I finally had the chance to visit Bar Siena this week with a friend, and given how much I love Siena Tavern, I was super excited about my menu tasting at its more extensive and expansive counterpart located in the West Loop. Plus I also trust any venture former Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani is involved with
Read moreThis Jellyfish Doesn't Sting!
I started out my week right with a fantastic tasting at Jellyfish. If you haven’t heard of it, it is an intimate pan-Asian restaurant & lounge located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I got to bring a friend who is well versed in Japanese food so that was helpful. The owners graciously welcomed us, and from the very beginning the service was impeccable
Read moreGallup To The Scallops!
So excited to report back on my recent visit to White Oak Tavern, a chef-driven eatery located in the heart of Lincoln Park. If you’re looking for comfort foods served up in creative, sustainable ways, then head over to this restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Tom Van Lente (of the Big Star fame) who is back at his culinary genius, which we got to experience first hand at the menu tasting last week
Read moreGnocch Kidding!
What was a pescetarian like me doing at a restaurant named mEAT, you may ask. The answer is, I was relishing all the wonderful seafood they have to offer. You heard right; mEAT is a restaurant that also offers seafood and enough of it to satisfy a pescetarian’s needs
Read moreHoly Red Snapper!
Oyster Bah is the new kid on the block that’s grabbing all the attention lately. And the attention is well deserved! I had a chance to dine there recently, with their PR Manager Susie Riskind to get first-hand, the inside scoop on this awesome new restaurant
Read moreLet's Get Down To The Shrimpy-Gritty!
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to stop by Frontier for an incredible menu tasting along with a friend. Located on the outskirts of West Town, the restaurant is a true tribute to the west, offering game-focused fare in addition to bar food
Read moreCrab BeneADDICT!
I’m so excited to report back on my most recent tasting at Lakeview’s new brunch hotspot, Mortar & Pestle. Conceptualized by partners & chefs Stephen Ross and Stephen Paul, the idea was to offer a fancy dining experience in a casual atmosphere and at an affordable price. Their most expensive item is $17 dollars! Currently, the restaurant only operates for breakfast and lunch, but is in the process of expanding its hours and also acquiring a liquor license. In the mean time, the food and décor more than make up for it. Beautiful benches, stained glass and a cold industrial vibe to enhance the experience as you eat your breakfast. The level of involvement and attention to detail is apparent in the beautiful tables personally constructed of salvaged wood and glazed by Chef Paul
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 more“Tuna In” To These Tostadas!
This month, I had the most incredible tasting at the new Earl’s Kitchen & Bar, which opened in Lincoln Park. It is always nice when I can bring a guest along to partake in the tasting experience. It also turned out that my guest shares the same middle name as the restaurant owner, which is Earl. So the stars were aligned right from the start
Read morePardon My Escargot!
This week’s pick is Cochon Volant. I was invited to do a tasting at the restaurant and I’m glad I didn’t miss the opportunity to dine at this beautiful French brasserie led by renowned Chefs Roland Liccioni and Matt Ayala
Read moreNo Nonsense Nachos!
One of the perks of being a food blogger is being able to scout out those hidden gems I otherwise wouldn’t have heard of. One such, is a new restaurant called Dive Bar located in the Lakeview neighborhood. Last week, I had the most delightful food tasting there. A nautical themed diner offering a wide selection of rum & tropical drinks, frozen drinks (about 41 daiquiris) and New England style seafood; this restaurant was right up my alley!
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 moreThe High Points at Everest!
What do you get when you combine exquisite food, thoughtful art and French culture together? You answer is a restaurant named, Everest.
Read moreA Furious Case of Ramen!
I’ve been waiting to do a blog on ramen, which admittedly is one of my favorite things to eat. Rain or shine…I love ramen! Last week, I ate at Furious Spoon, a new Wicker Park restaurant from Chef Shin Thompson that offers Japanese ramen soup furiously fast. The restaurant atmosphere is low key with shared counter seats and a wood lined theme. Like the décor, the food is simple and the menu is concise.
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 moreLet’s ‘Kathi’ To the Chase!
Monday found me at a preview tasting for Lincoln Park’s new joint, Hakka Bakka. Thanks to my close friend & fellow foodie, Sapna Dalal of The Vegetarian Tourist, I was able to attend this fabulous event.
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 moreA 'Crabby' Lunch!
Shaw’s Crab House is every pescetarian’s dream. Which is why I had the most enjoyable experience at this beloved River North restaurant, recently. I met with their PR Manager Susie Riskind over lunch, and had been anticipating our meeting for quite sometime. My anticipation was pleasantly met with some phenomenal food and wonderful service.
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.
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