Summer may have been ending, but September showed now signs of slowing down…
Elegant, exotic and exquisite; three perfect words to describe one of the city’s most splendid restaurants located in the West Loop, Al Hambra Palace.
Intricate décor, mosaic tiles, crustal chandeliers and carved wood, all await you when you walk in. I felt like royalty the minute I stepped inside.
And the Syrian, Lebanese, and Spanish influences not just in their décor, but also in the food. In fact, I went in specifically to try their newly -concepted menu by new Chef Khalil Abedruzak,, who is of Algerian origin.
After a brief meeting with General Manager Mamoun and Chef, we began our Mediterranean voyage.
Starting with the Lebanese Melon Ball Martini was the best idea. It only added to the exoticness of everything, as a very green drink arrived with Midori melon liqueur, vodka and pineapple juice. And it put much needed TGIF into my Friday evening.
Chef brought out warm and freshly baked Za’atar spiced pita bread along with a bowl of steaming Vegetable Tagine. The perfect balance of vegetables, chickpeas and Moroccan spices. I was surprised to find brussel sprouts in the soup, but it worked wondrously.
The Salmon Tartare is one of the new items on their menu. Fresh raw salmon served on a bed of diced avocado, with fresh lime juice and seasonings. I appreciated that they didn’t take away from this dish by adding tortilla chips or any other accompaniment, other than a light arugula salad.
Next in line was the Grilled Octopus, with potato, shallots, capers and EVOO. This dish was brilliant in every way and I highly recommend it.
The newly modified Shrimp and Scallops Risotto dish now has couscous in it, and is better than ever. Pan-seared meat with a special Ras Hanout (Moroccan blend) and lots of cilantro and cured lemon. You can’t find a more comforting and flavorful seafood dish than this.
Chef mentioned that he had been trying to perfect his falafel recipe for years and finally got it where he wanted it to me. Naturally I was excited when the Falafel Platter came out. While I was in awe of its crispiness, I loved that the mixture had garbanzo and vegetables. A pretty green color when you break these fried balls open, making them even more appetizing. It also sat on a bed of hummus and feta. Just perfect!
Chef could see how full I was getting, because I definitely wasn’t just tasting all the food. It was too yummy to not have more than one bite.
So he broke our streak with two salads from their menu that he seemed especially proud of. The Beets Salad had goat cheese mousse, orange and pistachio and was even more tasty when mixed together, and the other one now hails as my favorite Fattoush Salad of all times. For this one its all about the pita chips strewed in, which makes it what it is.
Now that I was ready to indulge again, part two started with Chef bringing out a large platter of their Mixed Grilled Seafood Platter. I just sat and inhaled the steam for awhile, and let the smell of seasonings and charcoal marinate in my nostrils. But, eating trumps smelling, right? All the meat; shrimp, octopus, scallops, swordfish and even the veggies were flawlessly grilled. If you don’t order anything else and just get this, you’ll still have the most heavenly meal, I promise.
The whole time I had my eye on the Paella on their menu, but seeing how utterly stuffed I was, Chef sent out a small bowl of this traditional Spanish classic for me to try. All the yummy seafood slow cooked with saffron sauce. Flavor and fragrance achieved!
For dessert, I tried their housemade assortment of Baklava and the French Pastry Platter and both were dreamy.
The restaurants hosts a bellydancing variety show on the weekends, but there was no chance I was going to be able to stay for it after THAT meal.
So, the only warning I have for you is that if you go to Al Hambra for dinner, plan to sleep in, because you will be in the longest food coma of your life.
One of the most lavish dinners I have had with one of the most generous hosts in town, Al Hambra, you have my loyalty for life.
My visit to Mi Francesca started with regret. The regret being that I had missed out all these years on this 27-year old establishment. That should tell you that I had the most memorable visit there this month. I went with a colleague one evening and was beyond thrilled to step foot into this highly-acclaimed eatery.
As soon as we sat down, people on tables on both sides of us started telling us how amazing their food was, and how long they’d been frequenting there. Great sign!
What a welcoming space; cozy and cute with rustic décor and a lively wine bar. Naturally, their wine selection was impressive and after I tried the Smashing Peaches cocktail, I ordered a glass of the Lyeth Sonoma Red Blend. Just what the doctor ordered at the end of a long, work day.
