A'Cappella Bistro: An Odd Saturday Afternoon Lunch

06/27/2010 7:51 AM

By Blagica Bottigliero

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For months, I waited for the restaurant with the window gates to open on 13th Street. After yesterday's lunch experience, I don't think I'll be back until the kinks are worked out.

I met a fellow mom and South Loop friend for lunch. We brought along our little girls and settled in for a much-needed catch up session and light afternoon lunch. I immediately recommended we check out A'Cappella Bistro. At 1:30, the restaurant was sparse, aside from 2-3 other tables. We sat down, got comfortable and starting chatting away. The server came over to greet us and we quickly learned that the restaurant was out of ice tea, they didn't serve sparkling water (not that big of a deal, I know) and they had one 'can' of lemonade left. Can?

I was parched and decided to order the lemonade. My gal pal ordered a glass of water. Once the lemonade arrive, I realized that I should just go for the water. Our server was happy to oblige and didn't charge us for the unopened can, cool.

What threw me about yesterday's experience were the following:

1. The restaurant was pretty empty, yet we didn't see our server much
2. Our side salads came 1 minute before our pizza. It would have been nice to have the salad as an appetizer, versus having to scarf it down before the pizza got cold.
3. The menu was more limited than one thought. There weren't many salads aside from side salads and set entrees for certain days of the week.
4. I don't really understand what the restaurant is? Italian? Homegrown recipes?

I heard that A'Cappella has a robust breakfast menu, so I may go back with the entire family and see how this experience is. I also understand that it is BYOB, which is a plus to assist our pocketbooks. All and all, A'Cappella has a much coveted corner restaurant spot - one that many owners drool over. Here's to hoping the kinks get worked out.

Anyone eat there? Similar experience? Was I just there on an off weekend afternoon?



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