David Burke’s Primehouse | The best thing I did this week

This week is a toughy. So many interesting things, it's hard to rate the "best." (Woe is me!) I visited the Adler and previewed the forthcoming Space Junk 3D flick, had a mind-blowing studio visit with Luftwerk and hung out with my lovely Chicago magazine counterparts at Radisson Hotel's launch party.

But the best thing happened when I was not working (so to speak). I came across a couple of ridiculously cheap lunch deals, and decided to try one on a rare long, weekday lunch with a friend. 'Tis the season for sales, and apparently that does not exclude food. The James Hotel's David Burke’s Primehouse is offering $5 sandwiches (massive, I might add) and $5 bowls of soup (equally large and decadent). I ordered the Mediterranean Tuna Salad sandwich***—generous fish portions, plus olives, capers, tomato and roasted garlic, stuffed into two toasted pieces of fresh bread. Other sandwiches include fancy takes on the BLT (b for brisket), chicken salad and fried egg. The picture does not do them justice.

My friend and I went on Thursday and enjoyed the run of the place, because it was, unfortunately, fairly empty. So of course we gossiped loudly. Then dug into our delicious sandwiches, preceded by these butter-dipped bread things (yes, please!). Be prepared to leave your dinner plans open: The portions were so big, we laid down Lincolns and left with doggy bags.

The $5 deal runs through February 14 at David Burke’s Primehouse. Make reservations by calling 312-660-6000.

**In case you're wondering: Yes, we paid for lunch; these were not press handouts.