This sleek, yellow-bricked spot with slatted wood walls is minimalist yet cozy, setting an inviting and upscale atmosphere. The menu offers standards like chicken tikka masala (tandoor-roasted meat folded in a smooth tomato cream sauce) and lamb rogan josh (braised shank pulled off bone, then folded in a rich onion and cashew yogurt gravy). However, there are plenty of “Indo-American creations” available, which will appeal to cuisine novices and veterans alike. The salmon dish, grilled and served with sautéed cabbage and cucumbers in a turmeric-dill broth, is an unexpected delight. Wary diners will find a familiar sight but new flavors in the char-grilled chicken kabobs basted with a sweet and spicy tamarind-date glaze.

Beers from India and England are available, along with specialty cocktails like the “Bollywood Rehab”: effen vodka, passion fruit puree, darjeeling tea, basil seeds, and mint.

If approaching new foods is difficult for you, there’s no need to do it the hard way. Do it the Veerasway.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex

Veerasway ($$): 844 W Randolph St; 312-491-0844
Lunch
Mon – Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner
Sun – Weds: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thurs – Sat: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 8, X20
http://www.veerasway.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 are all outstandingly tender.

Bhabi’s specialty though is its 20 assorted breads made with six different flours, ranging from fluffy naans filled with ground beef to sweet parathas with mixed dry fruit. With such variety, these breads are great before, during, and after your meal. Just make sure there’s enough to dough around.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex

Bhabi’s Kitchen ($): 6352 N Oakley Ave; 773-764-7007
Weds – Mon: 12 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Tues: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 49B, 155

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 chops to souvlaki can be found at this 24-hour Greektown spot.

5. Joy’s Noodles & Rice. The atmosphere is just as light and refreshing as the popular Thai cuisine.

4. Hema’s Kitchen. On the far north side, you’ll be lucky if you can see your plate underneath all the Indian food.

3. Lindy’s & Gertie’s. For over 80 years, these two establishments have been keeping hungry South Siders full and satisfied.

2. MacArthur’s. The soul food here was popular long before Barack Obama sang its praises.

1. Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli. This well-known South Loop staple has been serving up huge sandwiches for over 60 years.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) minvervah, polomex (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), JOE M500

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 start. Signature dishes here include the buna gosht (lamb sautéed with fresh peppers, onion, curry leaves, and black pepper) and the shahi murg, a.k.a. “Royal Chicken” (boneless chicken in a rich onion and tomato gravy with almond paste and fresh cream). There are a couple dozen vegetarian options, including the dal palek (roasted lentils cooked with spinach and garlic). Order yourself a side of paratha (homemade wheat bread grilled with butter) or rice to help soak up some of the plentiful spices.

Given the size of the helpings, it’s not likely you’ll have room left for dessert. But you can always carry them out the door with you so you can enjoy them later. Try the rice pudding or the kulfi—a frozen dessert made from milk, sugar, cardamom, ground cashews, and your choice of either pistachios or mangos.

And remember, if you can’t stand the heat (of the curry and spices), stay out of Hema’s Kitchen.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex

Hema’s Kitchen ($): 6406 N Oakley Ave; 773-338-1627
Daily: 12:00 noon – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; pay lots available; free lots available evenings only
Public trans: Bus # 49B, 155
http://www.hemaskitchen.net/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• 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 and your date with a three-course meal, complimentary champagne, and a private table with a great view of Lake Michigan. Just be careful not to mess up your spiffy duds near the chocolate fountain. (6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $92.90) (map) (link)

• Seafood fans should head over to Nick’s Fishmarket. In addition to their regular menu, the chefs have put together special dishes, including Cupid’s Surf & Turf, Lemon Crab Risotto, and a white chocolate mousse for dessert. (5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Check out the elegant French-Vietnamese fare at Le Lan, where the executive chef is offering a prix fixe five-course menu, starting with a Wellfleet oyster with ponzu vinaigrette and ending with a fantastic spiced chocolate souffle. (5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., $95) (map) (link)

• The menu at Le Titi de Paris may be prix-fixe, but it’s by no means restrictive. There are an incredible number of options of French cuisine. Just to give you an idea, the list of desserts include Tahitian-scented crème brulee, white and dark chocolate flourless gateau, and petit fours with praline amaretto candies. (5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., $72, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

• Executive Chef John Caputo offers a four-course tasting menu at Bin 36 along with his regular a la carte menu. The special menu offers temptations like lobster with saffron-braised leeks, brown butter poached monkfish, coriander-crusted lamb, and a chocolate tasting for two. For an extra something special, roses can be preordered by the half and full dozen. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $68) The restaurant also offers a wine tasting for the romantically disinclined, who are fed up with roses and teddy bears. (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., $36) (map) (link)

