When it comes to
dining, Chicago has it all – and some of the best in the nation. In all,
there are over 5,500 restaurants in Chicago. Of course
we’re known for our Chicago pizza, hot dogs, beef sandwiches and
Midwestern steaks, but we have so much more to offer.
Voted “Best Chinese Restaurant” three years in a row by Citysearch.com,
Phoenix Restaurant comes highly recommended by both critics and patrons.
Unlike other fine restaurants, this establishment is simply furnished;
there are no elaborate decorations or elegant furnishings. Instead,
attention is paid to the details that truly matter; the food and the
service are first-rate.
Several waiters are on hand at all times; you never have to search for
your waiter. Simply look up and beckon; a waiter will be at your side
immediately. Emphasis is placed upon each patron’s comfort and
satisfaction during the meal.
Try the hot and sour soup to begin your meal; it is delicately flavored
and just spicy enough to add a little kick of flavor. After your soup,
move on to the lettuce wraps with chicken. These are absolutely delicious;
the chicken filling is perfectly seasoned and the lettuce pieces are huge,
crisp and fresh. The waiter brings the wraps, chicken filling and sauce to
your table and then artfully prepares the wraps for you; this is just one
example of the excellent service at Phoenix.
The beef with satay sauce is a slightly spicy dish. It is prepared with
tender, high-quality beef that literally melts upon your tongue with every
bite. Another must-try is the sweet and sour chicken; the chicken has a
crispy outer layer and is drowned in a tangy sauce. The dish is garnished
with large chunks of juicy pineapple and slices of green pepper.
Visit Phoenix for an intimate dinner or a lavish party; Phoenix has a
banquet hall that holds 250 guests and a private dining room that seats 10
to 28. Either way, your experience will be infused with flavor and genuine
Asian hospitality.
This cozy bakery has dozens of types of
pastries; some are traditionally Chinese while others are more universal.
Especially delicious is the walnut cake with bean paste, which has a
startling flavor at first, but quickly dissolves, leaving a sweet
aftertaste. The winter melon cake is a round, flaky pastry filled with
Chinese melon paste. It has an almost fruity flavor. Sesame cookies are
small balls of dough covered in sesame seeds, and are not too sweet; they
make an excellent snack. Other cakes and cookies, such as the baby moon
cake or the baby pork cookies, also have paste fillings and are
semi-sweet.
For the less adventurous palates, there are apple turnovers and chocolate
cakes with sprinkles at Feida as well.
This Chicago favorite is located on busy Rush Street, with patrons ranging
from tourists to regulars. There is a large lounge on the first floor with
luxurious reserved sections, an enormous bar and plenty of tables for
parties of 2-4. Décor both in the lounge and in the restaurant upstairs
has the look and feel of a gentleman’s club; there are cigars for sale and
mahogany and leather everywhere you turn.
Upstairs, the gentleman’s club theme continues with racing stats on the
walls and grand wooden furniture. Ask to be seated at one of the large,
curved booths; from this perspective you can observe the scene both
indoors and out. The dim lighting gives the dining room a formal tone, but
the sounds of glass tinkling, laughter and the noises from the nearby open
kitchen keep things lively.
Begin your meal with the steak teriyaki with crispy noodles. Tavern on
Rush is known for its steak, and this appetizer will not disappoint. The
steak is tender and deliciously flavored; it is an excellent way to whet
your palate.
The Caesar salad is also superb. It is large enough to share and flavorful
enough to truly satisfy, with shreds of American cheese layered over the
crisp lettuce for added taste. Order the linguine to go along with your
salad; this pasta dish is light and subtly flavored with chunks of stewed
tomato.
The dessert menu is extensive; try the 7-layer chocolate cake, covered in
crème anglaise and chocolate fudge. It is huge, moist and incredibly
chocolaty. The leftovers will last for days!
Eating at this establishment is an experience in itself; after one visit,
you will know why locals casually refer to it as “The Tavern” and return
for its fare again and again.
This airy French café is spacious and uncluttered; there are framed
posters high on the lemon-yellow walls and mirrors everywhere, but the
furniture is kept to a minimum. Booths line the walls and tables cluster
near the immense front windows, but the feeling persists that one could
easily convert the dining area into a dance floor without much effort. The
result is a light-filled experience that is anything but stuffy.
The café is so persuasive in its French ambience that glancing through the
floor-to-ceiling front windows, one would expect to see the quiet streets
of a sleepy French town.
Stop at Bistrot Zinc for dessert as you explore North State Street; you
have your choice of crepes, gateaux (cake), and a variety of other
confections. Try the Warm Apple Tart for a twist on a traditional
favorite. It is served with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce which
emphasizes the cinnamon and vanilla flavors infused in the crust. Wash it
down with a huge glass of milk or a mug of coffee and relax as the jazz
swirls around you. Half an hour at this lovely café is the perfect
complement to your day.
