Restaurants Archive

Restaurants: Premier of Cafe 676

By
lori_smuckler
Published: August 17, 2010

This week, our neighbor to the north of The Ritz-Carlton Residences,  award-winning Omni Hotel, opened a new outdoor sidewalk café appropriately named Café 676. It is a fresh outdoor dining concept rare to Michigan Ave, created by executive chef Daven Wardynski.

The café has a farm-to-table approach and Chef Wardynski’s ultimate goal is to create a dining experience that is natural and organic through its preparation, presentation, and table service. The café is open daily from 11a.m. to 11p.m. and has a seasonal menu consisting of light snacks, starters, entrée salads, and specialty sandwiches. For more details, visit their website.

Lori Smuckler is a blogger and valued member of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago marketing team. She can be reached at lsmuckler@theresidenceschicago.com.

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Food Life: Chicago Gourmet (Sept. 24 – 26)

By
Judi
Published: August 5, 2010

This weekend, thousands of music lovers will descend on Grant Park for the annual Lollapalooza music festival. Sigh. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Chicago hosted a festival for food-lovers too?

Behold! On September 24 to September 26, Bon Appetit will host Chicago Gourmet: A Celebration of Food and Wine. Local culinary stars (95 in all!) that include Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot Bowles, Stephanie Izard and Art Smith will provide demos, educational seminars and book signings. Enjoy beer and spirit tastings, meet the Bon Appetit editors and more! And maybe Lady Gaga will show up dress like a souffle! (Hey, you never know….)

For more information, visit their website and purchase tickets for the two-day event.

Judi Cutrone is a writer with Otherwise Incorporated for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.  Check out her blog Judi. Clearly.

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Food Life: Chicago is Michelin’s Newest Destination Guide

By
Judi
Published: July 13, 2010

Wow. According to this morning’s PR Newswire, Michelin will be adding a new Destination Guide come November 2010- Chicago! It’s the first time a Midwestern city has been chosen and, in fact, the only other American cities granted guides are long-time culinary havens New York (2005) and San Francisco (2006).

Even the uninitiated might recognize the honor as the name Michelin often pops up on the resumes of the world’s most talented chefs and restaurant destinations. Jean-Luc Naret, worldwide director of the Michelin guide made the announcement about Chicago’s inclusion earlier today:

“The diversity, breadth and depth of Chicago’s restaurant and hotel scene, coupled with its rich gastronomic history, clearly mark the city and surrounding areas as the logical choice for the next North American title in the MICHELIN guide series. As with our recently updated guides to New York City and San Francisco, we are making every effort to produce a comprehensive selection that does full justice to the region’s exciting restaurant and hotel culture and also meets our readers’ expectations.”

This is good news for a girl who moved to Chicago specifically for the food. Clearly, I have impeccable taste.

Judi Cutrone is a writer with Otherwise Incorporated for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.  Check out her blog Judi. Clearly.

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Restaurants: Girl & The Goat Opens

By
Judi
Published: July 9, 2010

Finally! Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s long-awaited gastropub Girl & The Goat is opening for business in the West Loop on Monday, July 12.

I, personally, have been haunting their construction progress for the last three months on my way to work. When I passed by last night and saw set tables and a working valet, I almost did a cartwheel right there on Randolph.

Some early buzz:

From Thrillist (editing out the slightly inappropriate banter): Delivering on buzz that began building the moment Stephanie Izard was named Top Chef, G&TG’s an ode to gustatory ideology…

Chicago Tribune: Finally, we’ll learn what a smoked-goat pizzette with tart-cherry soffritto tastes like.

Chicago Reader: Opening Monday in the West Loop is the much-hyped Girl and the Goat, the latest from Stephanie Izard (Scylla, Top Chef), offering a menu divided into the categories vegetable, fish, and meat, plus a few desserts.

Judi Cutrone is a writer with Otherwise Incorporated for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.  Check out her blog Judi. Clearly.

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Events: Chicago Craft Beer Week

By
lauren_fennema
Published: May 19, 2010

Craft Beer Week

American Craft Beer Week is upon us. This national celebration of artisian brewers encourages hundreds of brands, distributors, and retailers across the country to showcase local talent through special events and tastings. As a city with phenomenal craft brewers, don’t miss out on Chicago Craft Beer Week.

Here is a recap of the must-attend events:

Today, Wednesday, May 19th

Make the pilgrimage to one of Chicago’s beer Mecca’s for Half Acre Beer Dinner at Hopleaf (5148 N Clark). Enjoy a five-course dinner with Half Acre pairings starting at 7:30 pm. $50 per person. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

Small Bar (1415 W Fullerton) hosts an impressive lineup of local breweries for Rare Chicago Beer Night, presented by Beer Mapping and Hop Cast. At this event, enjoy servings of rare or unusual beers from Goose Island, Three Floyds, Half Acre, Metropolitan, Two Brothers, and other local standouts. Event starts at 6 pm, cask tapping at 7 pm.

Come learn from the pros at Chicago Beer Society Authors Night at Map Room (1949 N Hoyne). Join authors Ray Daniels- Designing Great Beers, Jeff Sparrow- Wild Brews, and Randy Mosher- Tasting Beer, as they each select one beer on tap and talk about its relevance, taste, and other characteristics.

Thursday, May 20th

Award winning brewmaster Chris Rafferty taps his first Rock Bottom concoction for Amber Rye Tapping Party at Rock Bottom Chicago (1 W Grand). The unveiling of “My Oh My Amber Rye” starts at 6 pm.

Now that winter is over, you’re probably missing ski season and all that Big Sky powder. Revisit the northern Rockies at Big Sky Brewmaster and Special Beers, hosted by Quenchers (2401 N Western). Meet brewmaster Matt Long and taste specialty beers not offered in Illinois.

Come check out the latest beer-haven as two of Chicago’s local breweries tap firkins for Half Acre & Metropolitan Neighborhood Firkin Tapping at Phil Kuhl’s new digs- Fountainhead (1958-60 W Montrose). Half Acre will bring a new brew while Metropolitan serves an Alt-style, ginger-infused delight. Tapping begins at 8 pm.

Saturday, May 22nd

Every great thing comes to an end and Chicago’s Craft Beer Week commences with a party at Half Acre (4257 N Lincoln). Come mingle with Illinois Craft Brewers Guild members, taste great beer and food- 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm. Tickets can only be purchased at Half Acre. Admission- $25.

Lauren Fennema is a marketing strategy consultant for Otherwise Incorporated who loves to travel and appreciates good food and better beer.

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Restaurants: Dining Al Fresco

By
michael_bottigliero
Published: May 12, 2010

Dining Al Fresco in Chicago

The sun is peaking out, the city looks alot more green and the temperatures are rising.  That means it’s time for Dining Al Fresco!  Having a few drinks and a good meal outdoors is what makes for great times and memories, and it’s hard to find a better city than Chicago for outdoor dining.

So many great restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from with scenic patio views, haute cuisine, excellent wine lists and craft cocktails.  I’ve decided to highlight some of my favorites on or within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile:

The Purple Pig.  Just set to open on a large patio overlooking Illinois Street and Michigan Avenue, this self-proclaimed “Cheese, Swine & Wine” spot is a hit.  Many small plates including sardines, cured meats, smears and pork are spattered on the menu and great for sharing.  Wash it down with one of their craft beer selections or pick something from their wine list.  You just can’t go wrong!

NoMi Garden.  Sitting seven floors above Michigan Ave., it’s the ideal shopper’s stop.  Water Tower Place and Mag Mile storefronts sit just below this relaxing escape of sweeping views and lush landscaping.  One of the best spots in Chicago to share small plates and a glass of vino.

Chicago Riverwalk.  One of the best vantage points of towering buildings, architechture and the Chicago River is on our Riverwalk.  It opens May 31st and features great seating and even better dining: Cyrano’s Cafe & Wine Bar, Friendship on the River, Lagniappe Cajun Creole Joynt and O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe.

Peninsula Shanghai Terrace.  Looking for scenery overlooking Michigan Ave in posh surroundings and a little Dim Sum to boot?  Make your way to this Gold Coast hideaway in the Peninsula Hotel.

Riva.  Head to Navy Pier and enjoy the best views of Lake Michigan, the Ferris Wheel and some great steak and seafood.  You might even catch some fireworks at Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant.

C-View.  Located on the 29th floor of the Affinia Hotel, this Marcus Samuelsson joint is hard to overlook.  Enjoy their wine list, cocktails and bar menu while overlooking the best of Chicago’s views.

They are just a few of what Chicago has to offer, and be sure to also try RL Restaurant and Bistro 110.  Dining in Chicago can be so adventurous and relaxing at the same time.

We aren’t shying away from drink choices as I have a few recommendations for spring and summer as well.

The temperature is a bit cooler in the spring (between 45-75 degree F), so beer with weight like IPAs or Bocks are good, and both red and white wines can be enjoyed.  Anything like from Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay works well, while light to medium reds like Pinot Noir, Merlot and Grenache are good outdoor sippers.  For the summer, I love Pilseners and Wheat beers, and mostly white wines like Pinot Gris/Grigio and dry Riesling, especially from Austria and Washington State.

Hope you enjoy these tips and have a great summer on the patio!

Michael Bottigliero is a wine writer and consultant with Windy City Wine Guy.

Home Photo Credit: Robert S. Donovan

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Food Life: The Art of Extinct Food

By
Judi
Published: April 23, 2010

Thanks to today’s Tasting Table newsletter, I’ve been introduced to Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, a “catalog of over 200 foods in danger of extinction.” It’s an interesting notion, that there are ingredients disappearing from our landscape forever. Products like:

Traditional Sea Salt from Hawaii

Traditional Sea Salt from Hawaii

American Chestnut Credit: SimonDeanMedia

American Chestnut- Photo Credit: SimonDeanMedia

Bay scallops

Bay scallops

Sibley squash

Sibley squash

And that’s just a sample. Visit their website for the full list. Interested in a menu that utilizes these disappearing gems? Here’s the upcoming event listed on Tasting Table that inspired this post:

Tuesday, 4/27
6:30 p.m.
Heads Up!
Big Jones chef-owner Paul Fehribach shows his passion for coastal Southern cuisine though a five-course tasting menu ($45) featuring endangered ingredients from Slow Food’s Ark of Taste program. Between courses–like andouille with headcheese and Laughing Bird shrimp, and duck-tasso gumbo with Arkansas popcorn rice–Fehribach will dish out some Low Country history tidbits. Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark St.; 773-275-5725 or slowfoodchicago.org

Tuesday  4/27- 6:30 p.m.

Big Jones chef-owner Paul Fehribach shows his passion for coastal Southern cuisine though a five-course tasting menu ($45) featuring endangered ingredients from Slow Food’s Ark of Taste program. Between courses–like andouille with headcheese and Laughing Bird shrimp, and duck-tasso gumbo with Arkansas popcorn rice–Fehribach will dish out some Low Country history tidbits. Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark St.; 773-275-5725 or slowfoodchicago.org

Judi Cutrone is a writer with Otherwise Incorporated for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.  Follow her on Twitter.

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Wine: Fill Your Cellar- Hart Davis Hart Auctions at TRU

By
michael_bottigliero
Published: March 22, 2010

HDH AuctionsOne of the best ways to amp up your cellar and have fun at the same time is with a live wine auction.  Fortunately for anyone living on the Magnificent Mile, one of the world’s greatest auction houses, Hart Davis Hart, brings eight auctions yearly to TRU restaurant.  You’ll get a seat in the art-studded dining room of TRU while you try cuisine prepared by James Beard award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand.  Order wines from their 17,000 bottle cellar while you put your bids in.  Also, a special lunch and tasting is always offered during the auction for a nominal charge.  Reservations are required so make sure to call Maria Eglass at TRU in advance!

If you’re looking for a place to find rare wines like Lafite-Rothschild, DRC La Tâche, Pétrus, Cheval Blanc, Sassacaia and Screaming Eagle to put in your cellar, you’ll be in the right place.  Compete against people from around the globe, put in the winning bid and you’ll be the proud owner of wines guaranteed to impress.  The next auction is Friday, March 19, starting at 10 am, and starts up again on Saturday, March 20, at 10 am as well.  See you there!

To order an auction catalogue ($25 domestic/$30 international), or for information about selling wine, please contact Hart Davis Hart at 312.482.9996.

For a reservation at TRU, call 312.202.0001.

Michael Bottigliero is a wine writer and consultant with Windy City Wine Guy.

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Wine: Mag Mile’s Best Wine Lists

By
michael_bottigliero
Published: March 3, 2010

Miso Marinated Sable from Tru

Photo Credit: Bobbi Bowers

There’s no doubt that Chicago’s Magnificent Mile has alot to offer, and wine is no exception.  Some of the best restaurants in the world are offering amazing dishes for both lunch and dinner.  Besides great company, only wine goes better with the cuisine and scenery, and these restaurant have the cellars to please any afficionado:

TRU. They have over 1800 selections and Wine Director Chad Ellegood is out to make sure diners have all options available.  Wines from Austria, New Zealand, Greece, Chile, Slovenia and more will pair up with any dish Chef Rick Tramonto and their whimsical kitchen can come up with.

NoMI. Though the recent departure of Master Sommelier Fernando Beteta leaves them with huge shoes to fill, he leaves behind a stocked cellar and great list.  Champagne Salon, DRC Le Montrachet Grand Cru, Chateau Haut-Brion, Petrus, Gaja Barolo, Clarendon Hills Astralis, and Araujo Estate are just some of their decadent selections.

Spiaggia. Not only are they a Chicago institution, but Wine Director Stephen Alexander has put together a very good Italian list to pair with Chef Tony Mantuano‘s award winning cuisine.  Take a tour up and down “the Boot”!

Pelago. They are one of Chicago’s newest restaurants but are already staking their claim with nominations for Jean Banchet and James Beard Awards.  Located in the Raffaello Hotel, their luxurious setting, excellent cuisine and a well rounded all-Italian list.  Over 150 selections have been picked by Wine Director Domenico Masrici.

C-House. This marriage between the Affinia Hotel and Chef Marcus Samuelsson has made Chicago a real winner.  Not only do they have great dining, but they also have C-Bar, a great spot to share fresh seafood and drink, and C-View, a rooftop bar and lounge.  Plus, sommelier Lucas Henning has put together a fine list full of wine, cocktails and sake.

Les Nomades. Many accolades have adorned this excellent new restaurant and Chef Christopher Nugent, and the list is no let down.  It is mostly comprised of French selections from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Rhone, Alsace, and the Loire.

Michael Bottigliero is a wine writer and consultant with Windy City Wine Guy.


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Food Life: Chicago Restaurant Week

By
Judi
Published: February 22, 2010
Photo Credit: Discover DuPage (Flickr)

Photo Credit: Discover DuPage (Flickr)

I’m ambivalent about a lot of places, but I am unrestrained in my love for Chicago. – Anthony Bourdain

I’m not ashamed to admit that one of the reasons why I moved to Chicago is the food. So when the words “Chicago Restaurant Week” appeared in my inbox, I snapped to attention. Here’s all of the information you need to take advantage of nine days of unabashed plate-hogging:

When: February 19th to 28th

What: 3-course, price-fixed meals for lunch ($22) and dinner ($33).

Where: Click here for list of participating restaurants including Blackbird, Bin 36, Perennial, Smith & Wollensky and more…

Interested in browsing by location?

Judi Cutrone is a writer with Otherwise Incorporated for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.  Follow her on Twitter and at Tasty is British For.

Home Photo Credit: © Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau

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