14 AMERICANWAY
FEBRUARY 15 2009
R E S T A U R A N T S
Chicago
When theClevelandCavaliers develop
an appetite playing their rival, the
ChicagoBulls, they sate their hunger at
the iconic
GibsonsBar&Steakhouse
(1028NorthRushStreet, 312-266-
8999,
.com). TheGoldCoast steak house is a
favorite among athletes, movie stars,
and tourists hoping to get a glimpse of
Chicago glitterati.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
recommends “the biggest steak they
have, mashedpotatoes, and veggies.”
Another team favorite is the
Home
Run Inn
(4254West 31st Street, 773-
247-9696,
, a
chain of pizza jointswhere players can
grab a piewhile catching the highlights
from the game. The pizza is some of
Chicago’s best, but
J.J. Hickson
’s
favorite? Thewings.
Dallas
Beef is asmuch a part of Dallas as the
Mavericks, and theNew JerseyNets
don’t forget thatwhen they’re in town.
The
Capital Grille
(500Crescent Court,
214-303-0500,
.com), known for its elegant dining,
spectacular lamb chops, anddry-aged
steaks, is a regular stop for the Jersey
team. Coach
LawrenceFrank
usually
tackles the22-ounceDelmonico steak.
When theNets are hungering for a
more exoticmenu, they hit up chic
Nobu
Dallas
(400Crescent Court, 214-252-
7000,
),
where
DevinHarris
can’t resist the
sautéed shrimpwith spicygarlic sauce.
LosAngeles
With somany famous dining options
in LosAngeles, theDallasMavericks
always have a hard time choosing. But,
Mr. Chow
(344NorthCamdenDrive,
BeverlyHills, 310-278-9911, www
.mrchow.com), where celebrity sightings
are as common as dumplings, is always
a number one pick.
ErickDampier
raves about theMr. ChowNoodleswith
Chicken.
The team also has difficulty passing
up
CrustaceanBeverlyHills
(9646
LittleSantaMonicaBoulevard, Beverly
Hills,
), aEuro-
Vietnamese hot spot considered one of
the best restaurants in the country.
Boston
Fortunately for theMiami Heat, finding
a greatmeal inBoston is a lot easier
thanfinding away aroundKevin
Garnett. TheMiami team loves eating at
the ultra-relaxing
Sonsie
(327Newbury
Street, 617-351-2500, sonsieboston
.com), where the leather sofas and a
sidewalk café area complement the
unique anddiversemenu.
Marcus
Banks
suggests the grilled sirloin steak
and the spinachwith garlic and olive oil.
The team also recommends the
Bristol Lounge
(200BoylstonStreet,
617-338-4400,
.com/boston) in the Four Seasons
Hotel, because after a bruisinggame,
leaving the hotel can seem like a bit of a
daunting task. Known as “Boston’s living
room,” the lounge offers stunning views
of theBostonPublicGarden as a scenic
side dish to its gourmetmeals. The
Bristol sirloin burgerwith agedVermont
cheddar and crispy fries is always a
sure pick.
NewYork
Agame atMadisonSquareGarden is
only part of theNewYork experience.
After playing theKnicks, thePhoenix
Suns get authentic by hitting up
Pizza
Shack
(525GrandStreet, 212-477-
3367), one of the best places in the city
to grab aCoke and a slice.
When a bigger celebration (and
meal) is in order, though, theSuns like a
sizzling hunk of beef, so the team heads
to
Houston’s
(378ParkAvenueSouth,
212-689-1090,
.
Specializing in an array of American
food and sporting an extensivewine list,
it never disappoints.
MattBarnes
’ top
pick?What else, theNewYorkStrip
Steak.
1.
I can’t dowithoutmy sketchbook.
2.
NewYork. I like the
history ofMadisonSquareGarden.
3.
Every yearmywife and I
go on a big vacationwith a couple of our closest friends, and I
really enjoy thePalmilla in Los Cabos,Mexico.
TysonChandler
Center,NewOrleansHornets
WeAsked,
TheyAnswered…
1.
My cell phone andBlackBerry.
2.
NewYork— it has somany
options. You can always have a greatmeal, go see a show, or
justwalk around the streets.
3.
I really like theBeverlyWilshire
inBeverlyHills. —
E.R.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Center,ClevelandCavaliers
Nobu
Dallas
Home
Run Inn
Sonsie
