A restaurant with many firsts, Aurelio’s Pizza is a veteran in the pizza industry and also the oldest pizza franchise. A true family legacy, which was started in 1959 by Joe Aurelio, today the torch is carried on by his son who has grown the company to 68 stores across the country
Read moreProvecho!
I’ve been avoiding a trip to the beautiful country of Peru all these years because I’ve been mainly worried about the high altitudes affecting me. Yet, with regrets on missing out on all the delicious Peruvian food the country would have to offer
Read moreCin Cin!
If you’ve been reading my blogs, you know by now that I don’t write about brunch much. That’s because I’ve never really been a brunch person so unless I’m blown away, I won’t talk about it. My brunch tasting at Coda Di Volpe recently, may just have converted me into a brunch lover, and I can’t wait to see the dismay on my friends’ faces when I ask them on a brunch date next
Read moreI Did Float My Curry Boat!
Indian food will always be comfort food for me; I mean it’s the food I grew up with and was staple for at least 17 years of my life. But having grown up in India, I will admit to being a snob when it comes to Indian food in the U.S. I am not easily impressed and for good reason
Read moreI Got LUXy!
When the Gibsons Restaurant Group opened LUXBAR in 2005 in Chicago, they wanted it to be a place with great food and also visual appeal. And they were able to create just that. To give you an example, the restaurant boasts a bar that was designed and built in Vienna
Read more'Holt' Your Horses!
Highlight of this week was a little excursion to Park Ridge for a menu tasting at a restaurant named, Holt’s. Located in the heart of downtown, this year-old sidewalk café seems like the perfect, summer hot spot for its city residents. My guest and I went on a Wednesday and the bustling scene could have fooled you for a Friday night
Read moreFish, The Original Fast Food!
When owner Dirk Fucik invited me in to his store, Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, I was expecting to get a little tour, take a few pictures, maybe sample some shrimp cocktail and be on my way. I guess I did not have the slightest idea of what was in store for me, nor did I expect to spend several hours at this seafood haven
Read moreHalibut...HaliGOOD!
I’m still speechless from the magical menu tasting I had at The Florentine this week. And possibly still full from all the food I ate while I was there
Read moreI'm Turning Japanese....I Really Think So!
My first tasting this month was at a restaurant I’ve heard a lot about and been wanting to visit for a long time. Who wouldn’t be curious about an authentic, latin-inspired, Japanese eatery featuring both tacos and sushi! Along with their PR Manager, I finally ventured to put my curiosity to rest
Read morePlenty of Fish In This Seafood Salad!
It has been a fabulous week! My friend Carrie and I got to enjoy a midweek meet up for a lunch tasting at Joe’s Seafood, and we haven’t stopped talking about it since
Read moreFor The Love Of Tapas!
It was a happy Monday indeed as I got to try the new Latinicity’s Pata Negra restaurant at Block 37, located downtown. Latinicity is a full service tapas restaurant and is fairly new to Chicago. Since I had missed out on their grand opening, I was thrilled about visiting and finally trying all their creative, Latin-inspired dishes I had heard about
Read moreBig Shrimpin!
I celebrated Hump Day this week by visiting Prime & Provisions, Chicago’s new favorite steakhouse in the Loop
Read moreCheeky Business!
I had just returned from Greece and was heavily reminiscing all the amazing seafood there. Needless to say, a few days later I went for a seafood tasting at Cold Storage, and with high expectations. The restaurant far exceeded those expectations and was the perfect cure for my jet lag
Read moreAlaskan Crab Is King!
For some people it’s Monday Night Football, but for me it was a Monday night seafood tasting that gave my week an amazing start! I had a fantastic dining experience at Hugo’s Frog Bar recently. It was my first visit there after living in this city for seven years, but I’m glad I visited as a food blogger to experience the full potential of this restaurant.
Read moreMuch Ado About Whitefish!
This week, I had a lovely, long overdue visit to Brown Bag Seafood Co. for a tasting. This restaurant’s motto is simple; spend more on quality food and less on the trimmings. This shack style casual seafood eatery with a breezy, Cape Cod type décor also brings a new concept to Chicago, which combines delicious seafood with healthy options. Of course, you have the crispy fish bites or tater tots if you’re in the mood for some indulgence, but they aim to bring you fresh, sustainable seafood.
Read moreThe ‘Devil ‘ed Egg Is In The Details!
The Hamptons have arrived to Chicago! I very much cherished my recent visit to this new, fun hangout. With a nautical décor, live band, beach themed cocktails and amazing seafood, THIS is undoubtedly your staycation dinner venue this winter!
Read moreSecrets Do Make Friends!
On Monday, I found myself back at Luke’s Lobster to sample some of their new menu items, and I couldn’t have been happier. I got to meet co-owner Ben Conniff, who has opened 19 locations and is personally involved in overseeing his restaurants. It was nice to have the company of my friend & Editor at Chicago Food Magazine, Lauren Knight, who fully understands the nuances of a food tasting.
Read moreNo 'Trout' About It!
This week I’m featuring a great new find called Haywood Tavern. An invitation to do a menu tasting brought me in to this European inspired corner eatery, and I am so glad it did! Located in the upcoming Humboldt Park neighborhood, this corner bar definitely promises to break the stereotype of bar food, by offering high quality yet affordable fare.
Read moreThe TURBOTnator!
There are very few things that can get me to drive in rush hour traffic from the city to the suburbs. Other than, a recent invitation from Chef Michael Lachowicz for a 10-Course Country French Food tasting at his Restaurant Michael’s new George Trois dining room. The concept is influenced by two men whom Chef Lachowicz was himself influenced by - his father and uncle.
Read moreSiu-Mai, Oh My!
Shanghai Terrace (ST) has been my favorite restaurant in the city for years & I’ve celebrated many special occasions there. I can say that I’ve seen Shanghai Terrace evolve into a world-class restaurant and experienced some of the best service in the city. The staff is always courteous and Chef Yuen always obliging about dietary restrictions. And while the restaurant is upscale, the cultural authenticity permeates through the restaurant and the menu.
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