July 02 2014 - 11:17 AM

Xoco – Mexican Street Food

Rose Montag

June 17 2014 - 5:02 PM

Tava Indian Cuisine

S B

  I decided to take a mini-trek to the small suburb of Morton Grove to enjoy some authentic Indian food, and I’m glad I did. Tava Restaurant and Bar is…

June 16 2014 - 1:00 AM

Enolo Wine Bar Opens in River North

Amanda Topper

One of River North’s newest restaurants in Enolo Wine Bar, an intimate spot in the former Bombay Spice location. Enolo is next to Roka Akor (they even share bathrooms) and…

June 12 2014 - 9:00 AM

Summer Brunch for Any Taste

Amanda Topper

Now that it seems summer is finally in full swing, we’re offering five suggestions for the perfect brunch, no matter what you’re looking for. Some are old favorites, others are…

June 11 2014 - 9:18 PM

The 666 Friday the 13th Burger

Josh Brusin

Go to Wiener and Still Champion to make a deal with the devil this Friday. The risk is simple, eat a hot mess of a burger and pray your arteries…

May 23 2014 - 3:55 PM

iNG Closed

Josh Brusin

iNG, the flavor-bending restaurant from Chef Homaro Cantu will be closing tomorrow after service according to Derrek Hull. With upcoming projects on top of Moto, his flagship restaurant, Cantu needed…

May 22 2014 - 8:50 AM

Q&A w/Richie Farina from Moto

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies Unique Dinner Series is a chance for chefs to push boundaries. And at Moto there’s no shortage of pushing, whether it was adding the scent of leather…

May 20 2014 - 1:00 PM

Eat Al Fresco: Elle on the River

Adam Miller

Opening this week, Elle on the River is the offshoot of Chef Tim Graham’s Travelle. Weather permitting, a very reasonable, stripped down menu of four “Mediterranean tacos” is served on…

May 16 2014 - 1:20 PM

Seats Left for 13 Courses of White at Moto

Josh Brusin

There are still a few seats left for a great chance to see what an adventurous chef will do when pushed to another level! Don’t miss out… What happens when…

March 26 2014 - 9:00 AM

Bites – Asian Tapas

Amanda Topper

Asian-style tapas restaurant, Bites, opened late last year in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood under the radar. I was lucky enough to check it out last week. The cozy spot features a…

March 07 2014 - 4:14 PM

Mugaritz iNG food notes revealed

Josh Brusin

A bit of cajoling was rewarded with hints at food and pairings for the Mugaritz Sunday afternoon event @iNG. Tickets are $100, $150 includes a copy of the book that…

March 07 2014 - 9:00 AM

Best Lincoln Park Brunch

Marly Schuman

Lincoln Park has a bad reputation from rowdy DePaul bars and kiddie filled restaurants. I love trekking out to Logan Square for a good meal – it just isn’t always…

March 04 2014 - 11:10 AM

The Otherworldly Cuisine of Mugaritz

Josh Brusin

Mugaritz is kind of a big deal. It’s described as techno-emotional Spanish cuisine but looks lush and elemental. It’s the current #4 restaurant in the world, last year at #3….

February 28 2014 - 11:54 AM

Mugaritz + Moto Collaboration Dinner

Josh Brusin

Chef Cantu and the Moto team went to Spain to visit Mugaritz, the current #4 restaurant in the world, and all they brought back was the chef, Andoni Luis Aduriz….

February 25 2014 - 9:00 AM

3 Dish to Try at Kinmont Now

Marly Schuman

In the dead of winter, it’s easier to curl up on the couch with some wine and delivery sushi than venture out to try a new restaurant that may or…

February 12 2014 - 9:00 AM

Chi’s Best French Macarons

Marly Schuman

Chicago is bursting with cupcakeries and ecclectic doughnut shops. If you’re getting sick of frosting (probably not the case) or just are in need of a lighter take on dessert,…

February 04 2014 - 10:58 AM

Italian Foodie Trivia – Win Rosebud “Rosebucks”

Josh Brusin

How well do you know your Italian food? Our simple Facebook 3 Question test. Get it right and you might win $25 in Rosebucks to use at Rosebud! 1) What…

January 27 2014 - 1:00 PM

Chicago Chefs Head to South Beach

Amanda Topper

The 13th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is set to take place next month! This amazing four-day festival kicks off February…

January 22 2014 - 9:00 AM

Loop Gains Pearl of an Oyster Bar

Marly Schuman

Quality oyster bars aren’t exactly easy to come by in Chicago. There’s GT Fish & Oyster and…well, can you think of anywhere else? The Loop isn’t exactly short of places…

January 06 2014 - 2:21 PM

2014 Chicago Restaurant Week Picks

Amanda Topper

This year’s Chicago Restaurant Week begins slightly earlier than in years past and has actually been extended to 14 days! From January 24-February 6,2014, Chicagoans can dine at a variety…

