Chicago Restaurant Thread
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
My daughter was a line cook for Chef Thai and will be so glad to see this. He was a tremendous mentor to her.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Will be in Chicago starting Saturday. Looking for maybe something Italian or Asian for Sunday night. Also daughter wants a deep dish pizza. Maybe a lunch place. We’re staying 333 north Dearborn so something in that neighborhood within a couple of miles
- Keith A k e r s
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
For Deep Dish, be sure to go to Pequod’s (though tbh, Pizzeria Bebu is just flat out great pizza and in the same-ish neighborhood.
For Italian or Asian, what are you wanting? Where you’re staying is right in the tourist area, so if you want something more representative of Chicago, you’ll have to expand your search
For Italian or Asian, what are you wanting? Where you’re staying is right in the tourist area, so if you want something more representative of Chicago, you’ll have to expand your search
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
We have zero Italian here. The Vietnamese is good as is the Thai in general. Chinese would be welcome as the Chinese is dreck here. Chines is usually open on Sunday so that is why I mentioned. Don’t mind going farther afield if necessary.Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑June 12th, 2019, 7:44 pmFor Deep Dish, be sure to go to Pequod’s (though tbh, Pizzeria Bebu is just flat out great pizza and in the same-ish neighborhood.
For Italian or Asian, what are you wanting? Where you’re staying is right in the tourist area, so if you want something more representative of Chicago, you’ll have to expand your search
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Has anyone gone to Stone Flower and/or planning on it? It looks AMAZING but this is the former chef at 42 grams that was convicted of hitting his ex-wife. My initial instinct would be to stay away, no matter how good the food is. OTOH, it sounds like he has gone out of his way to make amends by raising money for charities that deal with domestic violence and I believe that people deserve second chances.
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/5/16/185 ... ktown-open
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/5/16/185 ... ktown-open
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- George Hejna
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Yeah he hit her in the head with a bottle. Hard enough to require staples according to the police report. Plenty of other restaurants in Chicago to give my money too. It will not be this one.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Corey,Corey N. wrote: ↑June 13th, 2019, 9:20 amHas anyone gone to Stone Flower and/or planning on it? It looks AMAZING but this is the former chef at 42 grams that was convicted of hitting his ex-wife. My initial instinct would be to stay away, no matter how good the food is. OTOH, it sounds like he has gone out of his way to make amends by raising money for charities that deal with domestic violence and I believe that people deserve second chances.
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/5/16/185 ... ktown-open
For your next splash out meal, I strongly recommend Kyoten at 2507 W. Armitage. 8 seat omakase only menu for $220 including tax and tip. Corkage is $40 a bottle. By far and away the best sushi experience I've had in Chicago and, while not cheap, I thought it was a very good value.
How some guy opens up a restaurant on Damen with prices higher than any place else in the city is beyond my (admittedly somewhat limited ) ability to comprehend.
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I'm not trying to justify the cost, but 42 Grams had 2 Michelin stars. I assume chef is banking on that + exclusivity (12 seats).Doug Sher wrote: ↑June 14th, 2019, 3:55 pmCorey,
For your next splash out meal, I strongly recommend Kyoten at 2507 W. Armitage. 8 seat omakase only menu for $220 including tax and tip. Corkage is $40 a bottle. By far and away the best sushi experience I've had in Chicago and, while not cheap, I thought it was a very good value.
How some guy opens up a restaurant on Damen with prices higher than any place else in the city is beyond my (admittedly somewhat limited ) ability to comprehend.
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- David K o l i n
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I’m a hard pass on that. But give me a call when Mario Batali opens his next jointCorey N. wrote: ↑June 13th, 2019, 9:20 amHas anyone gone to Stone Flower and/or planning on it? It looks AMAZING but this is the former chef at 42 grams that was convicted of hitting his ex-wife. My initial instinct would be to stay away, no matter how good the food is. OTOH, it sounds like he has gone out of his way to make amends by raising money for charities that deal with domestic violence and I believe that people deserve second chances.
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/5/16/185 ... ktown-open
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I don’t see going either, though I admit that I live a good redemption story.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I don't know man. So many good restaurants in the city. Plus I just read your link to the eater article. Pretty disturbing tone. $2,000 donation from a fundraiser ? Seems contrived.
