Stephanie Izard is one of the city’s busiest, high-profile chefs. Not only does she oversee several restaurants in Chicago’s West Loop, she’s also an “Iron Chef” on TV and does a lot of charity work. But she recently added a new restaurant to her portfolio – this one more Peruvian inspired – and it’s … Continued
There is a lot of chicken to be found in Chicago these days from Southern fried to Nashville hot and even Korean-inspired. Northwestern University students have been the lucky recipients of a relatively new chicken joint in Evanston where you can try the Korean-inspired sandwiches and wings- or not. 10Q Chicken816 Church St., Evanston 847-859-6100
Few restaurants have the wherewithall to start small in the suburbs, only to open a second, much larger act in the city. The team behind Jeong have done just that. Starting off quietly in a Westmont mall which they eventually closed, they have now re-opened along Chicago Avenue in West Town, with an ambitious menu … Continued
The Japanese term “shokunin” refers to a craftsman or artisan; a master of one’s profession. A young woman currently running a new Japanese-themed bar in River West, is a shokunin of sorts. Kumiko630 W. Lake St., Chicago 312-285-2912
Several new Indian restaurants have opened in the city recently… all of them far from Rogers Park, where many of the old-line, traditional curry houses are. At one of them – in West Town – I was particularly intrigued by the South Indian influenced curry, so I asked the kitchen to show me how it’s … Continued
Some of the best pastries, breads and plated desserts are coming from a wholesale kitchen in West Town these days. One woman is behind it all, and sweet connoisseurs may have already seen her work around town. Aya Pastry No retail location. Order online on Aya Pastry’s website. Pastries available at: Maple & Ash Etta … Continued
A new restaurant in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood combines the culinary skills of a fine-dining veteran and his love of all things Southern. VIRTUE 1462 E. 53rd St. 773-947-8831
Some of Chicago’s best neighborhood pizza joints are coming to the Loop. Beginning March 18, I’m proud to announce a new pop-up series at Revival Food Hall, inspired by my book, “Pizza City, USA.” When the folks at Revival told me they were looking for a unique way to highlight local pizzerias born and bred … Continued
Noodles are one of my favorite things to eat, especially if they’re used in Thai recipes. Fortunately, I found a new Thai restaurant in Old Town where they’re using both rice and egg noodles in two popular dishes. Hom Mali Thai and Sushi 417 W. North Ave. 312-664-3400
Chicago has seen a wave of microbrewers in recent years. One of the most recent also happens to have one of the city’s best bread programs. Not only bread, but pizza! The same baker is in charge of all of the dough made in-house. Middle Brow Bungalow 2840 W. Armitage Ave. 773-687-9076
Fat Tuesday is right around the corner. There are several traditional dishes to eat before Lent, including the paczki, of course, from the Polish community. But in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is in full-swing, you’re more likely to find bowls of gumbo over the next few days. Nita’s Gumbo 4153 183rd St., Country Club Hills … Continued