It was serendipitous that they were out of their Crab Cakes, because Chef prepared Shrimp Cakes for us with capers, arugula, and lemon balsamic. These were pan-seared to perfection, a beautiful golden brown color with a moist inside and savory zest.
Salads are a toss-up for me (pun intended). But the Insalata di Ricola with arugula, tomatoes, lemon, shaved parmesan and EVOO was such a delightful, leafy dish. I want to make this for myself every day!
From Pizzas, I discovered my favorite Quattro Formaggi in the city. A medley of mozzarella, mascarpone, blue cheese and Swiss cheese that blended together yet preserved their individual, cheesy flavors. How was that possible? Well, you’ll have to try it for yourself. The crust was enjoyable too.
I don’t have to tell you that a place this good, nails its pasta dishes. The Gnocchi Con Gorgonzola came homemade mini-dumplings sautéed in a gorgonzola cream sauce with a touch of tomato. Every gnocchi disappeared in my mouth after giving off that slight salty note. Leaves you craving more, I tell ya!
In the same vein, the Rigatoni Alla Palermitana was wonderfully made (minus the eggplant for us), with zucchini, peppers, onions, tomatoes and basil. It was topped with a big blob of fresh mozzarella that was fun to mix in. Flavorful and utterly aromatic. The aromas just never left the dish!
Finally, we ended with the Branzino Con Gamberi E Fagiolini presented as sautéed striped bass with shrimp, French beans, and roasted plum tomatoes in lobster cream sauce. This one’s non-negotiable.
We opted for their dessert special that night which was, the Biscotto Di Cioccolato Cotto Al Forno. A warm skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato. What’s special about this cookie skillet you may ask? Everything, is my answer. Another one you’ll have to try for yourself!
Dining at Mia Francesca was a remarkable experience from start to finish and will leave you feeling special and also very, very full. This one’s a classic folks!
My theory that steakhouses can often times have the best seafood was only solidified with a visit to Rosemont’s Gene & Georgetti.
I had the privilege of finally dining at this almost 80-year establishment serving authentic food, family-style.
And I can confidently now say that owners and partners, Gene & Georgetti’s original vision of upholding tradition and quality together, has still not faded.
I don’t have to tell you that a place like this also knows how to offer up the best ambiance and service. When we arrived, their General Manager Yanni was waiting looked ready and eager to ensure that me and my fellow food blogger guests had the best meal ever.
Chef had even prepared a coursed-menu for us that was laid printed out at our table. As soon as we sat down, we were initiated with cocktails thanks to recommendations by our wonderful server. The Pomegranate Martini and the Pear Martini were both to die for!
The drinks were just the beginning. A large platter of fried Calamari ,and Sausage & Peppers (for my meat-loving guests) followed next. It may have been the lightest and airiest batch of squid I have had in my life (really) and that garlicky marinara sauce it came with, only enhanced the dish.
The House Insalata was quite the treat. The dressing was evenly mixed into the greens; was tangy and refreshing. Instead of croutons, there were pieces of actual bread (toasted and buttered) and tossed throughout. Fresh all the way!
The main course comprised of Sliced Strip Loin (also not for me), Sea Bass Puttanesca and Penne Ferrara. There was also a platter of Shrimp Diavolo that arrived shortly after.
The pasta was extremely tender and I would’ve guessed that it was made fresh that day. The Ferrara complimented the sauce and cheese wonderfully and was also extremely aromatic.
The fish was melt-in-your-mouth tender with Italian-inspired tomato sauce and pitted black olives. The slight blandness of the bass with the flavor of the Sicilian-inspired sauce made for a fabulous and filling dish.
The Shrimp Diavolo which was my favorite of them all was a little spicy with buttery shrimp sautéed in tomato sauce with hints of brandy.
The Sautéed Spinach and Vesuvio Potatoes on the side were large portions and the ideal accompaniments for our dinner!
For dessert, they sent out their Spumoni and House-Made Flan. I was having spumoni after a long time. The assortment of colors and flavors of this gelato dessert is a great way to mark the end of a marvelous meal. The fruit and nut layer in between the ice cream was so yummy. And the flan was just as good.