- Keith A k e r s
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Nick Gangas wrote: ↑June 16th, 2019, 8:18 amI don't know man. So many good restaurants in the city. Plus I just read your link to the eater article. Pretty disturbing tone. $2,000 donation from a fundraiser ? Seems contrived.
His ex-wife’s version of the events and since then should dispel any notion that he’s made amends or is a better person now. It was also very noticeable that many restaurants banded together the day Stone Flower opened to use that evening’s proceeds for domestic violence charities.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Um, yeah, f him.
- Keith A k e r s
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Milton Hudson wrote: ↑June 12th, 2019, 8:01 pmKeith A k e r s wrote: ↑June 12th, 2019, 7:44 pmFor Deep Dish, be sure to go to Pequod’s (though tbh, Pizzeria Bebu is just flat out great pizza and in the same-ish neighborhood.
For Italian or Asian, what are you wanting? Where you’re staying is right in the tourist area, so if you want something more representative of Chicago, you’ll have to expand your search
We have zero Italian here. The Vietnamese is good as is the Thai in general. Chinese would be welcome as the Chinese is dreck here. Chines is usually open on Sunday so that is why I mentioned. Don’t mind going farther afield if necessary.
Sorry, I was out of town and wanted to get back to this.
For Italian, you’ll clearly have a lot of options. So, it kinda depends on what you want. For great pasta, absolutely go to Monteverde. If you want something really good and somewhat old school, Piccolo Sogno is great. Since you’re downtown, RPM Italian or Spiaggia will be higher end and actually good (please done do Quartino). There are a lot of other places you can go as well, but any of those will give you a great experience.
For Chinese, somewhere like Jade Court/MingHin/Dolo will all be great and are in Chinatown. I’ll let others chime in on that as there are others that are more versed in the Chinese dining around town.
Hope that helps and hopefully you have a great time in Chicago!
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I like Chengdu Impression for Chinese in Chicago. MingHin also.
Wilfred van Gorp
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Going to Cira tomorrow. Any feedback ?
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Went to Cira last night with some friends before the stones concert. They were extremely gracious and provided excellent and friendly service. Food was great too. Highly recommend.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Sorry too late, but Riccardo’s trattoria in Lincoln Park is quite good.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/6/24/187 ... restaurant
Looks like Duffy is about to be back in a big way
Looks like Duffy is about to be back in a big way
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
combining twee with decadence.Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑June 24th, 2019, 10:06 amhttps://chicago.eater.com/2019/6/24/187 ... restaurant
Looks like Duffy is about to be back in a big way
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
We are in Chicago tonight and have unexpectedly time for dinner... Any recommendations on a non pretentious place with decent food and a good, well priced wine list that doesn’t require a reservation?
k0berl
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Where are you, Andy?
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Might be worth checking in at Avec, if Mediterranean suits you. They have openings early and late, and even one at 7:30 not too much earlier today.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Galit in Lincoln Park is fantastic. Top notch all the way across the board...Zach Engel is pushing hard there right now....be prepared to see it get some serious recognition.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
meant to post this earlier this week - but it looks like Jade Court is closed indefinitely after the owner passed away. Sad. Great spot and I hope it finds a way to re-open.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
wow, sad news. rest in peace.Michael Klein wrote: ↑July 31st, 2019, 1:57 pmmeant to post this earlier this week - but it looks like Jade Court is closed indefinitely after the owner passed away. Sad. Great spot and I hope it finds a way to re-open.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Hit up some restaurants this past weekend which were new to me.
Mako - Omakase only Sushi. Really good. Beautiful room, nice Sake list, wine list is a little small but serviceable. Menu was very nigiri heavy. Hand roll with tuna and uni was outstanding. Excellent service. A bit expensive at $175 pp.
Rooh - Billed as progressive Indian. Not sure what that means but food was stuck somewhere in-between that and traditional. Beverage program was not good. Cocktails - meh. Wine list tiny. I got an upcharge of $4 for ordering a martini "up" The food was enjoyable had some excellent tikki. The lamb shank was uninspired. Excellent Nan. The service was pushy. They kept telling us we didn't order enough (they wanted the entire order at once). We had more food than we could eat. Would not go back unless some changes or improvements were made.
