Best of the Best Dining Restaurants Food Wine Chicago

Restaurant and Dining Deals in Chicago

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:57:50 GMT

Taste the Savings in Chicago

It's hard to talk about Chicago - with its vibrant architecture, music, culture and history - without mentioning Chicago restaurants. When dining in Chicago, the safe bet is that no matter which cuisine you select, you've probably made a good choice.

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Tasty Savings are Just Around the Corner

If you've never purchased Chicago restaurant gift certificates or any restaurant gift certificates from RESTAURANT.com, don't worry - they make the process a breeze. With a few clicks of the mouse, you could be next to discover Chicago restaurants! If you're unsure about where to go for the best restaurants in Chicago they have gift certificates available for all areas, including restaurants in the north west suburbs to the far west suburbs, as well as those from Chicago north to Chicago south and beyond.

Find out now THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN RESTAURANT DINING IN CHICAGO!

CHECK THIS OUT!

Leave us a comment below, and tell us YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT. And we will enter you into a drawing for a FREE $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate! Comments will be closed on May 31 at Midnight. And a random winner will be announced on June 1st!

About Restaurant.com
Restaurant.com offers gift certificates to more than 15,000 restaurants and bars across the country for a fraction of their actual value. That means customers have access to $25 gift certificates for only $10. From appetizers to dessert, from wine to dinner, Restaurant.com provides diners with great value in a fun, new and cost effective way. Drinks and alcohol are included unless otherwise noted. Some conditions apply.

BestFoodWineChicago.com

Chelsea Handler Launches Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka to Chicago

Restaurants Food Wine Chicago — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:59:00 GMT

CHELSEA HANDLER
was in town this week to perform at the Chicago Theater AND help Belevedere Vodka launch their Bloody Mary Vodka.

Belvedere has launched a bloody-mary vodka, made by combining batches that are bathed separately in seven ingredients, including tomato, horseradish, black pepper and lemon, creating a spicy vodka that only requires the addition of tomato juice for a bloody.

The event in Chicago was co-hosted by Bon Appetit's new editor in chief Adam Rapoport who said he's having a great time at the helm. (There's been a lot of speculation about the second issue, and Rapoport apparently told some folks at the brunch that Gwyneth Paltrow will grace the cover.)

Rapoport, who dined at Girl & The Goat while in town, also told EATER that since he just took over and they're only about to release their second issue that their plans for an iPad app are pushed back a bit.

The Chicago Brunch event was a who's-who! Mingling over fresh bloody marys and another cocktail comprising citrus and mint (as well as the spicy vodka), a robust crew of Chicago chefs, restaurateurs and media folk mingled, including Tony and Cathy Mantuano, Bill & Yvonne-Cadiz Kim, Rob and Kathleen Katz, Amanda Puck, CS magazine's Korey Karnes Huyler, Candace Jordan, Time Out Chicago's Kevin Aeh and John Dugan, Spiaggia exec chef Sarah Grueneberg and her fiance, Jaime Canete, sous chef at Terzo Piano, John Ross and Chris Pandel from the Bristol, Takashi Yagihashi, Alpana Singh, Charles Joly, Adam Seger, Lynn House, Blackbird group's Brian Houstin, Justin Large and Patrick Fahy and so many more.

We're Back!

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:44:00 GMT

The site was down a few weeks - we are updating and changing!

Give us a few weeks and everything should be restored and better than ever!!

*Please see the sidebar for our Tribute to our partner and friend, Laura Hansen

QDOBA - Fresh and Tasty Mexican Grill -Now with Street Tacos

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:16:00 GMT

In 1995, Anthony Miller and partner Robert Hauser imported San Francisco’s Mission-style burrito to Colorado, opening the first Qdoba Mexican Grill in Denver. Qdoba immediately won over customers and critics with the restaurant’s Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients.

Obviously, it was an idea whose time had come. Since Qdoba’s auspicious beginnings, we’ve grown to include over 500 Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants from coast to coast. And plenty more are on the way.

FRESH, VARIETY, HEALTHY CHOICES and REASONABLY PRICED! YUM!

I HATE IT when I go out to eat and have no idea what I am eating, the fat content, the caloric count, etc.

Qdoba uses only the freshest ingredients and takes the time to prepare them beautifully. They care about what you're eating just as much as you do. That's why they have created an easy-to-use Nutritional Calculator. First, just select your meal from the top menu. Then mark each of your ingredients from the lists. It's EASY! You can pick low fat, no fat, even vegetarian choices here. HEALTHY and FRESH. Need I say more?

Recently some team members from Denver were in Chicago to TEST LAUNCH their new Street Tacos. Qdoba's street tacos come on a double wrap of small corn tortillas, with shredded beef or pulled pork, cilantro, and red onion. The combo comes with a side of barbecue baked beans for $4.99. (To give a basis for comparison, the regular tacos cost $6.49 for three, and no beans.) The pork was very juicy, and just the right amounts of onion and cilantro. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME DURING MAY!

Gourmet street fare – or food prepared and served from carts or trucks on the sides of popular streets – was named one of the hottest restaurant concepts at last year’s National Restaurant Association show in Chicago and was recently served at the White House by renowned chef Rick Bayless. Street fare has its origins in several countries, including Mexico, where there is a great variety of “antojitos mexicanos” that are found at street food vendors who prepare some of the freshest, most delicious and innovative dishes in Mexico.

An order of Qdoba’s Mini Street Tacos (three tacos) with slow-roasted pork contains only 330 calories and offers 21 grams of protein. Qdoba’s extra lean pork is slow simmered in-house for six hours in a signature blend of spices, including green chilis, jalapenos, bell peppers, garlic and onions.

We got to have a little hands on cooking class with Qdoba while the Denver folks were in town! Head chef Ted Stoner showed us things like Mango Salsa, different types of hot Salsa, making Fresh Guacamole and how the Pulled Pork is made for the new Street Tacos!

Many recipes and videos are on their site.

The ingredients and the flavors are so important. Jalapenos have a reputation for being very hot but actually only rank in the medium to hot range among peppers.

And I discovered how wonderful Tomatillas are! Known in Mexico as the green tomato, the tomatillo fruit was cultivated by the Aztecs long before the tomato arrived, and it remains a favorite in Mexican foods ranging from stews to salads. This tart, yellow-green nightshade has flavors of lemon, apple and herbs and contains a great deal of vitamins A and C, calcium and folic acid. Tomatillos are the heart of Salsa Verde.

I don't want to name any names....but, there are Burritos.....and then there are the Qdoba Burritos! There is a lot involved in making PERFECT BURRITOS. Quality meats, artfully made and constructed and just the right amount of everything.

No matter how many burritos you order from a good burrito place, they should all be the same high quality with little variation.

When you recommend a burrito
place to someone, you shouldn't’t have to worry that their burrito will be radically different than yours had been.

About a year or so back Qdoba had a really fun Fighing Burrito Boredom campaign. You can still watch the videos online.

We got to take a peak in the kitchen - and you know what we saw? People chopping! Everything is made fresh and NOT shipped in. fresh Salsa's, fresh Guacamole, freshly cooked meats. What a concept! FRESH!

You see, fresh, good quality food , can come in all price points. The $150 5 course meal in the Loop! Or a $5 meal at Qdoba.

If you have never been to Qdoba or thought it was just another fast food joint - check it out. You will be WOWed.

Dozens of locations in Chicagoland.

And check out the recipes online!

Derrick Sorles

Best of the Best Dining Restaurants Food Wine Chicago

Cinco de Mayo in Chicago and Mothers Day Brunch

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:54:00 GMT

Cinco de Mayo is just days away!

DID YOU KNOW? Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday held on May 5 that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.

Over the last 10-15 years or so, Cinco de Mayo celebrations have exploded around the world! And most Mexican restaurants are busy all evening on May 5th!

Dancing in the streets in several Chicago neighborhoods began this past weekend, as the Mexican-American community started celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

Crowds gathered along West Cermak Road for the Cinco de Mayo Festival parade. Families watched and cheered as floats, bands and dancers in traditional Mexican attire made their way down the parade route. There were also games and activities for the kids.

For many resturants, they will be busy this Thursday as food and tequila lovers come out to celebrate! Our favorite place is El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway Ph. 773.549.2932.

Established in 1996,

a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community.(which is still there!) El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and Awesome margaritas.

The restaurant steadily grew in popularity with the support of loyal patrons who loved the families recipes of authentic food.

At the newest location, El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill, they offer a much bigger menu, fresh tableside guacamole that is made to order and an extensive selection of over 175 tequilas! (all 100% Blue Agave). This makes it the biggest tequila bar in Chicago!

The food quality here is amazing! I have never had a bad dish and the quality is consistent. This family works very hard to deliver high quality food at great prices.

If you don't make it out for Cinco de Mayo, this Sunday, May 8th, they'll be serving up their famous Mothers Day Brunch!

At $10.95 per person, this is amazing! Fresh fruit salads, Pasta and Tuna Salads, Moiletes (Toasted Mexican bread) Torta de Papa con huevo and Cilantro Aloly, Stuffed Poblano Chicken Breast, Alambres al Pastor, Pancakes with Tequila Piloncillo Syrup, Garlic Epazote Rustic Potatoes, Primavera Rice, and Flan de Cafe! Are you hungry yet?

This is an amazing spread available 10am-2PM. You'll want to make a reservation for sure!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill

3906 N Broadway

Ph. 773.549.2932.

BE THEIR FRIEND/FAN ON FACEBOOK
AND GET THE SPECIAL SCOOP ON PROMOTIONS ONLY FOR THEIR FACEBOOK FANS !

Celebrated Chefs of Chicago Support Community by Giving Back

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:38:00 GMT

Eat out and give back!

5% to your cause,
everytime you dine out.

Celebrated Chefs is a unique dining program that supports the work of hundreds of non-profit organizations in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington DC.

Enrollment is free and includes the exquisite Celebrated Chefs cookbook featuring a signature recipe from each participating restaurant.

To get started, you can "enroll" online, select the cause you wish to support, register any credit card you use when dining on business or pleasure, then dine at a participating restaurant. The result? The restaurant automatically donates 5% of your bill back to your designated cause.

It is that simple! How cool is that?

Celebrated Chefs.

BestoftheBestDiningandRestaurantsinChicago

Best Taco Bell in Chicago 2575 N. Clyburn

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:12:00 GMT

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A SMILE?

Did you know? Fast-food employees are the largest group of low-paid workers in the United States today.

How many times have you pulled up to a drive thru window, only to be greeted by a static filled box with garbled words by someone who could care less about you or your food order? Then while you wait for order they are goofing off, talking about last nights antics or who is having a baby. They could care less about you and your food. And I have come to accept that. That's the world we live in.

I first went to this Taco Bell at 2575 N. Clyburn, about 2 years ago. And the young ladies voice, SMILED at me, through the speakers! You could hear her genuine friendliness. I thought OK, this is a fluke. 2 weeks later, another trip through, a different employee, and the same experience! Where am I? The Twilight Zone?

2 years later and it's the same thing, everytime. Employees that care. Employees that are nice. Employees that pay attention. There is always napkins, a reciept and piece of candy in my bag, EVERYTIME. Do you know how hard it is to find quality employees in the fast food business or big box stores? NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE!

I had to ask the manager today what is the deal? Latoya said she had been there for 5 years and they just really try hard to stand out in this competitive market where the consumer has choices. She hopes the consumer picks them!

Politeness and Friendliness aside, they always deliver an excellent product, well put together and not thrown into the nag. This Taco Bell does an OUTSTANDING JOB and I wanted to give them props as one of the BEST OF BEST in CHICAGO!

TACO BELL 2575 North Clybourn Avenue, at Wrightwood
Chicago, IL 60614-1940 (773) 281-5063 ‎

Derrick Sorles
Best of the Best Dining and Restaurants in Chicago

Restaurant Dining in a BANK! The Bedford Opens in Chicago

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:36:00 GMT

A "Studio 54" attitude in this hipster market? Why not? Hip, Chic, it's all about the buzz darling!

It takes someone with a good eye to realize their fortune when rehabbing an old building and can utilize reclaimed materials to build-out their new project. Fortunately, the team behind The Bedford saw the virtual gold mine they were sitting on when they started planning their sub-grade restaurant in the former MB Bank Building, a historic edifice that dates back to the 1920s.

