Top 5 Eating Destinations For Seasoned Chicagoans
Last week, I offered my five (or so) suggestions for newcomers to our city; places that any self-respecting Chicagoan has been to, in order to establish a baseline of sorts, for where we’ve come from (and where we’re obviously headed). The post was inspired by my 20-something cousin, who had recently moved to town, and was looking for some of my favorite “go-to”s for various categories (sushi, Mexican, etc.)
This week, we’re taking things a few steps further, by suggesting the five places a more seasoned palate with a bit more experience should try. I’m sure these will eventually become the “new classics” of Chicago. I welcome your additional suggestions.
1. Avec
615 W. Randolph St., (312) 377-2002
Koren Grieveson can do no wrong. Whether it’s bacon-wrapped Medjool dates, taleggio-schmeared focaccia or something else that’s seasonal and lusty, I’ve never had a dud here.
2. Girl & The Goat
809 W. Randolph St., (312) 492-6262
Stephanie Izard is certainly the “it” girl when it comes to the TV-savvy, modern chef, but unlike a lot of her peers in this arena, she can actually cook (her food at the late, lamented Scylla proved that long ago). Critic bait awaits in the form of pig face and the like, but regulars know her panoply of vegetable dishes truly rocks.
3. Sticky Rice
4018 N. Western Ave., (773) 588-0133
Insiders will tell you to ask for the “translated” Thai menu, and seek it out, because it is here you will find funky, Northern-style sausages and curries that most Thai restaurants are afraid to serve, for fear of scaring away the farangs (foreigners).
4. Floriole
1220 W. Webster Ave., (773) 883-1313
Like an awkward kid in elementary school who always had that secret crush, I’ve been a fan of Sandra Holl’s handiwork for years, especially her seasonal bread puddings. When I heard she was going to build a store in Lincoln Park, after a few seasons of having a stand at the Green City Market, I made sure I was one of the first to walk through the door; her French pastries and sweets are positively life-changing.
5. The Bristol
2152 N. Damen Ave., (773) 862-5555
Oh, if Fergus Henderson could see what we’ve become, here in the land of hormone-pumped steaks and winter asparagus (I’m looking at you, Gibson’s). His circular specs would steam up from pure pleasure, if he had a chance to eat Chris Pandel’s food at The Bristol, where all proteins – be they primal cuts or offal – are shown the proper respect, and simple always seems to trump esoteric.
Honorable Mention:
837 W. Fulton Market; (312) 733-9555