• If making plans for the big romantic day leaves you stressed, Spring in Wicker Park has all the organic atmosphere of a Zen garden. The four-course prix fixe is New American with an Asian influence. (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $80, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

• Even if it’s not, celebrate your love as if it was your first. Hotel Burnham’s First Love Package includes a wine reception in the “living room,” deluxe accommodations, Moet & Chandon champagne, Frango chocolates, breakfast for two, and a late checkout (wink wink nudge nudge). (starting at $219) (map) (link)

• Combine a uniquely Chicago experience with your romantic evening. Harry Caray’s will be decorated with rose petals, votive candles, and red balloons. The Chicago location will offer a four-course prix fixe menu featuring items such as jumbo lump crab, roasted beet salad, pan-seared petit filet, and seafood risotto. Reservations are recommended and will be accepted every half hour. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $60, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

• Kama Sutra. The mere words alone spark a mental sensation. Try Marigold’s Kama Sutra tasting menu for a new awareness. For example, try the Shakkar (Sweetness) in the form of a cocktail with Ketel One, grenadine, mango nectar, prosecco, and lychee. The Shola (Eternal Flame) is a flourless chocolate cake, spotted with pomegranate and red chiles. (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $35) (map) (link)

Photo credit: EyeTunes

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 with chestnut stuffing along with a la carte selections like roasted juniper-crusted rack of lamb and bruche de Noel. Reservations recommended. (4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., $40) link

• ¡Salpicón!: This Mexican eatery will feature a special four-course menu with choice of appetizer, soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. Wine pairing option available. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $49) link

• Vermilion: They were open for Thanksgiving, and they’re open again for Christmas Eve. Try the four-course holiday meal featuring Indian cuisine with a Latin twist. Carry-out is available with at least one-hour advance notice. Reservations recommended. (11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., $50) link

• Avenues: Enjoy American contemporary and French cuisine courtesy of Chef Graham Elliot Bowles and his five-course prix-fixe holiday menu. Tie and jacket preferred, reservations recommended. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $150) link

• Café Selmarie: All that gift-wrapping is exhausting. Get a boost to your day at brunch, where a la carte selections include corned beef hash, banana-pecan griddlecakes, and brioche French toast. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more. (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Coco Pazzo: Holiday specials like whole-roasted sea bass and fresh porcini mushroom risotto will accompany the regular menu. Reservations recommended. (5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• David Burke’s Primehouse: Celebrate with holiday specials like short rib and chestnuts along with other noteworthy dishes on the regular menu. Reservations recommended. (5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Lawry’s The Prime Rib: Inside the Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion, holiday specials (bruche de Noel, eggnog crème brulee) augment the regular steak-driven menu. Reservations recommended. No T-shirts or athletic wear. (1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., prices vary) link

Christmas Day

• Dine: This 1940s-themed American-style restaurant in the West Loop features classic comfort foods with modern twists, perfect for warming up a cold Christmas Day. Reservations recommended. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $35) link

• SushiSamba Rio: A six-course omakase menu supplements the regular menu of Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fare. The dining room also features Chicago’s only caipirinha bar. Reservations recommended. (3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., $60) link

• Republic Pan-Asian Restaurant and Lounge: This bi-level earth-toned space offers a five-course Asian dinner with lemongrass beef, sushi rolls, ginger-orange crème brulee, satay chicken, miso soup, and more. Two-person minimum. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $50) link

• Bin 36: Get away from all the holiday stress, and relax with a glass of wine at this retail store, tavern, and restaurant all rolled into one. (6:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Indian Garden: Take in the aromas of cumin, curry, and cinnamon while satisfying the demands of both your meat-eating and vegetarian friends. The lunch buffet is holiday budget-friendly at less than $10. (11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Phoenix: This is one of the best places in Chinatown for dim sum and usually attracts out-the-door lines. Expect small servings of barbecue pork-filled buns, fried sesame-seed balls, and steamed pork dumplings. Simply yum. (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Soul Vegetarian East: The name says it all. This hidden gem on the southeast side allows you to spread the cheer with your vegan friends. (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., prices vary) link

• Weber Grill: Summer is long gone, but you can still enjoy the flavors of the grill. Get your meat on with dishes like blackened boneless rib-eye steak, baby back ribs, and beer-can chicken. Reservations recommended. (6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, prices vary) link

Click here for a map of all the above locations.