Greektown
Greek Islands, 200 S. Halsted - Official Web Site Stepping into this bright, spacious restaurant is like stepping into a
bustling Greek cafe; you are instantly surrounded by the hubbub of good
conversation, the sound of lively Greek music, the aroma of bread and
Greek specialties and the general celebratory atmosphere of Greece itself.
After being led to your table, you will be offered complimentary bread and
parmesan cheese with authentic Greek Malva olive oil. The cheese is much
zestier than the subtle Italian variety, since everything at Greek Islands
is strong on flavor and full of character.
Start your meal with the fried eggplant with tomato cheese sauce. The
sauce is made of chopped onions and other vegetables and adds a tangy
flavor to the eggplant. For a nice complement to your appetizer, the
kotosoupa, or chicken vegetable soup, is a good choice. All soups are made
fresh each day.
As your entrée, try the Combination Plate; there are many choices on the
menu and it can be hard to pick just one. The Combination Plate lets you
sample a little bit of everything! The entrée includes a perfectly cooked
roast leg of lamb, mousaka (a baked eggplant casserole), dolmades (stuffed
grape leaves), meatballs, vegetables and potatoes. On the other hand, you
can never go wrong with the dish that made Greektown famous in the first
place; the Gyros Plate is a house specialty. You will receive a hearty
helping of home-made slices of ground beef and lamb with herbs and spices
as seasoning. Be sure to pace yourself with this one; the serving size is
anything but skimpy.
This large, airy café is the perfect place to meet friends, curl up with
tea and a book, or just take in the scene as people pass by the immense
windows. There are large counters around the café; one of them offers soup
and sandwiches, another offers baked goods, and another sells tea, wine
and other beverages. Although there is some seating on the ground floor,
most seating is found on the wide balcony that overlooks the entire café,
thus creating an open space. Décor is airy as well; there are Greek tiles
on the walls and pastel paintings scattered about. The atmosphere is
elegant yet cheerful, and even at night the café is reminiscent of a
bright summer afternoon.
Greek pastries are a specialty of the Artopolis Café. Baklava is a Greek
staple and is popular even among non-Greeks. Other pastries include the
melomakarouna, which is a cookie made with honey and walnuts, and the
kourabiedes, which is an almond cookie in the shape of a crescent. The
kataifi is another pastry made with almond; it consists of flaky, shredded
pastry sweetened with honey and sugar. There are more traditional desserts
as well, such as chocolate cake, passion fruit pastry and strawberry
mousse, but the Greek specialties are worth a try. They offer a unique
sweetness and are a delightful mouthful to eat as well as pronounce!
The Loop
Park Grill at Millennium Park, 11 N. Michigan Ave. - No Official
Web Site
The Park Grill consists of three different dining options; there is the
Park Grill Restaurant, the Park Café and the Park Grill on the Plaza. The
Park Café caters to picnic-goers, offering picnic lunches complete with
sandwich, dessert and drink. The café even offers portable seating so you
can make the most of your Millennium Park picnic.
The Park Grill on the Plaza is an extension of the Park Grill Restaurant;
Chef Bernard Laskowski prepares foods that have an ethnic twist, and all
food is served outdoors in Millennium Park.
The Park Grill Restaurant is the foundation of this trio; located inside,
adjacent to the Café, the restaurant is upscale yet informal. With a
roaring fireplace, fancy fixtures, extremely gracious wait staff and
tasteful music, the dining experience at the Park Grill is a very pleasant
one.
Food at the Park Grill is also prepared by Chef Laskowski, but here the
focus is on American cuisine. Lunch entrees are priced between $10 and
$15, and range from common yet carefully-prepared dishes such as
hamburgers or Caesar salad, to more exotic choices such as roasted pumpkin
soup or avocado squash and pomegranate salad.
The Rueben sandwich, served with soup and French fries, is a delight.
Corned beef on toasted dark rye bread, with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and
Thousand Island dressing, the sandwich is refreshingly different and very
tasty. The seasoned French fries are a nice complement.
For those interested in lighter fare, try the roasted pepper and fennel
soup. At first taste this soup resembles a simple tomato soup, but as the
flavors explode on your tongue the spicy basil and foamy cream base make
themselves known. This soup goes nicely with the house salad, which
consists of mixed greens with cucumber, tomato and a vinaigrette dressing.
There is a full wine menu to go with your meal, as well as a wide
assortment of beverages. For dessert, there are unique choices such as
vanilla crème brulee with seasonal berries, which comes highly
recommended, and staples such as tiramisu or a Granny Smith apple tart.
