Big Bowl

Big Bowl - Schaumburg, Chicago

Big Bowl is an upscale Asian [chicnese/thai] restaurant in Chicago. They have a few locations across Chicago and I have been to the downtown and Schaumburg locations. Its the sort of place you would visit to celebrate something. The food is impeccable, the oriental yet contemporary decor suits the upscale feel and the service is polite and helpful. Needless to say its always crowded during lunch hour and weekends.

The restaurant has a bar which also serves food along with delightful and refreshing drinks. Its not unusual to find large groups waiting nearby to get seated. They have a nice pomegranate cocktail and pomegranate ginger ale. Also of note are the hibiscus iced teas.

The food at Big Bowl has never been a source of disappointment. And its more impressive as I have visited it both when its crowded and otherwise. Restaurants sometimes fail to retain their usual quality of food and/or service during peak hours when the kitchen and staff are stretched to capacity. Thankfully, Big Bowl is not one of them. The Kung Pao chicken is delicious and flavoured to perfection and the chicken fried rice is just heavenly. You can request off-the-menu items and they will gladly serve the same. I had once asked for a selection of stir-fried vegetables and was entirely satisfied with the result. You also have the option of choosing from the stir-fry bar which houses a wide selection of vegetables, meat and sauces.

Recommended: Kung Pao chicken, Spicy sichuan chicken, chicken fried rice, hibiscus lemon tea.

Food: ***** Ambiance: **** Price: $$$
Last visited: mid-2006