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Introducing
The Power of the Purse |
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AMERICAN
Mimi's Cafe
2856 Showplace Drive
Naperville . (630) 904-2380 |
If you don't find something you like on the menu at Mimi's Cafe, you just aren't hungry. Open daily at 7 a.m., Mimi's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in any one of the separate dining rooms, each distinctively appointed. The breakfast menu is formidable; two eff standards come with red skinned potatoes, fresh squeezed juice and baked muffins. For something different, try the Crab, Sweet Corn and Asparagus Quiche or Tuscan Vegetable Omelette. |
Lunch and dinner include comfort classic, perfect pasta and the fish market assortment, along with sandwiches, salads, soups and appetizers. I favor the Just Enough Menus, which are special entrees in smaller portions. Citrus Salmon atop baby greens and strawberries with balsamic vinegar is perfect for lunch with soup or salad available for a slightly extra charge. A homestyle favorite is Chicken Pot Pie, baked fresh throughout the day, rich with a breast of chicken, cream sauce and veggies topped with a flaky crust. I opted for Mediterranean Fettuccine, a lovely melange of spinich, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and a tomato asiago cream sauce topped with parmesean cheese. Mimi's Bountiful Sweets are big enough to share; the Petite Treats are individual servings. The Classic Ensemble showcases Mimi's signature trio of desserts including the delicious bread pudding while the Mousse Ensemble features chocolate, lemon and raspberry mousse, each served with its own topping. So yummy! When everybody wants something different, Mimi's Cafe is the place to dine. - Cathy Cotter, Dining Critic |
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AMERICAN
Outback Steakhouse
2855 W. Ogden Avenue
Naperville . (630) 778-6290 |
With affordability being a keen consideration in dining out during these challenging economic times, Outback Steakhouse deserves a nod, still serving a steak dinner with all the fixings for under $10.00! Of course, you may upgrade the size of your Outback Special accordingly, but the 6-ounce Outback Special, a classic sirloin comes with two side dishes. I tried Outback's wonderful creamy baked potato based Walkabout soup and Steamed Green Beans which nicely complimented my pink-in-the-middle steak. |
One of my dining companions ordered the Combo Griller with steak medallions and Scallops from choices of chicken, shrimp and salmon all served with wild rice, grilled pineapple and veggies. Another friend opted for the New Zealand Rack of Lamb, beautifully presented and accompanied by a rich Cabernet sauce. The atmosphere and the names on the manu, such as Chicken on the Barbie, Kookaburra Wings, Boomerang Shrimp and the Bushman 'Shrooms are most definitely Aussie-inspired, but the fare is very down-home American. The menu extends to burgers and sandwiches, a host of Outback favorites, even lobster tails which may be added to any entree for $8.95. The Joey menu for kids under 10 is nicely priced, offering a good selection of children pleasing entrees, including a side and a beverage, making it a great choice for family dining. Or, if your busy family wants to bring the Outback in, call ahead and enjoy the convenient Curbside Take Away Service. -- Cathy Cotter, Dining Critic |
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ITALIAN
La Sorella di Francesca
18 West Jefferson
Naperville . (630) 961-2706
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The pristine, sophisticated dining room, with its massive wood bar, serves as a perfect setting for enjoying fine northern Italian cuisine at La Sorella di Francesca. If weather permits, you may opt to dine al fresco on the adjacent flower-filled patio that features a charming, pastoral mural painted on the brick walls.
The menu varies as it is reinvented every two weeks, so there is always something new and
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exciting to sample. For a Saturday lunch, I
chose Insalata con Bistecca, which was perfectly cooked London Broil slices atop romaine lettuce, red onions, and tomatoes served with a delicious blue cheese dressing. On another occasion, I asked manager Chad Schorr for a recommendation and without hesitation, he suggested Pollo Arrosto alla Romana, a lovely half chicken roasted with a flavorful complement of garlic, shallots, rosemary, lemon and olive oil. I quickly knew why it reigns as one of Chad's favorites.
All the pizza selections are good and boast some very interesting combinations. You can't miss with the Pizza del Giorno, especially the Fantasia, a savory blend of sliced tomatoes, pesto sauce and fontina cheese. Or you can design your own creation, selecting from a formidable list of ingredients.
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11:30am to 3:00pm. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm, and until 10:30p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, diners are welcome between 4pm land 9pm. Reservations are recommended on the weekends. The second floor dining room is available for special events and large groups. -Cathy Cotter, Dining Critic
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