In this fast-paced, high-energy, youth-centered world, it's actually super refreshing to visit a place that's unashamed to be old-school. Savory Fare is what "homestyle" restaurant chains the world over want to be, and will never achieve. It's simple, delicious fare made with love and care that's obvious in every bite.

We ended up ordering one sandwich and an order of the daily special which involved layers of portobello mushrooms, savory veg, and flaky pastry on the day of our visit. The daily special is an entree that can be eaten in the restaurant or ordered ahead for a take-home dinner. It's a portion generous enough for two meals really. I was kind of starving, so with a little help from Raz, the whole thing disappeared in one sitting.

Our selections were solid, nutritious, hearty fare, and would have been a good 4-stars on quality, quantity, and value. However, Savory Fare is old-fashioned in the best possible ways. Even the sandwiches are matched with appropriate sides that balance the flavors and nutrients. In the case of Raz's sandwich, that was a 5-cup salad that was like eating every happy childhood memory I have in each bite. Despite it not being listed on the menu, the restaurant packaged a portion for us for take-out and charged us very reasonably. Thus, we give the restaurant a full 5 stars for being something special and unexpected.

I'm pretty sure that if we lived or worked anywhere near Savory Fare, we would order dinner at least weekly. As it stands, they are well worth the pilgrimage from the West Side when we are hankering for homestyle.