Mari Katsumura, executive chef at Chicago’s Michelin-starred Yūgen, grew up in a restaurant family. Her parents ran the lengendary Yoshi’s Café in Lakeview and Mari and her brother Ken grew up right above the restaurant. Here, Mari shares some of her favorite holiday food traditions and plans for Yūgen. What were some of your favorite childhood holiday meals? […]
No matter who you cast your vote for, there is one thing that is for certain — election night is going to be a nail-biter. While you are glued to your TV, and your Twitter feed, why not support a local restaurant by ordering cocktails-to-go or special Election Night meals? Here are just a few […]
Of all the times to launch a restaurant, one of the very worst must be during a pandemic, when people are sheltering at home, avoiding others, and postponing dinner plans until sometime in 2021. Many Chicago-area restaurants have closed permanently, but some were already gearing up to open when the pandemic hit, redesigning their strategies for […]
We are so sad to hear that our friends at Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill in Wilmette, a repeat Best of Winner, are closing their doors. In an Instagram post, Nick’s broke the news: “It is with heavy, but grateful hearts that we share the news that Nick’s has officially closed. Words cannot express how […]
For the very first time, the Chicago restaurant group responsible for many of Chicagoland’s most beloved dining spots, Lettuce Entertain You, is hosting a special restaurant week. From Monday, September 28 through Sunday, October 4, you can order from three-course lunch, brunch and dinner menus for dine-in and carryout at more than 30 participating restaurants […]
From dining al fresco at Chicago’s first mariscos on the water, to perfecting your summer salad game, here are five things you can actually do this weekend. Please take care and help our community fight COVID-19 — maintain at least 6 feet of distance, wear a mask and wash your hands properly and frequently, when […]
Let’s continue to support and uplift local businesses. Evanston, long the North Shore hotspot for dining, provides a wide range of options for dining out, and in these emotionally fraught times, comfort food has taken on a new meaning. Blind Faith Café Vegetarian For more than thirty years, they’ve been satisfying vegetarians, vegans, and those […]
Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a stern warning to Chicagoans that a renewed wave of restrictions could be on the horizon if coronavirus cases continue to increase. Less than a week later, Lightfoot’s administration today announced a rollback with new limitations impacting Chicago, bars, restaurants, salons and gyms. First up, bars that do […]
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the United States, the restaurant industry has taken a major hit. As of July 14, the Chicago Eater reported 70 permanent coronavirus-related restaurant closures in and around the city. We are struggling. This isn’t a joke. Support your fav deli for dinner tonight. Thx — Manny’s Deli (@mannysdeli) […]
Local businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, but here in Chicago, we are resilient. Many new businesses have re-imagined themselves and gotten creative with social-distancing so that they can still provide us with wonderful experiences and services this summer. Whether you are comfortable going out in accordance with Phase Four guidelines, or […]
