Time Out is Underwhelmed By Leghorn; More

Amy Cavanaugh thinks Leghorn is "nothing more than a decent spot for a quick meal." The pickle-brined chicken is "utterly bland" while the Nashville hot has a "slow burn," but both could "use a little more oomph." For sides, order the "textbook-perfect" hush puppies and avoid the "greasy and undersalted" chicken-fried fries. Dessert is also disappointing as the peanut butter oatmeal cookie is "crumbly and forgettable." [TOC]

Inside Saks Fifth Avenue, Sophie's is a "sophisticated addition" to in-store restaurants. Joanne Trestrail begins with "impressive starters" including a "cappuccino" of crimi mushroom soup, its "deep flavor enhanced" by truffle froth and porcini dust, as well as a "beguiling" salad of baby beets, arugula and Asian pear. Entrees feature a "perfectly cooked" salmon with roasted carrots and "airy" gnocchi with fava beans, ricotta salata and a butter sage sauce. In the end, the "food is as artful as the fashions … thoughtfully conceived and presented with real flair." [Crain's]

Out in Schaumburg, Big Chef Burgers is delivering solid gourmet burgers, writes Thomas Witom. The restaurant offers 11 burger choices with an "intriguing assortment" of toppings, as well as eight Neapolitan-style pizzas on its menu. On the Italian burger, a "tasty patty" is accompanied with sun-dried tomatoes, onion, arugula and buffalo mozzarella. Sides include "bland" sweet potato fries, housemade potato chips and mashed potatoes. The "highlight" of the meal though is the mocha cappuccino milkshake, a "rich, flavorful treat." [Daily Herald]