December 24 2013 - 9:00 AM

NYE 2013 Restaurant Picks

Marly Schuman

New Years Eve is usually all about the alcohol…but what about the food? A great meal is the perfect way to ring in the new year. Whether you’re still searching…

December 19 2013 - 9:00 AM

Doughnut Vault Pumpkin Treat

M. Sheppard

A few weeks ago I was crossing Wacker Drive on a Thursday morning in sub-thirty-degree weather, slicing through the frigid wind lashing my face, when my passing thoughts of packing…

December 06 2013 - 9:00 AM

Eataly Chicago Preview

Amanda Topper

This past Monday I had the chance to check out the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world, Eataly! The mega food emporium already has 11 locations in…

November 15 2013 - 12:00 PM

Herradura Tequila at Frontera Grill

David McCowan

What’s better than listening to a producer talk about why they love their product? Listening to Chef Rick Bayless talk about why he loves it! Herradura tequila has long been…

November 07 2013 - 9:00 AM

New Food in Two ‘Hoods

Marly Schuman

Doughnuts are so last year. Doughnut gelato sandwiches are so last month. Right now? It’s all about healthy, fast food that is, above all, affordable and accessible. Take a look…

September 18 2013 - 9:00 AM

5 Best New Bites & Sips

Marly Schuman

Negroni slushies, crab brain fried rice, and enough doughnut ice cream sandwiches to fill Lake Michigan…these are just a few of the (much buzzed about) items from the hottest Chicago…

September 10 2013 - 9:00 AM

Pop-Up Eats in Evanston

Amanda Topper

Under The Table, a new pop up restaurant located in Evanston, is serving up more than five course brunches and dinners; they’re serving up an experience.  The intimate 18-seat dining…

August 21 2013 - 9:00 AM

Upton’s Breakroom Puts “Wheat Meat” Front and Center

Josh Hersh

Black, styled hair. Sloping mustache. Piercing eyes. Bold red jacket and bow tie. The face that welcomes guests into Upton’s Breakroom, a recently opened vegan eatery in Ukranian Village, overlooks…

August 20 2013 - 9:00 AM

Chicago Sweets Slingers Team up for Gelato Doughnut Sandwiches

Matt Kirouac

Good news, dessert-obsessed Chicagoans! Glazed & Infused and Black Dog Gelato have teamed up to create the ultimate Chicago-centric sweet indulgence: gelato doughnut sandwiches. The two titans of Chicago sweets…

July 29 2013 - 8:00 AM

Hot Dish Heaven – Johnny Casserole Delivers

David McCowan

I first met David Bryson’s smiling, friendly face beneath his trademark fedora, gently bobbing his head to skater punk and doling out boxes from The Southern Mac & Cheese Truck….

July 28 2013 - 1:43 PM

La Colombe – Brewing Up a Name

Amanda Topper

If you’ve never heard of La Colombe, it’s probably because they aren’t Starbucks. In fact, there is a lot that differentiates this Philadelphia-based coffee roaster from the massive coffee chain….

July 19 2013 - 4:56 PM

Breakfast for Dinner Recap

M. Sheppard

I saw Nothing Can Hurt Me, a great documentary about the star-crossed ’70’s band, Big Star.  One of the movie’s many voices, in describing the band’s beautiful, timeless music, reiterated an interesting…

July 02 2013 - 12:00 PM

The Fairest Taco of Them All

Matt Kirouac

Over the past few years, Wicker Park has evolved into a curious hub for chef-driven tacos and modern taquerias. Big Star and Antique Taco are two of the most prominent…

July 01 2013 - 8:12 PM

Unique Dinner Series at Trenchermen

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies “Unique Dinner Series” was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

June 28 2013 - 2:11 PM

Eat This: BFD Burger

Amanda Topper

By now, you’ve probably heard of the latest baked good craze, the “cronut”. If not, the cronut is exactly what it sounds like, a cross between a croissant and donut….

June 27 2013 - 12:00 PM

Staff Picks: Over or Under-rated

Marly Schuman

Chicago is full of overrated restaurants – the places everyone talks about, you wait forever to get into and then end up disappointed after. Fortunately for us, it’s also full…

June 24 2013 - 1:00 PM

Smashburger’s Chicago Launch

Amanda Topper

If you’re not familiar with Smashburger, it’s probably because the burger chain just landed in Chicago city limits about a month ago. The six-year-old Denver import is serving up gourmet…

May 24 2013 - 9:00 AM

Staff Picks: Best Outdoor Seating

Marly Schuman

Memorial Day Weekend is upon is, and even though the weather is still unpredictable (as Chicago weather is whenever it isn’t snowing), we’re forcing our way onto the nearest patio,…

April 24 2013 - 1:00 PM

Dining Out For Life

Amanda Topper

On Thursday, April 25th,  join others across America dining out for a great cause. How do you get involved? Simply dine out! Dining Out For Life is produced in 60 cities across…

