In the twelve years since Michael Carlson created Schwa, jolting the city’s dining scene with a completely new take on how fine dining can be done, the commitment to vision still seemed thoroughly intact last weekend. If you’ve never been and only know what you’ve read about the restaurant, you may still be surprised …
Strolling down memory lane during Restaurant Week (RW) can reap big rewards. It’s been decades since last dining at Topolobampo. Finally that experience and curiosity about how Rick Bayless rocks the yearly food fest became two incentives that drew us into this year’s campaign to fill the towns dining chairs. 2019’s winter vortex threatened to …
Few probably look at Restaurant Week like a marathon. But once you’re in the throes of it, you feel an urge to push your limits and see where you might end up. A late start and closing in on the final days, this year’s RW has already been a roaring success. With the goal of …
After reading John Kessler’s explosive Chicago Magazine article about the waning “mojo” of the city’s dining scene, you can’t help but reassess your own views of what it’s like to eat in this rambunctious town. Drawn from his expansive view of local trends across the country, Kessler’s in a unique position to see and taste …
At seven years old this coming December, Goosefoot; that oasis of fine dining on Lawrence Avenue, has the feel of a well established and confident veteran. The spirit and energy driving the restaurant remains unchanged. Thanks to the combined vision of super chef Chris Nugent and his imminently versatile wife, Nina; the restaurant continues to …
How many marks of excellence does a BBQ house needs to become a return destination? Not many; but each one is critical if you want that repeat business to be assured. Your product can’t be dry, bland or skimpy. Good BBQ is meaty, succulent, flavorful and, if the Q gods are in the house, bountiful …
Even with the Tribune’s official announcement of its three-week long eating extravaganza dubbed the Chicago Tribune Food Bowl, it was pretty hard to determine exactly why this mega event was taking place. A little scratching revealed the newspaper is emulating its one time sister paper, the Los Angeles Time’s and its super successful May event …
None of the following three restaurants have anything in common other than their knack for consistently offering delicious food at reasonable prices. In a couple of cases, the prices are remarkably low. Bacci, even though they’ve been around since the mid 90’s, was a complete surprise. Suddenly it was just there when I found myself …
Three Little Wonders – Bacci, Noon o Kabab, Peach’s Read More »
Just one hour past noon and the Taste of Chicago’s Main Street, Columbus Drive, was swimming in people and all of them seemed to be in terrific spirits. That good times energy stayed locked in place throughout the 2 hours of back and forth looking for that perfect “taste” that would mark the discovery of …
If there was ever a restaurant in Chicago achieving a perfect balance, it would be Band of Bohemia. Nailing the basics with their exceptionally prepared dishes and sophisticated approach to a complete dining experience, they’ve moved on to conquer higher peaks. Distinguishing itself by making food far better than most, the restaurant’s leadership has also …