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 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
Columbus Day is a day when Italian pride swells in Chicago and around the country, but for me, it means it’s time for pasta. This week, I’m introducing you to a place in Wicker Park where they’re not only making everything by hand in-house, but they’re also offering some shapes and combinations you may not have … Continued
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
There are several Mexican restaurants along South Archer Avenue and west of Pulaski, but few are like Xocome Antojeria. They not only make the salsas, tortillas and quesadillas from scratch, but they only use premium ingredients, which are mostly seasonal. It’s a little bit of Mexico City on the Southwest Side, where you can’t help … 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
In early 2002, Calvin Trillin wrote a funny yet memorable story in The New Yorker about Cajun boudin (“Missing Links”) that has stuck with me ever since. In the years since I read the story, I’ve been to New Orleans several times, and have seen boudin on local menus; it’s usually gussied up with a … Continued
There are technically only two weeks left of spring, but since winter was so brutal, a lot of crops are going to be late this year. That means you’ll still be able to find plenty of ramps, favas, spring peas and asparagus, and if you missed seeing green on your plates, there’s one restaurant in … Continued
Memorial Day weekend means picnics of course, and for some, barbecue to go. I’ve been sampling some of the city’s best recently, including Texas-style brisket, which is smoked to perfection at two local restaurants. Yesterday I checked out the fantastic rib tips and hot links at Uncle John’s in Homewood, but today, it’s all about the … Continued
The Bay of Biscay hugs the northern edge of Spain, but also the western side of France. Recently, a restaurant with the same name opened in Chicago’s West Town. There are influences from both the Basque country, as well as Bordeaux, and the vibe couldn’t be more relaxed. Bar Biscay 1450 W. Chicago Ave. 312-455-8900
Pilsen continues to see signs of new development. From the stately Thalia Hall, to restaurants reaching beyond the neighborhood’s tradition of Mexican and Czech immigration. One of those new restaurants is serving food with a more global approach, at a level as high as anything downtown, but at a fraction of the cost. S.K.Y. 1239 W. … Continued