The flavors of the Philippines are not commonly known in Chicago. Most of the mom-and-pop restaurants are in Niles, Skokie and Morton Grove, but a few recent additions in the city are educating diners with some new menu items – including a brand new spot in Wicker Park. Cebu2211 W. North Ave. 773-799-8650
It’s kind of appropriate Norridge is only about a mile from O’Hare, because this little community on the Northwest Side is a literal United Nations of eating. Sultan Kebab & Bakery 4950 N Cumberland Ave, Norridge, IL 60706 (708) 395-5735
Few restaurants have the wherewithall to start small in the suburbs, only to open a second, much larger act in the city. The team behind Jeong have done just that. Starting off quietly in a Westmont mall which they eventually closed, they have now re-opened along Chicago Avenue in West Town, with an ambitious menu … Continued
The tiny town of Lemont in the southwestern suburbs is a bit sleepy when it comes to bars and restaurants. But there’s a new option downtown specializing in wood-fired pizzas called Wooden Paddle. Best of all, those pizzas are just a portion of the menu, which has a lot more going for it than just … Continued
Chicken shacks are popping up all over town. Places like Roost, Budlong, Fry the Coop and Honey Butter Fried Chicken all make excellent fried baskets and sandwiches, but a new place on the city’s West Side is also stepping into the ring. Chicken Pollo Shack 3944 W. Chicago Ave Chicago, Illinois 60651
The Japanese term “shokunin” refers to a craftsman or artisan; a master of one’s profession. A young woman currently running a new Japanese-themed bar in River West, is a shokunin of sorts. Kumiko630 W. Lake St., Chicago 312-285-2912
With the NBA playoffs starting this weekend, it’s another bitter reminder for Chicago Bulls fans the season is over. But there’s another NBA team just up the road that’s planning on a long post-season. The Milwaukee Bucks have plenty to be excited about: a new arena with a new food service program. It’s so good, … Continued
Several new Indian restaurants have opened in the city recently… all of them far from Rogers Park, where many of the old-line, traditional curry houses are. At one of them – in West Town – I was particularly intrigued by the South Indian influenced curry, so I asked the kitchen to show me how it’s … Continued
There are dozens of chains in Lincolnshire, many of them along Milwaukee Avenue. But there are a few independently-owned mom-and-pops. One of them has been focusing on homemade Italian food the past eight years. More recently, they added a brick-lined pizza oven. Bonta 430 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire 847-383-6233
The country of Myannmar, formerly known as Burma, is barely understood in the U.S. Even less so is its cuisine, since there is only one Burmese restaurant in the state. PA LIAN 254 E. Geneva Rd., Wheaton 331-716-7905
Downtown Naperville has a relatively new addition, right on the river, called the Water Street District. There are a number of new places to eat and drink, all just a few yards apart. Sparrow Coffee Naperville 120 Water Street, #110 Naperville 630-384-8940 Quiubo 120 Water Street, #122 Naperville 331-702-2711