The Chicago Traveler

What’s your favorite cocktail? Gin and tonic? Rum and cola? Vodka and fruit juice? Sure, these classics are great, but perhaps your mixology menu could use a refresher. Have a taste of Shochu.
Shochu, a restaurant bar in Lakeview (formerly Platiyo, three doors north of Andalous), is named after a popular beverage in Japan. The alcohol is low in calories (15-20 in one ounce) and is distilled from a variety of starches (including barley and sweet potatoes). Its incredible versatility results in numerous delicious flavors. The lounge offers over a dozen versions of the signature spirit, all of which make their …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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Sure, your local storefront seafood market that fries the heck out of your fish may be tasty, but it’s not very striking. When it’s time to impress your date, you’re going to need something smooth and stylish. Welcome to Mirai Sushi.
With a sleek dining room and trendy lounge (between Crust and Bravo Tapas), Mirai is often full of Wicker Park hipsters relaxing over sake and wasabi. Fresh fish is flown in daily, ingredients for the menu’s various rolls, entrees, and delicious appetizers like the grilled shrimp and steamed pork buns. Standout dishes like king crab in spicy mayo and steamed …read more

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Okay, get this. Brazil. Japan. Peru. You would think that combining plates from these three cuisines would be dangerous at best. And yet, Sushi Samba Rio fuses this trio together scrumptiously.
The eclectic phenomenon begins the moment you walk in the door. Energetic and fun, the sound of a salsa beat greets hungry patrons. The spacious restaurant is divided into several sections, each with its own atmosphere and personality. From the rooftop lounge to the sleek circular sushi bar, the spaces are just as attractive as the people who fill them. This is a great place to do a little people-watching, …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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Don’t let the bright, neon, this-close-to-tacky colors on the outside of May St Café fool you. Inside, you’ll find upscale chic, incredible art pieces, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that you won’t want to leave.
Chefs and owners Mario Santiago and Guadalupe Aguilar often come out to check on their guests to see how they’re enjoying the Mexican and Puerto Rican menu. Many of the dishes are made with organically grown vegetables, so most of the selection is seasonal. However, first-timers absolutely must try the French double cream brie and pear quesadillas. Even patrons who stick to the basics like chips …read more

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“Foodies” can be pretty particular about their eating-out choices, as they look for that “something extra” in restaurants. Bonsoirée in Logan Square offers just that with an exclusive dining experience.
This subtle café and catering company serves up French and American delicacies. While it’s open to the public most of the week, every Saturday night they offer an invitation-only prix-fixe dinner, perfect for the true foodie with a sophisticated taste. They call it their “underground” restaurant. The menu changes weekly, and anyone can sign up on the website. However, only a limited number of people are chosen at random and e-mailed …read more

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Here are a few more ways to bring in the New Year in Chicago:
• Metro: If you’re into the indie rock scene, Spoon will be headlining and playing songs from their most recent album, “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.” 18+ (10 p.m., $76) (map) (link)
• Motel Bar: So maybe you’re not so good at planning ahead. This River North lounge is just for you, requiring no cover and no reservations. Enjoy $8 champagne cocktails and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. (5 p.m. – 2 a.m., no cover) (map) (link)
• Victor Hotel: Join the lively crowd of dressed-to-impress grown-ups along …read more

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Le Lan—“Le” meaning “the” in French and “Lan” meaning “orchid” in Vietnamese—serves a delicate array of French-Vietnamese fare in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The chefs use classical preparations and techniques along with Asian accents and elements to highlight the dishes and create new flavor combinations that you never would’ve imagined. Tea-smoked duck breast is served alongside a savory bread pudding, and creative pairings include the zucchini-wrapped tilapia with flageolet beans.
This is more than just “fancy Vietnamese food.” The chefs have put a lot of effort into creating the menu and bringing just the right flavors together. After all, “unique” doesn’t …read more

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Good boyfriends and girlfriends are few and far between. So when you do find love, no place embodies that amorous feeling like Between.
Between the Silver Room and evilOlive, this café just oozes sultry: frosted silver chandeliers, soft red barstools, feathered light fixtures, gauzy curtains, candle-flecked tables… Carved white walls complement the exposed, mauve brick. It’s like your own little love nest.
You and your honey can cozy up on one of the soft plush couches and share the global comfort fare (on small tapas plates) whipped up by Chef Radhika Desai. You can lick the crumbs off each other’s fingers after …read more

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