AOL Cityguide

Sola Shines in North Center

Former Deleece chef Carol Wallack brings her culinary talents to her new venture. Expect Asian and Hawaiian influences.
From the Editors

Friendly, warm and exotic, this ambitious Hawaiian-themed restaurant surfaces in North Center/West Lakeview. Sola doesn't attempt to transport diners to the Big Island, as you won't find any traces of kitschy bamboo, tiki figurines or lais. Instead, owner/chef Carol Wallack goes for a neighborhood-ish setting with the help of design team Olsen and Vranas (also behind MK and HOTCHOCOLATE). Their signature style of muted colors and funky furniture hits a soothing note at Sola as the dining room is immersed in colors of gold, rust and chocolate. Diners, of course, are given their Polynesian experience through the menu as Wallack meticulously creates a comfortable and budget-conscious lineup that's ideal for this area. Braised short ribs with glazed brussel sprouts and truffled white polenta; loin of lamb with Dijon crust and stuffed with cambazola; and a vegetable pot pie of beets, parsnips, rutabaga, wild mushrooms and truffle oil are certain to be crowd pleasers. The a la carte brunch menu, however, is all over the board with offerings such as German apple pancakes, potato onion pie and a tuna burger with vegetable fries. -- Audarshia Townsend