Surely, a visit to the Park Grill is part of a perfect day at Millennium
Park.
Rhapsody is adjacent to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra building; after CSO
performances, the restaurant is filled with music-loving patrons. The
restaurant is spacious and has several different seating areas; there is
the Conductor’s Room for private parties, a large indoor lounge, and a
beautiful outdoor dining patio.
The outdoor patio is actually a lush garden, which is very popular in warm
weather. The indoor lounge is massive, with long leather couches along the
middle and several plush sofas in the corners for smaller groups. The
large but cozy lounge is decorated in warm colors; there are small candles
on every table and the bar near the back of the room seems lit from below.
Everything in the room almost glows, creating a serene tone that invites
conversation and lingering.
Cuisine at Rhapsody is American, with an emphasis on fresh fish. Take your
pick of a number of interesting menu items, but save room for dessert.
Dessert here is pure music; try the Double Chocolate Cake with Mandarin
Coulis. The warm, perfectly spongy brownie is sprinkled with powdered
sugar, garnished with thyme and mint and served with ice cream,
strawberries and blueberries. The dish is decadent, but the serving is
small and leaves no room for guilt.
Other desserts include a Blueberry Streusel Tart, Cranberry Ginger Mousse,
Homemade Sorbet and a host of dessert wines.
This popular Spanish restaurant is always filled with patrons; its
high-energy atmosphere makes it irresistible. The crowd is lively and
there is an ongoing whirlwind of activity as waiters rush around bringing
orders.
Spanish is certainly the theme here; besides the food, the décor gives off
a distinctly Latin flavor. There are tiles on the walls, huge murals
brightening up every room, and understated salsa music playing overhead.
As for the food itself, the specialty at this restaurant is tapas. Tapas
is the Spanish tradition of small-sized dishes, which allows you to sample
several different items from the menu.
Take this opportunity to try a wide variety of dishes; the beef and
chicken dishes, in particular, are excellent. Try the rioja short ribs
with manchego mashed potatoes; the meat is tender and wonderfully accented
by the mashed potatoes. The beef skewer is reminiscent of barbecue, with
horseradish cream and red onions as garnish. The chicken breast comes with
roasted peppers and is garnished with goat cheese; this is a simple but
savory dish.
One of the café’s specialties is the goat cheese baked in tomato sauce.
This dish comes with garlic bread and is the perfect addition to your
tapas experience. Consider getting two orders of this one; it goes fast!
For dessert, try the rice pudding; it is made with white chocolate and
tastes like traditional rice pudding, but with a little kick.
Owned by husband-and-wife-team Dimitri and Keli Fayard, both accomplished
pastry chefs with years of experience, Vanille Patisserie is the best of
French pastry right here in Lincoln Park.
This small bakery is set into a cozy space, with sophisticated yet simple
décor. There are funky lamps hanging from the ceiling, tasteful frames
adorning the walls, and a huge, brightly lit display case taking center
stage.
You can carry-out a wide selection of pastries, or dine in at one of the
tables and chairs set along the window. Either way, you will enjoy
personable service and delicious dessert.
Vanille Patisserie offers a range of pastries. There are croissants and
petit fours, as well as tarts of every flavor. Some of these include the
Tarte Vanille, Tarte Banane and Tarte Citron. There are also brownies,
tiramisu and interesting-sounding cakes (try the Sicilia, which is
pistachio cream, cinnamon mousse and vanilla nut sponge, or the Carapoire,
which is chocolate cake, caramel mousse, pears bavaroise and diced pears.)
Of course, the entremets, or mousse cakes, are not to be missed either.
Recommended are the Printemps, made of white chocolate mousse, raspberry
jam and vanilla cream, as well as the chocolate-lover’s dream, the Manjari,
made with chocolate mousse, chocolate cream and flourless chocolate cake.
Both of these small cakes literally melt in your mouth; they are decadent
but not at all heavy. The cakes are clearly made using high-quality
ingredients, as is evident by the delightful taste. The entremets are
pleasing to the eye as well, appearing in imaginative shapes and colors.
They are as decorative as they are delectable!
Vanille Patisserie can cater as well, providing sweet tables for events of
up to 2000 guests. Also available are custom cakes, made fresh to order
with handcrafted sugar decorations. Sugar showpieces, chocolate showpieces
and chocolate gift boxes can also be custom-ordered.
Magnificent Mile
PLACES TO EAT:
Ditka’s,
100 E. Chestnut St. - Official Web
Site
If you are not a football player, you will need the appetite of one.
Ditka’s Restaurant serves up gigantic portions of hearty food.
