The Nile

If you live in Chicago and know me very well, you have probably heard me speak of my favorite restaurant in Hyde Park: The Nile.

While you may not be impressed when looking through the window at the plain walls and cafeteria-like tables, don't let the decorations discourage you from entering. Even though this is a Mediterranean restaurant with an almost entirely Asian staff, do not be deceived. They know how to cook their Mediterranean dishes, and even 'Check Please' agrees: voted best Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago.

The Nile may be one of the few places left where you can go with two people, split a meal, pay less than $20, and still have leftovers for the next day. Oh, and it's also BYOB.

My suggestions are as follows:

• Appetizer-Hummus
• Yellow Lentil Soup (one comes with the meal, and we always order one extra)
• Main course-chicken shawarma (I always get extra Greek yogurt because they have the best here)

It's awesome, and worth a trip from wherever you live in Chicago (or wherever you are staying when you happen to be visiting Chicago). And they're friendly, too. (In case you leave your camera sitting on the table they will collect it for you and hold onto it until you figured out where you lost it. Not that I've done that before or anything!)