Summer eating continued in full swing with a great start and it was record-breaking…literally!
I started August with a fabulous dinner with my girlfriends on the nation’s largest rooftop, Offshore located at Navy Pier. And in addition to unparalleled views of the lake I also had some of the best bites and sips Chicago has to offer.
Lucky for me, I also happen to know owner Robert Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants so their hospitality knew no bounds. This is their second hotel project in Chicago and they’ve already bagged a Guinness Book of World Records title at Offshore!
A world class kitchen with seven fire pits and a 20,000 square feet terrace, Habeeb mentioned that his vision was to create a place for all. And when I looked around, I saw people of all ages and demographics having the most gala time so mission accomplished!
While I usually bring a guest to my menu tastings, this time I was able to share my experience with three of my closest friends. And together we embarked on a sweet culinary journey right on Lake Michigan.
The funnest part was at the beginning as Habeeb introduced us to a cocktail called, Secure The Bag; a ziplock bag filled with Malibu, passionfruit, lime, orange and grenadine. I guess it was time to kiss my Tuesday goodbye. The best part was that the drink could be taken to go, if one wants to do so. Delicious and dangerous, I’ll say.
Food comprised of summer twists on bar food classics, thanks to Chef Michael Shrader’s California cooking influences. We toasted with Oyster Shooters made with a spicy bloody, cilantro and orange. And I definitely guzzled a few glasses of water after.
Having had the Lobster Deviled Eggs before, I was certain my friends were going to appreciate them. With every bite they took of the tobiko, scallion and Thai hot sauce-filled eggs, I became a hero
The Scallops, Snapper and Shrimp Ceviche was probably my favorite. The tomato vinaigrette the fish sat in was out of this world, and wonton crisps were great to scoop little mixtures of it.
The Tuna Tartare was so fresh, we couldn’t stop raving about it. Chili lime on tortilla chips is also a great combo, I confirm.
The Three Cheese Flatbread was unique, served on very crisp crust. Light to lift and light on the stomach too.
And although I did not indulge in the humungous portion of their Smoked Pork Spare Ribs lathered with hickory barbeque sauce, it was very satisfying to watch my meat-loving friends smack their lips
We finished with a large platter of the Dark Chocolate Fondue with strawberries, marshmallows and salty pretzels, and ate without abandon. Nobody put their skewer done until the platter was wiped clean.
I still cannot believe that is how I spent a school night, at the best table on the best rooftop in town, eating some very delicious food with my crew. Grateful for my life as a food blogger and will be holding my breath for Maverick’s next venture! Cheers!
Why doesn’t the city have more pop up brunches?! Because, they are so fun! Matilda is one of the city’s most eclectic corner taverns serving new American grub, and allowing other culinary talent in the city to take over from time to time.
Chef Ian Davis is certainly elevating the dining scene with a delicious brunch hosted by the Parker Restaurant Group. And my friend Dante and I got to experience the concept and creation as we ‘Sunday Fundayed’ our way into the week.
While you don’t need your arm twisted for $4 mimosas, brunch here is a lot more than that. The Bloody Mary, Cold Brew with cinnamon and caramelized maple, and Pineapple Daiquiri; just an example of the diversity in options to enjoy a chillaxing brunch, any way you want to. And a nice glass of chilled Vendaval Chardonnay to celebrate National White Wine Day which it was, when we went.
Don’t be fooled by the short and sweet brunchmenu because every dish will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The Grain Salad with summer squash and aged balsamic was the perfect seasonal treat. Their Avocado Toast puts all others I’ve had so far to shame; it came with ricotta salad and 62’ egg and was so, so delicious.
The Shrimp & Grits had my heart; creamy porridge with pickled okra , old bay and green onion. I felt so comforted.
I always say that, if you’re going to offer pizza at brunch, it better be good. The Brunch Pizza totally qualified to be on the menu, with summer truffles, banana peppers and fried eggs. I cannot say I’ve ever had that combination of things before, but I was oh-so-impressed!
