The Chicago Traveler

I have to admit, as much as I enjoy visiting new restaurants, I have a hard time trying new foods and flavors. When I find something I like, I stick to it. So my approach to Indian cuisine was cautious at best, considering many of its spices and curries are “exotic” by American standards. I also tend to shy away from spicy mustards, cinnamon, and coconut—all prominent ingredients in Indian dishes. I know I’m not alone in my trepidation. Veerasway in the Warehouse District may be helpful to those of us who need to ease our way into a new …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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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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There are an incredible number of Indian businesses and restaurants along Devon Avenue on the far north side. The plates at Hema’s Kitchen stand out from the rest though because they will very likely have the most food on them.
Large front windows allow a good amount of light into the small but comfortable space. The pink walls are just as casual and friendly as the staff, which often includes Hema and her daughter. Appetizers like vegetable samosas (flaky homemade pastry shells stuffed with potatoes, peas, and coriander leaves) and shami khebob (minced lamb and ground lentils) make for a great …read more

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• There are three little words that every woman wants to hear: “wine, cheese, chocolate.” Go all out, and buy your beloved a $96 glass of bubbly. Eno will be serving Dom Perignon Rose 1996 by the glass. If your date is not beloved but “beliked,” try the glasses of 1997 Terra Valentine Cabernet for $25 each. (4:00 p.m. – 12 midnight, menu prices) (map) (link)
• What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day cruise? Odyssey Cruises will provide you …read more

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My cooking skills are limited to tuna sandwiches and grilled cheeses. Fortunately, for the holidays, I have a rather large family full of talented cooks who make a great Christmas dinner. However, if you’d rather eat out and let the professionals handle the kitchen heat, here’s a list of Chicago restaurants that will be open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve
• Deleece: The popular Lakeview restaurant will serve up a four-course family-style meal along with its regular menu. (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $35) link
• Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar: The prix-fixe here includes dishes like roasted goose …read more

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• Join the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement at Shikago Restaurant for their 2007 Holiday Party. Enjoy cocktails and modern Asian cuisine, all while taking in the beautiful city views. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. A $5 discount will be given at the door to those who donate professional apparel. (Dec 7)
• Want to support a Democratic candidate? RSVP for Change Rocks, a concert for Senator Barack Obama at the Riviera Theatre. Performers include Jeff Tweedy, Stephan Jenkins, and Jill Sobule. (Dec 7)
• The fifth annual Winter Arts and Crafts Expo at the Evanston Art …read more

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One of the largest tourist attractions in Illinois begins this weekend: the Taste of Chicago. For ten days, over 70 restaurants from all over Chicago set up tents on a half-mile strip near Grant Park, allowing millions of people to sample an incredible amount of food from several cultures. Whether you like fast food or elegant entrees, you can find it at the Taste, along with cooking demonstrations, live music, and kids’ entertainment.
It is definitely the place to be when it comes to summer in Chicago, and I try to go every year. Located right behind the Art Institute, admission …read more

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