The tiny town of Lemont in the southwestern suburbs is a bit sleepy when it comes to bars and restaurants. But there’s a new option downtown specializing in wood-fired pizzas called Wooden Paddle. Best of all, those pizzas are just a portion of the menu, which has a lot more going for it than just … Continued
Chicken shacks are popping up all over town. Places like Roost, Budlong, Fry the Coop and Honey Butter Fried Chicken all make excellent fried baskets and sandwiches, but a new place on the city’s West Side is also stepping into the ring. Chicken Pollo Shack 3944 W. Chicago Ave Chicago, Illinois 60651
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
With the NBA playoffs starting this weekend, it’s another bitter reminder for Chicago Bulls fans the season is over. But there’s another NBA team just up the road that’s planning on a long post-season. The Milwaukee Bucks have plenty to be excited about: a new arena with a new food service program. It’s so good, … Continued
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
There are dozens of chains in Lincolnshire, many of them along Milwaukee Avenue. But there are a few independently-owned mom-and-pops. One of them has been focusing on homemade Italian food the past eight years. More recently, they added a brick-lined pizza oven. Bonta 430 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire 847-383-6233
The country of Myannmar, formerly known as Burma, is barely understood in the U.S. Even less so is its cuisine, since there is only one Burmese restaurant in the state. PA LIAN 254 E. Geneva Rd., Wheaton 331-716-7905
Downtown Naperville has a relatively new addition, right on the river, called the Water Street District. There are a number of new places to eat and drink, all just a few yards apart. Sparrow Coffee Naperville 120 Water Street, #110 Naperville 630-384-8940 Quiubo 120 Water Street, #122 Naperville 331-702-2711
About 40,000 Turkish expats live in the Midwest, a quarter of them in Chicago. Some of them are restaurateurs, making the same delicious food from back home. CAFÉ ISTANBUL 2014 W. Division St., Chicago 773-661-9487
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