My friend clearly seemed pleased with the Smoked Brisket he ordered, and when Chef described the sauce he makes for it from scratch with pineapple and maple, I asked to have some with my home fries. Just cause I don’t eat meat, doesn’t mean I have to miss out on the sauce. Right?
The Buttermilk Pancakes and Strawberry Cheesecake were the way to go for a sweet ending! The cheesecake came in a jar with white chocolate, lime, and waffled cone, while the pancakes were denser with white peaches, caramelized syrup, and a paprika cream folded in-between the cakes. Yes we licked the plate clean.
All this was enjoyed by us on their cute patio, although on a cold day I could see myself enjoying their dark interior space very much. Wooded decor, aluminum booths, and celestial drawings make for a very intimate setting. So, I can’t wait to be back for more food and vibe. And the service was excellent!
Basically, no reason not to go back for more!
Another restaurant that I’ve missed out on for over a decade that I should’ve visited much sooner. Prairie Moon in Evanston was a sweet discovery this month, thanks to owner Rob and the talents of Chef Tony Luna. And in addition to serving classic American dishes, there is also plenty of seafood on the menu; from fresh caught fish to even a seafood boil on special sometimes.
The vibe is casual and relaxing, and instantly makes one feel at home. The service comes with a smile at all times and the food, well let me get started…
While drink offerings are full of craft beers and spirits, I was in a mood was a glass of red that evening, so that’s what I ordered and stuck with for the duration of my meal.
Then my guest and I started with two piping hot bowls of their Painted Soup with roasted squash, poblano and tomato puree, sprinkled well with toasted pepitas. You don’t have to be vegetarian to go mad for this
The Gulf Shrimp and Tilapia Ceviche was a mixture of jalapenos, cilantro, tomato, onions and avocado. At some point I didn’t even realize I was eating it, but then noticed all the tortilla chips were gone. Super refreshing and addictive!
My favorite dish here has to be the Blue Crab Cake Salad which came with two moist crab patties, roasted corn, avocado and tzatziki. The creativity of this dish really had me going.
From their small plates, we ordered the Brussels and Mushrooms (originally Brussels and Bacon) and both veggies came with a nice balsamic reduction. A comforting and filling dish that can dazzle you with its simplicity.
From the Mains, or the ‘Fins and Shells’ Section, as they call it; the Pine Nut and Sage Trout was ah-mazing! The Brook trout was simply flaky, toasted with a pine nut crust and served with wild rice and broccoli. It felt so sumptuous to be eating this and the veggies made me feel healthy!
For someone who is trying to cut down on carbs lately, the Gulf Shrimp Linguine Louise can be especially dangerous. I meant to taste it, but ended up eating it. Not my fault when fresh, tender pasta is served with an herb and caper sauce and sweet peppers with large Gulf-shrimp atop!
Desserts were just as risky. Their Texas Sheet Cake was dense with tons of frosting and only augmented this classic for me. Key Lime Pie is always good after seafood but with coconut graham cracker crust and whipped cream it is unbearably tasty! Both tested my will power to its fullest.
My dining experience at Prairie Moon is one I will always cherish as a well-spent summer evening. Try it and tell me!
I feel like my prayers to have a better food scene in downtown Chicago, have been answered! 90th Meridian on the ground floor of the Central Standard Building could single-handedly elevate the loop lunch scene.
Open only for lunch and happy hour (for now), I had the pleasure of dining in with a colleague recently, and several hours later, we still showed no signs of leaving.
You just cannot miss this latest concept of the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group which has an unrivaled atmosphere combined with a deliciously outstanding menu
We didn’t even know where to begin, when we started perusing the menu. And while I don’t usually indulge in libations at lunch, the Estandar Central was hard to resist. Tequila, watermelon, cilantro shrub and lime and…..a very happy me.