With low lighting and jazzy background music, the dining room at Ditka’s
is considerably more austere than the Cigar Bar upstairs or the bar/lobby
downstairs. However, true to its name, the walls in the dining room are
completely covered with Bears memorabilia, as well as sports paraphernalia
from various other football teams.
The décor is interesting to study while you wait for your food, but once
the food does come, you will find that it has your undivided attention. As
an appetizer, try the roast beef nachos; the exuberant amounts of meat in
this dish make it a meal in itself. Have only a few bites and then wrap
the food away, for the main courses prove to be even heartier than the
appetizers.
The Fridge Burger is the only burger on the menu, but this half-pound
burger can be customized exactly as you want it. It is a solid choice for
the less adventurous diner.
If you are in the mood for steak, you will find every size and cut
imaginable on this menu. There are steaks for every appetite and budget;
our pick was the chicken fried steak with came slathered in a hamburger
gravy. If you order this steak, loosen your belt: you will be full long
before you’ve made a dent.
All entrees come with your choice of sides; try the baked potato. It
resembles a small football more than a vegetable; at almost a foot long
and several inches wide, it takes courage to tackle.
The dessert choices are all winners, but be sure to share. The chocolate
layer cake is actually one-fourth of an entire cake, and can feed at least
6 people. The (massive) portion you are forced to take home will serve as
dessert for several days.
Signature Lounge at John Hancock Building, 875 N. Michigan Ave.
The Signature Lounge is on the 96th floor of the
John Hancock Building;
it is the highest point a visitor can reach at the Hancock. The Signature
Room, one floor below, is a restaurant, while the Lounge is an intimate
bar. The Lounge welcomes you to order one drink and then relish it slowly
as you marvel at the view.
The interior of the lounge is dimly lit with sparsely decorated walls; the
tone is classy but quiet. There is swing music playing softly as people
speak in low voices. This lounge is welcoming, cozy, comfortable: unlike
many lounges, there is not a hint of din or clamor.
The wine and champagne selection is extensive, and there are finger foods
such as small sandwiches offered as well. The order is served in only five
minutes and you are then free to enjoy your food and the view.
And what a view it is. At the northern end of the Loop, facing south, the
Hancock is situated perfectly: you can gaze out for miles at the Loop and
beyond. High above the city, looking down upon it, you are struck with awe
at the city that is Chicago; the enormity of the city is difficult to
grasp even at this great height.
Ghirardelli, 830 N. Michigan Ave.
Furnished like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Ghirardelli is the
perfect place to stop for a quick hot chocolate or a heaping scoop of ice
cream. There is table seating on one side of the restaurant and a long
soda parlor bar on the other.
Order anything on the menu; just about every item will be decadent, rich,
high in calories and sure to please. The hot chocolate comes in a mug that
is as large as a soup bowl; they even provide you with a spoon in case you
can’t lift the mug!
The woman at the front door offers you free chocolate samples from a large
wicker basket, the waiters have paper hats on their heads and grins on
their faces, and the general tone of the parlor is that chocolate is
something to celebrate. Walk into this parlor and join the fun.
Salpicon can be described in one word: bold. At this upscale Mexican restaurant the décor
is as colorful as the food, and nearly as daring.
As you enter Salpicon, you are met with an explosion of color. The walls
are covered with large oil paintings, depicting everything from scenes of
Carnivale to religious frescoes to bowls of fruit. There is plenty to take
in as you are led to a table.
The frenzy of color continues even as you sit down: the tables themselves
are decorated with hot pink tablecloths and green chairs, blue plates and
green glasses. Piano music plays in the background and the restaurant is
well-lit, furthering the stimulating atmosphere.
The food is stimulating as well. If you are accustomed to having wine with
your meal, you will appreciate the restaurant’s extensive wine list. Your
waiter is on hand to explain the specials of the day and to recommend the
most complimentary drinks for your order. If you want the work done for
you and you are part of a larger party, you can try the Chef’s 7-Course
Tasting Menu, with matching wines.
If your party is smaller, there are several items on the menu that are
sure to delight your taste buds. Start with the Sopa de Tortilla, a rich
vegetable soup with tomatoes and epazote, garnished with chile pasilla,
avocado, fresh cheese and tortilla strips. This soup is earthy yet
delicately flavored; it is possible to actually taste individual herbs in
every bite.
Sopes Rusticos is an appetizer which is almost hearty enough to be an
entrée. This is a trio of small, thick tortillas topped with a roasted
tomatillo sauce, fresh cheese, onions and avocado chunks. It delivers a
very unique taste and is absolutely studded with flavor.
For a main course, try the Pollo en Mole Poblano; these are free-range
chicken breasts that are charcoal-grilled, topped with a classic Pueblan
mole and served with Mexican rice. The mole, or sauce, that covers these
chicken breasts is made of several ingredients and is unique to Salpicon;
it will have you asking to buy a bottle to take home!