With different types of marble, limestone, original crown molding, terrazzo flooring and even safe deposit boxes, the Bedford is taking what was once old and making it new again. The approximately 6,500 square-foot restaurant opens this weekend and people will likely be as amazed by former Hot Chocolate and The Gage chef Mark Steuer's food as they will be by the design.

Get a closer look at Chicago EATER!

Pre-Cinco de Mayo and Free Tacos at Qdoba Mexican Grills

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:56:00 GMT

as part of a pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration,
Qdoba will hold a free Street Taco day
for all customers on Friday, April 29,
at all Chicago restaurant locations,
including its newest restaurant that recently opened at 2191 N. Clybourn.

All customers will receive a free order of Qdoba’s new Mini Street Tacos with the purchase of a drink on this day. Limited to one order per customer.

DID YOU KNOW?

18th Annual Dining out for Life April 28th

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:33:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 28, 2011,
join us to celebrate food, friends and a great cause at our 18th annual Dining Out For Life.

Last year, Chicago raised over $100,000 to continue its mission of providing housing with life services to women, children and men living with HIV/AIDS.

This year we hope to raise $250,000. You can help make a difference by joining us along with 58 other cities throughout North America and Nigeria and dine out on April 28th.

Celebrating 18 years! Dine Out. Fight AIDS. EDGE ALLIANCE

Dining Out For Life Chicago

Complete List of Restaurants

Find them on Facebook

Best of the Best Restaurants and Dining in Chicago

Chicago's Kit Kat Lounge Reality Show May Become a Reality Soon!

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:35:00 GMT

The
KIT KAT LOUNGE and SUPPER CLUB,
in Lakeview/Boystown is one of
our favorite haunts!

Celebrating over 10 years in Chicago, the lounge and supper club is well known for their extensive martini list (70+) and awesome showgirls who work the floor every evening.

Several months back, the owners Edward Gisiger and Ramesh Ariyanayakam revealed that Bravo was sniffing around with a reality show in mind.

A pilot has been shot and a year since that meeting, Gisiger and Ariyanayakam tell REDEYE, they are shopping the concept to various networks with L.A.- and Miami-based production company Lincoln Road Pictures, which has been involved with shows such as TLC’s “Miami Ink” and E!’s “Dr. 90210.”

The kinks still are still being worked out, Gisiger said. Everybody has his own idea of what the show should be, with no defined starring role.

And that might be a good thing for the prospects of a show, said Lincoln Road Pictures producer Parker Randal, who is working on the project.

Randal, the production company’s vice president, said the appeal is all the different directions the show can go: focusing on the “good cop, bad cop” relationship of the owners, or the gourmet kitchen and live performance business model, or just that the venue itself brings in both straight bachelorettes juxtaposed with an artsy gay and lesbian community.

“In Hollywood, nobody really knows what makes a good show,” Randal said. “Just that the characters pop. And I think, here, they do!"

Read more at REDEYE

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613-3910 (773) 525-1111

Best of the Best Dining and Restaurants in Chicago

NEXT Restaurant - Paris 1906 Menu is Next!

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:26:00 GMT

I really think NEXT Restaurant is the most genius concept. It is like selling seats to special performances! It's a wonderful idea!

Here is how it's going to work:

We are pleased to let you know that you may now purchase tickets to our inaugural menu, Paris 1906 -- Escoffier at the Ritz. Please be aware, however, that we have been experience very heavy traffic loads. Every day we release another 20 tables for May through June, but they have been getting purchased incredibly quickly. We believe that this will settle down over time.

Please navigate to: Next Restaurant, (Do not use Internet Explorer) type in your email address, and click "Generate Password". Once you receive your unique password by email, you may then log in to our site and purchase tickets. Please note that a very small percentage of users have had an issue with their passwords... please generate a new password one more time -- and only one more time.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that once you log in you complete your diner profile at Manage Account and attach a credit card to your profile. All credit cards are verified and held securely by Authorize.net. You may then go to "Tickets" to choose a date, time, and beverage choices as you wish. If you browse first, then update your account, your reserved ticket will not be held during that process.

Over the next several weeks we will release additional tables for each night on a rolling basis in order to create a fair chance for everyone to purchase seats on their preferred dates. Pricing for Paris 1906 will vary between $ 65 and $ 110 for our main dining room depending on the day and time you are dining. Our kitchen table features an expanded 16+ course menu for 6 diners with a private room overlooking the Next kitchen and is fixed at $ 165 per person.

Beverage pairings range from still or sparkling water to reserve wine pairings. All pairings include coffee / tea service. Once you select the beverage pairings for each diner and let us know of any dietary restrictions that we can accommodate from the menu, simply click proceed to payment to complete the transaction. Please note that any dietary restrictions not specifically listed cannot be accommodated for this menu. For example, a vegetarian option does not exist for Paris 1906 due to the nature of the cuisine... but will certainly be available for future menus.

Finally, we have made every effort to create a simple to use, secure, and logical ticket system. We did, however, run into issues with our system running on Internet Explorer and have chosen, for the time being, to require Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. We hope to address this issue shortly.

We look forward to welcoming you at Next and sharing what we have spent the last two years creating.

Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas

So what you want to do is get signed up. The May and June reservations SOLD OUT in less than 48 hours! But if you want to go, get on the mailing list and get your password for the next table and menu release.

Best of the Best Dining in Chicago

Maya Del Sol In Oak Park says ‘Pay What is Fair’ on Tax Day

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:22:00 GMT

CHECK THIS OUT!

Maya Del Sol in Oak Park, is offering customers a chance to ‘Pay What is Fair’ for dinner on Tax Filing Day. From 4pm to 9pm on Monday, April 18th, customers at the popular Nuevo Latino restaurant will have the opportunity to decide what to pay for their meal.

When seated for dinner, customers will be given a menu without any prices to order from. Once their meal is complete, guests will be able to write in what they think is fair for the price of their meal, which is what they will be charged. The ‘Pay What You Think Is Fair’ offer will apply to the entire Latin-inspired food menu; beverages will be excluded.

“Paying your taxes is never fun and usually stressful for most people. With that in mind, we want to turn things around and give our customers a chance to feel like they are in control and also have some fun by setting their own price for their meal,” comments Todd Gunderson, Director of Operations at Maya Del Sol.

The ‘Pay What You Think Is Fair’ promotion
will be available only
on Monday, April 18th, 2011.

Maya Del Sol is open every day for Dinner at 4pm, on Fridays and Saturdays for Lunch from 11:30am – 2pm and on Sundays from 10am-2pm for Sunday Brunch.

Please visit Maya Del Sol online for more
information about the restaurant.

Best of the Best Dining and Restaurants in Chicago

Want to Buy a Table/Ticket at Achatz's NEXT? It's Gonna Cost You!

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:18:00 GMT

While Alinea, the newly minted three-star Michelin restaurant in Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s great success stories, NEXT seems to be the hottest ticket in town! Almost as soon as tickets went up for sale online, they were being bought and RESOLD on Craigslist for $2000 and $3000!

Yesterday afternoon, Grant Achatz tweeted that people were selling tickets on Craigslist. Tickets were topping out at $3,000, but an average two top was going for $1,000 (the average table at Next is $85 a person, exclusive of wine pairings, tax and gratuity). NEXT opens to the public TONIGHT.

Business partner Nick Kokonas told Chicago Magazine recently, "We’re really, really trying to steer Alinea toward being the best in the world."

People have questioned their decision, as to why they dropped Alinea’s $145 multicourse menu in favor of offering only the larger $195 version.

"People criticize it without stopping to think from a business standpoint,” he says. "It’s not because we want to make more money. It’s because we’re thinking long term. .” Alinea actually makes less money since eliminating the cheaper menu. Because the 22-course meal takes four hours to consume, the restaurant can book its 18 tables just once per night, except for the handful that can be reseated by 9:30 p.m. “We can do two [seatings per table of the] $145 menus,” says Kokonas. “Which would you rather bring in? It’s a net loser for us to do the $195 menu only.”

Mitsuwa Marketplace, Chicago spot full of Japanese Delights including Pocky

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:44:00 GMT

Photo Robyn Lee

I LOVE DELICIOUS FUN UNIQUE TREATS!

Serious Eats is a great place to discover new things. Yesterday I saw these cool delicious looking Japanese Snacks on SE - they are called POCKY - and available locally!

Like monster movies, martial arts, and cartoon pornography, the Japanese are the only ones in the world who have managed to refine and re-imagine snack foods in a way that can only be described as art.

Pocky is a delicious, fun biscuit dessert from Japan. The name "Pocky" is derived from the sound that this crispy snack makes when eaten. At Asian Food Grocer, shop the many varieties of delectable Pocky treats from traditional favorites like Strawberry and Chocolate to more unusual flavors such as Chocolate coverd Coconut. Not only are Pocky sticks covered in a diverse assortment of frostings, but they also come in a broad array of styles and shapes.

Pocky is one of MANY COOL THINGS at Mitsuwa Marketplace ...the largest Japanese Supermarket in the U. S. And we're lucky to have one right here in Chicagoland! 100 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Hts., IL 60005 TEL: (847) 956-6699

Located right off I-90, Mitsuwa Marketplace, Chicago store has so much to offer under one roof. In our supermarket section, you will find premium cuts of Wagyu beef, delectable fresh sashimi and sushi, and extensive selection of Japanese groceries. More than 15 specialty shops offer Books, Cosmetics, Rental Video, Bakery, and much more. If you are looking for a place to enjoy lunch or dinner at a reasonable price, our Restaurant Row is the Place; Sushi, Ramen, Traditional Japanese dishes, Fast-Food Chinese, Korean dishes, and other exquisite selections are served.

Visit and enjoy a taste of Japan.

Best of the Best Dining Chicago.com

Food Trucks and Street Dining Around Chicago

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:35:00 GMT

FOODTRUCKS are HOT IN NEW YORK and MOST other major cities. Food trucks, the next step up the evolutionary ladder from the traditional sidewalk food cart (trucks are generally larger, more tricked-out, and self-propelled), aren’t exactly new. Trucks serving pizza or halal chicken and rice have fed NY's midtown office workers and outer-borough revelers for years.

In Chicago however, it is technically still illegal to cook on wheels.

There is a group of foodservice professionals interested in gathering support for an ordinance that will allow mobile food trucks to operate within the city limits of Chicago. You can show your support and voice your opinion at Chicago Food Trucks.

IN FACT, Chicago remains the last major U.S. city to get on board with the food-truck trend, due largely to a city ordinance that states operators can serve but not prepare food on the streets. That may soon change, however, as culinary-school grads hungry for jobs fight brick-and-mortar restaurateurs to change the ordinance.

THIS MONTH, Chicago Magazine has
Seven Chicago Food Trucks: Where They Go and What They Serve

And Time Out has their Food Truck picks as well.

Michael Snell
Best of the Best Restaurants and Dining Chicago

Groupon and YELP Are Hurting Restaurants

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:33:00 GMT

Social Media;
Can't live with it, can't live without it!

I have not been a fan of Yelp and other similar sites full of user-generated content and reviews. And because of their power and page ranking with search engines, one bad review can really destroy a business. And it's not fair. Sometimes a bad review can even be left by a bitter competitor, just to sabotage.

And Groupon - they should have taken Googles offer of a $6 BILLION buy out last winter. I smell trouble ahead for this company. Restaurants are getting raped. They get a quick shot of cash, pennies on the dollar, and can't handle the rapid rush of business and the bitter disgruntled customers turn around and trash the restaurant on Yelp!

Polling of restaurateurs in the United States has revealed strong negative impressions of the websites Groupon and Yelp, with respondents evenly split on which one is having the most damaging effect on their business. Meanwhile, a majority of restaurateurs felt that social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have had a positive effect on their business.

A recent poll conducted by Tundra Specialties, a national distributor of restaurant supplies and equipment, revealed a negative view of two websites that have dramatically altered the food service industry in recent years.

Tundra surveyed customers over a month long period in order to better understand how the food service industry is reacting to the rapidly increasing influence of the web on their business.

Read the full press release online.

Michael Snell
Best of the Best Dining in Chicago

New Books from Rick Trumonto and Greg Achatz

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:27:00 GMT

"I wrote Scars of a Chef as a way to inspire and encourage readers in all walks of life to discover, develop and follow their passions”. says TRU owner and chef Rick Tramonto.

