editing embarrassing and somewhat inebriated reference to Mexico v. Ghana, which was, in fact, Mexico v. Angola. I blame the 6th bottle of Bohemia for the error.
1) England v. Trinidad and Paraguay v. Sweden at Rudy's Taste. One relatively small TV with sound was plenty big and loud enough for this small storefront. Cabbies, local restauranteurs, and neighborhoodies kept coming in and out to check scores, watch a few minutes, and occasionally pick up a quick bite. My friends and I stayed and were extremely welcomed for over 4 hours, pitchers of margaritas in tow (Rudy's is byob). We happily shared our goods with guests and proprietors alike, all of whom were greatly appreciative. We were most appreciative of the amazing Guatemalan food which has been detailed in other LTH posts.
2) Mexico v. Angola at Lalo's on Clybourn. I wouldn't go to Lalo's for the food alone (though the guac was fresh and tasty), but the ambience was perfect. We were the only gringos among dozens of passionate Mexican fans watching in the bar area on the huge projection TV and several smaller TV's. Sound was great, atmosphere was electric, bottles of bohemia were refreshing, and service was adequate if a bit aloof.
3) USA v. Italy at Frasca. Alternating glasses of prosecco with shots of espresso, and intermixing some truly excellent pizza seemed appropriate for this event. As un-Italian as the staff might be, they were really into this game, as were 7-8 other patrons at the bar. It actually surprised me that they had the World Cup on in lieu of the Cub game (with the sound), given the place's relative proximity to Wrigley.
(by the way, I'm no uber-nationalist, but the U.S. was robbed!)
Rudy's Taste
1024 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago
Lalo's Restaurant
1960 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago
Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar
3358 N. Paulina St.
Chicago
Last edited by
Kennyz on June 18th, 2006, 5:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.