Since the Sweet Corn Bisque made with chicken stock was out of question for me, Chef sent out the Creamy Roasted Tomato for me to try. While you may not think a simple tomato soup could knock your socks off, try it with olive tapenade and a drizzle of the best EVOO in town, and you’ll instantly know what I’m talking about!
Similarly, the Tuna Crudo, which also happens to be both the Chef and our server’s favorite dish on the menu, was remarkable. Small chunks of Tombo Tuna, with charred garlic, pea tendril and radish while made for a refreshing dish, the show stopper had to be the smoked egg yolkadded on top. Everything was perfect about this fish salad, needing nothing more and nothing less.
My guest could not stop raving about the Basil and Artichoke Dip and quite frankly, neither could I. A classic appetizer taken to a whole new level by Chef Miles, was served with a tender Za’atar. The dip itself was every bit creamy and flavorful.
The Green Papaya Salad, also on their Portsmith menu is as delicious as I remember it. And I can assure you that if it is on any other menu, I will order it. Also, how do I get my hands on a jar of those Togarashi Candied Peanuts?!
We were starting to get full and only half way through our meal. Yet, our excitement hadn’t faded a bit. It’s easy, when each dish is better than the previous one. The Crab Bun is the only pescetarian sandwich on the menu, comes with big chunks of King Crab doused in butter and fine herbs, and served on a soft and squishy bao bun.
My colleague ordered The Robert, with confit turkey, cranberry sauce, sausage stuffing and gravy on a toasted baguette. He happily packed leftovers for his dinner. All sandwiches also come with crispy, thin fries, just the way I like my taters.
Finally, the entrée made its way; Seared Tuna and Avocado was seasoned generously with fresh sea salt and cracked pepper, with a small mound of tasty romesco which stood up nicely to the meaty tuna steaks. I was enamored.
We both agreed that we needed to try the dessert or we were going to keel over without sugar, which would be a travesty. Chef sent out both the Chocolate Frangelica gelato and the Bubble Gum gelato. The latter flavored with real fruity bubble gum and intermixed with actual pieces of gum. A cool and refreshing way to end a beautiful lunch.
Chef Miles Schaefer is talented and executes some of his and Chef Nate Henssler’s vision with pure perfection.
It doesn’t matter if you work downtown, because not trying 90th Meridian would be seriously missing out in life!
Mable’s Table
There is nothing sweeter than a tender story behind a restaurant’s history to enrich the experience. Mable’s Table was created to honor owner Anthony Reyes’s mother, Mable and the never-ending hosting she provided all her life for people who walked in her door. After all, there really is no better bonding than at the dinner table, sharing a meal and swapping life stories, is there?
Mable’s unconditional passion for cooking and feeding her guests is now apparent at this beautiful eatery. Open for brunch, lunch, or dinner and located in Lincoln Park, Mable Table offers an eclectic menu of classic and modern dishes, meat; vegetarian and pescetarian alike.
I visited this month with a dear friend and colleague, and we both agreed that this is a restaurant that understands what fostering a sense of community is. There was also consensus on the culinary excellence of the restaurant, with each dish exuding a feeling of comfort.
After chatting with Reyes for a little while, we settled in at our table taking in sights of the buzzing restaurant and patio. Yes they’ve got a cute patio. But patio or not, we were ready for some libations! The Smoke on the Water was perfect for me because I love watermelon juice and I love rum, and this drink had both! The glass rim was lined with a spicy tagine which made the drink all the more exotic.
The Charred Octopus was the first dish to arrive and it had pepperoncini, chickpeas, lemon and tomato. Everything about it was great!
My friend had the Mae’s Famous All-Beef Meatballs with parmesan and red sugo. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy for me not to dig my fork into it and just try a bite. Tempting even for a pescetarian! My friend said he could’ve stopped at that dish and been content. Safe to say, he liked it!
From the Raw Bar, Reyes sent out the Firecracker Tuna as a must-try! He was so right. Meaty slices of sushi-grade tuna sat in a truffle puree and garnished with serranos, fennel and grana. Glad I didn’t miss out on this astounding dish.
