Ikram Is A Superior Place For Power Lunch, Says 'Crain's'

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Normally, we leave the restaurant news to our pals at Eater. But when a review focuses on an eatery in one of Chicago's most prestigious boutiques, we can't help but share the love. (To inspire some healthy shopping cravings, of course.)

Today, Crain's Chicago Business ran its review of the second-floor cafe at Ikram, and words of praise weren't scarce. Reporter Joanne Trestrail writes that the red-walled spot, which seats 32, is "in a league of its own" when compared to other in-store cafes.

Chef Christopher Sullivan shakes up his menu daily—"and astutely," Trestrail notes—to include farm-to-table items such as parsnip soup, salmon with crisp greens, and cranberry ice cream. Servers are "deferential" without being overbearing, and even give diners wearing dark clothes black napkins (to avoid the fashion faux pas of fuzz, you see.)

Perfect for a power lunch, the spot lets you be in and out in one hour, if you'd like, but arrive after 1 p.m. if you want to linger for a bit. It's quieter at that time, too, so you'll have no trouble "chatting about business, fashion or anything else," Trestrail concludes.
· Ikram Cafe Elevates The Ladies- Who-Lunch Spot [Crain's Chicago Business]
· All Ikram Cafe Coverage [Racked Chicago]