The Chicago Traveler

Skewerz Is a Midwestern Island Retreat

by Matt B on October 14th, 2008

For some odd reason, everything tastes better on a stick: cotton candy, corn dogs, deep-fried candy bars, for example. But none of these are exactly healthy options. Fortunately, a Wicker Park restaurant is serving up tasty and less-sugar-laden treats on Skewerz.

Blink, and you might miss it. Skewerz is a bit of a small space, filled entirely with island-inspired d'cor (tiki torches, bamboo seating, and masks). The menu is also small, offering a variety of grilled meats and veggies on a stick: red-and-black-pepper- or soy-marinated chicken, filet mignon(?!), salmon, tuna, shrimp, tofu, or combination of veggies. Each skewer can be enjoyed on its own or part of a combo that includes rice (jasmine, brown, or fried) and a condiment (peanut sauce, chili sambal, mango chili, and more).

If you can, you've got to order the yucca fries with banana ketchup. It sounds crazy, I know, but trust me, you'll be glad you did.

With colder temperatures around the corner, Skewerz may make for a great Hawaiian getaway, just short of going to the actual islands.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) marsy

Skewerz ($): 1560 N Damen Ave; 773-276-9805
Sun ' Thurs: 11:00 a.m. ' 1:00 a.m.
Fri ' Sat: 11:00 a.m. ' 3:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 50, 56, 72 or Blue Line train (Damen)
http://skewerz.net/

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POSTED IN: Restaurants