“Fast- Food” but with style and grace!

Highly Recommended **** There has been a great deal of talk about a new dining experience in the Greater Chicago Market. It is called  Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken, and it is divine! Jane and I went to one of the newest stores (restaurants) located in Old Orchard Shopping Center (right by Bloomingdale’s little court yard that leads to the rest of the mall). We parked our car in the garage where the Bloomingdale’s back entrance is which worked out perfect for getting in to the art deco restaurant. The walls and ceiling (light fixtures) are all from South Africa and based on what we were told by our Host, Saul and Hostess, Sara, Nando’s is the largest collector of artwork from South Africa and Portugal (the menu reflects this dining as well).

The format is a little different in that you are seated, with menus and after you make your choices, you walk to the order station, place your order, pay and then return to your table?booth. You have a table/booth number which is where your dinner (or lunch) will be served. I am not so sure, but I think it might be advantageous to have a sheet (like some sushi restaurants have) where we can fill out what we want. Let’s face it, one can have a “senior” moment while going up to place an order and who want that?

We selected two items from the snacks and shareables-Peri-peri nuts, a spicy selection of spice-roasted almonds, cashews and macadamia (not too spicy) and the humus with peri-peri drizzle (veggies and pita bread to dip in a delicious creamy humus. Delish! Being our first time, and only two of us, we did not partaker of every item on the menu, although we watched several walk by to other tables and decided what to order “next visit”. For our main entrée, we had the 1/2 chicken with chips classic. Just the right flavoring to satisfy this is their “signature” dish. We also tried the new Chicken Thighs, two tender boneless thighs flame grilled with the skin intact and flavored with their wonderful Mango and Lime sauce (they have a selection of sauces that will appeal to every taste from EXTRA HOT down to plain-ish.

For our sides we added the garlic bread (toasted to perfection) and the flame-grilled corn on the cob along with the macho peas. The selection is wide enough so that you could come here often and not duplicate the meal for a week (or more). There are wide selections of sandwiches, wraps and pitas as well as what they call Sharing Platters fit for a family or for those with absolutely huge appetites. They also serve veggie wraps and veggie burgers and have a great salad selection. On the menu, you will also see for the kids, Naninos (for 10 and under): grilled cheese, grilled chicken breasts, wings, chicken breast sandwich with a great selection of kid-friendly sides and they all come with a frozen yogurt.

What about dessert? We partook of the Chocolate Spoon Cake (need I say more) that was absolutely divine- silky rich chocolate filling between layers of chocolate cake- to die for! The raspberry cheesecake looked inviting as well and the carrot cake would have to be our third choice. They also serve a traditional Portuguese custard tart called the naughty Natas, a barely baked brownie, macaroons and a chocolate chilli cookie, sprinkled with pecans and their very special peri-peri sauce.

The new location in Old Orchard is spacious and has a solid staff or workers who truly care about the customers and exceeding the expectations of those they serve. They have recently opened in Hyde Park and Oak Brook as well. In fact, they are growing in leaps and bound in our market as they feel that the Chicago area diners are those that love to try new things. The beauty of this experience is that you can also do a pick-up order and bring it home as they are close to almost all the areas with more to come. Each location, due to artwork will look unique but one thing is for sue, the quality of the kitchen will remain as the company began and they will accept nothing less than the best for their diners. To check them out, visit www.nandos.com. To call Old Orchard, 847-972-6833. When heading to Northlight, this could be a favorite place to stop first. Here you get a freshly cooked meal (to order) but with the convenience of “fast-food” and affordable prices. By the way, they have a nice selection of wines. Thanks Sara and Saul for making the evening so special!