March 18 2013 - 2:08 PM

Rockit’s 4th Annual Mac Madness

Amanda Topper

Just in time for March Madness, is Rockit Bar and Grill’s 4th annual Mac Madness! The event itself is a week-long celebration of all things mac ‘n cheese. During the…

March 14 2013 - 11:00 AM

A Heartwarming Tale of Heartland Bread

Matt Kirouac

I’m a sucker for a good bread basket. I blame Olive Garden. The only fond memories I have of that place are their garlic-soaked breadsticks. My family would fight over…

March 13 2013 - 7:05 AM

Paul Virant at the Good Food Festival

Josh Brusin

Welcome to our guest Maya Parson, a writer and the editor of Edible Michiana magazine (www.ediblemichiana.com). My name is Maya and I have a new chef crush. His name is…

March 06 2013 - 10:46 PM

A Saucy Community in Edgewater

Matt Kirouac

Co-op Sauce and Crumb Bread both originated as entities designed to give back to the community in their own ways, so it’s fitting that their new collaborative cafe in Edgewater,…

March 01 2013 - 11:00 AM

“Monkey Around” w/Monkey Bread

Matt Kirouac

Remember how your parents always told you not to play with your food? Well there’s an exception to that rule, and it’s monkey bread, otherwise known as pull-apart bread. One…

February 20 2013 - 11:00 AM

Little Goat Diner

Amanda Topper

As you’ve probably heard, Stephanie Izard of Top Chef fame opened another restaurant in the West Loop in October. Little Goat is located directly across the street from its (older)…

February 13 2013 - 9:01 AM

5 Valentine’s Day-Worthy Desserts

Marly Schuman

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting pretty sick of those conversation hearts on Valentine’s Day. They just don’t do this sweets-centric holiday justice. The best Valentine’s Day treats…

February 08 2013 - 12:00 PM

Changing Flavors at City Winery

Amanda Topper

I recently had the chance to sit down for a chat with City Winery Chicago‘s Executive Chef, Andres Barrera. If you’re not familiar with City Winery, it’s the gigantic winery/restaurant/music…

February 01 2013 - 1:05 PM

Restaurant Cawl with Dishcrawl Chicago

Marly Schuman

Everyone likes a good bar crawl. Tons of drinks, bars and new people at each spot. That’s the general idea behind new Chicago venture Dishcrawl, only the twist is that…

January 23 2013 - 9:00 AM

Rockit’s 5th Annual ChiliFEST

Amanda Topper

If there’s one thing Chicagoans can agree on right now, it’s the fact that it’s insanely frigid in the Windy City. What better way to warm up than with some…

January 14 2013 - 9:00 AM

Chicago Restaurant Week 2013 Preview

Marly Schuman

If you’ve never done Chicago Restaurant Week, you’re missing out on an incredible, gluttonous tradition to try out new restaurants you wouldn’t try otherwise. Restaurant Week this year is February…

December 28 2012 - 5:28 PM

5 Favorite Dishes from 2012

Marly Schuman

There are tons of incredible restaurants that opened in 2012, and it would be simply impossible to mention them all. We’ve been wowed from Ada Street, to Carriage House to…

December 04 2012 - 1:16 AM

Reno Misses Mark w/Hipster Bagels

Marly Schuman

A good bagel place is not easy to find in…anywhere that isn’t New York. It’s surprising, but a legitimate crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside bagel is a…

November 12 2012 - 1:00 PM

Culinary Speakeasy

Jenna Temkin

The underground dinner scene in Chicago is not new.  Nowadays, most of us foodies – and non-foodies – can find an off-the-radar dinner happening in many neighborhoods throughout the city. …

November 10 2012 - 3:15 PM

Pastry with Provenance – InterUrban

Josh Brusin

Christine McCabe spent 3 years cooking at Charlie Trotters in every station in the kitchen. She went on from there to create the popular dessert-focused club, Sugar, and then this…

November 06 2012 - 2:09 PM

Eating at the Bar: Oceanique

Josh Brusin

I love eating at the bar at restaurants. You tend to have more flexibility in what you order and how you order. Oceanique is a great spot to do this….

