Radio Maria’s tapas menu serves (no pun intended) as the perfect excuse to go out on Sunday night. The wild mushroom crostini fools patrons into believing they are not eating dinner off of an old Harker Hall dorm door. David Spears and Sharon Owens constructed Radio Maria, at 119 N. Walnut St. in downtown Champaign, by reusing materials from the University of Illinois and other surrounding areas. Quirky tiles and old portraits nestled in the crooks of the doors-made-into-tables make for lively dinner conversation.
Photo by Kristen Yang
Photo by Kristen Yang
Then again, there wasn’t much chance for conversation with an assortment of crispy, melt-y, saucy, aromatic tapas slowly circulating the table. Radio’s hummus carries a great reputation, but the Sunday tapas special won taste buds over. Cooked to order, the filet medallion sits atop a buttermilk biscuit with bacon and a mild cheddar cheese sauce. The dish is much like an elegant Philly cheesesteak sandwich made with quality ingredients and fixed in a bite small enough to keep diners’ pants comfortable. Read the full Radio Maria tapas menu here, and take a short ride off campus to explore this eclectic gem in downtown Champaign.
Insider tip: Ask the charming bartender with glasses and a mustache if he has infused any of his own alcohol lately…
Hummus and roasted vegetables Photo by Kristen Yang
Seared tuna and olive salad Photo by Kristen Yang
Address: 119 N. Walnut St., Champaign, IL
Hours of operation: Mon: 5pm to 2am, Tues-Fri: 4pm to 2am, Sat-Sun: 10:30am to 2am