The Fudge Pot, 1532 N. Wells St. - No Official Web Site
The Fudge Pot is a family owned chocolate shop; it was founded by the
Dattalo family in 1963.
As you walk in, you are hit with the unmistakable scent of chocolate. The
reason for this becomes clear as you take in the walls; every shelf is
laden with chocolate in every imaginable shape. The display case has trays
full of chocolate dipped fruits and marshmallows, slabs of pure dark or
milk chocolate, blocks of fudge, caramel apples and even lollipops of
various sizes and flavors.
All chocolate is made on the premises and you can custom order anything.
Any object can be created out of chocolate, including animals, gift boxes,
cameras, watches, bowling shoes, pianos, tools, sports equipment, etc. You
can even have your company logo reproduced in chocolate!
The Fudge Pot is a wondrous shop; stop in for a glimpse of this chocolate
fantasy!
Printers Row
Gourmand Coffee and Teas, 728 S. Dearborn
Map It | No Official Web Site
This cozy little coffeehouse has high ceilings, large windows and plenty
of comfy sofas. Bob Dylan plays overhead as you step up to the counter to
place your order. Scan the immense blackboard high on the wall behind the
counter to check out Gourmand’s array of sandwiches and soups, as well as
its large selection of teas and coffees. Lunch is affordable and hearty; a
sandwich costs about 7 dollars and there is a freezer filled with ice
cream for dessert.
The café is frequented by an assortment of regulars; people linger over
their lunch, reading or working long after they’ve finished their food.
The café furthers the feeling of community that is well and alive in
Printer’s Row: there is a large bulletin board generously plastered with
neighborhood notices, and the walls display paintings and drawings, for
sale by local artists. This little coffeehouse is picturesque and
charming; be sure to visit. You will feel like part of the family.
Trattoria Caterina, 616 S. Dearborn
Map It | No Official Web Site
Trattoria Caterina feels more like a living room than a restaurant.
Walking in the door, you are greeted with a warm, cozy L-shaped room with
black and white family pictures on the wall. Dimly lit and boasting only
13 tables, the restaurant is very intimate. Italian opera music plays in
the background as you settle into your table and are offered bread, cheese
and oil.
Penny, the accented waitress, is friendly and maternal; her
recommendations regarding the menu are to be taken very seriously.
The menu itself is full of delicious items; there are several appetizers
from which to choose, and the eggplant rolls are one of the best. These
rolls, which are simply eggplants stuffed with cheese and covered in
marinara sauce, are a must-try at Trattoria Caterina. Complement your
appetizer with a Caesar salad; the salads are made in true Italian style,
with dark leafy greens and a light, airy Caesar dressing.
If you are in the mood for veal, you will find at least ten veal dishes on
the menu; each dish is served with your choice of soup or salad, and we
suggest the minestrone soup. This soup is overflowing with fresh
vegetables and beans; it is clearly a homemade recipe. If you are not in
the mood for veal, the pasta dishes are plentiful and almost any type is
available. Each serving is incredibly generous.
For dessert, you can choose from a variety of decadent options. The menu
includes pumpkin or chocolate chip cheesecake, canoli, tiramisu, Italian
ice in lemonade or watermelon and a huge fudge brownie.
At Trattoria Caterina, the atmosphere lives up to that of the
neighborhood; dining here is like being invited to someone’s home for
dinner.
For a taste of India right here in Chicago, head to Klay Oven. This
restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine without attempting to
Westernize its food, and the result is one you don’t want to miss.
The establishment itself is simple yet elegant, with tasteful Indian wall
tapestries and decorations showcased among the comfortable booth-style
tables. A quiet fusion of jazz and Indian music plays overhead, completing
the scene. The menu uses proper Indian names for each dish, but no need to
worry. With a wait staff that is helpful and ready to provide food
recommendations, you will be sure to experience a meal that is ideal for
your tastes (and spice-tolerance level!)
As an appetizer, try the Sabzi Pakora; these are vegetables coated in
chick-pea flour and then fried; the effect is a surprisingly light,
delicately flavored way to whet your appetite.
As an entrée, try the Gosht Pasanda if you are in the mood for lamb; these
tender morsels are prepared in a seasoned yogurt sauce and are incredibly
flavorful. Eat the Gosht with Paratha, which is flaky whole wheat bread.
Paratha is also excellent with the Murg Makhani, or Butter Chicken. This
dish is boneless tandoori chicken cooked in a rich tomato butter sauce. Be
sure to loosen your belt beforehand; each of these dishes is a decadent
choice that will surely satisfy a large appetite!
