Loungin' around on Delmar

I was not sure what to expect when I entered Delmar Restaurant and Lounge. I wanted to be impressed by the place, since it was difficult to find a parking spot and I had to walk a distance in single-digit temperatures. I was surprised when, upon entering, I encountered an extremely sophisticated place.

While opting to sit in the restaurant section (to sample some of the food), one notices that the lounge/bar area was classy as well. The black and red motif gave the place a high-class feel, yet the servers were extremely friendly and personable. Looking around, one might note that this would be a great place to take a date - especially with Valentine's Day looming just around the corner.

I started off with a Pink Panther - one of the many martinis offered. I sipped it slowly, not sure what to expect and found it to taste divine - not too strong and not too sweet. The prices of the drinks were actually quite reasonable.

However, glancing over the menu, it was noted the prices of the main dishes were not as reasonable as the drinks, although they were not completely outrageous. Selecting a main course, it was upsetting to find that they did not offer a dinner salad with their main courses (it must be purchased separately and it is larger than a normal dinner salad). A creamy pasta dish was ordered, the Portobello ravioli with pesto cream sauce.

The restaurant's black tables, chairs, and booths offered a nice contrast to the red walls, and the fresh red flowers at each table added yet another hint of sophistication.

The tall windows offered a perfect view of Delmar Boulevard, which provides a good opportunity to watch the busy street while one's food is being prepared. The candles at each table provided a coziness amongst more modern surroundings. The bar, like the restaurant, also had a touch of modern class. The mirrors and lights behind it made it the focal point.

When the order came out, it was a pleasant surprise. The food was fantastic and it came out quickly. I only ate a small portion of my dinner salad to save room for the pasta, and I was glad I did. While not normally a fan of white pasta sauce, since it can be rather heavy to digest, it was a delight to find that the sauce was creamy but not too thick. It was adorned with nuts, which was rather different for a pasta dish. I was not disappointed. I was left feeling full but not stuffed.

After dinner, one might decide to stick around for awhile. Delmar Restaurant and Lounge is well known for its musical acts, especially the jazz acts every Friday night. The music provides a great mood for young people as well as for the young at heart. On this particular night, live music began promptly at 7 p.m. The guitar player was a talented musician but did not play so loud that it would disturb diners' meals.

In all, Delmar Restaurant and Lounge offers an enjoyable dining experience.

While the food was a bit pricy, the atmosphere and the quality made the price well worth it.

Delmar Restaurant and Lounge is located at 6235 Delmar Boulevard in the Loop and is open Monday through Friday 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. For more information, call Delmar Restaurant and Lounge at (314) 725 - 6565 or fax at (314) 725 - 3383.