October 23 2012 - 9:49 PM

Why Bill Kim’s BellyQ Is Worth The Hype

Marly Schuman

When I attended Chicago Gourmet a few weeks ago, I heard many chefs – including those visiting – mention BellyQ as the place they had to try out. It was…

October 08 2012 - 10:10 PM

Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club

Jenna Temkin

Truthfully, I  never have any real reason to head into Chicago’s Financial District, and unless you work in the area or regularly attend the opera, I am guessing you don’t…

October 03 2012 - 11:04 AM

Chef Mark Grosz of Oceanique on Fish

Andrew Zapotosky

When staring out into the grand expanse that is Lake Michigan it is easy to forget that you are standing at the edge of the largest mass of fresh water in…

October 03 2012 - 10:37 AM

Chicago Diabetes Project Gala

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Diabetes Project has the mission of making the method of islet cell transplantation available to everyone. I’m no physician but you can read more about it on their…

September 17 2012 - 1:45 PM

Hagen’s Fish Market

Josh Brusin

I was driving past. I was looking for lunch. It was the perfect storm. There was parking. There was a mural on the wall. It was a mural of Vikings…

September 05 2012 - 9:39 AM

Top Notch BeefBurgers

Jenna Temkin

There are a few things we as Chicagoans know when it comes to food.  We know that mustard is the only condiment one needs on their hot dog (and celery…

August 30 2012 - 1:00 PM

Custom House

Stacy Kenny

I’m always confused as to why Chicago’s theater district has a booming theater scene and a not so booming food scene to go with it. It has never been harder…

August 28 2012 - 9:10 PM

Moto Avocado Video

Josh Brusin

Here’s a cool video from Moto. What do you think an “avocado” would really be from Chef Cantu?

August 22 2012 - 1:45 PM

Orange – Sunday Brunch

Josh Brusin

After seeing a line in front of Orange last week, we were up a bit earlier this week and arrived moments before the line started. In a review of La…

August 19 2012 - 9:25 AM

Ghareeb Nawaz – Awesome Cheap Eats!

Josh Brusin

Ghareeb Nawaz literally means “sustainer of the poor.” In the search for good cheap eats that’s a good sign. It’s just West of Ridge on Devon and there’s usually a…

August 16 2012 - 1:02 PM

Next Restaurant – Paris to Sicily

Josh Brusin

I find it interesting that dining critics are now challenged to write about more than the flavors, techniques and ambiance which must seem more and more parochial. These days we…

August 14 2012 - 12:29 PM

Cocktails & iNG’s Trevor Rose-Hamblin

David McCowan

Drink creation is a highly personal process and I love seeing how other bartenders approach it. I don’t really know if it speaks to some deeper psychology, but the little…

August 14 2012 - 12:15 PM

Blind Faith Café

Stacy Kenny

I think I’m the only person who hates going out for Sunday brunch.  The thought of getting up and first thing in the morning stuffing myself with a butter soaked…

August 13 2012 - 3:43 PM

Drought Aid for Harvest Moon Farms

Natalie Krebs

Harvest Moon Farms, a partner and friend to Chicago Foodies for the past several years, has suffered from this summer’s brutally dry conditions. In response to the drought, Harvest Moon Farms…

August 10 2012 - 4:41 PM

Find New Restaurants in Your ‘Hood

Marly Schuman

Just last week I made the move from the Gold Coast to Lakeview, and with that move came one of the biggest adjustments: new neighborhood restaurants. It’s never easy when…

August 07 2012 - 12:00 PM

Twin Anchors: Old-School Supper Club Feel

Brian Ziegler

Being from a small town in Wisconsin, I still feel like it’s a real treat going out to a supper club.  Back home, supper clubs were pretty much the only…

August 03 2012 - 11:42 PM

“Tuesday Night Dinner” Supper Club

Jenna Temkin

Tuesday nights just got a lot more exciting in Chicago thanks to Jeremy Leven and his Tuesday Night Dinner series.  Jeremy and his crew have created an intimate underground supper…

August 01 2012 - 1:15 PM

Recap– “Guilty Pleasures” at iNG

Josh Brusin

The Unique Dinner Series is a great chance for Chefs to experiment with dishes that push boundaries and techniques and thoughts that might not fly for everyday service. From a…

July 31 2012 - 12:00 PM

Ginza Restaurant – Terrific!

Josh Brusin

Everyone complains that there’s no good ethnic food downtown. RIght on Ohio, just off of Michigan, amidst Uno’s, new concept restaurants and chains-chains-chains there are a couple gems. Every now…

July 16 2012 - 11:40 AM

Unique Dinner: Antiquity–SOLD OUT

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies “Unique Dinner Series” was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

July 05 2012 - 3:23 PM

The Weight Pale Ale – From Piece Pizzeria

M. Sheppard

Chicago’s Piece Brewery and Pizzeria has long been known for three things:  good pizza, good beer, and impossible waits.  I never go there because you can’t get in the door…

June 27 2012 - 12:44 PM

5 Reasons to Visit “Untitled”

Marly Schuman

The buzz around new River North restaurant Untitled is starting to come out, and it’s definitely warranted. With a menu crafted by the chef from Mercat a la Planxa and Vermillion,…

June 21 2012 - 10:58 AM

Best Southside (South Loop) Outdoor Seating

Robyn Traub

With last week’s north side (Lincoln Park) outdoor seating recommendations, it was only a matter of time before we south siders followed suit. These recommendations are all for the South…

June 14 2012 - 12:07 PM

The Purple Pig

Josh Brusin

Jimmy Bannos Jr. really shines in this crowded small plates and communal table hot spot located just off of Michigan Avenue. From what seems like everyone’s favorite milk-braised pork shoulder…

June 13 2012 - 12:57 PM

“A Lifetime of Guilty Pleasures”

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies “Unique Dinner Series” was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

June 13 2012 - 12:57 PM

“Unique Dinner Series: A Lifetime of Guilty Pleasures” at iNG

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies “Unique Dinner Series” was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

June 12 2012 - 11:16 AM

Best Outdoor Seating in Lincoln Park This Summer

Marly Schuman

Wander around Lincoln Park this summer and you’ll find an incredible number of restaurants and bars with outdoor dining. Huge sprawling patios outside of establishments you wouldn’t step foot in…

May 16 2012 - 1:36 PM

Logan Square Kitchen to Close After Valiant Battle with City Regulators

Kate Bernot

Logan Square Kitchen, a shared-use kitchen on Milwaukee, has been the incubator for many of the local food artisans the city has come to love (and yes, that’s the proper…

May 11 2012 - 7:53 AM

Underground Dining Club X-Marx to Debut Flour and Bones at Dose Market

Kate Bernot

Underground dining clubs have been operating around the city for years, hosted in chefs’ basements, friends’ apartments, even outdoors. They’re fun and creative, but kind of a logistical pain for…

May 07 2012 - 12:29 PM

Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant – Minimalism at Its Finest

M. Sheppard

I now work on the South Side of Chicago. Well, not really the South Side, but certainly the near South Side, just south of the South Loop. It’s a different…

April 30 2012 - 12:52 PM

Lula Cafe’s Chef–On Asparagus

Andrew Zapotosky

We interviewed Chef Michael Simmons of Lula Café to learn more about asparagus and how he incorporates this delectable little vegetable into his cooking. Chef Simmons is an expert when…

April 18 2012 - 10:38 AM

Cascabel – A Dining Experience

Carly Johnston

A zesty Topolo margarita, a savory bite of king crab and guacamole atop crushed tortilla chips followed by a spoonful of liquid queso fundido with chorizo puree – all this…

April 13 2012 - 9:15 AM

4 Things to Eat at Balena

Marly Schuman

High ceilings, rustic wood and wine glasses constantly being filled are just a few things you’ll find at new BOKA restaurant Balena. You’ll also find some impeccable Italian small plates…

April 11 2012 - 11:59 AM

Birrieria Zaragoza – Goat & Fresh Tortillas.

Brian Ziegler

I’ve read about this place a few times before, and I wanted to follow the herd to great food without the long lines, overexposed media hype, and high prices.  …

April 04 2012 - 11:27 AM

Chefs Insist Imitation of Their Dishes is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Kate Bernot

After dining at three newly-opened restaurants recently, I saw variations of a similar pasta dish on all three menus. At RPM Italian, it was a squid ink spaghetti with king…

March 30 2012 - 4:16 PM

Alinea Named World’s Top Restaurant

Brian Ziegler

As Chicago's profile in the world of food increases, it was encouraging to hear that Alinea was named the World's Top Restaurant by Elite Traveler magazine, beating out Thomas Keller's…

March 19 2012 - 10:04 AM

Farmer’s Market at Sheffield’s – Featuring Harvest Moon Farms

Josh Brusin

While the Chicago winter has teased us with hints of spring,  Chicago Foodies and Sheffield’s are giving us a preview of summer with BBQ,  fresh corn,  a craft beer and…

March 15 2012 - 1:29 PM

When What You See Isn’t What You Get

Kate Bernot

To anyone who checks a restauran’ts website or reads some newspaper reviews before dining, this is a common scenario: The beautiful, pristine dish that you saw photographed on the website…

March 12 2012 - 2:01 PM

This is a Thing: Cupcake Vending Machine to Hit Chicago

Kate Bernot

So you’ve conquered the KFC Double Down and the Taco Bell Dorito Locos taco, and you’re left wondering which culinary hill to conquer next. Mark your calendar, because a cupcake…

March 09 2012 - 9:36 AM

How an Olive Garden in Grand Forks Sparked the Internet Sensation- Marilyn Hagerty

Kate Bernot

"The chicken Alfredo ($10.95) was warm and comforting on a cold day. The portion was generous. My server was ready with Parmesan cheese." So wrote one 85-year-old Marilyn Hagerty, columnist…

March 05 2012 - 7:14 AM

Five Reasons You Should Seek Out Ada St.