Best meal of the weekend was on the ultra exclusive "terrace restaurant" of some good friends.
George
Mako - Omakase only Sushi. Really good. Beautiful room, nice Sake list, wine list is a little small but serviceable. Menu was very nigiri heavy. Hand roll with tuna and uni was outstanding. Excellent service. A bit expensive at $175 pp.
Rooh - Billed as progressive Indian. Not sure what that means but food was stuck somewhere in-between that and traditional. Beverage program was not good. Cocktails - meh. Wine list tiny. I got an upcharge of $4 for ordering a martini "up" The food was enjoyable had some excellent tikki. The lamb shank was uninspired. Excellent Nan. The service was pushy. They kept telling us we didn't order enough (they wanted the entire order at once). We had more food than we could eat. Would not go back unless some changes or improvements were made.
Best meal of the weekend was on the ultra exclusive "terrace restaurant" of some good friends.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I love that placeGeorge Hejna wrote: ↑August 5th, 2019, 4:56 pm
Best meal of the weekend was on the ultra exclusive "terrace restaurant" of some good friends.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
moi aussi. But nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.David K o l i n wrote: ↑August 5th, 2019, 6:34 pmI love that placeGeorge Hejna wrote: ↑August 5th, 2019, 4:56 pm
Best meal of the weekend was on the ultra exclusive "terrace restaurant" of some good friends.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Couple of new places for me. Cafe Cancale in the old Publican Anker spot. Was good. Oysters were excellent as was the raw bar. Couple of misses on some of the other dishes. Service was spot on. One complaint - the restaurant is so loud. I get it, It is lively and exciting but when you can't even have a conversation with the person next to you and the staff has to bend down and speak in your ear so you can hear them then you have a problem. I prefer GT Fish.
Finally made it to Haisous. No big news here but really excellent food. The whole fish (fluke) was amazing. As was the Papaya salad and Tofu dish. The duck was good but not overly Vietnamese. Can't wait to go back. Wish the wine list was a little bigger. They did have Knoll Riesling for $100 so hard to argue with that.
George
Finally made it to Haisous. No big news here but really excellent food. The whole fish (fluke) was amazing. As was the Papaya salad and Tofu dish. The duck was good but not overly Vietnamese. Can't wait to go back. Wish the wine list was a little bigger. They did have Knoll Riesling for $100 so hard to argue with that.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
New Michelin Stars for Chicago. Not surprised Roister lost its star. The service was shockingly bad and other than the Chicken dish food just ok.
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/26/208 ... stars-2020
https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/26/208 ... stars-2020
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Yeah no surprise there but Grant finally got one for Next so it is a wash.
Kikko is absolutely outstanding so no shock there
Mako was really good so happy for them and to have Chef Park get a star.
Have not eaten at Yume or Yugen.
Dusek’s who lost their star never deserved it in the first place IMO
Thought Oriole might have gotten a third star.... maybe next year.
George
Kikko is absolutely outstanding so no shock there
Mako was really good so happy for them and to have Chef Park get a star.
Have not eaten at Yume or Yugen.
Dusek’s who lost their star never deserved it in the first place IMO
Thought Oriole might have gotten a third star.... maybe next year.
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Shocked at the Kyoten snub... I would’ve thought two stars more likely than zero.
- Keith A k e r s
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Phil Smith wrote: ↑September 29th, 2019, 10:06 amShocked at the Kyoten snub... I would’ve thought two stars more likely than zero.
especially as they gave stars to the other omakase spots
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I’ve been to Mako a couple times in the last month, it’s very good but I prefer Kyoten.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Something must have happened. Maybe Michelin couldn't get enough visits?? It is a tough reservation as so few seats.Phil Smith wrote: ↑September 29th, 2019, 10:06 amShocked at the Kyoten snub... I would’ve thought two stars more likely than zero.
Chef also commented that he was opening a restaurant in Chicago so he could get a star(s). Not sure if Michelin likes that or not.
“We had meals that didn’t quite impress upon us that (Kyoten) was at the one-star level,” the chief inspector said.
Michelin can be a mystery sometimes.....
George
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
When I saw the results I wondered if his attitude might not have been a factor in the decision, but I don’t know much about the process. Haven’t been in around six months but intend to get there in the next month or so. I will note that their beverage program is pretty weak for a restaurant of their ambition; almost an afterthought.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
i guess i don't frequent sushi/omakase spots enough...or ever (wife is allergic to fish) but i guess i find it quite odd that they highlight the michelin star additions for this year. To each their own, but this is exactly why the michelin guide is not exactly my go-to source for restaurants in chicago.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
In non-Michelin related news - some of my most recent dining highlights include:
- Good Fortune - enjoyed the food here a lot and the $25 corkage was appreciated. All their glass pours were from magnum or larger (at least the night I was there) so I also enjoyed a pour of pierre moncuit brut from 3L. Food was decidedly "chicago new american" (my term) and executed well. The staff was excellent and the vibe added a ton to the meal.
- Lula Cafe - what is there to say that hasn't been already? Late summer menu was on fire. So good. Again - $25 corkage was appreciated. Roast tomato w/ prosciutto was my highlight.
- Mi Tocoya - what took me so long to get here? Absolutely phenomenal. No wine but I did enjoy my beer quite a bit.
- Galit - went for the second time and was equally impressed. I brought a champagne and paid $25 corkage. Run do not walk to the brisket hummus. Highly recommend a visit here if you haven't been yet.
- Good Fortune - enjoyed the food here a lot and the $25 corkage was appreciated. All their glass pours were from magnum or larger (at least the night I was there) so I also enjoyed a pour of pierre moncuit brut from 3L. Food was decidedly "chicago new american" (my term) and executed well. The staff was excellent and the vibe added a ton to the meal.
- Lula Cafe - what is there to say that hasn't been already? Late summer menu was on fire. So good. Again - $25 corkage was appreciated. Roast tomato w/ prosciutto was my highlight.
- Mi Tocoya - what took me so long to get here? Absolutely phenomenal. No wine but I did enjoy my beer quite a bit.
- Galit - went for the second time and was equally impressed. I brought a champagne and paid $25 corkage. Run do not walk to the brisket hummus. Highly recommend a visit here if you haven't been yet.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
We went to Lulu (first time) and loved it a couple of months ago.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Pardon me, but Mi Tocaya is for mescalMichael Klein wrote: ↑October 1st, 2019, 2:36 pm
- Mi Tocoya - what took me so long to get here? Absolutely phenomenal. No wine but I did enjoy my beer quite a bit.
Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Was in Chicago last week for a conference. Met up with my nephew and had a very good meal at Gather. He picked it, since it is up the street from his apartment. Nice wine list too.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
toucheDavid K o l i n wrote: ↑October 2nd, 2019, 6:18 amPardon me, but Mi Tocaya is for mescalMichael Klein wrote: ↑October 1st, 2019, 2:36 pm
- Mi Tocoya - what took me so long to get here? Absolutely phenomenal. No wine but I did enjoy my beer quite a bit.
![snort.gif [snort.gif]](./images/smilies/snort.gif)
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
One more I forgot!
- Wherewithall - I thought this place was fantastic. Again "chicago new american". Super fresh, seasonal food and I really liked the pre-fixe format. The service too was amazing. No corkage allowed and a weak IMO wine list. I had a couple glass pours but don't even remember what at this point. I enjoyed wherewithall more than parachute but to each their own.
- Wherewithall - I thought this place was fantastic. Again "chicago new american". Super fresh, seasonal food and I really liked the pre-fixe format. The service too was amazing. No corkage allowed and a weak IMO wine list. I had a couple glass pours but don't even remember what at this point. I enjoyed wherewithall more than parachute but to each their own.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
re: Galit, agree on Brisket Hummus, and the Shakshukah and Foie are also great. Stuffed cabbage only fair.
Steve N.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
Not that I hadn’t already sworn I’d never go to this guy’s restaurant, I guess this is a helpful reminder why. Absolute garbage.
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Re: Chicago Restaurant Thread
I didn't even know it was still open. I never hear anyone talk about it.
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