If the flavors get a little hot for you, make sure you order the Kheere Ka
Raita; this is a yogurt dish that includes chopped cucumber, coriander,
roasted ground cumin and paprika. When eaten with your entrée, it cools
your palate and adds a lovely dimension of flavor to your meal.
Finish off your meal with some traditional Indian chai; made with boiled
milk and given an extra kick of flavor with some added clove and cardamom,
this tea is exotic and refreshing all at once.
Chocolate Bar at the Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior -
Official Web Site
The Peninsula Hotel is one of Chicago’s best. With rooms in the
thousand-dollar range, everything this hotel does is grand. Thus the
hotel’s Chocolate Bar, a chocolate buffet situated in the beautiful Lobby
Restaurant, is as much about the experience as it is about the chocolate
itself.
The idea of a Chocolate Buffet is inherently decadent; add that to the
gold and polished luxury surroundings and you have the makings of a truly
fantastic evening. Offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Chocolate
Bar features chocolate in almost every form.
There are strawberries dipped in chocolate, chocolate marshmallows and
tiny ceramic dishes filled with chocolate cream. There is chocolate
brioche, chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, all artfully arranged and
topped with tiny, luscious raspberries. There is milk chai hot chocolate
and lavender-laced white hot chocolate. There are truffles, chocolate
crisps and chocolate lollipops. Truly, the feast goes on and on.
As the live band plays in the corner, serenading you with jazz and
classical music, you return to the buffet again and again, trying more and
more servings of high-quality chocolate in various forms.
Plan to visit this chocolate wonderland for a special occasion, or just to
treat yourself. Be sure to eat a light dinner, however, since you will
need quite an appetite to do justice to all this buffet has to offer. With
a price tag approaching $100 (including valet parking) for two people, the
Chocolate Buffet is not an experience you want to rush. It is essential
that you take your time to relish the delicacies as well as the ambience.
If you do this, the evening is well worth the price.
At the Peninsula, indulgence is key. After all, what could be better than
a glamorous, candle-lit room, views of the city and, of course, dessert
for dinner?
Zapatista is a lively neighborhood restaurant with a generous helping of
Mexican flair. Waiters cheerfully call out to one another; colorful tiles
adorn the walls; upbeat salsa music infuses each conversation. The result
is a sparkling, energetic atmosphere that welcomes guests to linger and
enjoy the dining experience.
As you pore over the menu, complimentary chips and salsa are brought to
your table. The chips are uncommonly tasty and put you in danger of
ruining your appetite; munch carefully!
Begin your meal with soup; Zapatista has several soup choices and the
Tortilla Soup is a must-try. This warm, flavorful soup is an exotic
version of old-fashioned tomato soup.
It is topped with queso fresco (fresh cheese), crispy tortilla strips,
avocado and sour cream.
For your entrée, try the Burrito. You can choose from a filling of grilled
steak, chipotle chicken, roasted pork or roasted vegetable. Each burrito
comes stuffed with fresh romaine lettuce, sour cream, black beans, queso
fresco, pico de gallo and your choice of five sauces, ranging in spiciness
from mild to muy, muy caliente! It is served with Mexican rice and black
beans.
Another recommended entrée is the enchilada. Try the Suizas; this is a
hearty, shredded beef enchilada with poblana cream salsa, Chihuahua
cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo. This entrée consists of three large
enchiladas and will almost certainly result in leftovers!
The Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are an interesting side dish; the surprising
blend of sweet and fried potato is a great complement to the burrito and
the enchilada.
If you have room left after your meal, try one of Zapatista’s unique
desserts. Choose from Orange Flan, Chocolate Tamale or Mexican Cheesecake
and end your evening on a decidedly sweet note!
Sushi is all the rage lately, and Chicago has more than its share of sushi
restaurants that cater to this craze. Yet not all sushi bars are created
equal: Kamehachi is in a class of its own. With one of the most extensive
sushi menus around, the most discerning sushi aficionado as well as the
most hesitant sushi novice will find something to please the palate.
Kamehachi is decorated in an Asian theme and sits below ground level;
walking into the restaurant you are met with a cool, airy room with a
grand sushi bar to your left. Sushi chefs line up behind the bar, poised
and ready to create your meal.
Once you are seated and handed a menu, you will see that the choices are
endless at Kamehachi. The best way to proceed is to try a little of
everything; the Sushi A La Carte menu is ideal for this. Start out with
the Kappa Maki, which is cucumber sushi; it is light and fresh, and eases
you into the sushi experience. Alongside this, try the Agadeshi tofu; this
tofu is battered and fried in soy broth, with added ginger. It is
flavorful and soft, literally melting on your tongue. Next, take a more
daring step and try the Tako; this is octopus sushi. It is a sliver of
octopus tied to rice and is very fresh; the flavor is tangy and strong,
and surprisingly delicious.
