Restaurants
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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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….
Read the StoryFebruary 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….
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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,…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StorySeptember 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…
Read the StorySeptember 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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….
Read the StoryJuly 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….
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJune 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….
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryMay 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,…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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,…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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)…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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. …
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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….
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StorySeptember 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…
Read the StorySeptember 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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?
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJune 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,…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryApril 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. …
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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/
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 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…
Read the StoryFebruary 08 2012 - 2:39 PM
Next’s El Bulli Video… Quite a Tease.
Josh Brusin
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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….
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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,…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryNovember 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…
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StoryOctober 23 2011 - 6:23 PM
Next Restaurant – “Childhood” Teaser
Josh Brusin
Read the StoryOctober 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
Read the StorySeptember 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryJune 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryDecember 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…
Read the StoryAugust 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…
Read the StoryMay 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…
Read the StoryJanuary 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…
Read the StoryMarch 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…
Read the StoryJuly 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…
Read the StoryOctober 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…
Read the StoryApril 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…
Read the Story