Kate Bernot

Fish Bar and DMK Burger Bar partners Michael Kornick (of MK) and David Morton are in business together for a third project called Ada St., but they’re not making it…

March 02 2012 - 10:07 AM

LTH Opens 2012 Great Neighborhood Restaurant Nominations

Kate Bernot

Between following the Republican primaries and voting in your office Oscar pool, you're probably about chin-deep in the refreshing waters of democracy. Unlike both of those contests, LTH Forum's Great…

February 28 2012 - 9:30 AM

Eat a “Last Meal” with Piranha Club

Kate Bernot

Last September, the singular state of Texas, which executes more prisoners than any other, discontinued the practice of serving death row inmates a final meal. The move came after Lawrence…

February 23 2012 - 8:18 AM

Sixteen’s New Chef Thomas Lents Recommits Trump to Fine Dining

Kate Bernot

When your restaurant is located in Trump Tower, it seems a given that it would ooze fine dining. Or would it? A recent spate of "re-concepting" to more casual ventures…

February 22 2012 - 10:39 AM

Highlights of Restaurant Week 2012

Marly Schuman

Chicago Restaurant Week can be one of the most glorious – and indulgent – weeks of the year. If it's done right, you can get some incredible deals on lunches…

February 18 2012 - 4:07 PM

El Bulli at Next – Adria Retrospective

Josh Brusin

El Bulli was a phenomenon. It’s a large part of the reason why molecular gastronomy is part of our vernacular. Ferran Adria is universally accepted as the thought leader in…

February 17 2012 - 8:14 AM

How Large Restaurants Are Rethinking Food

Josh Brusin

Danny McGowan, the President of Big Bowl, on how even big restaurants can think small in advance of him speaking at the Good Food Festival in Chicago March 15th-17th, http://goodfoodfestivals.com/chicago/

February 16 2012 - 9:21 AM

The Unique Dinner Series 16 Courses of Black at MOTO: Recap

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies Unique Dinner Series launched January 28th with “16 Courses of Black” at Moto. The Unusual Dinner Series was created to give chefs an opportunity to do something…

February 15 2012 - 11:51 AM

Chicago Foodies Food Truck Bash: 3 Food Trucks, 2 Brothers & 1 Green Lady

Josh Brusin

  Wednesday February 22nd at 6:30 is your chance to see 3 of Chicago's finest food trucks flex their culinary muscle at The Green Lady on Lincoln for Chicago Foodies…

February 13 2012 - 9:59 AM

A Mile In Their Clogs: Chefs’ Favorite Footwear (Part Three)

Kate Bernot

You may think you have it bad when you come home from a day at the office and sink into your recliner, rubbing your tired feet. Chefs, who can spend…

February 10 2012 - 8:51 AM

StreetWise Vendors to Hit Food Deserts with New EatWise Carts

Kate Bernot

"Streetwise today?" If you've lived in Chicago longer than a week, you're familiar with Streetwise, a weekly magazine distributed, and sometimes written, by individuals struggling with homelessness. It's a solid…

February 09 2012 - 10:30 AM

4 Things to Try at Tavernita

Marly Schuman

Ryan Poli’s Tavernita opened just a few weeks ago to patrons hoping for the chic style of Mercadito, a bar dressed to impress and the flavors of Spain. Needless to…

February 08 2012 - 2:55 PM

Chicago Restaurant Week Interactive Map

Josh Brusin

View Google Places Chicago Restaurant Week Map: February 17-26, 2012 in a larger map Thanks to Google Chicago for making a custom map for Chicago Restaurant Week, so you can…

February 08 2012 - 2:39 PM

Next’s El Bulli Video… Quite a Tease.

Josh Brusin

January 26 2012 - 11:40 AM

Having Trouble Keeping Up with Food Trucks?

Josh Brusin

We're not! We've been following the food truck scene for quite some time. Here's your reminder to follow our Chicago Foodies Twitter feed. We actually have a Food Truck Editor…

January 25 2012 - 5:09 PM

Alpana Singh Announces Restaurant Venture, The Boarding House

Kate Bernot

And so begins Chapter Three of the Alpana Singh story: After leaving Lettuce Entertain You in December (where she had served as director of wine since 2005), then announcing that…

January 17 2012 - 11:49 AM

Chicago Restaurant Week Announces Participating Restaurants, But Is It Always a Deal?

Kate Bernot

Restaurant Week 2K12! Are you ready? Have you been training for months to prepare yourself for a whole week of discounted lunches and dinners? The city normally gets fairly excited…

January 09 2012 - 12:02 PM

Two Terrifying Words: Market Price

Kate Bernot

It's an etiquette issue that arises with some frequency at high-end restaurants: After a server has recited the day's specials for you, do you pipe up and ask how much…

January 09 2012 - 8:56 AM

SOLD OUT – “Unique Dinner Series: 16 Courses of Black” at Moto

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies "Unique Dinner Series" was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

January 06 2012 - 10:39 AM

You think Next is hard to get into now? Here Comes El Bulli.

Josh Brusin

Next made a huge splash with their unorthodox ticket sales and changing concepts. Shortly they’ll be going from Childhood to El Bulli… that’s more than just a big conceptual shift….

