Rustic Italian at Balena – Lincoln Park, Chicago

From the moment we walked in Balena it was perfect. The high ceiling with wood beams and big round lights give Balena an open and warm feel. Decor elements like the custom leather bar, wood block floor, old-timey cabinets, cutting board style tables, red leather folding chairs and Italian tile in greens blues and cream […]

Not So Small Plates at Wood – Lakeview, Chicago

The first time I passed Wood I peaked in and saw a beautiful wood bar with more than enough seats, a serious line up of liquor and rich orange leather booths. I immediately thought, “This is the perfect spot for a cozy drink and meal on a winter day.” Glad I didn’t wait until winter […]

Macanese Cuisine at Fat Rice – Logan Square

Update: Cha Gordo (Fat Tea) – This is where you need to go for brunch! Fat Rice is the restaurant everyone and their mother has been talking about recently. I wanted to see for myself if this number four rated best restaurant in America 2013 (according to Bon Appetit) lived up to the […]

Farm to Tavern – Farmhouse | River North

There really isn’t anything not to like at Farmhouse Tavern. You feel like you are in a shabby chic farmhouse with details like the rustic stain glass windows, exposed brick, mix and match chairs, and copper wire lights. Most of the decor is salvaged from around Chicago. The service is very welcoming and very good […]

Chocolate With A Conscience – A Day With TCHO & Takito Kitchen

Life is good when you get invited to a chocolate tasting. I ventured over to my old neighborhood, Ukrainian Village, to Takito Kitchen for a chocolate tasting hosted by TCHO Chocolate and Fortune Fish & Gourment . The whole event was inspiring from the restaurant space, friendly wait staff, incredible food and of course, amazing […]

Belly Q Knows How to Throw a BBQ – West Loop

Wednesday night in Chicago, Tasting Table and Belly Q teamed up for a huge summer BBQ in the West Loop and it was what a BBQ should be. Great company, plenty of drinks, ridiculously delicious food and a really fun atmosphere. Want to get a glimpse of more food and inside the BellyQ party? Check […]

Tiki Bar Time @ Three Dots and a Dash – River North

Three Dots and a Dash opened last Wednesday in a little alley in River North. Apart from the now closed Trader Vic’s this is the only other Tiki bar in Chicago I have heard of so I headed over last Friday evening to check it out. You follow the tiki lights to a little door […]

Brunch @ Perennial Virant – Lincoln Park

Sunday’s are always good for sitting outside and enjoying a Bloody Mary and some brunch. I decided to check out Perennial Virant in Lincoln Park because every time I pass by the patio is packed and everyone always looks like they are having fun. If you don’t mind a crowd this is the place to […]

Pastoral in Lakeview = Best Neighborhood Shop

Imagine a spot where you can stop in and find the perfect bottle of wine, craft beer, cheese, olives, jams, and chocolates for the dinner party/housewarming gift/Ravinia outing/picnic and you are probably thinking of Pastoral. Not only do they have all of these things (several items are local as well) but also they serve THE […]

Summer Patio Drinking & Eating – Parson’s Chicken & Fish

The patio is the best thing to happen to Parson’s Chicken and Fish. The actual restaurant is small making for long wait times and shuffling between the bar and eating in the restaurant so the patio is a welcome addition. I was here on Wednesday about 6pm and three of us got in right away. […]