By Jacqueline Shoyeb
Unity News

There’s not much in the way of good eats around the McCormick Place convention center—that’s what I heard after asking around during the UNITY Student Project lunch break. Take a cab, eat at McDonald’s, or see if the convention food court is open, I was told. Even www.yelp.com couldn’t suggest anything local and affordable. But not to worry—Chef Luciano is waiting with his “Gypsy cuisine.”

Chef Luciano's near McCormick Place convention center.

The Chef’s eats are located in a 1950s style strip mall at East Cermak Road and South Wabash Avenue, about three blocks from the convention center. There you’ll find Greek, Cajun, American and Mexican fare.

The menu is impressive. The signature dish is chicken served a variety of ways, from baked, to al carbon to curried. He also serves fish, shrimp, cheese steak sandwiches, gyros, Southern fried okra, fried garlic mushrooms and more.

Prices range from a few bucks to nearing $20. The spicy chicken curry with rice is just $4.99. Get half a roasted chicken with pilaf rice for $6.49.

Customers check out the extensive menu at Chef Luciano.

Don’t expect much in ambiance, but the food more than makes up for it. Plus, Chef Luciano is a good host with some interesting stories he doesn’t seem to mind sharing.

If You Go

What: Chef Luciano

Where: 49 E. Cermak Rd.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Phone: (312) 326-0062
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