The Michelin Man was very, very good to Chicago this year.
And while our wonderful North Shore restaurants were snubbed—again—for the coveted stars (No Quince?Restaurant Michael? Oceanique? A travesty!), a number of our neighborhood favorites were singled out as Bib Gourmand winners. Being selected for this category, while not quite as prestigious, is still something to crow about.
Bib Gourmand Winners
The Bib Gourmand inspectors are looking for good value for delicious food. At these restaurants, two courses and a dessert or glass of wine will set you back only $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included).
Here are their local favorites for 2014:
North Suburbs:
Found
Amy Morton’s love letter to modern comfort food. Chef Nicole Pederson’s creations shine amidst the charming clutter of “found” furnishings. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945
Kabul House
Who knew that the food of Afghanistan could be so approachable…and delicious? Meat and vegetarian preparations alike shine here. 4949 Oakton St., Skokie, 847-674-3830
Libertad
Executive Chef/Owner Armando Gonzalez really knows his way around Latino ingredients, visiting Mexico, South and Central America on his tour through Latin America. Plus, the drinks are fantastic! 7931 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, 847-674-8100 (Pictured top right)
Yolo Mexican Eatery
Family owned and operated, this tiny storefront makes up for its size with big, big flavor. The moles here are memorable. 5111 Brown St., Skokie, 847-674-0987
North Side of Chicago:
Ceres’ Table
Chef Giuseppe Scurato creates contemporary food with a distinct Sicilian influence while favoring local and seasonal products. 4882 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-878-4882
Gather
Chef Ken Carter is a Charlie Trotter veteran who specializes in sophisticated comfort food. The family-style Sunday Dinners are all that you need to keep you going. 4359 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-506-9300
Hopleaf
This Andersonville favorite (note: they have a strict 21 and over policy) is known for its Moules Frites and superlative craft-beer selection, but the game entrees are equally delicious. 5146 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-334-9851
Opart Thai House
This is not your average Thai restaurant. You’ll find dishes here you won’t find elsewhere. 4658 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 773-989-8517
Spacca Napoli
One of my favorite pizzas in Chicago, the blistery crust here is superb, redolent with the char of a wood-burning oven. 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago, 773-878-2420
These fine restaurants are in great company; downtown Bib Gourmand winners include: Ada St.(owned by Evanston’s own Michael Kornick and David Morton), Avec, Balena, Frontera Grill, Girl and the Goat, The Publican and Purple Pig (to name a few).
The Starry Ones
As for the big guns—the Michelin-starred restaurants—Alinea stays on top with three stars; Grace,Graham Elliot, L20 and Sixteen were each awarded two; and 20 Chicago restaurants received one star apiece. One-star winners include Longman & Eagle in Logan Square (owned by Craig Golden of Evanston), North Pond (chef/owner Bruce Sherman also of Evanston), Senza (a gluten-free restaurant with an ambitious and creative menu), Acadia, Spiaggia, Topolobampo and The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel.
