Cheers To The Weekend!

Wood in East Lake View not only has delicious seasonal dishes but a great cocktail menu. Including a summer favorite: Flip Flops & Tank Tops – Citadelle gin, vida mezcal, watermelon, lemon, and mint

Chocolate Mozart Torte – Julius Meinl | Lakeview, Chicago

Hope everyone has a sweet weekend. The Mozart Torte from Julius Meinl certainly helps: Dark chocolate and pistachio mousse, chocolate cake and pistachio nougatine.

It’s Gumbo and Paczki Time! Fat Tuesday in Chicago

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday and for many that means filling up on some serious fat before the Lenten season begins. For others it signals a time to celebrate and eat as much gumbo and paczkis as possible. Here are some of Chicago’s best places for gumbo and paczki. Big Jones serves gumbo ya-ya, “It all […]

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 […]

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 […]

Enjoy Some Old School Asian Fusion at Ping Pong in Lakeview

Although in the dozen blocks of North Broadway between Waveland and Belmont there has been a boom in restaurants this year, including a couple of BBQ places, Mexican Cafe, and a breakfast joint, I decided bypass these for now and finally try a neighborhood staple that has been around for years. I suppose I would […]

Want Tasty Empanadas? Get On Over to Cafe Tola in Lakeview

Cafe Tola, the to-go espresso and empanada bar, is a great addition to Lakeview. What it lacks in size it makes up in color and flavor. This tiny spot is brightly decorated and uses every square inch for either food or Latin American tchotchkes like luchador masks. The staff is very friendly and expedites the […]

Crisp in Lakeview – Best Chicken Wings in Chicago

Last week I wrote about my second favorite wings in the city here. This brings me to my absolute, hands down favorite wings in Chicago, Crisp Buffalo Spicy Wings. People, these wings are amazing! Get out of your head any ideas of dry shriveled bar food that might have scared you off in the past. […]

Being Healthly Tastes Good – Native Foods Cafe – Lakeview

After last week’s meal at Grahamwich I was looking for a healthy option for lunch. I had heard the buzz about Native Foods but was a bit skeptical. I’ve encountered vegan food dressed up to “be like” burgers, pizza etc. and have been disappointed. After my experience at the Native Foods Cafe in Lakeview I couldn’t […]

I Have a Secret

Julius Meinl has great coffee (they have been around for 150 years), wonderful tea, quality food and a great space to enjoy all of these things in. But here’s the secret, the real reason to come here are the little cookies they serve with the drinks. There is just one little crisp cinnamon cookie that comes […]