Hallelujah!!! There's a lot I don't miss about my years living in NYC, but I haven't had a burger in Chicago yet that can top Shake Shack!
Wow, I'm going to try these recipes! Interesting with the chicken broth and the cream, though...I know a lot of folks are under the impression that their soup is vegetarian if not straight-up vegan.
It's all about their delicious, cinnamony oatmeal milkshake! If you haven't tried it yet run, don't walk.
Had lunch there for the first time, and totally agree with the review. Plus everyone working there was genuinely nice and so friendly! I think I've found a new favorite!
I agree that Uno's and Due are absolutely a must-try for IMHO the most authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza. If you go at lunchtime on a weekday they have a special--personal-sized pie for less than $8, including soup or salad.
I also agree with the burger at Rosebud ($5, for real!), and I love Epic Burger. Star of Siam is your better option for Thai in the area. M Burger is the bomb too (closest one to you will be on Ontario). Don't miss the fries and shakes at M Burger!
I also strongly recommend getting a CTA pass and checking out other neighborhoods. The most exciting stuff tends to be outside of the River North neighborhood.
Not Chinese, but Vietnamese. I desperately miss the La Sa Ga from Saigon Kitchen in NYC. It was my go-to comfort food for years. Wish I could find it in Chicago!
I did a two-week tour of Rajasthan with Intrepid about 5 years ago, great experience! Our guide was really great about taking us to street vendors and hole-in-the-wall places for snacks and meals from vendors she trusted. None of us got sick (when eating at places she took us) and it was a lot of fun!!!
Kuma's in Chicago!
Whole tomatoes? Diced? Stewed? Does it matter since the end up in the blender?
Green City Market in Lincoln Park is very good, and the one at State and Division on Saturday morning is big, but doesn't seem to have as many organic options as Green City.
Yes! Swedish Bakery! They made my wedding cake and it was delicious. Plus, the people who work there/run the place are so sweet and gracious. I've never had anything there that wasn't good.
Prasino. It's not on the Mag Mile, but less than a $15 cab ride away. Lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options, all very clearly marked on the menu!
It's in Wicker Park in Division--a great area for shopping if you like boutiques.
Mana, in the same area, has great, interesting vegetarian food but I'd check their website regarding gluten-free options.
Whoa. I went to HO7 recently for the first time in years, and was soooo disappointed. It has gone way downhill. The gumbo was a gloppy salty mess, the fried green tomatoes were structurally unsound, and everything seemed really carelessly made. Worst of all it was filthy. Not in a divey been-there-forever way but in a vile, gross way. I for one will stick to Big Jones for my New Prleans fix!
What, no love for the Nile's red lentil soup? That soup is so good they used to serve it in the coffee shop in the basement of Cobb Hall. I've tried many times to recreate it but just can't get it right. I'd give anything for that recipe!
Sad to say, the Florrian is closed now. Too bad since I always liked their pizza better than the Medici's.
And I have to second the food at Jimmy's--great grilled cheese, cheeseburgers & fries!
Great article, brings back lots of memories!
Pushing the carts but the food is just average
Minghin, all the way. Pheonix was great 15 years ago but it's fond the way of Three Happiness. Furama has sweet ladies pushi
Born and bred Chicagoan here--I agree with the Uno/Due rec's. They're the Chicago classic in my book. Also, both are a pleasant walk from the Drake. Malnati's and Pizano's are good but aren't quite the real thing to me. Pequod's sauce is too sweet and a pain to get to from the Drake. And Gino's (at least the one in Streeterville) is an abomination.
I've heard that Phoenix has really gone downhill. I've been very happy with Minghin for dim sum--very fresh food, good variety, nice clean space and fast service.
Yeah yeah yeah, veggie dogs aren't "real" hotdogs. However, as a big fan of soy-based fake meat products, I vouch for both Hot Doug's and Huey's! I think Hot Doug's is the better of the two though--I think maybe they deep-fry them? Go for the Chicago-style, they're fantastic!
Ok so ever since my undergrad days in Hyde Park I've loved the red lentil soup from the Nile restaurant on 55th Street. Unfortunately I live far enough away that it's a rare treat to get down to HP and indulge. I've tried to replicate it and keep failing. And now I'm very very pregnant and craving its creamy lentilly goodness.
I know it's a long shot, but does anyone have a recipe that comes close? I asked the owner once but he wouldn't share!
Anyone hear anything about it? Any ideas when they will open? I'm desperate for good Chinese in River North!
Any recommendations for a place to get chicken Katsu in the city? Bonus points if it's served with a giant pile of finely shredded cabbage (what's that called, anyway?)
I'd also love advice on where to go for really good Japanese curry rice. I've been at a loss so I've been making it at home, but sometimes I just don't have the time or energy with a very demanding newborn at home!
I've also been searching for Japanese fukujinzuke pickles--the only place I've been able to find them so far is what used to be Di Ho market in Westmont, but they were $9 for a little can! I'm sure I could get them at Mitsuwa, but again, tiny baby at home means no long drives to the burbs just to satisfy Mommy's cravings.
Any idea where to find these goodies downtown or close to downtown?
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Mana food bar has a good veggie slider!