommends reservations, but we were able to walk in late on a Friday evening.

The Peasantry for brunch

When we went to The Peasantry for dinner back in August, we knew we'd be back for brunch. Little did we know brunch would be so good that we'd be back two weekends in a row.

During the first visit, I tried the roasted beet hash while Z and our friend Miki ordered the Curried Breakfast Flatbread. My hash was light and flavorful. And, with all those veggies, dare I say, healthy? The curried flatbread is such a unique take on a brunch dish. The flavors of the coconut curry, arugula and cider vinaigrette came together deliciously.

I didn't order as well on the second visit, while Z seemed perfectly content with his Short Rib Pastrami Hash, complete with plenty of vegetables and a delicious mustard vinaigrette. The Chicken and Corn Pancake Gyro was so unique that I had to try it, but something about the fried chocolate chili chicken didn't fit with the apple slaw and maple yogurt. We also got a side of the Cannellini Bean and Asparagus Salad, which was served topped with mint, raisins and a date chutney. Yum!

The Peasantry has plenty of other delectable-looking brunch dishes. How about a Blueberry Hand Pie or a Brunch Dog with bacon? I'm sure we'll be back for a brunch three-pete soon.

Roasted Beet Hash at The Peasantry

BowTruss Coffee in Lakeview

We were devastated when our favorite coffee shop closed last year. But the promise of a new spot, complete with roasting works on site, kept us going.

Since BowTruss opened over the summer, we haven't been disappointed. The weekend barristas greet Z and I warmly every Saturday and Sunday morning. The menu is basic--lattes, cappuccinos, drip coffee and pour overs in two sizes, eight and 16 ounces. Lattes and cappuccinos are smooth and delicious; I'm always disappointed when I finish the last drop. The pour over technique, which you've also seen at Intelligentsia, highlights the unique flavors in each carefully crafted and roasted coffee blend. So far, my favorite BowTruss coffee blend is from Rwanda. It's light, citrusy and refreshing.

Although BowTruss is just down the street from Intelligentsia in Lakeview, it seems to have a following of its own. The family-style tables are always filled with Lakeview residents pouring over books, magazines or their MacBooks. BowTruss doesn't serve food, but on weekends local bakeries and sweet shops, like Glazed & Infused, take over the table near the shop's window. 

Stop by BowTruss to try a super-smooth cappuccino or to pick up a bag of beans to try at home.