By Sarah Pfander
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Wednesday, May 16, 2007, The OG, features

AS SATURDAY DRAWS closer, it is time to put the finishing touches on your plans for prom night. The question is inevitable, “Where am I going to eat?” As always, the Gargoyle is here for you, this time with a prom dining guide offering you an array of restaurants perfect for the big night. And while you're at it, be sure to check out our audio slideshow with tips on how to have the perfect prom for under $100.

photos by Sarah Pfander

Biaggi's, 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

BIAGGI'S is a classic pre-prom restaurant, and a nice place. Offering high quality Italian at fairly reasonable prices, Biaggi's is a straightforward and consistent option. Neither the food nor the atmosphere is as exciting or interesting as some of these other options, but it is hard to go wrong. You will easily find enjoyable food (the stuffed mushrooms are to die for), and the restaurant will provide a friendly, fancy dinner. Large groups won't have to worry that much about being quiet and polite, and there are some separate rooms that you may be able to dine in for more privacy. Note that, like Pasha (described below), this is another restaurant quite far from the prom site.

The Bread Company, 706 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana

THE BREAD COMPANY is one of the more laid-back, less expensive, and less exotic restaurants on this list, which can be a good or bad thing depending on what kind of dinner you want. The menu consists of a variety of pizzas, pastas, your basic sandwiches, and amazing fondue. Also, make sure to try some appetizers; the bruschetta is delicious and a good way to start the meal. Overall, the food is good and well worth the price. The dining area is nice, but not conventionally fancy. Rather, the warm walls, small area, decorative wine bottles, and interesting art make The Bread Company cozy and romantic without being cheesy.

KoFusion, 1 E. Main St., Champaign

KOFUSION is a spiffy, fairly new restaurant in downtown Champaign. Marked by its elegant food, arranged and served as though it is art, KoFusion specializes in its selection of sushi and other Japanese courses. However, if raw fish scares you, fear not, for KoFusion offers a wide-ranging menu and a large variety of other dishes as harmless as grilled, spice-brined organic chicken breast. Finally, KoFusion's formal atmosphere, private booths, and underwater decorations make it an ideal place for you and that special someone to go before a night of dancing. Do be aware of slightly higher prices.

Miko, 407. W. University Ave., Urbana

MIKO provides great Asian food with an array of Thai, Korean, and Japanese, but the main appeal is its teppanyaki dining. This is where you sit around a large table with a grill in the middle and a chef comes and cooks your food in front of you. The Miko chefs are really entertaining (way better than the ones at Kamakura, although that is a suitable alternative to this style of restaurant), and this is a great way to go out with a large group of people. The atmosphere is fun, yet formal; it's fancy without making loud, rambunctious teenagers uncomfortable.

Pasha, 2506 Village Green Place, Champaign

PASHA is a Mediterranean restaurant, offering authentic food from Greece, Turkey, and Italy. The food is delicious and exciting, though in my mind it could use more spices. However, it is by no means bland, and the ethnic theme again requires a more adventurous palate. The restaurant is decorated in an Eastern theme with exotic artwork, and an interesting set of knee-high tables at which groups can eat while lounging on cushions. However, I would not suggest eating at these cushions if you are going to be in nice clothes; dresses especially can get uncomfortable if you are sitting on the floor. Pasha is a little out of the way, out on Windsor and pretty far from the prom site.

Radio Maria, 119 N. Walnut St., Champaign

RADIO MARIA is a great restaurant, once again in downtown Champaign. Less formal than most of these others, it has a really cool tin ceiling and a more artsy feel. The food is wonderful, probably some of the best in Champaign-Urbana. Radio Maria comprises two restaurants, the main one with an interesting and adventurous mixture of Cajun, Caribbean, Asian, and American cuisines. Otherwise known as normal food with a twist (think chicken breast cooked with apricot curry sauce, Irio, a mix of mashed plantains, chickpeas, potatoes and corn, and kachumbari). The other restaurant is a Tapas bar with a variety of delicious dishes. The average dinner, with a main dish and a drink, is probably around $18, in my mind well worth the price. Radio Maria does fill your mouth with new tastes and interesting combinations, so if you are a picky eater, it may not be the place for you.

Timpone's, 710 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana

TIMPONE'S is another Italian restaurant, though since it is on campus, in a more convenient location than Biaggi's. It's a little more interesting than the average Italian restaurant, with exciting spices and adventurous dishes. However, Timpone's is mostly marked by the richness and thickness of its dishes (think a lot of cream sauces). In terms of atmosphere, it's a fine place to go on prom night. There is a nice dining area and a really cool, contemporary lounge at the entrance. I think Timpone's is mostly wasted on high school students because its shining star is its wine selection, but you can find a good dinner and a nice evening at Timpone's.

UNI HIGH PROM 2007 AT A GLANCE

• Theme: Chiaro di Luna

• When: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19

• Where: Alice Campbell Alumni Center, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana

• How much: $30 for singles, $50 for couples

RELATED

— Gargoyle audio slideshow: The perfect prom for under $100

— Gargoyle quiz: How to ask someone to the big dance

— Gargoyle column: A prom date by Friday?

— Gargoyle column: You think guys have it easy?

— Gargoyle column: Prom madness begins

— External link: Biaggi's site

— External link: Bread Company information

— External link: KoFusion site

— External link: Miko site

— External link: Pasha site

— External link: Radio Maria site

— External link: Timpone's site