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.
Read moreWhen In Doubt...Eat Ceviche!
For those of you trying to make an easy transition into the world of raw fish, I think Ceviche is where you should start! And that’s because the fish in ceviche is usually cured in some blend of citrus juices and seasoned to make it so flavorful, that you’ll forget it’s uncooked. This seafood salad originated in the coastal regions of Latin America & is usually accompanied with other sides. But if it’s really good, it can serve as your whole meal. Like it did for me at GT Fish & Oyster recently.
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