The Chicago Traveler

Hey dude. For some totally rad dishes served along with some bodacious décor, you’ve gotta check out this wicked place called Sola.

Alright, so my surfer lingo could use some work. What can I say, I’m from the Midwest. Nonetheless, Sola’s flavorful menu is heavily influenced by the Pacific, which is no big surprise considering chef and owner Carol Wallack grew up surfing and has a second home in Hawaii. Even the restaurant itself is decorated with hues of amber, beige, and orange… making the occasionally long wait for a table feel like a day at the beach.

Hawaiian, Asian, and Californian flavors emerge via seafood here, especially in appetizers like the trio of tuna tartars (with Thai cucumber salsa and ginger confit) and the artichoke fritters served with soy lime and white truffle-honey sauces. The Asian pear salad with cumin seeds and blood-orange vinaigrette is just the right mix of sweet and sour. Continue on to the wasabi-crusted seared scallops with micro greens and fava beans or the seared and ginger-glazed salmon with truffle teriyaki sauce and green bean tempura. Not in the mood for seafood? Sola carries comfort foods as well, giving a comfortable homey feeling with braised short ribs and roasted chicken breast.

Can’t stop and smell the ocean? Call ahead with your order, pull up in your car, and delicious high-end food will be delivered curbside.

Hella sick, bro.

Sola ($$$$): 3868 N Lincoln Ave; 773-327-3868
Mon - Weds: 5:30 p.m. - ?
Thurs - Fri: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. - ?
Sat - Sun: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. - ?
Street parking difficult, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 11, 50, 80, X80 or Brown Line train (Irving Park)
http://www.sola-restaurant.com/