I had just returned from Greece and was heavily reminiscing all the amazing seafood there. Needless to say, a few days later I went for a seafood tasting at Cold Storage, and with high expectations. The restaurant far exceeded those expectations and was the perfect cure for my jet lag
Read more“Tuna In” To These Tostadas!
This month, I had the most incredible tasting at the new Earl’s Kitchen & Bar, which opened in Lincoln Park. It is always nice when I can bring a guest along to partake in the tasting experience. It also turned out that my guest shares the same middle name as the restaurant owner, which is Earl. So the stars were aligned right from the start
Read morePardon My Escargot!
This week’s pick is Cochon Volant. I was invited to do a tasting at the restaurant and I’m glad I didn’t miss the opportunity to dine at this beautiful French brasserie led by renowned Chefs Roland Liccioni and Matt Ayala
Read moreNo Nonsense Nachos!
One of the perks of being a food blogger is being able to scout out those hidden gems I otherwise wouldn’t have heard of. One such, is a new restaurant called Dive Bar located in the Lakeview neighborhood. Last week, I had the most delightful food tasting there. A nautical themed diner offering a wide selection of rum & tropical drinks, frozen drinks (about 41 daiquiris) and New England style seafood; this restaurant was right up my alley!
Read moreAlaskan Crab Is King!
For some people it’s Monday Night Football, but for me it was a Monday night seafood tasting that gave my week an amazing start! I had a fantastic dining experience at Hugo’s Frog Bar recently. It was my first visit there after living in this city for seven years, but I’m glad I visited as a food blogger to experience the full potential of this restaurant.
Read moreThe High Points at Everest!
What do you get when you combine exquisite food, thoughtful art and French culture together? You answer is a restaurant named, Everest.
Read moreA Furious Case of Ramen!
I’ve been waiting to do a blog on ramen, which admittedly is one of my favorite things to eat. Rain or shine…I love ramen! Last week, I ate at Furious Spoon, a new Wicker Park restaurant from Chef Shin Thompson that offers Japanese ramen soup furiously fast. The restaurant atmosphere is low key with shared counter seats and a wood lined theme. Like the décor, the food is simple and the menu is concise.
Read moreMuch Ado About Whitefish!
This week, I had a lovely, long overdue visit to Brown Bag Seafood Co. for a tasting. This restaurant’s motto is simple; spend more on quality food and less on the trimmings. This shack style casual seafood eatery with a breezy, Cape Cod type décor also brings a new concept to Chicago, which combines delicious seafood with healthy options. Of course, you have the crispy fish bites or tater tots if you’re in the mood for some indulgence, but they aim to bring you fresh, sustainable seafood.
Read moreLet’s ‘Kathi’ To the Chase!
Monday found me at a preview tasting for Lincoln Park’s new joint, Hakka Bakka. Thanks to my close friend & fellow foodie, Sapna Dalal of The Vegetarian Tourist, I was able to attend this fabulous event.
Read moreThe ‘Devil ‘ed Egg Is In The Details!
The Hamptons have arrived to Chicago! I very much cherished my recent visit to this new, fun hangout. With a nautical décor, live band, beach themed cocktails and amazing seafood, THIS is undoubtedly your staycation dinner venue this winter!
Read moreA 'Crabby' Lunch!
Shaw’s Crab House is every pescetarian’s dream. Which is why I had the most enjoyable experience at this beloved River North restaurant, recently. I met with their PR Manager Susie Riskind over lunch, and had been anticipating our meeting for quite sometime. My anticipation was pleasantly met with some phenomenal food and wonderful service.
Read moreSecrets Do Make Friends!
On Monday, I found myself back at Luke’s Lobster to sample some of their new menu items, and I couldn’t have been happier. I got to meet co-owner Ben Conniff, who has opened 19 locations and is personally involved in overseeing his restaurants. It was nice to have the company of my friend & Editor at Chicago Food Magazine, Lauren Knight, who fully understands the nuances of a food tasting.
Read moreNo 'Trout' About It!
This week I’m featuring a great new find called Haywood Tavern. An invitation to do a menu tasting brought me in to this European inspired corner eatery, and I am so glad it did! Located in the upcoming Humboldt Park neighborhood, this corner bar definitely promises to break the stereotype of bar food, by offering high quality yet affordable fare.
Read moreThat’s What I’m TACOing About!
My first encounter with BarBakoa was at The Chicago Gourmet festival this year. As I made my rounds through the Mexican Food Pavilion, at the event, I tasted some of their samplings and fell in love. It was nice to see Chef Dudley Nieto himself serving everyone with such gusto. He even took the time to have a quick conversation with me about BarBakoa & my blog, and extended an invitation to do a seafood tasting.
Read moreThe TURBOTnator!
There are very few things that can get me to drive in rush hour traffic from the city to the suburbs. Other than, a recent invitation from Chef Michael Lachowicz for a 10-Course Country French Food tasting at his Restaurant Michael’s new George Trois dining room. The concept is influenced by two men whom Chef Lachowicz was himself influenced by - his father and uncle.
Read moreSiu-Mai, Oh My!
Shanghai Terrace (ST) has been my favorite restaurant in the city for years & I’ve celebrated many special occasions there. I can say that I’ve seen Shanghai Terrace evolve into a world-class restaurant and experienced some of the best service in the city. The staff is always courteous and Chef Yuen always obliging about dietary restrictions. And while the restaurant is upscale, the cultural authenticity permeates through the restaurant and the menu.
Read moreNo Mumbo-Gumbo Here!
Last weekend, I was in New Orleans, AKA Seafood Heaven. It was actually serendipitous that I made this trip, just as I was about to launch my blog. I was most excited to try some southern fish delicacies NOLA is known for, amidst snacking on beignets and crepes of course. I went with a friend and we stayed in the French Quarter. If you know me, you know that I have a deep love for anything French. So between the seafood and the French influence, I was in my element!
Read moreAnd The Winner Is....Tuna Tartare!
Lux Bar recently celebrated their ten-year anniversary, and I got to celebrate with them! On the outside, Lux Bar seems like your regular neighborhood bar, but it’s so much more than that! And this event confirmed why they’ve made it a decade, while several others in the Gold Coast haven’t. The restaurant atmosphere is such that you can make it a casual experience or a fancy affair.
Read moreNothing Faux About This!
For me, Luke’s Lobster undoubtedly stole the show at Chicago Gourmet this year! The Seafood Pavilion, itself was probably the most popular with the longest lines at the event. When Luke’s Lobster ran out of their lobster rolls, they replaced them with their shrimp rolls; which quickly became the new favorite. I spoke to at least 4 people in line, who were going back just for seconds or thirds. So despite running out of patience, I decided to stick it out and see what the fuss was all about.
Read moreThe Ultimate Sandwich King!
For me, a Lobster Roll is the ultimate determining factor for good seafood. Which is why, it was a no brainer to order one at a restaurant named - the New England Seafood Co. My boss and I met for dinner last Friday and knowing my love for seafood, he suggested this place. We walked into a small restaurant with a very casual ambiance & a bright cobalt blue wall. I was immediately intrigued.
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