Needless to say, that my girlfriends and I had a remarkable and memorable first experience at the restaurant. And we’ve already made plans to go back, so there!
When a place like Eataly gets together with its culinary peers to throw a party under its Italian roof, and you’re invited, you go!
Their Fall All-Access September Fest was back for its fourth year and for my first time, and it was an unforgettable Friday evening. We received the complete VIP treatment from being able to attend an hour before the public got there, to a selection of unlimited food and drinks served up in their all decorated two-story space.
The top chefs and restaurants in town were serving featured bites at this event, from Bonci to Stan’s Donuts. Of course no party is complete these days without Aperol! Their counter was serving amazing spritz and negronis and my friend and I were in heaven. We also left with custom Aperol shirts!
Finally, I got to try the much-hyped Pretty Cool icecream as they featured their top flavors, especially a Stans donut one, only for VIPs.
I was glad that my meat-eating friend was not confined to fish, thanks for Parson’s Chicken & Fish offering a delicious-looking fried chicken at their station. They also had a gazillion sauces and each one I tasted was more flavorful than the first.
My favorite pizza from Bonci was also in attendance. Their potato-crusted one is to die for. You bet I had a few slices!
A live music band was playing while the wine was flowing. Fun interactive stations strewn all around from risotto being cooked in a cheese wheel at one table to fresh mozarella being hand-rolled at another table.
The atmosphere was loud and lively. Some of Chicago’s best bars were also serving guests tasty drinks. Three Dots & A Dash had a Hawaiian-themed area set up and served tiki drinks that were yummy and strong.
You could also find lots of other tables lined with an assortment of different homemade pastas, arancini, salumi, and Neopolitan pizzas.
Desserts were proportionately in variety. Stans Donuts of course never disappoints and Eataly’s Nutella Cookies will always be my favorite. Their Pistachio Gelato can turn any one into an ice-cream lover, even me! (you know I’m not an ice cream fan).
It’s also great when you start early, because even after four hours of indulgence, I was home at a decent time to nurture my food coma and dream sweet dreams of all the food I had just eaten.
Can’t wait for next year!
Whoever says that’s there isn’t enough for a pescetarian to eat at a pig event, is wrong! Not only did I attend the esteemed Grand Cochon Culinary event on the Chicago stop of their U.S. tour held at West Loop’s gorgeous Revel space, I also had the honor or judging the beverage competition for the Punch Kings contest for the best tequila punch using El Tesoro.
With an amazing all-star cast of chefs and bartenders specializing and featuring pig cooking, in-line with only farmers who responsibly raise heritage breed pigs, this was a feast to remember.
I co-judged with eight others, two including my favorite foodie friends. Judges arrived two hours before the event with the food judging preceding the beverage contest one.
Chicago was well-represented with competitor Danny Espinoza (of Lobo Rey), who is always a winner in my mind.
After we commenced judging, we got to enjoy the pre-VIP hour after which the event opened to the public with access to all their cocktails, wines, cheese, and lots of pork bites. Fisk & Co. had oysters that disappeared fast, and River Roast served up an amazing all-vegetarian Roasted Red Pepper dish that was just what my palette needed after all that alcohol.
Chef Seung Joon Choi from New York was kind enough to make me my own Vegetarian Summer Roll and I might have gone back for seconds.
I also had the pleasure of meeting other acclaimed chefs for the very first time, including Top Chef Winner, Carlos Gaytan and Minneapolis chef and sustainable foods advocate, Scott Pampuch.
I’m by no means a whiskey drinker, but apparently whiskey and pork go well together, so I took their word for it and had a few shots of the latter. Infact, Grand Cocohon winner this year, LA-based Chef Brian Redzikowski had the cutest little whiskey pigs at his table. They were addictive and dangerous!
Just a merry time and you’re in for a treat, especially if you’re a pork lover! Already, can’t wait for next year!
We’ve had several restaurant concepts and pop-ups in the city, but a tailgate that lasts all year long, is a first.
Ladies and gentleman, Utopian Tailgate is your place for the fall and winter! Located in Old Town, and perched on top of Piper’s Alley, this tailgatefocused rooftop comes with a funky décor and tons of interactive games; from mini-golf to even Jenga!
