In a perfect world, I would sit down to a civilized lunch at a chic boîte every day. The reality is a little closer to standing in front of an open refrigerator with baby carrots and a bowl of hummus in hand, but a girl can dream, right? Meanwhile, in this alternate universe, I would […]
Living in Chicago, there are precious few patio days each year, so treasure every one of your breezy, sunshine-y days this summer by dining al fresco. Here are 11 of our favorite patios in the city and North Shore. The dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Twelve stories above Michigan Avenue is […]
Rarely when confronted with a breadbasket do we bother to stop and reflect on our surroundings. But it’s worth putting down the butter knife (just for a minute) to admire the dazzling and innovative design on display in Chicago’s many fine eating establishments. We toured some of the city’s (and the North Shore’s) most beautiful […]
The Mag Mile is a lot more colorful thanks to the new Dylan’s Candy Bar store, the newest outpost of Dylan Lauren’s (Ralph’s daughter!) über-popular NYC sweets superstore. Of course, there’s a wide variety of candy (think chocolates, gummies, popular nostalgic and novelty sweets and more found in fun, unique packaging), but you’ll also find […]
Chef Shin Thompson is all about flavor at his new fast-casual concept, Furious Spoon. The ramen noodles are made fresh on site and they are tasty and toothsome. Choose from four terrific ramen soups (veggie, shoyu, miso or spicy “furious”), add toppings (poached egg and marinated mushrooms are musts, not to mention the pork belly), […]
Wicker Park favorite Bangers & Lace has opened a 4,200 square-foot outpost in Evanston on the site of the notorious Keg. It’s a big step up! Aside from a hip and fun remodel, they’ve got 32 craft beers on tap (including local favorite Temperance Beer) and inventive pub food from Chef Jesse Miller. We love […]
The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the restaurant industry. Chefs and bartenders get to walk the red carpet as they step into the national spotlight for the hard work they do every day in the kitchens of the nation’s best restaurants. The award ceremony has traditionally been held in New York, but this […]
Chicken noodle soup may be the quintessential American comfort food, but as more chefs are embracing Asian flavors and techniques, the rise of ramen is indicative of an increasingly adventurous casual diner. Even in a simple meal out, guests are more open to unfamiliar flavors and the rich, unctuous ramen broth has become so ubiquitous […]
The question begs to be asked: Does Chicago need another high-end steakhouse? As it pertains to Lettuce Entertain You’s newest restaurant, RPM Steak, an unequivocal answer: you betcha. In this meat-mad town, RPM Steak has quickly made an impression for deliciousness and excellent service, borne out by a recent visit. It’s hard to believe that […]
If you think a taco consists of a crispy taco shell with some sautéed chopped meat, shredded cheese and iceberg lettuce, this is not your article. Move along. I’m talking about the real thing, not some Tex-Mex travesty. Listen, I’m not asking for much: A homemade, soft corn tortilla; a piece of grilled or battered […]
