The Japanese bowl of ramen is getting a few new looks in Chicago, thanks to some chefs willing to experiment. While most bowls feature the cloudy, pork-based “tonkotsu” broth, a pair of newcomers is offering diners a wider range of options. One is located in Des Plaines, near O’Hare, while the other is in Lincoln … Continued
There are sandwich shops littered throughout the city. Most will fall into one of two camps: the typical deli or the Italian sub variety. However, a new shop in Irving Park is taking a more regional approach, with an emphasis on the Midwest. J.T.’s Genuine Sandwich Shop 3970 N. Elston Ave. 773-754-7729
The Chinese New Year is just three weeks away, and I’m getting into the spirit with some great Chinese food outside of Chinatown. I’m devoting every Saturday night in January to a different place, beginning at a Lincoln Park spot where shumai and har gao dumplings are the stars of an expanded dim sum menu. D … Continued
The Japanese dish known as okonomiyaki was created in Osaka. And ever since I traveled there a few years ago, I’ve been wondering why this savory pancake – made with cabbage and your choice of beef, pork or seafood – hasn’t taken off in Chicago. “Okonomi” means “what you like” so of course, you can customize … Continued
A new bakery celebrating Mexican culture and tradition recently opened next door to its more popular sister restaurant in River North. The breads and pastries alone are worth a trip. From traditional conchas and taleras, to a few creative takes on sandwich bread, there’s a lot more than just croissants and coffee. Panango! 720 N. … Continued
There is no shortage of pizza joints in Chicago, but it seems like every month or so, an exciting new option becomes available. Part of this is due to cooks getting creative and breaking out of the usual tavern-style or deep-dish Chicago has always embraced. These days, there’s Sicilian, artisan, neo-Neapolitan and even Roman style. That’s … Continued
A wave of new breweries has swept across Chicago in recent years, but a new brewery in West Town actually has four different owners. It’s a pour-your-own style of brewpub, where guests decide exactly how much or how little they’d like to try. Plus, there’s barbecue that’s a lot better than you’d expect. District Brew Yards … Continued
Turkey sandwiches are a common meal in the days after Thanksgiving. But if that gets too boring, there’s a hidden spot in Ukrainian Village where the beef sandwiches are the stars. A typical weekday lunch at Boeufhaus is pretty busy, with people sitting at tables and at the bar, all diving into sandwiches. This French-German brasserie, … 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
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