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Archive for the dining & drinks category

New Restaurant Openings in Chicago

December 21st, 2007 by jamie a

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Photo uploaded by Kreg

According to Zagat’s, there have been some “new and notable” restaurant openings in Chicago recently that you should know about! Here’s a quick primer of what’s new in Chicago’s dining scene.

For some upscale Italian fare, Prosecco in River North is a great choice. With classical Venetian decor and jumbo snails to delight your taste buds, head over to this hotspot when you’re up for trying a new place to dine.

Also in River North, Stretch Run provides traditional American style cuisine complete with a sports bar atmosphere. In addition to multi-level open dining areas, there’s also cubicles for private dining if you’d like to place your bets on the races in solitary peace.

Located in the Ogilvie train station, Thai Urban Kitchen gives the rush-hour commuters a choice other than fast-food. It boasts minimalist modern decor with lots of windows for natural light and a moderately-priced Pan-Asian menu.

You can also check our Wolfgang Puck’s newest creation, Spertus Cafe, offering wonderfully priced New American fare. It’s also the only Kosher meal option in the downtown area!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Chicago Events for the Week of 12/5

December 5th, 2007 by jamie a

Wednesday, December 5 (6-9 pm)
Have caramel corn and peppermint truffles or some Ruth & Phil’s gourmet ice cream at Sweet Collective’s Holiday Tasting Party. There will also be gingerbread houses, champagne, and award-winning coffee to taste whole you pick up gifts for family, friends, or co-workers!

Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 (12- 8 pm)
The Renegade Craft Fair is back in Chicago with over 100 craft vendors, food, and DJs to fulfill all your independent crafter shopping needs. Find all your special someones unique and wonderful gifts this holiday season with the help of the fair.

Sunday, December 9 (1 - 3:30 pm)
Bring your furry friend to the return of the “Howl-a-Day” Spectacular “Animal Messiah” at the Anti-Cruelty Society. See a special blessing for all of the animals in the shelter and have a great time at the holiday bazaar with your pet.

Sunday, December 9 (7 pm)
The 1st Romanian Film Festival of Chicago starts its opening night on Sunday with the film California Dreamin’ (Endless) by Cristian Mungiu, a Cannes Film Festival winner. The festival continues until December 12 with more feature films and short films by many acclaimed Romanian directors.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Cheap Eats in Chicago

November 7th, 2007 by jamie a

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Superdawg at Night
photo uploaded by jordanfischer

No matter what cuisine strikes your fancy, this guide to restaurants in Chicago will keep both your stomach and wallet happy!

A hidden gem in Chicago, Taste of Lebanon is a great stop to quench your hunger for falafel, lentil soup (said to be the best in the city) and shawarma. Locals say that this is the most authentic and traditional Middle Eastern food found in the city.

How often will you get the chance to have amazing Hawaiian food in the midwest? At Aloha Eats, a taste of paradise is right at your fingertips. From hearty portions of BBQ beef, Chicken Katsu, and traditional “Hawaiian-plates” with two scoops or rice and one of macaroni salad, this is the only islander cuisine in the city all at fabulous prices.

For a strictly traditional “Chicago-style” hot dog, look no further than Superdawg. Get an all-beef dog on a poppy seed bun with “golden mustard, tangy piccalilli, kosher dill pickle, chopped Spanish onions and a memorable hot pepper.” In business since 1948, check out their amazing history.

Paddy Mac’s, a great neighborhood pub, is a perfect spot for a late night with friends. Grab a burger, wings, oysters, shrimp, and top it off with some nostalgic tater tots! With beer specials, tv’s to watch the game, and dartboards, you can relax the night away with the locals.

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Spend a Day in Lincoln Park

November 2nd, 2007 by amy c

Lincoln park
View of Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park Waterfront
Photo uploaded by
purOticorico (Richie Diesterheft)

Populated by young professionals and recent college graduates, this hip neighborhood is a city landmark full of fun sights for the family by day and classic Chicago nightlife of Blues clubs, pubs, and comedy clubs by night. Here are some of our picks for how to spend a day in Lincoln Park:

Lincoln Park Zoo: equipped with a vintage carousel and children’s train ride, this state of the art zoo is a neighborhood landmark.

