Constantin's Café

The second incarnation of Constantin and Amalia Ispas' Romanian and Mediterranean hospitality, Constanin's follows the long-passed Athenee Café. With the return of the Romanian restaurateurs, the loyal regulars returned for mamaliga (polenta). The dirt-cheap, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($6.25) is popular with area workers. The house poultry dish, Chicken Constanin, comprises chicken breast sautéed with fresh mushrooms, white wine, garlic, baby dill, Transylvanian cheese, paprika, sour cream and feta. Stuffed grape leaves, moussaka and schnitzel make appearances on the menu. The Ispases are affable and generous hosts serving a unique yet familiar cuisine, giving them a leg up when it comes to other Mediterranean restaurants. How else to explain the Romanian resurrection in Addison? At least one customer pins it on Borsec, the acclaimed Queen of Mineral Waters. Said customer claims she lost 25 pounds due to consuming that sparkling beverage.