1840 W North Ave (at Honore)
We were at a party earlier in the evening and had to tear ourselves away to go out for dinner. The plan had been to dine at a Mexican seafood place in the neighborhood that’s shaped like a boat. Because, you know, it’s shaped like a boat.
But when we shared our destination, the wide-eyed look of concern on more than one friend’s face gave pause. We reconsidered. Asked for alternates. Decided on The Southern, about which I’d heard vague echoes of “good food” from an source I cannot recall.
The food was good. Really good. The Husband ordered the po’ boy pork chop, I went for the crab cakes. Had a beer and a glass of wine. The unintended—but not unwelcome—pork chop was served with wheatberries and kabocha squash in a tangy-sweet glaze. Crab cakes were fluffy, perfect and served with apples and arugula. We also split a side of black-eyed peas, which had potential for yumminess but turned out to be undercooked…so we wisely did not eat them. You’re welcome, co-workers.
But the service was bad. Really bad. The only nice thing to say about the service? It was consistent, because it was all bad. The chef deserves better. Total was $48.59.