And while their outdoor space is dreamy and whimsical, the inside space isn’t lagging behind either. My friend and I had the most unforgettable experience at a dinner visit there, one weekday evening this month.
Firstly, we got seated at the cutest table, enclosed in a net with a disco ball hanging from it. What can go wrong from here?!
Drink choices are plenty and I got to try a few. The Big Pina comes in the cutest pineapple glass and has my favorite coconut rum in it, while the Watermelon Crusher with tequila is strong yet refreshing. The cilantro shrub in it actually added some flavor.
With a drink that good, the Chunky Monkey Watermelon Salad seemed the logical next choice. Fresh fruit, feta and herbs drizzled with Apollo 13 dressing. A cool dish, in every way!
The crispy Sweet Corn Fritters are going to be my new go-to appetizer (if I see it on any menu from now on). Loaded with fresh corn, these had mild sweetness to them. They were accompanied with a delectable maple syrup for dipping.
Then there were the Nachos! We got the 24-hour pork on the side for my carnivorous guest, and enjoyed a heap of chips with charred salsa, black bean refritos, and all the other usual nacho fixings. The highlight? The pouring of the pepper jack cheese sauce, tableside. Dramatic and delicious!
Their ‘Insane Grilled Cheese’ was truly mind blowing. Large sandwiches of white cheddar, fontina, and poblanio for spice, with sun-dried tomato pesto buttered on. I felt instantly comforted and also, full.
It was time for lighter fare, but more importantly, seafood! Utopian Tailgate has ‘seafoodies’ covered! We ordered both, their Swordfish Belly and Shrimp Skewers. The tough bland texture of the fish was so perfect for the grill; it had a mild char and went very well with the yogurt, cumin, dill and mint sauce it came with. And in contrast, the shrimp was pre-marinated with miso, sesame and lime. Together the two flavors were different and satisfied all areas of my palette!
My friend ordered a side of their Chicken Thighs and I’ll have to confess I was tempted for a minute. She said they were fantastic!
For dessert, I had my food coma as I somehow tried to stand up and make my way to an Uber.
Food is good, vibe is good and service is impeccable at this restaurant. A special note about our server, who was the sweetest and absolutely non-judgmental as she watched two ladies on the road to gluttony.
Don’t miss out on Utopian Tailgate this fall. You’ll want to stay forever!
There is no greater testament to a restaurant than that it’s been around for over twenty- five yeas in a city where the food scene is constantly changing.
Kinzie Chophouse is one of Chicago’s oldest, independently-owned steakhouses ,and if you pop in there one afternoon or evening, you will see just how loyal its patrons are.
My colleague and I were invited in recently for a tasting by new owners of the restaurant, Andreas and his wife Nicole. Both of Greek origin, the newly modified menu comes with lots of Greek influences. And I for one, am stoked!
Both owners also come with strong culinary backgrounds and owned restaurants back in Greece. And as they dined with us, it made me realize just how helpful it is when owners have actually cooked in the kitchen.
So, I naturally asked to start with a Greek wine, and after we shared a bottle of the Megas Oenos, from the south of Athens region, we did not deviate from Greek wines. Both , the Axia from Nafplio region and the 2015 Thema that followed after, were remarkable.
With that, Andreas ordered the Seafood Tower for us to try. A mighty three-tiered platter spanned across the table with fresh Blue Point Oysters (changes everyday), the Sea “Puzzle” Carpaccio, the Tuna Tartar, and the Crabcakes. The Carpaccio made the biggest impression for me, with thinly-sliced shrimp, scallops and salmon bathing in citrus juices and olive oil. I didn’t even think it was possible to slice those crustaceans!
Everything else was so fresh that I felt like I could taste the ocean in every bite.
The Salmon Pastrami was another stunner. House-made, with smoky and savory flavors and cured in a beetroot juice for color. It was served with fresh guacamole and a delicious feta mousse. That’s the Greek touch right there!
We switched it up with the fully vegetarian Mushroom & Gorgonzola Strudel and writing about this one will be hard without me wanting another one. This was one elegant hors d’oeuvre; hearty and buttery. And get this; it was poured over with a lemon style béarnaise sauce that was absolutely divine.