January 03 2012 - 12:33 PM

Charlie Trotter’s To Close

Josh Brusin

25 years ago Charlie Trotters opened amidst trends that including Cajun food, chefs were wrapping all sorts of things in thin slices of potato, Daniel Boulud was taking over at…

January 02 2012 - 11:34 AM

Alinea’s Failed Health Inspection

Brian Ziegler

I feel like a writer from the Gawker spinoff known as Eater for being so nefarious as to pass this along (even though it is old news), but it did…

December 20 2011 - 11:39 AM

Prairie Fire to Close Abruptly Tomorrow

Kate Bernot

There are a few Chicago chefs who believed in farm-to-table before it was a buzzword, and Sarah Stegner was one of their undeniable leaders. A founder of the Green City…

December 15 2011 - 9:51 AM

Ticket’s Still Available!! “Unique Dinner Series” Kicks-Off at Moto on January 28th, 2012

Josh Brusin

The Chicago Foodies "Unique Dinner Series" was created to give Chicago chefs creative license to take risks that they would not otherwise take at their restaurants. Chefs are challenged to…

December 13 2011 - 11:25 AM

Slow and Steady Wins the Race at Takashi’s Slurping Turtle

Marly Schuman

For quite some time, the Slurping Turtle opening has been dangling in front of our faces. We came so close to those steaming bowls of housemade ramen weeks and even…

December 08 2011 - 2:14 PM

No Reservations: We Dream of Jiro

Josh Brusin

March 9th is the scheduled release of "Jiro Dreams of Sushi", a new documentary highlighting the octagenarian 3-Michelin Star sushi chef who works out of a 10 seat basement restaurant…

December 07 2011 - 10:51 PM

Hoppy HolidAles at Sheffield’s – Seasonal Taps This Thursday!

Josh Brusin

If you have a desire to get your seasonal & spiced beer on this time of year, Thursday night at Sheffield's is a pretty good chance to do so with…

December 05 2011 - 7:43 AM

BLT American Brasserie Now Open in River North

Kate Bernot

Maybe they're all trying to capitalize on holiday diners and shoppers, but last week was quite a week for restaurants openings. First came Bar Toma, The Slurping Turtle, and Yusho,…

December 02 2011 - 9:57 AM

Charlie Trotters’ Vet Opens Yakitori Spot Yusho Tomorrow

Kate Bernot

Will Chicago finally get a stand-out yakitori restaurant? Long-time Charlie Trotters' chef-de-cuisine Matthias Merges hopes his new street food-inspired restaurant, Yusho, will draw the masses to the outskirts of Logan…

November 29 2011 - 12:50 PM

Much-Anticipated Bar Toma and Slurping Turtle Open Downtown

Kate Bernot

Love it or hate it, you're going to be spending some time shopping downtown this month. In the consumer playground between Pearson and Hubbard, diners generally had to choose between…

November 15 2011 - 3:49 PM

Chicago Loses Stars • Michelin Guide 2012 vs. 2011 Comparison

Josh Brusin

Last year Chicago had 2 3-star, 3 2-star restaurants. This year we have 1 3-star & 2-2star restaurants. So net Chicago loses stars. I guess the assumption was that having…

November 14 2011 - 10:59 AM

Michelin Chicago 2012 – 3 Stars… 2 Stars… Next? Trotter’s? Topolobampo?!

Josh Brusin

Last year only 2 restaurants got 3 stars… L2O and Alinea. And three got 2… Ria, Trotter's and Avenues The head chef from L2O left a day later. Avenues is…

November 10 2011 - 11:43 AM

Michelin Guide Chicago – 2012 Bib Gourmand – 15 New Restaurants

Josh Brusin

According to Michelin: A Bib Gourmand rating means the restaurant is an inspector’s favorite for good value. For $40 or less, you can enjoy two courses and a glass of…

October 31 2011 - 2:41 PM

Happy Halloween – Chipotlé & CAA’s Outstandingly Creepy Video

Josh Brusin

Chipotle and CAA have been doing some really awesome online work. Their heart seems to be in the right place but I'm not sure how I feel about national restaurant…

October 23 2011 - 6:23 PM

Next Restaurant – “Childhood” Teaser

Josh Brusin

October 17 2011 - 11:03 AM

Uncommon Ground & Finch’s Beer Company – Beer Dinner Oct. 27th

Josh Brusin

Uncommon Ground is hosting Finch's Beer Co. for a beer dinner Thursday the 27th. Three courses, three beers… $25. Uncommon Ground3800 N. Clark St.773.929.3680  

September 21 2011 - 11:17 AM

Kouzina – Food and Wine to Benefit the Hellenic Museum Sept. 21st-23rd

Josh Brusin

The Hellenic Museum will be the first Greek cultural museum in America and it will be in Chicago! This is a great chance to not only taste some unique and…

July 26 2011 - 12:12 PM

Spoon Thai – A Poor Man’s Next Restaurant Tour of Thailand?

