The Chicago Traveler

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

Comments Off

Most people try to find a wine that complements their food. The folks at Bin 36 put together a contemporary trattoria (next door to Crimson Lounge) named A Mano, thereby creating an Italian menu that would balance well with their wines.
A combination of Michigan Avenue tourists and white-collar executives fill the bar and dining area, enjoying the exposed brick walls, low ceilings, and metal railings. The restaurant has a contemporary feel, almost like a gallery, with artistic and authentic dishes emerging from the open kitchen.
For lunch, A Mano offers Paninis, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pastas (with flour from Italy), along …read more

Comments Off

As we watch the hundreds of countries compete in the Summer Olympics this week, I’m reminded of all the different cultures and cuisines we have right here in Chicago. French, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, German… the list goes on and on. Another cuisine that has steadily become more popular is that of Brazil, as exemplified by Zed 451.
This “contemporary steakhouse” (just a few doors south of Le Lan) is furnished with wood floors, black steel, and stone, giving the restaurant a rustic, natural feel. A double-sided fireplace surrounded by leather seating graces the lounge area, and stairwells lead from the …read more

Comments Off

Chicago is well-known for its pizzas and beefs, but we’re a lot more than just fast food. Take Brasserie Ruhlmann steakhouse for example. This four-star establishment in River North (just east of the Freedom Center) makes dinner more than a meal; it’s an event.
People from New York City may recognize the name; the eatery is a spin-off of a restaurant by the same name at Rockefeller Center. With a mosaic floor, grand floral arrangements, and red-plush seating, Brasserie Ruhlmann is dressed to the nines. Up to 500 guests can fill the 10,000 square feet (929 m2) of space at a …read more

1 Comment

There aren’t very many restaurants that can multitask. The place where you bring your kids is probably different from the spot where you impress your date. You don’t expect fine dining from an eatery that offers simple comfort foods. But in Glenview, whether you’re dining with a group or having an intimate dinner for two, you can take your guests to Cafe Lucci.
Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere as chefs check on their patrons (primarily neighborhood locals) surrounding white table linens. You don’t have to be a regular to feel at home here. The owner is …read more

Comments Off

Outdoor dining can be a rarity. Chicago is currently experiencing plenty of hot and muggy weather, and in the winter we’ll have nothing but bitter winds and freezing temperatures. Windy City residents and visitors have to take advantage of the few days out of the year when the weather is kind enough to allow for al fresco eating. So if you’re going to do it anywhere, treat yourself to the top-shelf view that Shanghai Terrace has to offer.
Inside and outside, (a block north of the Apple Store) the restaurant serves up elegant French-influenced Asian fare in a lustrous environment with …read more

1 Comment

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 the most exquisite spots to eat in Chicago is Tru in the Streeterville neighborhood. This stylish example of haute cuisine features a progressive French menu. Items on the tasting menu in the past have included various dishes of white truffles ($250), rare vintage Clos des …read more

Comments Off

Whenever you travel to a new city, the last thing you want to do is eat out at a restaurant that you could find just about everywhere. What’s the fun in touring a new city and then eating at a fast food chain? If you want a dining experience that is uniquely Chicago, then head on over to the Chicago Chop House in the River North neighborhood (less than a block from Portillo’s).
The Chop House is decorated with over 1,000 historical photos, providing looks into the Windy City’s past. There are scenes of Chicago when rush hour traffic was a …read more

2 Comments

Many Chicagoans flinch at the mere mention of going outside city limits. However, Papillon’s warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious French fare are worth the trek.
The word “exquisite” doesn’t even begin to describe the created by Chef Kljajic, or “Chef Danny” as he is referred to by friendly locals. Chef Danny enjoys being very hands-on with his restaurant: answering the phones, greeting customers, taking orders, pouring drinks, etc. Of course, some may argue that he wears his chef’s hat best, as he provides incredible polenta and fantastic salads (with spring vegetables and goat cheese). Among the entrees, try the filet …read more

Comments Off

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• Your date’s a little crabby, but you love him/her nonetheless. Why not go out for a little crabbiness you can both handle? Sam Houston’s Charhouse is offering four celebrated entrées, including a full serving of Alaskan king crab legs. Another option is the Mixed Grill with a 6-oz prime top sirloin, rotisserie chicken breast, and grilled shrimp scampi. (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)
• Oysters are widely known for their aphrodisiac qualities. Shaw’s Crab House has a …read more

1 Comment