While the ramen wave continues to sweep across Chicago, there is a sub-category of the beloved Japanese noodle soup, but it’s barely seen here. It’s called “tsukemen” (SKEH-men) and there are a just a couple of places offering it now, one of them yearround.
(photo: Todd Rosenberg) While a wave of fried chicken joints has washed over Chicago in the past year or so, only a handful specialize in “Nashville hot.” The most recent – a tiny operation in Lakeview – has big expansion plans already, thanks to the overwhelming success after just a month or two in business. They’ve … Continued
After more than 70 years in business, it was time to hit the “refresh” button. Manny’s has been a well-worn staple in the South Loop, hosting politicians and city workers of all stripes, but its best days were behind it, and if the Raskin family hadn’t done something with it, the temple of corned beef, … Continued
The team behind fine-dining gems Alinea and Next have finally opened a restaurant a little more on the casual side. It’s quite a bit louder than its siblings, but the format is a lot more conducive to sharing.
Pizza is practically religion in Chicago, and there’s a lot more than just deep dish or tavern-style. Robert’s Pizza Company is a new pizza place in the city that has been years in the making by a man with a simple goal: to create the perfect slice.
In their annual Travel issue, the Tribune asked me where I love to eat/stay/shop in Montreal, one of my favorite North American cities. Click here to read the story.
In case you haven’t noticed, every Friday in May, I’ve been featuring a different Asian country for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We’ve covered Thailand, Japan and China so far, and today, we’re off to Malaysia. Chicago has plenty of Asian restaurants – mostly Korean, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese, but only one focusing on the … Continued
Every culture has its favorite snacks. And in Japan, two iconic treats come to mind: takoyaki and okonomiyaki. As part of my Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month coverage, I’m devoting each of my Friday Feasts this month on ABC 7 to a different country. Today it’s all about Japan, specifically the city of Osaka: one … Continued
There’s a lot more to Thai food than simply hot chilies. An Uptown family is taking a unique approach, serving traditional “street food” dishes from Bangkok and beyond. It’s part of my Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Coverage, in which each Friday Feast in May is linked to a different country.
There’s a very good reason Shaya won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the U.S. in 2016. It’s quite simply one of the best restaurants anywhere. Alon Shaya’s take on modern Israeli is a revelation, and even more striking that it’s in the Garden District, just a few blocks from joints like … Continued
It’s brunch every day of the week at this New Orleans institution. After having gone through some lean years (and a $20 million dollar renovation) Ralph Brennan hired Mississippi native Slade Rushing to take over and redesign the menu, while keeping the classics, like Bananas Foster, which was created here. Don’t feel like you have … Continued