Daily specials grace the menu and although we were a day late for the Lobster Boil, Chef was nice enough to send it out for us. The color on the lobster was a stunning red, and it was served with sides of sweet corn and boiled potatoes. They also shuck it for you so you don’t have to do the dirty work. The beach just got closer; a perfect summer evening treat if you ask me.
Just when we thought we couldn’t be more overwhelmed with deliciousness, the Curry Noodles were presented in front of us. A red curry-based pasta dish with all the right flavors and the perfect blend of Thai and Italian cuisine. If you can’t imagine those two together, wait until you try this dish!
The dish that had us both ooing and awing for minutes was surprisingly a side of their Roasted Cauliflower. Buffalo-style florets made with real homemade Sriracha sauce, and blue cheese crumbles mixed within, that melted in the right amount to exude a pleasant saltiness.
There was a lot to rave about the desserts too. Both the Key Lime Pie and the Vanilla Crème Brulee were amazing, decadent and gave the meal a sweet ending.
I would go back to Mable’s Table in a heartbeat and next time I’m taking a big group with me!
The Chicago Air and Water Show weekend is always one of my favorite weekends in the summer. It also sort of marks the end of summer, so I like to do it up. Thankfully this year a new Beach Bar opened up right on the water at Oakstreet beach, and threw the best party ever for viewing the 61st Air and Water Show!
I was invited to be a part of it along with my friends crew and had one of the most memorable show weekends that I can remember.
This newest summer spot is truly the best if you’re looking for real fun in the sun with upscale food and drinks.
The set up was great with sufficient tables and cabanas for one to frolic in the sun or shade. Catchy tunes and live radio commentary playing in the background, and an open bar and buffet for the entire duration of the event. All for only $125. Kids were welcome too!
I especially loved how well they communicated with patrons about the weather interruption and time change of the show, and still honored the event. Full marks for being on top of their game!
If you missed the event , just remember that they’re open on weekends from 9am-11pm. So take your friends and family, and head over to the city’s most iconic beach bar! A good time will be had by all!
Another event that rocked my month was the 18th Chicago Bridal Showcase, which I attended for the first time. I was invited to attend by show creator and owner of ABC Communications, Candice Kuhnen who is also now a dear friend.
The event took place at Alhambra Palace in the West Loop, which is really the perfect venue for something of of this nature. They’ve got the space and the decor to create the oomph and elegance a bridal show would need.
After sign in, guests were treated to an elaborate champagne brunch, after which there was an informal modeling show of bridal fashions. Over 40 exhibitors exquisitely lined up; from hair stylists, cosmetic dentists, fitness experts, dance companies, masseuses, and other artists to help any bride make their most picture perfect wedding.
You didn’t have to be a bride to enjoy, as my girlfriend and I clearly had a wonderful time.! It was a great chance to meet some of the top wedding professionals in the city, and enter in lots of exciting raffles and giveaways, including a honeymoon stay for two in Belize.
Bride or not, I already cannot wait for next year. For $35 you can’t have a better deal or a better way to spend your Sunday now, can you?
I’m not a big order-in kind of person, but when I do, I like to use a service that is seamless, has options and can meet my food cravings fast without affecting quality.
Sounds like I’m asking for a lot? Not to Chowbus! A really cool platform for ordering food through their app (centered around Asian food), featuring some of the best restaurants in the city. The best part, you can bundle your order with another restaurant, so if you want you noodles from one place and your dumplings from another, that can be done!
And I was particularly in the mood for some comfort food, which is usually Indian food for me. Seeing Himalayan restaurant on the app, had me both, surprised and pleased.
My order of Vegetable Biryani, Chilli Naan and Kerala Fish Curry arrived right on time, between the suggested time frame. The app communicated with me every step of the way, from when my food was being prepared to when it left the restaurant. I love that sort of communication!
The food was fresh, well-packed and the whole experience was convenient and satisfying. Give Chowbus a try the next time you want to stay in and eat, and tell me how awesome it was!
