Like barbecue restaurants in the ‘burbs, it seems there is no limit to how many burger joints one city can sustain. In Chicago, The Paramount Room has always offered food that aspires to (and reaches) new heights, despite its outward appearance as just another late night lounge. Their craft beers are as good as anywhere, … Continued
In terms of Guatemalan food in Chicago, the first thing most caucasians probably think of is Pollo Campero, the Central American-born, international chain of fried chicken shacks with cult-like fans. But for nearly 20 years, the tiny kitchen at El Tinajon in Roscoe Village has been pumping out Guatemalan classics as well. One of the … Continued
Naf Naf Grill has quietly been taking over Chicago’s fast food Middle Eastern niche. It started in Naperville – the result of a former Taboun cook’s passion for fresh pita and juicy-as-hell chicken shawarma – and has now spread to Niles, Aurora and thankfully, The Loop. They’ve whittled down the menu to the essentials: falafel, … Continued
Takashi Yagihashi’s profile has been given a boost over the last few weeks, thanks in part to his appearance on “Top Chef Masters.” One of the friendliest chefs in the business, he returned to Chicago several years ago (after stints at Tribute in Farmington Hills, MI and Okada at The Wynn Las Vegas) to open … Continued
I’m still lamenting the loss of the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop in Hyde Park, but the other location – in Evanston – is still humming along. Incidentally, they also have a second location in South Suburban Lansing. The restaurant serves three meals a day, but on weekends, they offer a few extra items, … Continued
Before you know it, it’s going to be steady sweater weather. Enter your perfect antidote: hearty burek, which – depending on where you’re from – hails from either Macedonia, Turkey, Serbia and/or Bosnia. The Beograd Cafe on Irving Park is a reliable hangout for off-duty construction workers and coffee-sipping ex-pats, and nearly every table … Continued
As you can probably tell, I’m on a bit of southern kick this week, especially after yesterday’s post about some of my eating highlights in Charleston. When you’re in the Lowcountry, near the Carolinas on the Outer Banks, one of my favorite dishes has to be shrimp and grits. True, the rest of the … Continued
(videography by Todd Rosenberg) In the waning days of summer (I can’t quite reconcile the fact that August is already in the past), you don’t have to make the trek to Ukrainian Village (or their latest store, at Belmont & Damen) to try Jesse Oloroso’s gelato. In fact, the owner of Black Dog Gelato … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) There’s been a resurgence in demand for all things smoked, partly due to the amount of press places like Mile End in New York and Schwartz’s in Montreal receive (the latter doesn’t smoke their meat anymore, by the way. I’ve been inside their kitchen and seen the proof). But I’ve … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) All month long we’re roaming around the Chicago French Market, sampling some of the best bites. So far, we’ve introduced you to the glories of gourmet take-out at Wisma, as well as the crispier-than-thou frites at Frietkoten. Today, we’re heading to Vietnam, sort of, for the traditional banh mi sandwich … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) We continue our grazing exercise through The Chicago French Market this month, with a trip to the Wisma kiosk. Chef John des Rosiers has been tackling the suburbs for a few years now, setting up shop at Inovasi in Lake Bluff and more recently, Moderno in Highland Park. But he’s … Continued