A lot of locals will soon head down to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for homecoming. Some just to see old friends, while others, like me, to see their kids. With a senior now at the university, I asked my daughter to do some research on great spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Columbus Day is a day when Italian pride swells in Chicago and around the country, but for me, it means it’s time for pasta. This week, I’m introducing you to a place in Wicker Park where they’re not only making everything by hand in-house, but they’re also offering some shapes and combinations you may not have … Continued
Late-night diners in the city tend to serve the same sorts of dishes: eggs, sausage and maybe a few sandwiches or a burger. But at the Fireside in Edgewater, weekend late-night dining turns into a Thai feast, with all sorts of unique items on a menu that runs until almost sunrise.
On Jason Hammel’s first day in Chicago in the mid-90’s, he grabbed lunch at the Logan Beach Coffee Shop inside the Logan Square Auditorium, not realizing how it would change his life. “So in that moment, first day in Chicago, I was sitting in the space that would become Lula, talking to a soon-to-be ex-girlfriend … Continued
There are several Mexican restaurants along South Archer Avenue and west of Pulaski, but few are like Xocome Antojeria. They not only make the salsas, tortillas and quesadillas from scratch, but they only use premium ingredients, which are mostly seasonal. It’s a little bit of Mexico City on the Southwest Side, where you can’t help … Continued
The kitchen at Libanais, which is French for Lebanon, is deceiving. This Lincolnwood restaurant has a small one up front, where you’ll see them slice off beef and lamb shawarma and tuck it into wraps jammed with pickles and tahini. You might see them grill off kebabs or assemble appetizer platters. But the real action … Continued
A new restaurant in Logan Square began with a pair of local boys, both steeped in Indian culture with a shared love of the Indian kitchen. Their first project together is proving to be a hit in the neighborhood, as it combines lesser-known ingredients and presents them in some very familiar ways. On its face, Superkhana … Continued
We’re continuing our series of “Sweet Saturdays” this month, with a look at a pair of classy desserts. Last week we talked about creamy soft serve, but if you’re looking for something a little sweet to eat after taking in a show downtown, consider a pair of elegantly plated desserts from two of Chicago’s more … Continued
If you’re headed out for a picnic this weekend and craving some fried chicken, a new spot in Bridgeport offers every level of heat – from mild to inferno. They make gigantic sandwiches too, but it’s definitely not a part of the emerging Nashville hot chicken trend. The spicy chicken at Big Boss is more … Continued
There are technically only two weeks left of spring, but since winter was so brutal, a lot of crops are going to be late this year. That means you’ll still be able to find plenty of ramps, favas, spring peas and asparagus, and if you missed seeing green on your plates, there’s one restaurant in … Continued
Most of the city’s Vietnamese restaurants are concentrated around Uptown, with a few exceptions. One of those would be in north west suburban Norridge, near the Harlem Irving Plaza Mall. That’s where I found myself recently, enjoying a lot more than just bowls of pho. Viet Taste 7221 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Norridge 708-452-7655 … Continued