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Pasta the Focus at Monteverde

There are dozens of Italian restaurants in Chicago, but only a small percentage go that extra mile and make all of their pastas in-house from scratch.  A new restaurant in the West Loop is committed to hand-making everything, including one pasta dish that has become a personal favorite.

Bunny, The Micro Bakery

Once you get past the narrow counter and the make-shift seating arrangements, Bunny, the micro bakery, is a gem of a bread shop. Named for the owner’s childhood nickname, it really puts bread in all its forms front-and-center.

Panuozzo at Forno Rosso

I’ve always thought Nick Nitti had a way with dough. Ever since he opened Forno Rosso in the Dunning neighborhood, on the city’s far West Side, he’s been consistently cranking out some of the best Neapolitan pies in the region. He is somewhat of an evangelist on the merits of fior di latte, San Marzanos … Continued

Porkmafia Joins Analogue for Pork-filled Dinner

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

Restaurant Week Keeps Chicago Well-Fed For Less

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

Lillie’s Q Now Slow-Smoking Brisket (but only on Tuesdays)

Inspired by a Texan sojourn and swayed by loyal regulars, BBQ master Charlie McKenna is finally bringing brisket to Lillie’s Q. Why the wait? He wanted the lesser-known tri-tip, a leaner, boneless sirloin cut from the bottom half of the animal, to earn his signature mark. “As a chef I am always looking to cook new dishes and try new procedures,” said McKenna. … Continued