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69th (Red)

Places worth a visit in a changing 'hood.

Thursday Oct 27, 2005.     By Venita Griffin

Lifestyle Feed

A few years ago, the area within walking distance of the Red Line's 69th street station was a mass of storefronts: beauty salons, barber shops, urban boutiques. Now, head east past King Drive, from 69th to 75th, and it's impossible to miss the change in the air. Innovative eateries are popping up, florists are moving in and decorating the neighborhood...it seems these folks aren't waiting to be told what the "hot" new area is: they're creating it themselves. Old standbys do remain, a good thing, as they give the neighborhood character, preventing an unwelcome homogenous spirit from settling in. In its place is an eclectic, fashionable mix of downtown and uptown, with plenty of room to grow.

Panhandler rating: Somewhere around a two: There, but nothing that would qualify as harassment.

Safety rating: Streets smarts and pack traveling after dark are wise choices.

Cheap eats
Quench
With its day-glo yellow walls and two red upholstered benches, Quench may not be much to look at. But don't let appearances fool you: The eatery serves up some of the tastiest fast food in the city, with a healthy slant, to boot. Beef or pork have been swapped with healthier meats like chicken and turkey, along with soy products that grounding familiar dishes veggie-style. The healthier meat-free versions of the Italian beef, patty melt, Philly cheesesteak, burger and gyro won't have you missing the real thing. The spinach pizza puff with whole wheat dough is to die for; as gooey, rich and flavorful as the kind you ate as a kid, but much better for you. Cajun fish sandwiches and fish dinners are perfect for those who'd like something in the middle.

For those who require real meat, the turkey polish, chicken gyro and other Maxwell Street/Greektown-inspired dishes will do the trick. But forget your diet for a moment and be sure to try the fries. Crispy and fried in pure vegetable oil, these are some of the city's best. Fruit lemonades in flavors like pineapple, raspberry and strawberry and fruit smoothies add a solid vitamin C punch. My only Quench complaint? That it isn't open on Sunday!

In the know-spot
Black Wok
Like many of the newer eateries on East 75th Street, Black Wok brings new flavor to the neighborhood. Specializing in freshness and quality, this establishment lets customers create their own entrees. First, you choose your meat: beef, chicken, fish of the day, shrimp, veggie or a combo. Next, you select your style. Some of the tastier options include black bean and garlic, tomato pepper and kow (broccoli, bok choy, water chestnut and peapods). Then you choose your "base," a grain like brown or white rice, noodles, udon or low mein. Still one final decision awaits: the addition of up to four vegetables.

It's a very Flat Top Grill experience, and one that's certainly delicious. Overwhelmed at all the choices? Order straight from the menu, with picks like fried rice, egg foo young and other standard Asian fare. The portions are hearty, the food lacks the extra grease that seems to plague some stir-fry restaurants and the staff remains friendly and speedy. Best of all, the price is right: Nothing on the menu is more than $9, making it a perfect place to dine with friends on the cheap.

Late-night locale
Honey Q'd BBQ
Claiming to be "the world's first porkless BBQ house," Honey Q'd offers up enough options to ensure that customers don't even notice a certain other white meat is missing from the menu. BBQ lamb chops, beef (slab, tips and link), turkey and chicken take center stage in this eatery. There aren't any main course options for strict veggies, but those that indulge in seafood will be happy to know the grilled salmon is tasty and filling; it also offers catfish and shrimp, both grilled and fried, for those that want a "lighter" alternative to Honey's meat bonanza.

All menu items are served with fries and the ubiquitous slice of bread, and come covered in your choice of mild or hot sauce. The side dishes, served in healthy portions, include must-haves like potato salad (with that perfect combo of mustard and mayonnaise) and roasted corn on the cob. No menu item is priced at more than $8, unless you're bulking up with a slab of ribs or a whole chicken. The low prices make this a perfect place to stop if you're having people over and don't feel like cooking. Honey is closed on Sundays, but its late-night weekend hours give you plenty of time to get your fill.

Best of the nighttime world
New Apartment Lounge
The New Apartment lounge is neither trendy nor hip, but the high-quality music, informal atmosphere and strong drinks make this is a must-visit night spot. You are obligated to drink if you sit at the bar; ordering anything less than two rounds would insult the bartender. Don't expect any elaborate martinis here either; it's just the basics, pure and simple. While the live jazz Tuesday nights make the early part of the week the famed time for a visit, don't sleep on the other nights of the week, when visitors can hear a mix of blues, R&B and steppers music, spun by the in-house DJ.

On the weekend, locals dressed in the hottest urban fashions hit the door to either kick off or wind down their nights. Cheap drinks, like $4 rum and Cokes, and free popcorn at the bar make it very easy to whet your whistle while finding your groove. Leave your credit cards at home: The lounge deals in cash only.

For the artiste
Chicago Theatre Company
Art appreciators with a place in their heart for diverse theater programming will surely appreciate and enjoy the Chicago Theatre Company. Committed to presenting compelling theater that explores family, relationships and social justice from the black American perspective, the Company has produced shows over the last 20 years that often rival any staged by the city's bigger, better funded companies. Since its inception in 1984, the Company has produced 50 plays, most of them featuring new work.

Housed in a 90-seat basement space, Chicago Theatre Company shows are intimate productions, giving audience members a great view of the action, regardless of where they're sitting. Past productions include "Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting" and "The Little Tommy Parker Colored Celebrated Minstrel Show." The Company has received 20 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations (of which they've gone home with four) and more than 30 Black Theatre Alliance Award noms (with 16 on the mantel). Tickets usually run around $30 for shows; sodas and snacks are served during intermission.