Swirlz Cupcakes: The cupcake craze sweeping the nation also graces Chicago in this fancy, mouth-watering cupcake exclusive patisserie. This boutique shop offers 30 made-from-scratch flavors of cupcakes, including enticing key lime, coconut caramel, and orange dreamsicle. Flavors change periodically but the sumptuous Italian buttercream frosting and creamy French butter make every cupcake delightfully moist and spongy.

Goose Island Brew Pub: Enjoy famous hand-crafted brews and lagers at Chicago’s most beloved brewery. There is something for everyone here from delicious burgers to pool tables.

Second City: Get nightly laughs at the comedy club that launched the career of famous comics and Saturday Night Live actors, such as Mike Meyers, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more. Offering off-the-wall comedy since 1959, Second City has become a national treasure.

B.L.U.E.S.:The intimate setting, full bar, and consistently excellent performers seven days a week make this music venue a favorite among Blues aficionados.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Chicago Card.

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Travel. Taste. Toast.

October 29th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by biskuit

The drinks just got a bit more interesting at the Chicago Hilton with the launch of a new beverage initiative at Hilton Hotels in Austin, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco.

Tony Abou-Ganim, aka The Modern Mixologist, has created 20 new cocktails inspired by his jet-setting travels across Thailand, Mexico, France, Brazil, and more. Some of Tony’s most famous drinks include the Sao Paolo Samba and Road to Hana, but his signature cocktail is the Cable Car, which he created for the Starlight Room in San Francisco. Now when you’re hitting the hotel bar after a full day of sightseeing, you’ll have more exciting options than a G & T or the house red. Cheers!

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Brunch in Chicago

October 23rd, 2007 by susan j

10182007-n-pond-restaura.gifBrunch at North Pond Restaurant
Photo uploaded by zesmerelda

If you’re preparing for a busy day of sightseeing, you’ll want a hearty breakfast to give you plenty of energy for the day ahead. Here are some of our picks arranged by neighborhood:

Andersonville: Pauline’s motto is “where quality meets quantity,” and locals flock to this family-owned diner for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere. Start your day off right with a 5 egg omelet (they have over a dozen different variations) or their trifecta of pancakes: one banana, one blueberry, and one strawberry. Then start burning off that breakfast with a short walk to the Swedish American Museum Center.

Lincoln Park: North Pond Restaurant offers a more formal breakfast option with its three course brunch including French toast topped with peaches and cognac, goat cheese frittata, and other mouthwatering menu items. Since the restaurant sits right in Lincoln Park, it’s an easy walk to the Notebaert Nature Museum or the Lincoln Park Zoo afterwards.

The Loop: 312 Chicago offers an upscale brunch option with delicious menu items like the Grilled Ribeye Sandwich or the Brioche French Toast with warm banana and walnut compote. After brunch, set off for a Grayline sightseeing tour or visit the Sears Tower Sky Deck.

Magnificent Mile: Bistro 110 is a Chicago favorite. Begin with a Bistro Bellini, a juicy combination of French white peach purée and champagne, then choose from a delicious selection of frittatas, French toast, and more. Or choose the 30-course prix fixe brunch for $22.95. The Hancock Observatory and the Museum of Contemporary Art are both nearby.

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Chow Down in Chi-Town!

October 19th, 2007 by susan j

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Wolfy’s Hot Dog Stand on Peterson Avenue
Photo uploaded by pixeljones.

As part of their series “America’s Favorite Cities,” Travel + Leisure published a list of where to get the best hot dogs in Chicago. Read it here.

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Chicago: A Top Dining Destination

October 12th, 2007 by susan j

Matt B. over at The Chicago Traveler tipped us off that the new season of Top Chef is being filmed right in the Windy City. Zagat recently interviewed Hung Huynh, winner of last season’s Top Chef (Matt points out he was unfortunately he was not the chef from Chicago). Zagat also highlights several notable restaurant openings in Chicago. Bon Appetite!

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