The Lucky Platter

The 1991 creative partnering of pastry guru Eric Singer and restaurateur Ken Pospiech beget a restaurant known as The Lucky Platter. Fortunate indeed, because their almost fusion diner fare in an atmosphere chocked with kitsch, took off like gangbusters, bringing good food back to what had been a rather dull Evanston.

Love for this establishment hasn’t waned and 18 years later, the Lucky Platter remains a terrific place to eat in Evanston and not break the bank. The draw, besides their uncommon decorating tastes—odd portraits, paint-by-number paintings, old photo graphs from a defunct Chicago restaurant Jimmy Wong’s, colander-enhanced light figures and foil balls glued to the ceiling-- is consistently great food.  While breakfast and lunch are popular, dinner at “the Platter” is a favorite.

Together Singer and Pospiech have created a menu that is akin to going on an adventure. On it you will find entrée’s such as Tandoori Grilled Salmon ($14), Horseradish Crusted Tilapia (14.24), Jamaican Jerk Chicken ($12.50), Yankee Pot Roast $(13.50) or Tuscan Roasted Portabella ($12.50).

Appetizers are just as eclectic. The Platter offers Fried Green Tomatoes ($5), Caribbean Pumpkin Soup ($2.50 for a cup) and BBQ Chicken Pizza $(6.75). Be sure to add Sweet Potato Fries (#.25 a basket) to any order.

Fashioned after a diner but with fresh food, Singer said the goal was to take “mainstream food ideas that everyone knew about” and adding twists. Salmon and pot roast are their two biggest sellers. Seafood with complimenting herb crusts is a Platter specialty and for the fish lover, a must.

Lighter fare includes fresh salads and sandwiches. A great selection of wine and beers dot the menu and be sure to try one of their homemade cream sodas. Singer’s desserts come and go depending on the season. In summer, expect fresh apple, blueberry or rhubarb pies. There’s no better chocolate cake in Chicago and it is served with a crème anglais. Cost-wise, the Platter is moderate and actually a steal for the quality.

Both table and booth seating is available and as far as atmosphere, the Lucky Platter is down right cozy and warm. This is also a very popular breakfast spot and it brings in a loyal local lunch crowd. Dinner, however, is when the duo’s culinary gifts shine.

If you take a date to the Platter, be sure to sit in the Jerry Lewis booth, a favorite where a photo of the quirky comedian hangs. It is the smallest of the booths, making it rather off-beat romantic, but seats you close enough to play footise.

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