One of Chinatown’s most prolific restaurateurs is back at it. Tony Hu has several projects up his sleeve, including an expansion of his popular Lao Sze Chuan. His latest project is a partnership with a beloved Chinese hot pot chain that’s making its U.S. debut in Chicago’s Chinatown. Mrs. Gu Skewers & Hot Pot 2407 … Continued
There are dozens of coffee shops scattered throughout Chicago, but not many where they roast all of their beans in-house, bake all of their breads and pastries and also serve beer, wine and cocktails. A new coffee shop on the border of Roscoe Village and Bucktown offers all of the above, making it an all-day destination. … 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
A Chicago brewery’s recent move from Pilsen to the South Loop has not only beer fans excited, but also serious food lovers. That’s because Moody Tongue Brewing took over a massive space near McCormick Place, offering both a bar menu and a more formal dining room, and in both cases, they’ve released a slew of new … Continued
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
Foodism – a U.K.-based publication – chose some of their favorite food-related podcasts, and they really liked The Feed. I especially liked how they referred to me and Chef Rick Bayless.
I taste a lot of food over the course of a typical year, and this year was a particularly delicious one. In a given year, I do about 92 stories for ABC 7, some of which have multiple locations. Then figure in all of the places I try that don’t make the air, and you’re talking … 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