The Grilled Greek Salad had us all in awe. A deconstructed version and Andrea’s vision, the salad is actually served warm, and beautifully plated with heirloom tomato, feta mousse, pickled cucumber, scallion, bell pepper, capers, onion and pieces of bread grilled with thyme and olive oil. I quite enjoyed this one!
The feast continued as Andreas ordered entrees. A Tale of Two Salmons was a brilliant creation of grilled salmon coated with salmon pastrami on top. Best of both worlds! And the potatoes filled with salmon cream were the icing on the cake.
And the Pacific Halibut was an example of how the owners are trying to push the envelope with the fish sitting atop an uber-flavorful red pepper polenta cake and sautéed spinach. It also came with a melon glaze. This dish was heaven on a plate, truly! And I might go back just to fully savor this one.
The owners further indulged us with dessert and we didn’t put up a fight. Believe it or not, first time for me with a Semi Freddo, and this one was giant. For someone who doesn’t like ice cream, I made quite the dent in this mousse-textured ice cream with intense caramel flavors. The only thing is, you have to like caramel to enjoy this one!
I don’t even know where to begin commenting on the amazing hospitality and sheer extravagance of the meal, but what also got me was, the service. All servers looked truly happy to work there, and most have been there for over five years. And the food, well it’s a no-brainer.
I don’t think you should miss this one!
My “little dream” of visiting Piccolo Sogno finally came true this month, as my boss and I visited there for an exceptional lunch tasting.
Chef Tony Priolo and I had been trying to get me in for some time and luckily it happened when the weather was still warm enough for us to dine al fresco on their breathtaking patio in the back. The minute you step in you are virtually transported to somewhere in Tuscany. And a nice glass of Barrolo from their impressive wine list and house-made focaccia bread to make it all the more real.
Chef De Cuisine Mike Burke was working that day and I was so glad I got to meet with him briefly.
And thus began the journey…
All the ‘insalate’ looked delicious, and we finally decided on the Autunno with roasted grapes, local squash, arugula, goat cheese and walnuts, drizzled with lemon oil. An incredible assortment of greens, fruits and nuts!
The Burrata Con Peperoni was one of my favorites indeed, as we cut into the Pugliese hand-stuffed ball of creamy mozzarella with roasted bell peppers. Fantastico!
The Polpo was another favorite (and you’ll probably hear me saying that a lot here), but it was all so good. The grilled octopus were larger pieces I’ve seen, meatier and more orange on the inside. Beautiful color and flavor on this mollusk sitting on a bed of chickpeas and tomatoes. This is the second time I’ve had this combination, and I quite like it!
I’ve rarely been disappointed by Spaghetti Neri, but I’m also not easily floored. The squid ink pasta here is by far one of the best I’ve had, and I mean it. Such tender string cut pasta with fresh seafood, San Marzano tomatoes, and red chili flakes.
But the pasta that took my breath, and every other sense away was, the Ravioli “Piccolo Sogno.” This namesake pasta does not disappoint! Soft, four-cheese ravioli with pine nuts, brown butter, Marsala glaze and parmesan made for a fabulous carb-worthy dish! I’d go back just for this one!
Seeing how absolutely incredible the pastas were, got me intrigued on their brick-oven pizza. You can’t go wrong with the Marghertia and we did not! It was everything I would’ve expected with perfection in crust, sauce and proportion of basil.
Chef sent out the Branzino on special for our Secondi and we didn’t complain. The fish came whole and was filleted and then brought back to us, nicely plated. If I’m gonna do fish and fruit, it will be the way it was done at this restaurant. Grapefruit and capers give it a nice sweet and tang.
The Mushroom Risotto, also on special was fully vegetarian (made with vegetarian broth for us) and Chef didn’t hold back on the truffle shavings, which I appreciated!
When you’ve come this far with the gluttony, it only made sense to finish off with their Flourless Chocolate Cake with hazelnut gelato. Delicious as can be with chocolate lava oozing out and a cup of aromatic coffee on the side. Ooh la la!
Drooling yet? Thanks to partners and Chef Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo, you can visit this fine establishment anytime, and enjoy all this yourself!
A presto Piccolo Sogno!