Dining choice easy as pie for reader who digs clams

It's time once again to open the culinary mailbag and find out what's on the minds of loyal readers and ardent diners.

Thanks for the tip about the clam pizza at Trattoria 225 in Oak Park [reviewed Aug. 8]. When I saw the picture of the chef holding that clam pie, I was out the door. I am from the New Haven [Conn.] area and was missing those great clam pies served at Frank Pepe's. The pie is not the same as Frank Pepe's but, short of heading east, I was pleased, and now I no longer feel deprived.

Frank R.

I enjoy your weekly reviews. Regarding the menu item vol au vent en croute at Zinc's, I thought a vol-au-vent was a croute made with puff-pastry dough. So are we serving a croute en croute? I would appreciate your comment.

Erik R.

Erik, vol-au-vent means "wind-blown," and that applies to the lightness of the puff pastry used with the filling, and that the filling is put in an opening cut into the top of the puff pastry. Bistrot Zinc (reviewed Aug. 1) chooses to list it on the menu as vol au vent en croute, so if you wish to interpret that as a "croute en croute," you might be right. Name calling aside, I thought it was a tasty dish.

You mentioned in your review of Hub 51 [Aug. 15] that it was "noisy when full." Are you kidding me? That was the understatement of the year. This restaurant is so noisy, I couldn't hear myself chew. But you're right about the food, it is damn good. Thanks, your weekly reviews keep me in good food company.

Larry S.

In your review of Haussmann Brasserie [Aug. 22], you mentioned Meson Sabika as once being in the same location. I do not believe that is the case. It is actually across the street, though it may be operating under a different name (which I cannot recall). In any event, the restaurant is still going and its tapas is quite good.

Howard R.

Just wanted to let you know that Meson Sabika didn't go under. It changed its name to Tapas Gitana but still seems to be the same restaurant. Its address is 310 Happ Road in Northfield. Haussmann Brasserie is at 305 Happ.

Sally W.

Where can I get a good muffaletta sandwich in the near west suburbs?

Milo S.

The "Melrose Muffaletta" at Danny's Cafe & Deli in Melrose Park is -- though it varies a bit from the classic as served where it all started, New Orleans -- as delicious as I have come across around here.

You have to be kidding. Weber Grill [reviewed July 18] is possibly the worst dining experience I have had. I am from Toronto and always felt Chicago had better restaurants, but Weber was terrible.

Murray S

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My birthday is rapidly approaching, and I am sure my wife will be asking me soon for the destination of my birthday dinner. Could you please recommend the best place for lasagne in the western suburbs? I know you have addressed good lasagne before, but for the life of me cannot remember any of your top spots. Many thanks.

Patrick D.

I would say Volare in Oakbrook Terrace makes a fine lasagne, so that would be one possibility. And Rosebud of Naperville also turns out excellent lasagne.

I later received a follow-up to Patrick's request: "I apologize for not e-mailing my thanks to you sooner. Unfortunately, we could not make it to Volare for my birthday. Instead, my wife and sister treated me to dinner at Marconi's in La Grange."

Pat Bruno is a local free-lance critic and author. E-mail brunoeats@aol.com.