Brunch at Nico Osteria – Gold Coast

Located in the Thompson Hotel Nico Osteria is a restaurant that pays attention to detail. From the perfectly lit dining room, open kitchen, just rustic enough appeal for an osteria to the beautiful tile floor and great service. Not a surprise as this is a One Off Hospitality Group restaurant (think Avec, Blackbird, Publican, The […]

Brunch at Bread and Wine – Irving Park

With Easter approaching I found Bread and Wine thanks to OpenTable’s Chicago restaurants page featuring openings for Easter brunch. Housed in a former laundromat (with parking in front!) the space is a cozy wood filled room with a bar, chef’s table and small retail space stocked with wine and locally made snacks. Welcomed warmly we […]

Peruvian Street Food in Chicago – Tanta |River North

With dozens of restaurants around the world under his belt famed Peruvian Chef Gastón Acurio brings Peruvian street food with its Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Incan influences to Chicago delivered in an upscale package. The space is bright, lively and a welcome addition to River North. There is a bar and outdoor space on the […]

Getting Fancy at Henri – The Loop

It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out to eat on Valentine’s Day and Henri is the perfect place for those that enjoy the perks of fine dining without the uptight vibe. Huge front windows grant an amazing view of Millennium Park while the decor feels rich and decadent yet inviting. Thick leather bar […]

Brunch at La Sirena Clandestina – West Loop

La Sirena Clandestina feels cozy yet open with large front windows that allow the morning light to come streaming in. There is not shortage of rustic wood highlighted by brick and teal walls. The stools, netted light fixtures and mermaid artwork give it a retro vibe. I love a classic American breakfast but La Sirena […]

Red Square: Steam, Drink & Eat at Chicago’s Oldest Russian Bath House

I can get a drink delivered to me in the hot tub? A group of Russian friends were happily chatting away with cocktails in hand when I stepped into the locker room to change before heading into the Turkish steam room. Sure enough I saw the phone to dial-up to order from the bar. I […]

Chicago Restaurant Week 2014 – Sepia – West Loop

se·pi·a [see-pee-uh] noun 1. A brown pigment obtained from the inklike secretion of various cuttlefish and used with brush or pen in drawing. 2.Photography A print or photograph made in this color. After entering the huge wood door the decor takes on its namesake with rich brown tones throughout the space. A beautiful antique camera […]

Chicago Restaurant Week @TortoiseClub – River North

“Comfortable clubhouse and a lively lounge” perfectly sums up Tortoise Club in River North. Tortoise Club is about a year old but feels like your grandparents old school club in a good way because you have all of the fancy schmancy and none of the stuffiness, the vibe is upbeat and fun. Plaid wallpaper covers […]

Dusek’s in Pilsen – Come For the Food, Stay For the Punch House

Dusek’s is in the gorgeous Thalia Hall built in 1892 by John Dusek. The building has been completely rehabbed but keeps some old timey touches with a tin ceiling, brick walls, and plenty of refurbished wood. Thalia Hall upstairs is opening soon and will have live music while Duseks’s has the food on the ground […]

Italian Food Lover’s Dream – Ciao, Eataly Chicago!

Mario Batali’s Eataly opened on Monday and is basically Disneyland for foodies. Remember when Whole Foods opened up their store in Lincoln Park and you felt like you could spend hours in there? Well this feels like Whole Food times ten. Two levels full of all the groceries, wine, food, cookbooks and kitchenware you could […]