Forget being the Windy City, Chicago is the Food City. It is a place of dreams for those who love to eat. Known for delicious pizza, tender beef and wonderful Italian, the metropolitan town is a Mecca of ethnic feasting, too — from Polish to Turkish to Asian and more.
It’s a challenge to come up with just one recommendation for where to eat in Chi-town; there are just too many good locales! But here are five wonderful gastronomical stops for breaking bread.
MK: Zagat has rated it as, “A place to go back to as often as possible.” And, Chef Kornick has been nominated as the “Best Midwest Chef” many times; most likely due to the wonderful choices on the menu that are cooked with charcoal and served with seasonal ingredients. 868 N. Franklin; 312.482.9179
Tango Sur: This Argentinian BYOB (no corkage fee) steakhouse is a meat lover’s dream. Tango music and candlelight set the scene in the minimal d?cor, no-nonsense storefront restaurant, where the emphasis is on the food. Appetizers and entrees include yummy deep-fried empanadas with beef, chicken or ham and cheese. Vegetarians are not neglected though, as delicious options include pastas and spinach and cheese empanadas. Portions are big, with the flavor factor even bigger. 3763 N. Southport; 773.477.5466
La Scarola: Tables close together, walls full of photos, tightly spaced seats and absolutely good old fashion Italian eating. It’s very informal and yet very quaint. And the prices are right. 721 W. Grand; 312.243.1740
Hot Chocolate: For a totally informal yet contemporary lunch or dinner, the food is great here — the deserts greater. It’s in a hip location, with great shopping down the street. The food is classic (meat, chicken, fish) with a twist (the macaroni and cheese is made with Rothkase gruyere and Carr Valley mammoth cheddar). Desserts of banana cream pie, chocolate cake, they too have their individuality. Wine and alcohol is served. 1747 N. Damen; 773.489.1747
Japonais: Contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi in a contemporary, intimate setting is what you’ll find in the many dining areas here. Even just walking through the copper-wrapped revolving entrance door, with a red awning overhead, and water falling in front of a high-gloss red brick wall, the environment is already warm and unique. Both traditional and creative specials are found on the menu. It’s definitely worth seeing (and eating). 600 W. Chicago; 312.822.9600
Vivo: Dark and intimate, stacks of wine bottles, exposed brick walls, wood floors, it’s a great romantic hideaway for classic Italian cuisine. For a truly intimate dinner, there’s a table in the converted elevator shaft high above the dining room with private velvet curtains … that you can book months (and years) in advance … and most do! You’ll find great atmosphere and great food here. 838 W. Randolph; 312.733.3379