New on the Wicker Park scene is Mana Food Bar (1742 W. Division | 773.342.1742 | www.manafoodbar.com), an all vegetarian spot, brought to us by the women behind De Cero. The small plates are served in an even smaller room, but while it's still warm out, take a seat outside, which pretty much doubles the seating area, and order up plenty of the meatless fare. It's healthier, right? Well, maybe not the yummy baked goat cheese with tomatoes sauce or the blue cheese tart, but they are kind of smaller. Non-cheesy but super tasty, other options include salads, from mixed greens to beets. We enjoyed the squash salad, slightly creamy and very fresh; that night's special quinoa salad; and a refreshing watermelon, mint, and cucumber salad. In fact, it was so good, we ordered up one of the popular sake cocktails that used the same ingredients. To soak up the sake, we wolfed down the rice and mushroom mini sliders, and some terrific roasted eggplant with tomatoes on crunchy toast. Our last item was hummus. I know, not too adventurous, but we were surprised by the boldly garlic hummus that which was so delicious we didn't mind tasting it all night (and the next morning).

One of the first spots to, for better or worse, solidify the neighborhood's gentrification, is the Northside Bar & Grill (1635 N. Damen | 773.384.3555 | www.NorthsideChicago.com), just off the big intersection. A transplant from Lincoln Park's De Paul bar scene, this spot is still wildly popular with the, well, De Paul graduates crowd. That means flat screen TVs, football, and steak fries. But, the TVs are limited in number, the volume is usually off, and the fries, sprinkled with red wine vinegar, super tasty. Typical bar food is available along with some surprises, like a grilled cod special or an Oriental Chicken Salad. The nachos are an unsightly mess - but that's the point - while salads are surprisingly fresh and the hummus especially good. Still, the place gets mobbed, but does allow for prime viewing of all the motorcyclists at the bar across the street.

In the heart of Wicker Park there will be plenty to see, even if you are one of the unfortunates stuck sitting in your car. Quick dine options include The Goddess and Grocer (1646 N. Damen | 773.342.3200 | www.goddessandgrocer.com), where you order a sandwich or salad at the counter, and grab a table outside or squeeze your way into the communal table right in front of the window. There is also a wide variety of pricey and fancy pre-made entrees and sides to take home, heat up, and impress that date.

Also right in the heart of things, Papajin Chinese & Sushi Bar (1551 N. Milwaukee | 773.384.9638 | www.papajin.com ), is an attractive and always popular spot for Chinese, sushi, and Japanese cuisine. The still missed Mars restaurant on Broadway was an erstwhile sister restaurant, and many of your favorites from there can be ordered here. Several tables with bright green chairs are set right out on Milwaukee, but you might want to forgo the bus fumes, and take a seat inside the pretty space, where you are still outside courtesy of window doors that open fully to the street. The eggrolls are terrific, and the kitchen really will make dishes spicy if that's what you request. Comfortable, reasonably priced, and romantic.

Nothing is as perfect after Chinese food as ice cream. That's why your final stop should be at icream (1537 N. Milwaukee | 773.342.2834 | www.icreamcafe.com), where diners choose a base (soy, light, etc), a sweetener (sugar cane, non-sugar, and so on), and a flavor. Thanks to liquid nitrogen, this 21st century ice cream shop then gives you your peach green tea low fat non sugar scoop of custom dessert. Dig in!