Apps in any language

Appetizers, tapas, mezze – small dishes meant to stimulate your appetite. But for those who love to try a wide variety of foods, eating tapas- or mezze-style can satisfy that desire for different tastes at one meal.

Ēma Chicago in River North

Recently, we had the chance to enjoy both mezze and tapas on the same day (a dream come true!) at two outstanding restaurants in the Chicago area. Ēma in River North is an airy, charming spot attached to a Hyatt Place – but don't let that deter you, this hotel restaurant is exceptional!

L-R: Hummus, charred eggplant, labneh, served with a large basket of fresh pita

Featuring fresh ingredients and traditional Middle Eastern flavors, you can make a delicious and filling meal from items such as spreads; raw fish; unique hot and cold mezze; and kabobs. We first tried the Sampler, which included creamy, rich hummus; fresh labneh; and eggplant with a nice smoky taste, served with pillowy pita bread. The green falafel came with a flavorful dipping sauce, and the Brussels were complemented by pumpkin seeds and shallots. Because we couldn't resist, we also tried the Halloumi skewer – the dates and red onion were the perfect accessory to the delicious grilled cheese!

For dinner, we were going to be in Evanston, IL, a 40-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Since we'd enjoyed the mezze so much, we snagged a reservation at Tapas Barcelona, which is on the downtown strip in this cute college town. While Ēma had been light and airy, Tapas Barcelona was dark with rich colors throughout, decorated with a variety of Spanish art and dried items.

While the only reservation available had been at 5:15 pm, we arrived to a restaurant empty except for us and an older couple, whom we overheard commenting how everyone must be "snowbirding" since it was unusual for the place not to be packed. However, this situation changed drastically by 6 pm, when all of a sudden every table was filled, there was a line out the door, and our table was being eyed by hungry diners-to-be.

Because of how fast the service was, that was fine – we had had our fill of Datilles a la Sevillana (fresh dates wrapped in bacon with bell pepper sauce), Aguacate con Cangrejo (fresh crab meat with avocado, cucumber, and tomato), and Pincho de Solomillo (grilled beef tenderloin skewer with caramelized onions and horseradish) – not to mention relaxing with a couple glasses of a delicious tempranillo.

Both of these restaurants were unique and delicious in their own rights – well worth a visit when you are in the Chicago area – and especially for those who enjoy lots of different tastes, textures, and types of foods in one meal.

Enjoy!!!