After these airy bites, you will need something more hearty as an entrée.
Try the Asian Lamp Chops; these are marinated in a garlic and sesame soy
sauce. Or try the New York Strip Steak, which is 12 ounces of meat grilled
with teriyaki sauce and comes sliced, for maximum flavor penetration. Both
are delicious, and although the helpings are generous, you will clean your
plate. This is the kind of excellent cuisine you cannot help but devour,
no matter how large the portion.
Top off the meal with some tea; served in small cups, this tea will let
you linger over the end of your sushi experience and leave you
anticipating your next visit!
Navy Pier draws visitors both far and near; walking along the Pier, taking
in the view of the Lake and enjoying good conversation is one of the
city’s great delights. As with any experience, your day at Navy Pier can
be sweetened by indulging in a little dessert.
There are dozens of dessert kiosks located along the Pier, temptingly
showcasing their wares as you walk by. And what a variety of treats there
are!
In the midst of a hot Chicago summer, you can choose cool Italian ice or
delicious ice cream. On those brisk autumn days, try a warm elephant ear
sprinkled with powdered sugar, or a churro rolled in cinnamon. The choices
seem as endless as the Pier itself: go ahead, indulge yourself!
This stylish establishment is the place to come for truly delicious
Mandarin cuisine. Certainly, the décor is elegant, the service is
incredibly refined and the ambience is romantic; yet it is the food that
will bring you back to this restaurant again and again.
Sitting under the glowing Asian lanterns, making yourself comfortable in
the wide mahogany booth, you are ready for a perfect meal. And that is
precisely what you receive. Pick from greens, grains, fish, fowl and meat
to create an unforgettable feast, crafted just for you.
The Fiery Chicken is a dish of tender, wok-seared chicken garnished with
peanuts and red chili peppers and then stir-fried in spicy sauce. It is
delicious, especially when paired with your choice of white or brown rice
and ginger soy sauce.
If you are in the mood for steak instead, try the Mongolian Steak. These
slices of flank steak are stir-fried and cooked with mushrooms, yellow
onions and scallions in an optional wine sauce. The steak is perfectly
seasoned and so tasty that you will not want to share!
A meal at Dragonfly is the total package; you are welcomed warmly, seated
cozily and served some of the city’s most tempting Asian fare. For a
charming experience, you cannot go wrong here.
Amidst the plethora of exotic cuisines to be found in Wicker
Park/Bucktown, La Brochette stands out for its commitment to authentic and
flavorful ethnic fare. This restaurant offers French-influenced Moroccan
food at an affordable price, and throws in ambience for free!
Settle at one of the tables in this small, cozy restaurant. Take in the
boldly colored Moroccan décor and soft, cheerful music. Return the
waiter’s smile, open the menu and feel yourself relax as enticing aromas
waft towards you from the kitchen.
Here at La Brochette you can choose from a menu full of hearty yet healthy
dishes. Start your meal with some rose tea; this cleanses the palate and
whets the appetite. Next, try the grilled seasoned chicken or the roasted
potatoes with rice; both are simple meals that satisfy a large appetite.
For something a little spicier, the Moroccan meatballs are delicious, as
is the beef stew with mushrooms. For a lighter meal, have some couscous
with roasted vegetables, with a side of chicken noodle soup.
Many dishes at La Brochette are served with fresh vegetables, making your
meal not only filling, but heart-friendly as well!
This small, cozy establishment is tucked into a corner and easy to miss;
however, missing it would mean foregoing a truly pleasant dining
experience. Once seated at your table in one of two small dining rooms, or
in the outdoor seating area, you will be offered bread with a plate of
roasted garlic, cheese and oil. The bread is fresh and the garlic whets
your appetite for the meal to come. As you wait, take in the friendly
atmosphere and the din of content diners at nearby tables; there is a buzz
to the room that is inviting and lively.
Try the bruschetta as an appetizer; it is topped with fresh, red tomatoes
and seasoned to perfection. If you are in the mood for pasta, the Four
Cheese Ravioli is the way to go; each ravioli is stuffed with meat and
parmesan cheese in a four cheese sauce. For a more carnivorous appetite,
try the Veal Parmesan; this is a breaded veal topped with tomato sauce and
mozzarella cheese. The subtle flavors that characterize dishes at Tuscany
make you want to linger over your meal and enjoy every morsel.
For a delicious meal and pleasant service, Tuscany is an excellent choice.
This coffeehouse is unique, in that there are only two in the world. One
is in Vienna, Austria, and the other is right here in Wrigleyville. Indeed,
stepping into this spacious café is like stepping into Vienna itself: many
ingredients are directly imported from Austria and ensure a genuinely
exotic experience. You will notice blackboards featuring names of Austrian
delicacies and other European specialties, all available at the café.
Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a fixed price menu, you can choose
anything from a full meal to a simple coffee.
Be sure to linger at the pastry counter and take in the aesthetically
pleasing cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Each one looks like a mini work of
art and the experience of tasting one is no less pleasing.
If you are in the mood for a caffeine kick, try the Café Mocha; this is
Meinl espresso, Meinl European cocoa and steamed milk, topped with whipped
cream. The Hot Chocolate is incredibly delicious; made with European
cocoa, it is rich and can almost be a meal unto itself. Both drinks make
excellent complements to the wide array of pastries.
There is outdoor seating at the café, but if live music is being featured
that day, be sure to find a seat inside. The music is beautiful and can
vary from a quartet of violinists to a pair of Spanish guitars. Lean back,
listen to the music, take in the artfully decorated walls and revel in the
tastes that only Julius Meinl can offer.
This Chicago favorite is located on busy Rush Street, with patrons ranging
from tourists to regulars. There is a large lounge on the first floor with
luxurious reserved sections, an enormous bar and plenty of tables for
parties of 2-4. Décor both in the lounge and in the restaurant upstairs
has the look and feel of a gentleman’s club; there are cigars for sale and
mahogany and leather everywhere you turn.
Stepping into this bright, spacious restaurant is like stepping into a
bustling Greek cafe; you are instantly surrounded by the hubbub of good
conversation, the sound of lively Greek music, the aroma of bread and
Greek specialties and the general celebratory atmosphere of Greece itself.
This large, airy café is the perfect place to meet friends, curl up with
tea and a book, or just take in the scene as people pass by the immense
windows. There are large counters around the café; one of them offers soup
and sandwiches, another offers baked goods, and another sells tea, wine
and other beverages. Although there is some seating on the ground floor,
most seating is found on the wide balcony that overlooks the entire café,
thus creating an open space. Décor is airy as well; there are Greek tiles
on the walls and pastel paintings scattered about. The atmosphere is
elegant yet cheerful, and even at night the café is reminiscent of a
bright summer afternoon. 
This popular Spanish restaurant is always filled with patrons; its
high-energy atmosphere makes it irresistible. The crowd is lively and
there is an ongoing whirlwind of activity as waiters rush around bringing
orders.
Owned by husband-and-wife-team Dimitri and Keli Fayard, both accomplished
pastry chefs with years of experience, Vanille Patisserie is the best of
French pastry right here in Lincoln Park. 
Ditka’s,
100 E. Chestnut St. -
For a taste of India right here in Chicago, head to Klay Oven. This
restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine without attempting to
Westernize its food, and the result is one you don’t want to miss.
The Peninsula Hotel is one of Chicago’s best. With rooms in the
thousand-dollar range, everything this hotel does is grand. Thus the
hotel’s Chocolate Bar, a chocolate buffet situated in the beautiful Lobby
Restaurant, is as much about the experience as it is about the chocolate
itself.
Sushi is all the rage lately, and Chicago has more than its share of sushi
restaurants that cater to this craze. Yet not all sushi bars are created
equal: Kamehachi is in a class of its own. With one of the most extensive
sushi menus around, the most discerning sushi aficionado as well as the
most hesitant sushi novice will find something to please the palate. 
Navy Pier draws visitors both far and near; walking along the Pier, taking
in the view of the Lake and enjoying good conversation is one of the
city’s great delights. As with any experience, your day at Navy Pier can
be sweetened by indulging in a little dessert.
Amidst the plethora of exotic cuisines to be found in Wicker
Park/Bucktown, La Brochette stands out for its commitment to authentic and
flavorful ethnic fare. This restaurant offers French-influenced Moroccan
food at an affordable price, and throws in ambience for free!
This small, cozy establishment is tucked into a corner and easy to miss;
however, missing it would mean foregoing a truly pleasant dining
experience. Once seated at your table in one of two small dining rooms, or
in the outdoor seating area, you will be offered bread with a plate of
roasted garlic, cheese and oil. The bread is fresh and the garlic whets
your appetite for the meal to come. As you wait, take in the friendly
atmosphere and the din of content diners at nearby tables; there is a buzz
to the room that is inviting and lively.
This coffeehouse is unique, in that there are only two in the world. One
is in Vienna, Austria, and the other is right here in Wrigleyville. Indeed,
stepping into this spacious café is like stepping into Vienna itself: many
ingredients are directly imported from Austria and ensure a genuinely
exotic experience. You will notice blackboards featuring names of Austrian
delicacies and other European specialties, all available at the café.
Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a fixed price menu, you can choose
anything from a full meal to a simple coffee.