The Chicago Traveler

• The 44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival begins this weekend, featuring over 100 films from 46 countries. (ends Oct 29)
• More than five dozen vendors from Chicago will sell art, antiques, jewelry, and more at the Fall French Market. The fair also includes French cooking demonstrations and kids’ activities. (Oct 17-19)
• Sixty local and national chefs are featured at the 20th annual Celebrity Chef Ball, including Top Chef: Chicago winner Stephanie Izard, contestant Valerie Bonan, and Top Chef: New York contender Radhika Desai. (Oct 17)
• Oracle Productions holds their third installment of terrifying entertainment, Disturbed III. The audience stands …read more

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Okay, I admit I know nothing about fondue. In fact, the last time I had it was in college, when a group of us kitchen-incapable students tried to cook some up. While our results were delicious and fun, I’m going to assume that a bunch of 20-somethings dipping various fruit slices and cheeses into a pot on the stove is not the ideal fondue experience.
If you’re as clueless as I am about fondue, have no fear. The Fondude is here! Or rather, he’ll be there! Give the Fondude a call at least 48 hours in advance for a tête-à-tête (fondue …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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On more than one occasion, I have heard Chicago compared to Paris, France. And why not? Paris is one of Chicago’s international sister cities. With much respect for “the City of Light,” Le Bouchon offers authentic and delicious French dishes in Bucktown.
With white curtains, tile flooring, and a beautiful mural over the bar, the charm of Paris comes alive in this small room (north of Grace). The tables are arranged close together, so be prepared for a bit of bustling. Also, a word of warning: the tables next to the front window might seem ideal, but they are near some …read more

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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 in Western Springs.
The restaurant has a modern look with leather banquettes and glass tile, the walls painted shades of white and gray. I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of the bum-chilling aluminum chairs, but the soft lighting and wood-burning fireplace add a …read more

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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

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With low lighting, a handful of booths and tables, and a reasonably priced wine bar, Firefly is the perfect setting for an intimate date.
This Lakeview space with red walls and comfy booths has a seductive, sultry atmosphere that appeals to couples of all kinds. Located near the bars and clubs of the Boystown Halsted strip (just a couple doors south of Sidetrack), Firefly gets fairly crowded with both hetero and same-sex couples and has a long wait list on weekends, so you may have a better chance at nabbing a table during the week.
The French menu’s appetizers include standouts like …read more

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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

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It’s that time of year again. The Taste of Chicago is an annual food festival, where dozens of restaurants from across the city gather along Columbus Drive. Millions of locals and tourists sample hundreds of dishes from every cuisine imaginable, from hot dogs to ravioli to veggie gyros to pad thai to empanadas to omelets… Everything and anything edible can be found at the Taste, along with cooking demonstrations, live music, a wine garden, and kids’ activities. New additions this year include a sports pavilion and an international entertainment pavilion.
Admission is free, but the food and drinks aren’t. Tickets come …read more

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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

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