“I think they’ll enjoy getting an inside peek at the culinary world as well.”

Rick Tramonto started as a high school dropout working at Wendy’s; he became one of the hottest celebrity chefs in the world. Yet his rise to culinary success was marked with tragedy, loss, and abandonment.

As a teenager, Rick worked to support the family when his father (who had Mob ties) went to prison. As a young adult, he struggled with a learning disability and drug addiction. Yet as a chef, he rose rapidly to culinary stardom, earning rave reviews and eventually opening the famous four-star establishment Tru.

Containing recipes and color photos, Scars of a Chef is the mesmerizing rags-to-riches memoir of one chef’s journey through the highest heights and the lowest lows of the culinary world . . . and his search for something that would finally heal his wounds and sustain him through even the darkest times.

In this curious memoir, chef Achatz and his business partner, Kokonas tell of their Chicago restaurant, Alinea, as well as his cancer diagnosis and recovery. Achatz grew up in Michigan in and around restaurants, the only child of a troubled marriage who spent an otherwise contented adolescence around kitchens.

He eventually attended the Culinary Institute of America and studied with Charlie Trotter and Thomas Keller with whom he began developing both his palate and culinary vision. He returned to Chicago, where he met Kokonas, who became his business partner in 2005, when they opened Alinea. As Alinea evolves from drawing board to reality, the narrative alternates between the two men's voices. They discuss finding the right team of chefs and dealing with Achatz's diagnosis with stage IV tongue cancer.

This must-read for the culinary crowd is the literary equivalent of caviar and Krug. Foodies will marvel at Achatz's thought process on his molecular creations, while Kokonas provides a detailed glimpse of the artistic vision and creation of modern fine dining. The book takes readers into the passionate environment of a revolutionary kitchen, and through the eyes of the authors we are introduced to the future of gastronomy.

Scars of a Chef: The Searing Story of a Top Chef Marked Forever by the Grit and Grace of Life in the Kitchen

Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat

BACK IN STOCK! Alinea !

Best of the Best Restaurants and Dining in Chicago!

18th Annual Dining out for Life Chicago April 28th

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 18:16:00 GMT

The way to Chicago’s heart is through its stomach.

With such a big heart, Chicago also has a big stomach to fill. So, on Thursday, April 28^th, EdgeAlliance will present its 18^th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser to fight HIV/AIDS.

To join us in the fight, dine out at one of Chicago’s participating restaurants and be a part of the solution. With more than 100 participating restaurants in 30 neighborhoods, Dining Out For Life is a true-to-Chicago tradition. Each participating restaurant will donate a heaping portion of their revenue that day to EdgeAlliance and its mission to provide affordable housing and supportive services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Participating restaurants in Chicago include Atwood Cafe, Peninsula Hotel, Carnivale, Club Lucky, Mia Francesca, Signature Room, South Water Kitchen and More can be found at DiningOutforLife.com

Along with raising funds, Dining Out For Life seeks to raise awareness for the importance of its cause. The Chicago LGBT community is still being affected heavily by HIV/AIDS. Approximately 22,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago alone. Last year 76% of all Chicago men who contracted HIV/AIDS were members of the gay community.

By participating in Dining Out For Life, supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS has never been so fun! A donation of $10 or more enrolls you in a raffle with five desirable grand prizes, and special menus on the date of the event added with festive décor will make this night truly memorable. Gather your family, friends and co-workers for this city-wide event! Find a participating restaurant in your city at

Dining out for Life.com or join the conversation at Facebook.com/DineOut4Life and Twitter.com/DineOut4Life.

Chicago's Kendall College Delivers Culinary Classes and Fine Dining Food

Restaurant Food Wine Chicago — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:56:00 GMT

THIS PAST DECEMBER,
the Michelin restaurant guide
recognized Kendall College
dining room for guide's 2011
restaurant list for Chicago.

The school, under the direction of Christopher Koetke, joins just three U.S. culinary-school restaurants to be recognized by the prestigious French restaurant reviewer.

The guide describes the experience this way:
"Imagine that dining out could be a sneak peek at a future Michelin-starred chef. . . .Forgive the jitters as servers-in-training deliver your meal, which you can watch being prepared through floor-to-ceiling windows onto the kitchen."

"Inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide is a sign of excellence and we are thrilled that The Dining Room has been recognized for its special dining experience and cuisine," said Christopher Koetke, MBA, CEC, CCE, dean of Kendall College School of Culinary Arts. "The Dining Room at Kendall College is a working classroom for hospitality management and culinary arts students, giving them the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professionally run fine-dining restaurant under the supervision of Kendall's faculty. This honor is a reflection of the passion and dedication of the students and faculty that make the restaurant such a special place," added Koetke.

The nationally acclaimed School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College has prepared exceptional culinary professionals since 1985.

The culinary school offers Chicago residents a place where they can taste the budding skills of soon-to-be chefs in training. (A portion of guest gratuity from the Dining room are put in a student scholarship fund).

The Dining Room has had several incarnations over the years. Last Winter, the kitchen was built out with floor to ceiling glass so that diners could watch the busy kitchen staff at work!

Open to the general public, The Dining Room at Kendall College is renowned for its exceptional food and attentive service and at the same time, also an extraordinary "classroom" offering culinary and hospitality students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional, fine-dining restaurant.

Thanks to an outstanding faculty and dedicated students, Kendall College produces the finest talent in the hospitality and culinary fields in the Midwest.

The Dining Room space offers awesome skyline views in a large open loft room. The staff is great and there is rotating, seasonal menus. So before Spring gets here, we stopped by last night to get some winter samplings!

The menus are extremely innovative and there is tons of creativity with the dishes! This isn't your dad's college!

Pigs Ear and Bison Carpaccio?

The chef recommended the Pigs Ear! It was a delicious melt-in-your-mouth dish topped with a light mustard vinaigrette.

I love a great Carpaccio and the Juniper seared bison did not disappoint!

We also had the Roasted bone marrow, with oxtail marmalade and fresh toasted porcini brioche. Amazing flavors.

Dinner itself was equally amazing. Pan seared arctic char, ontop a small bed of crème fraiche whipped potatoes with a bit of braised red cabbage & apple.

Grilled bison strip loin, roasted root vegetables, black currant gastrique, and bone marrow hollandaise.

Dessert was stunning. Dark chocolate beet cake (yes! beet!) dark chocolate blood orange mousse, red beet sorbet, hazelnut crunch, roasted beets, blood orange.

Pumpkin souffle with maple ice cream, pumpkin seed brittle, gingersnap soil, winter squash, orange & cranberry relish. FLAWLESS!

A great feature is the price. Fixed Priced Lunch and Dinner Menu gives you a variety of dishes at a great price. choose a First Course, Main Course and Dessert for only $18 at lunch and $29 for dinner (does not include beverages, tax, or gratuities - and is not offered on Friday and Saturday evenings - plus Tuesdays is half-off bottles of wine and Wednesdays are $5 martinis). You CAN NOT have a gourmet meal like this ANYWHERE else in the city, for these kinds of prices.

I can't wait until Spring/Summer! In 2007, Kendall College received the prestigious Green Award presented by the Consultants Society International. Most recently, the two campus restaurants became Certified Green Restaurants by the Green Restaurant Association. In addition, they operate their own green garden where culinary arts students grow and harvest produce. You can read more at Kendall Going Green .

“Farm-to-table” cooking is something that’s important to the Dining Room’s chef instructors, Ben Browning and Peggy Ryan, because it allows culinary students to learn the fundamentals of sustainable agriculture by growing and harvesting produce for use in the restaurant.

The Dining Room at Kendall College was highly rated in the recently published Zagat Survey 2010/11 Chicago Restaurants as well, "While tablecloths, spotless tableware and wine glasses, impeccable service, a view of the city skyline and, best of all, excellent food, and it's all part of one of Chicago's most prestigious culinary schools."

Come dine with the students...
before they become famous.

Lunch is available Monday thru Friday 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Dinner is typically Tuesday thru Friday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm and Saturday 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Call ahead and make sure they are not closed for a special event. There are blackout dates.

Kendall College is located at 900 N. North Branch St. in Chicago.For reservations call 312.752.2328

Best of the Best Dining in Chicago