dining
Michael Nagrant biography
I never met an organ meat I didn’t like. Well, that’s not entirely true. The goat eyeball taco at the Maxwell Street Market was a …
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Hits, misses pepper the Colombian steakhouse menu at La Parrilla
Everything I know about Colombia can be summed up thusly: Shakira, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sofia Vergara and Pablo Escobar. Though just as America is not made up of a bunch of hamburger-eating-cowboys , I recognize Colombia is not only about belly-shaking pop singers, Nobel Prize-winning …Read More
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Mantuano’s Bar Toma fair game on Mag Mile
Bar Toma, the new wine bar/pizzeria/gelateria/cafe from Spiaggia chef/partner (also notably President Obama’s favorite chef) Tony Mantuano, located a half-block from the Magnificent Mile is spectacular . . . for tourists and Gold Coast residents. I wish I could be more effusive. I have all …Read More
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Soups on! Piping hot, these bowls take the bite out of winter’s chill
The phrase “salad days” has often been used to describe one’s carefree youth or the moment at which a person lived at the zenith of his powers. The expression was coined by Shakespeare in the play “Antony and Cleopatra,” wherein Cleopatra reminiscing about dalliances with …Read More
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The Big Deals 02.10.12
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Highly recommended Sabor Saveur, 2013 W. Division. Chef Yanitzin Sanchez, of the 2012 Michelin committee-recommended restaurant, has created a new Mexican-French …
Slurping Turtle raising the bar on traditional Japanese fare
An izakaya is a Japanese businessmen’s bar featuring sake, beer and comforting finger foods. Five years ago, you’d rarely find one outside of Japan. In the last two years in Chicago, it seems like hundreds have opened up, yet the current izakaya crop has been …
Moroccan, Egyptian heritage fuel tasty fare at Mina Restaurant
Family-run Mina Restaurant brings a broad mix of Mediterranean fare to northwest suburbia with a menu that reflects its owners’ Egyptian and Moroccan roots. The 1½-year-old white-linen tablecloth establishment is roomy and appealingly decorated. Mina is tucked in Mount Prospect Commons shopping center and occupies …
The Big Deals 02.03.12
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Power lunch Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan. The Power Business Lunch lets you build a two-course lunch from a choice of …
Vera a refreshing touch of Spain in the West Loop
As a writer, there are things you have to cover and things you want to cover. Kith and Kin restaurant in Lincoln Park was one of those subjects that defied professional obligation. It became a lair that I relished in same the way that a …Read More
The Big Deals 01.27.12
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Prime time David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush. Chocolate Cake Day is Jan. 27 and DB’s serves up two limited-edition desserts …
Bombay Chopsticks might just turn you on to delectible new world of fiery flavors
General Tso is an imposter. Not the very real legendary Qing dynasty general but rather the popular dish featuring cloying reddish-brown sauce-enrobed, boneless-McNugget-like meat served at every Chinese takeout in America. It did not originate in China but was created by an immigrant Chinese chef, …Read More
The Big Deals — 01.20.12
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Soups on Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West; 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. It’s National Soup Month and the …
Good prices, great fare at well-stocked Lu’s Sushi & Chinese
Lu’s Sushi & Chinese recently turned the corner on its first anniversary, a milestone in the competitive restaurant industry where many startups fail to hit their stride and founder in less than a year. But this relative newcomer to Glen Ellyn has stayed the course. …
The Big Deals 01.13.12
From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank. Shop and save Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, 2105 S. Spring, Oak Brook. Guests dining at the restaurant will receive a $20 …
Vegan dining a delicious, healthy way to kickstart 2012
A new year, a new you. Turning over a new leaf. Wipe the slate clean. We’re bombarded with inspiring adages — and a treadmill-riddled onslaught of commercials — this time of year. Frankly, it’s depressing. Is there such a thing as new beginnings? Successful dieting? …
Waterleaf a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out
A shakedown period is inevitable with new restaurants, and diners usually must make allowances as the kitchen tweaks its menu and management smooths out the rough spots in service. But that’s not part of the drill at the well-tuned Waterleaf Restaurant, a classy newcomer in …
Mambo Italiano serves traditional fare with gusto
Given Italy’s widespread culinary influence, it goes without saying that finding a restaurant in this neck of the woods specializing in the cuisine is a snap. The trick, of course, is locating a good one with a kitchen where quality trumps convenience. Mambo Italiano, in …
