Chicago has been gaining a number of new breweries and distilleries over the past few years. There’s even a “Malt Row” in Ravenswood with a concentration of quite a few. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery 2717 N. Maplewood 773-270-1061
What do you get when you combine a degree from the French Pastry School with a family history of Mexican home cooking? A delicious mash-up of two cultures, bound by butter, corn and chiles. The family behind Pan Artesanal has worked for years – literally – on every detail. From the baking equipment to the DIY decor … Continued
There are barbecue joints scattered throughout the South Side, but few make all of their sides from scratch and offer St. Louis-style ribs. A visit to Slab Barbecue can include all of the above, plus the expected hot links and tips. Slab BBQ 1918 E. 71st St. 773-966-5018
Unlike American barbecue, known for it’s “low and slow” cooking over smoke, Korean barbecue is a much faster endeavor. It’s really more grilling than smoking. A family-run operation in Northbrook is serving some of the best versions in the region. PRO SAMGYUBSAL 3420 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook 847-715-9073 Featured Image: @imchristinaim
A beloved Palos Hills butcher shop has expanded, in a big way, in an Orland Park strip mall. Al-Sufara is known for its extensive lamb and chicken dishes – mostly kebabs and shawarma, but they’re expanding into large-format, family-style dining now as well. AL SUFARA GRILL 9218 W. 159th St., Orland Park 708-949-8506 Featured Image: Alsufara … Continued
The Japanese tradition of “omakase” is relatively new in Chicago, but three new omakase-style restaurants have opened in Chicago recently, each with a slightly different approach. KYOTEN 2507 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago 312-678-0800 OMAKASE YUME 651 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago 312-265-1610 OMAKASE TAKEYA 819 W. Fulton Market, Chicago 312-666-7710 Featured Image: @omakaseyume
If you’ve been following my Instagram at all in the past year or so, you’ll see an inordinate amount of pizza. Slices, pies, wedges and all sorts of oven situations. I’m not opening a pizzeria, but rather, building a tour business. My book, “Pizza City USA: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town” … Continued
If you grew up on Chicago’s South or Southwest Side, in a typical bungalow, you might be familiar with the term “frunchroom.” It’s a play on the term for the front part of the house, meant for entertaining. The owners of a new restaurant in Portage Park have taken that term to heart, curing and … Continued
It’s always fun to see how Chicago architects restore notable buildings and turn them into something special. An old dairy depot on the Near North Side is a perfect example. From a space that was completely vacant, has now sprung a unique kind of hotel, FieldHouse Jones, where you can find something to eat or … 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
As we get closer to barbecue and grilling season, I’m starting to look to the Southern part of Asia for inspiration this week. There’s a place on Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park, where the grill gets a workout pretty much all day long. The menu isn’t all necessarily Indian either, despite its location. Anmol BBQ … Continued