Josh Brusin

Not sure if this is the "Poor Man's Next Thai Menu" or the "Luckless Man's Next Thai Menu" but either way it's way cheaper and waaaay easier to get a…

July 13 2011 - 4:12 PM

Chef Curtis Duffy to Leave 2 Michelin Starred Avenues

Josh Brusin

One of my favorite dishes of all time may be a sunflower broth and mixed nut and seed course that Chef Curtis Duffy serves on his Avenues menu. In my…

July 11 2011 - 12:17 PM

Next Restaurant – Tour of Thailand, Not Bangkok 2060

Josh Brusin

  I’m not sure where I had it in my head that the next concept from Next Restaurant was Bangkok 2060.  When I asked the waitstaff about what makes this…

June 09 2011 - 10:49 PM

Next Restaurant – Paris 1906… In Pictures.

Josh Brusin

CLICK TO ENLARGE. PICTURED IN ORDER: Gougeres/Hors d’Oeuvres (assorted bites)/Potage à la Tortue Claire (turtle soup)/Filet de Sole Daumont (filet of sole)/Suprêmes de Poussin (chicken supreme)/Caneton Rouennais à la Presse…

April 29 2011 - 1:45 PM

And You Think It’s Hard Getting Into NEXT…

Josh Brusin

It’s funny how I’ve had conversations about the mad dash for Next tickets but it’s still no comparison to El Bulli. I have made commitments to fly my ass to…

April 25 2011 - 5:14 PM

NEXT Restaurant to Dark Lord Days – Hype or Hassle?

Josh Brusin

“I never expected that we would sell 20 tables in 1.5 seconds as we did this morning.” -Nick Kokonas, co-owner of NEXT (on LTHforum) These days people are waiting in…

April 06 2011 - 7:15 PM

No Next Tickets? There’s Always Next Time.

Josh Brusin

So, like Dark Lord, Grant Achatz’s Next Restaurant is tickets-only. This translates into a grey-market on Craigslist where we’re seeing tickets go for around $1200 a pair. Considering a face…

March 25 2011 - 12:54 PM

TAC Quick: A Welcome Variety of Thai Food

Brian Ziegler

Usually I like picking out restaurants due to word of mouth, but in this case I credit the feedback from food writers for sending me to this place. My big…

January 18 2011 - 3:54 PM

R.I.P. Ric Hess – Thank You For Bettering The Chicago Beer Community

M. Sheppard

I learned via Twitter this morning that Ric Hess, the owner of Sheffield’s Bar in Lakeview, died at the bar of a heart attack last night.  A haunting photo of…

January 17 2011 - 11:24 AM

Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafters

Brian Ziegler

Consider it not being up on my game or just plain laziness, but it took me eight months to visit this specialty bakery that has been open since May of…

December 27 2010 - 10:42 AM

Losing Anonymity: Is It Safe to Review Restaurants?

Brian Ziegler

On Yahoo! this evening, I stumbled across an article about a long time L.A. Times reporter who, though she had a reservation under another name, was outed at Beverly Hills’ Red…

August 11 2010 - 10:26 AM

graffEats: San Francisco-Style ‘Guerrilla Dining’ Friday Night

Josh Brusin

graffEats Guerrilla Dining is coming to Chicago. They’re from San Francisco and are a traveling, charitable and here’s where the guerilla part comes in, anti-restaurantdining event that is more of…

May 28 2010 - 6:19 PM

Underground Dining v2.0 – Iliana Regan’s One Sister

Josh Brusin

Forget underground supper clubs… Iliana Regan, who has had stints with Grant Achatz at both Trio and Alinea and more recently with Michael Carlson at Schwa, has something bigger in…

January 08 2010 - 8:27 PM

Tampopo Sushi – The Secret is Out

Josh Brusin

When I moved north, I started looking around for another go-to sushi spot. On Lincoln is Tampopo and for the past year it’s been my most consistently delicious sushi spot…

March 06 2007 - 12:15 PM

Achatz and Ruhlman Talking about Playing with Food…

Josh Brusin

This past Sunday at the Steppenwolf theatre, Grant Achatz of Alinea sat down with writer Michael Ruhlman. I was very intrigued by this conversation and was looking forward to hearing…

July 11 2006 - 1:43 PM

Sabri Nehari– Devon Avenue Favorite

Josh Brusin

It’s usual for some people to order the same thing everytime they go to a restaurant. I ususally try new things, especially when it comes to ethnic foods. However this…

October 18 2005 - 12:42 PM

Gulliver’s

Josh Brusin

The first restaurant I remember ever going to was Gulliver’s and while people are bound to disagree – I  find it to be the best pizza in Chicago. When I…

April 12 2005 - 10:31 PM

Blue Elephant- CLOSED

Josh Brusin

Blue Elephant has been on the border between Roger’s Park and Edgewater for about a year (1235 W. Devon Ave). As of late Indie Cafe has been getting lots of…