Photo credit: Ali Farid, leighrowan, Trois Tetes

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• 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 Center features jewelry, woodworking, metal, leather, clothing, fiber, glass, ceramics, and more. (ends Dec 16)

• Chris Brown, a hip-hop and r&b singer and dancer, performs at the Allstate Arena, and Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger, guitarists from the band Umphrey’s McGee, will be at the Vic Theatre. (Dec 7)

• Head over to the Chicago History Museum to check out Chicago at 40: the Band and Its City, an exhibit celebrating the 40^th anniversary of one of the most successful U.S. pop and rock bands of all time. The display includes lyrics, instruments, and other items drawn from the band’s archive. (Dec 7)

• Browse jewelry, incense, tapestries, and more at the Indian Bazaar Fundraiser at Karma Crossing in Bucktown. Kalapriya Dance Company performs, and Bollywood videos play throughout the evening. For more information, call 773-960-7960. (Dec

• Bring your pet to Urban Out Sitters, and have it photographed with Santa as part of their early holiday event “Paws 4 Santa.” Limit one picture per customer. (through Dec 30)

• Hanson may be best known for their 1997 hit song “MMMBop,” but they’re all grown up (and married!) now. Check out their more mature sound at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. (Dec

• Browse work by more than 100 Midwestern artists in the Holstein Park Fieldhouse at the 9^th Annual Bucktown Holiday Artshow, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, and paintings. (Dec 8-9)

• Get out your Santa suit or another festive costume, and join the renegade Santas of SantaCon Chicago as they make their annual pub crawl in the Loop. (Dec

• Learn about the technologies depicted in the “Star Wars” films and the real science behind them at The Museum of Science and Industry. Their sci-fi exhibit “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination” includes video interviews, a full-sized replica of the Millennium Falcon cockpit, and more than 80 props, models, and costumes from the movies. (runs through Jan 6)

• View seasonal decorations in the historic Pullman district during the annual Candlelight House Walk. Afterwards, enjoy a holiday buffet and silent auction at the Historic Pullman Visitor Center. Reservations required. (Dec 9)

• The Brian Setzer Orchestra is a swing and rockabilly band and has often played at the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony. They’ll be at the Paramount Arts Centre this weekend in Aurora, IL. Jazz fans will want to check out Dave Koz, an American saxophonist, at The Chicago Theatre. (Dec 9)

• The Goodman Theatre presents Black Nativity, Langston Hughes’ story of the birth of Jesus as told through poetry, dance, and song. (runs through Dec 30)

• Dance Dance Party Party is a weekly ladies-only open dance session. At $5 per session, the concept is simple: women dressed in exercise gear get together at the Perceptual Motion Dance Studio and dance the calories away to irresistible jams. (Sundays and Wednesdays)

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 is free, but you buy food and beverages with tickets you can purchase at the entrances of the event. A strip of 11 tickets costs $7. How much does the food cost? Well, that depends on what you get. Large portions (like a huge turkey leg) will probably go for about 10 tickets, but most other dishes range from 5-8 tickets. Your best value is probably the “taste portion” that every restaurant booth offers: a small sample of one of their specialties for only 2-3 tickets. Soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages are also all available at the Taste of Chicago.

Keep an eye out for a few favorites. You’ll find throngs of people waiting patiently for one of the giant barbecued, slowly-cooked turkey legs at Helen’s (Booth 30). For a sample of Chicago pizza, try the Home Run Inn (Booth 36), which also serves frozen grapes, great for the hot summer days. Of course, this is Chicago, so there are more than enough pizza places to sample, including Lou Malnati’s (33), Suparossa (13), Connie’s (47), and more. Vegetarians should check out A Natural Harvest (59), a strictly vegetarian restaurant at the Taste, offering tamales, roasted corn on the cob, and cheese nachos. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with chocolate-dipped cheesecake from Eli’s (22). I can never go without the fried dough from Harry Carey’s (32) or a chocolate-dipped frozen banana from Aunt Diana’s Candy Makers (18).

The concerts that are held at the Petrillo Music Shell are free! The seating area opens up to the public a half hour before each concert. There are a limited number of seats however, and it’s a first-come-first-served basis, so check the schedules and be sure to get there early.

And then, there’s the incredible Independence Eve fireworks show. On July 3, the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks are launched from Monroe Harbor at 9:30 p.m. The show draws a massive crowd, so claim your spot early.

The Taste of Chicago is a great place to sample foods you’ve always wondered about and discover restaurants you may not have known about before.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Peter Fuchs

The Taste of Chicago: 200 S Columbus Dr; 312-744-3315
June 29 – July 8: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
*July 3: closes at 10:00 p.m., July 8: closes at 8:00 p.m.
Pay lots available in the area
Public trans: Bus # 1, 2, 3, 4, X4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 26, X28, 29, 36, 62, 126, 127, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
Orange/Purple/Pink/Green/Brown Line train (Adams)
Red/Blue Line train (Monroe, Jackson)
Metra (Van Buren)
http://www.tasteofchicago.us/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler