The Chicago Traveler

October 21st, 2008

Chicago’s Ten Best Pizzas 2008

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

October 15th, 2008

Voluptuous Volo

Oh Volo… where do I even begin? Your radiant décor? Your chic food? Your comfortable, social atmosphere?
Owner Jon Young (co-creator of Kitsch’n across the street) and chef Stephen Dunne are behind this Roscoe Village wine bar, which has been featured on The Food Channel. The restaurant bears striking design with dark brown walls, dim lighting, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 14th, 2008

A Piece Offering

I am and always will be a deep-dish pizza fan, but I can admit that the pieces of Piece can win me over.
No, this isn’t Chicago pizza by any definition; thin and hand-padded, these ‘pies’ are made with minimal toppings. Here, the crust and sauce are the primary ingredients. Slip into a booth and order […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

October 7th, 2008

Chicago’s Ten Best Hot Dogs 2008

Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

September 18th, 2008

On with the Shochu

What’s your favorite cocktail? Gin and tonic? Rum and cola? Vodka and fruit juice? Sure, these classics are great, but perhaps your mixology menu could use a refresher. Have a taste of Shochu.
Shochu, a restaurant bar in Lakeview (formerly Platiyo, three doors north of Andalous), is named after a popular beverage in Japan. The alcohol […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

September 16th, 2008

Ten Best Romantic Spots 2008

Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just Valentine’s Day. As the temperatures begin to cool down, you can keep your relationship hot by visiting one or more of the ten best romantic date spots (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. Shanghai Terrace. With elegant art and a beautiful view, this Asian restaurant offers delicious sophistication.
9. Cyrano’s Bistrot […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 28th, 2008

Fresh Faces in Food

The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with people’s new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.
Chalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 8th, 2008

C’est La Belle Vie

In an era of food chains and carbon-copy restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place that still believes in the purity and simplicity of home-grown food. However, chef Paul Virant cures his own meat and works hard to find ingredients locally for his contemporary American cuisine inspired by Western European fare at Vie […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 5th, 2008

The Tasting Room with a View

Wine bars have a reputation of being stuffy and arrogant. However, The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars sets a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe with its exposed brick, soft lighting, and subdued music. Here, you and your friends can choose from over 100 wines to enjoy by the glass or the bottle.
Whether you’re a connoisseur […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 9th, 2008

Spoil Yourself to Some Decadent Drinks

Like everyone else, you’ve probably been more conscious about where and how you spend your dollar. You’ve scrimped and saved, pinched every penny, and clipped every coupon. But every once in a while, you need to spoil yourself and splurge a bit. Here are just a couple places with incredible libations for jaw-dropping prices.
One of […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments