Eat in Chicago
The favorite Chicago restaurants:
Ralph Lauren:
This time it is not about the clothes, but the food. While in college this place (at 115 E. Chicago Ave.) used to be a favorite of mine and my family. I would go for the mimosas, the tomato soup, the steak sandwich and the burger. My aunt and mom would go for the smoking section in the bar area, where you can also enjoy the full menu. No matter what this place will always be exceptional with its homey interior design and delicious, fulfilling food. The cozy bar area with a working fireplace does not accept reservations. The dining room does.
Avec:
First became aware of Avec by mistake while driving around. Since then, I have been a dedicated customer. The restaurant (615 W. Randolph St.) is a modern wooden corridor with communal tables and a bar running through it. If you are lucky your scenery from the huge rectangular window will be the owner’s red classic corvette parked right in the front. Avec has the most interactive kitchen I have seen so far at a restaurant. Customers sitting at the bar can actually watch the chefs cook in the open kitchen. Don’t worry about stinking as the vents work pretty well to keep the smell away. The wine menu is exceptional and a cheese platter with almonds, grapes, parsley and jam is recommended with it. If you are a light beer fan, try the Blanche de Buruxelles. Keep in mind that all the dishes are to share. Although the menu partially changes seasonally, I strongly recommend the focaccia, the whipped brandade, the hanger steak, the pasta and the Nicholas Farm cauliflower and potato salad. Remember that there is always a long wait for dinner.
Bistro 110:
Perfect especially for lunch after a long morning of shopping on Michigan Ave. The steamed garlic spread on butter on a warm homemade bread is delicious. There was once a special risotto with lobster, which was the best I have ever eaten anywhere. The french onion soup and the Bistro 110 steak frites are the other favorites. Located at 110 E. Pearson St.
Fogo de Chao:
Typical Brazilian “eat until you burst”, fixed-menu steak house. Still it is one of the best in America. Make sure you enjoy the salad bar while you are having your steak and chicken. If you separate the two, you will never have enough room for the protein and you will regret it. Chunks of Parmesan from the salad bar and the Picanha from the steak menu are definitely recommended. Located at 661 N. Lasalle. You need reservations.
Tavern on Rush:
Rush St. in Chicago is equivalent to Madison Ave. in New York. It is the street the fancy cars choose to drive by and park on during the weekends. So, all the action happens around Tavern on Rush (1031 N. Rush St.). Besides people and car watching, this place should be famous for its tomato soup, Papardelle with shrimp and 7-layer chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Sitting outside during summer is the best. The leather couches next to the bar inside are great for cold winter days.
Stash’s:
Located 40 min. away from the city in Highland Park, the “Mansion” zipcode of Chicago, Stash’s has one of the best burgers and hot dogs in town. Do not expect a fancy restaurant. This is a typical fast food spot founded to satisfy the comfort food cravings of its quiet ultra-rich neighborhood.
Potbelly Sandwich Works:
New Yokers wouldn’t know about this place since the franchise did not land here yet. If you are looking to grab a quick bite, you have to try Potbelly. The breads are freshly baked and the ingredients are delicious. It has multiple locations around downtown Chicago.