I went to Westmont and found a hidden gem, and now my life is forever changed. At least my foodie life is. One of my favorite things about being a food blogger is doing exactly this. And when the food is good I’ll travel near and far for it, and do it again.
The newly renovated Amber Café in Westmont is your new spot, ladies and gentleman. Their hidden, gorgeous courtyard in the back is enough to entice someone, but the food matches up too. Manager Dusko Brozovic is single-handedly managing operations and making sure patrons receive personalized attention.
One couple dining there actually stopped by to tell me how sensitive the restaurant was to their gluten-allergy. Love hearing and including such stories. Because we all know that the dining experience is more than just delicious food.
But speaking of food, it’s above, above par many restaurants I’ve dined at. Lots of Serbian and Mediterranean influences alike.
As soon as you sit down, you’re served with a small platter of their baked Serbian pita bread (Sumon) along with a tasty Russian salad.
One word of advice; make sure you have a glass of their GTO cocktail made with Aviation Gin at all times. It’s such a refreshing drink and the thyme shrub keeps exuding an herby flavor.”
Then ease yourself into their Baked Goat Cheese because it’s filling and tempting. I loved that you could actually taste the tang from the tomatoes with each bite along with hints of fresh, black pepper. It came with buttery toasted focaccia too.
The Fried Calamari although fried was actually one of the lighter dishes, believe it or not. I think it was the way the squid was breaded. The cayenne aioli made sure I couldn’t stop eating these. Damn aioli
Loved the Grilled Octopus so much. This dish had a kick to it with spicy romesco, but the roasted potatoes helped ‘blandify’ it a little.
One can never go wrong with crabcakes, but they have an exotic touch here with peach relish, arugula and watermelon. The most summery octopus dish I’ve had. Very fitting for the season.
The salad options are plenty and you know I’m not a fan of raw tomatoes. But their Heirloom Tomatoes Salad with avocado feta mousse and red onions worked great for my palette. The Beet Salad was super yummy too. Pistachios are my favorite and they were generously scattered with the greens. That wins
If I ate meat, I would’ve loved to indulge in some of their specialties which I saw patrons order over and over, such as the Hungarian Goulash and Chicken Milanese. These, I understand are non-negotiable on the menu.
But there were enough seafood entrees to choose from. The Whitefish with couscous, mushrooms was nicely finished with a lemon beurre blanc sauce. That was some fresh fish too!
And my favorite dish (not on the menu) that Chef sent out was the Roasted Halibut with a chili glaze. It was carefully placed on a bed of ginger, zucchini and squash noodles. Pretty in color!
You know I never miss the opportunity to savor vegetarian items on the menu, so I decided to try their Mushroom Ravioli, especially after hearing that the pasta is made fresh daily at the locally based Avanza Bakery. Umm, yeah, sign me up! Ravioli with mushrooms can often be ‘meh,’ but this dish was buttery with one of the most flavorful versions of vodka sauce. It’s all about the sauce!
From their sides, the Roasted Corn Elote is quote magical. It’s one of those dishes that you don’t expect much from, but manages to astonish you.
No matter how full you are, do not leave without trying their homemade Tiramisu. It’s unlike any other and it’s moist, decadent and sufficiently coffee-flavored. Enough to keep me awake for my drive home to the city, anyway.
By now you can imagine that Amber Café is worth the drive! And if you’re already in the vicinity, you’re lucky! Thank you for a remarkable experience!
I’m no wine connoisseur but I’m always on the lookout for good, real wine. Winestyr is a company that launched in 2011, and brings you access to the best small wine producers in the country, and only the best, artisanal wines.
With a portfolio of over 7000 wineries carefully handpicked by them, the Winestyr Fest was an excellent way to showcase their selection.
Their concept is also an opportunity to end the proliferation of homogeneous wines usually sold by three main producers in the country. I’m all about breaking up a monopoly!
