The Chicago Traveler

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 and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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For some odd reason, everything tastes better on a stick: cotton candy, corn dogs, deep-fried candy bars, for example. But none of these are exactly healthy options. Fortunately, a Wicker Park restaurant is serving up tasty and less-sugar-laden treats on Skewerz.
Blink, and you might miss it. Skewerz is a bit of a small space, filled entirely with island-inspired décor (tiki torches, bamboo seating, and masks). The menu is also small, offering a variety of grilled meats and veggies on a stick: red-and-black-pepper- or soy-marinated chicken, filet mignon(?!), salmon, tuna, shrimp, tofu, or combination of veggies. Each skewer can be enjoyed …read more

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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 and Wine Bar. The River North eatery serves French basics amidst casual, rustic surroundings.
8. Le Bouchon. Authentic and delicious French dishes at remarkable prices make this bistro one of Bucktown’s best.
7. Angelina Ristorante. In Lakeview, the popular date spot provides authentic Italian in a comfortable …read more

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As I’ve mentioned before, there are plenty of Indian and Pakistani restaurants along Devon Avenue. However, most of them feature either one cuisine or the other. Bhabi’s Kitchen, just off Devon, is one of very few that serve both.
This comfy, family-run establishment offers appetizers like samosas (deep-fried flaky pastry shells stuffed with onions, green peas, coriander, and either potatoes or beef), which typically hail from the Pakistani and India’s northern regions. From India’s south side, try the bagarey balgan—fresh eggplant cooked with “secret” spices. Vegetarians will have a wide selection of dishes to choose from, and beef and mutton dishes …read more

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As I’ve learned from La Gondola, you can’t judge a restaurant merely by its appearance. The same goes for Taste of Peru, located in a strip mall on the far north side. What was once Chicago’s “best kept secret” is now packed every weekend with hungry regulars, all anticipating the authentic flavors this family establishment has to offer.
Featured in my International Chicago series, the small space is spattered with Peruvian posters and photos, and it’s obvious how much owner Cesar Izquierdo loves his home country. More impressively though, he shares that love through the menu. Seafood lovers will appreciate the …read more

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Those who love meat and plenty of it would do well to visit Tango Sur in Lakeview. This Argentine steak spot is a local favorite due to its quiet ambience and sensible prices.
The small area can be a bit crowded but cozy, as servers in white T-shirts cover the two rooms. The front room provides a visually-clean area with little décor to distract from the big flavors. In the back, the vibe is a bit warmer and more romantic with exposed-brick walls and wood accents. During warmer months, seating is available outside which may offer a touch more personal space.
Feel …read more

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With crazy gas prices and now high sales taxes, Chicagoans and visitors are looking to save money where they can. But don’t let your budget prevent you from going out to enjoy a good meal. Here are eight of the best restaurants (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp) where you can get a big meal for a small price.

8. Red Apple. This Polish buffet just keeps on going and going and going…
7. Reza’s Restaurant. As if the extensive Mediterranean menu wasn’t enough, the Sunday brunch buffet offers an incredible number of options.
6. Mr. Greek Gyros. Everything from hot dogs to pork …read more

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Your elders probably taught you to clear your plate at dinnertime, not wanting to waste any food. And yet, many restaurants throw out an incredible amount of edible food every day. Mado, a new restaurant in Bucktown, breaks that trend and does its eco-friendly part.
This Italian/Mediterranean eatery with exposed-brick walls is clean, casual, and comfortable. The furnishings are a hodge-podge of recycled materials, including the chalkboard menus and an old, wooden farm table. Mado uses “green” cleaning supplies and serves filtered water, rather than bottled.
However, the kitchen is the area that excels in innovation. Chef Rob Levitt and his wife …read more

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Near the busy intersection of Clark Street and Belmont Avenue, a long line forms on the sidewalk every weekend. The space is small and the wait can be long, but devoted patrons don’t let that stop them from lining up in front of one eclectic restaurant every week. Inside, the exposed brick and high ceilings, normally highlights in any other eatery, are downplayed by the obvious theme. Orange walls, orange pillows, an orange tree… It should be no surprise I’m talking about a restaurant called Orange.
This dedication to citrus offers delicious juices of all kinds of combinations, freshly squeezed to …read more

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Tre Kronor (“Three Crowns”) is a neighborhood Scandinavian place that has been around for 15 years, and the well-worn hardwood floors are testament to all the business the cozy restaurant has received over that time. The crowd usually consists of families, locals from the neighboring North Park, and Scandinavian foodies. On weekends, the two-story restaurant has a line out the door, the handwritten menu attracting hungry patrons who show up before the door even opens.
There’s not much here that you wouldn’t find at similar restaurants, but it’s all in the preparation. You’d swear that your long-lost Swedish grandmother was back …read more

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