If you liked the food at Lula Cafe or the late, lamented Nightwood, chances are you might like Giant. That’s because one of the former chefs from those beloved restaurants has struck out on his own, along with his two partners, hoping to create the same kind of seasonally-driven menu, only this time, via smaller … Continued
Chicago has dozens of bakeries, but most offer the same mix of croissants, muffins or cookies. The new bakery next door to Fat Rice in Logan Square offers the only sweets and savories of their kind, with a strong emphasis on ingredients from Southeast Asia, as well as Portugal.
In case you haven’t noticed, every Friday in May, I’ve been featuring a different Asian country for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We’ve covered Thailand, Japan and China so far, and today, we’re off to Malaysia. Chicago has plenty of Asian restaurants – mostly Korean, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese, but only one focusing on the … Continued
After snagging the “King of BBQ” title at last year’s Cochon Heritage celebration, Chef Alfred Nogueira quelled any lingering doubts over his ability to manipulate pork, andouille sausage or biscuits. His Cajun cooking became de rigueur of any visit to the cocktail bar Analogue, though the reasonably priced, bitter-centric drinks from owners Robby Haynes and … Continued
Whereas retail boasts sales aplenty after the holidays, restaurants typically suffer low attendance – not to mention worn-out staff whose vacation (if such a respite exists) lasts a few short days in January. Restaurant Week, running from Friday, January 22 through Thursday, February 4, aims to ameliorate a typically quiet two weeks with prix-fixe feasts across … Continued
As the U.S. continues to thaw relations with Cuba, there is renewed interest in the island nation. Cubans love their plantains. And black beans, and of course, their beef. But no Cuban dining experience is complete without a bit of rum, and one of the city’s best rum selections happens to be located in the back … Continued
For years, you had to venture into the basement of the Palmer House to get those fun rum drinks and crab Rangoon with a side of bamboo, but a pair of expertly curated tiki bars call Chicago home: one in trendy River North, the other in laid-back Logan Square.
They’re known for their pies, obviously, but Bang Bang Pie Shop in Logan Square is also rightly beloved for its biscuits. Unlike the pie crusts (which have lard in them) they stick to butter for the biscuits. But oh, how their heft and density boggle the mind. I could eat these everyday for breakfast, with a … Continued
I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked about my top 5 in Chicago for enjoyable eating, but I do know I usually include a recommendation to folks to go eat at Lula Cafe. It’s always been my reliable go-to for lunch or brunch on a Monday, when most places are closed, and I … Continued
I know, I know. We’ve been covering tacos, burgers and fried chicken WAY too much lately. It seems like every other opening in Chicago features these standards, albeit with a twist, in some form or another. But wait, there’s more. L’Patron (pronounced “El Patron”) is the latest taqueria to open in Logan Square, and the … Continued
Yes, it’s getting warmer outside. But ever since Billy Sunday opened, they’ve had this rum-fueled, tart passionfruit and pineapple-laced summer-inspired daiquiri on the drink menu; perhaps wishful thinking for sunnier days ahead? I say bold move, Mr. Bartender. This icy concoction is definitely something you should drink. Cheers. Thanks to Todd Rosenberg (@toddrphoto) for … Continued