The event was held in the beautiful building of Morgan Manufacturing located in the West Loop, on a Sunday afternoon from 2-6pm. The perfect hors d’oeuevres supplied by Pastoral in a separate room, and a photo booth for some good ‘ol wine fun.
As I chatted with different wine producers and partook in my tasting, I realized what a great platform Winestyr was for the smaller wineries to receive attention from retailers. I also had the opportunity to chat with one of the company founders, Scott Washburn who plays an integral role in Winestyr’s packing website.
It was especially nice to have in tow my wine loving friend, Dante who made the experience all the more fun. Over 45 wineries were represented at this event, but some of my favorite discoveries were: Monticello Vineyard’s Vermillion, Alexandrie Cellar’s Champagne Brut, Source & Sink’s Red Blend (actually my friend’s brother’s company; surprise, surprise) and everything from Smith Story Wine Cellars!
I also tried a wine beer which had an interesting taste, but made beer more palpable for me. All in all, a great afternoon, sipping on delicious vino and getting home just in time to start getting ready for the weekend. No hangover here!
I had an unforgettable dining experience at Gold Coast’s La Storia this month. My colleague who accompanied me would surely say the same.
The restaurant’s quaint and charming décor that rests in a former home creates comfort from the minute you enter. Beautiful pictures adorn the walls giving it an ornate interior making diners never want to leave.
After four years of treating guests to authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant re-concepted recently to include Mediterranean flavors in their cooking, while still embracing the spirit of Italy. All this using only the highest quality local ingredients that come together under the culinary direction of Sardinian-born Chef Daniele Sotgiu.
Thus our dining journey began, with a glass of red and white vino each.
First on the list was their homemade focaccia which they serve with a mixture of butter and crème fraiche. You can always tell what to expect from the rest of you dinner, by the complimentary bread served. We inhaled all slices in front of us, and with a sense of pride.
Somehow, I don’t expect raw fish at Italian restaurants and now I will. La Storia’s Salmon Tartare was unbelievably tasty. Such an elegant presentation too of delicate slices of fish with hazelnut, mint and crispy Sardinian bread.
The Octopus was dreamy. Made sans the n’duja for us with crispy Yukon potatoes, shaved fennel and saba. Love it when octopus is tender and not chewy!
We were both surprised when the Ribolitta Toscana arrived because we did not realize that it was soup! This hearty potage with white bean, green cabbage and kale was so delicious that I could not put my spoon down. A step above minestrone which I usually love.
As you’d expect, pastas are plenty on the menu. While the goat cheese in the Mushroom Risotto was a pleasant surprise, the Lobster Risotto on special, knocked my shoes and socks off!
I have never had Malloreddus Carbonara. Apparently this Rome favorite is squid ink-infused Sardinian dumplings (gnocchi like texture), with calamari, shrimp, clams and basically everything from the sea with lobster carbonara and bottagra. Such exotic tastes, but you must be a fish lover to enjoy this one!
The Whole Roasted Branzino took our breath away and we both appreciated that the whole fish came without eyes. Easier on the eye and just a nicely grilled fish with eggplant caponata on the side. But seriously, you didn’t need anything. The steaming fish meat was everything!
The Stuffed Squid was a creative one! Grilled shrimp, sepia fregola, preserved lemon and fried egg. You don’t see egg on a lot of pastas and I really haven’t other than caccio e peppe. Now I wish more Italian dishes integrated eggs in them, because they go so well together.
Don’t want to forget about the Roasted Cauliflower on the side, with pickled Calabrian chili. Simple and striking!
I had made up my mind about ordering their Olive Cake for dessert, even before I entered the restaurant. You can be a butter-lover all you want, but this cake will do a number on you! It was simple, lemon-scented and stuffed with lemon curd. Loved the grilled figs added on top too!
Now you know why this dinner was so memorable. Our server had a big part in it too. She was attentive and checked up on us often. She was knowledgeable and eager to guide us through our meal. We both left feeling very happy and vowing to go back.