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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• Celebrate with more than 35 music and dance acts at the Caribbean Festival at Union Park. The festival features traditional food, art, a talent show, and more. (Aug 8-10)
• The 51st annual Gold Coast Art Fair displays work from over 350 artists along with food and wine vendors, music, and sculpting demonstrations. On Saturday, Ted Allen from the Food Network will lead a cooking demo and wine discussion. (Aug 8-10)
• You can see singer Deana Martin and the cast of Jersey Boys at the second annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana. Sample food from a dozen local restaurants and play …read more

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To all our U.S. readers, happy Fourth! If you want to celebrate without the traditional explosions and fireworks, here are a few other options…
• Continuing from yesterday’s festivities, the Fourth of July Celebration at Citizen Bar features a $25 drink package (along with a free burger before 1 p.m.) and a bags tournament. (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
• Are you a fan of anime? Break out your costumes for J-Pop Night, a Japanese pop dance party at darkroom. ($5 after 11 p.m., 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
• Blu Coral, a contemporary sushi lounge, offers a special patriotic menu. Dinner specials …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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To all you moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s hoping you all get exactly what you want and deserve… more sleep!
(Yes, that is a picture of my mother and me, about 25 years ago.)
• The Music Box Theatre hosts a Joan Crawford look-alike contest before a special Mother’s Day screening of Mommie Dearest. Tickets are available at ticketweb.com.
• To celebrate Mother’s Day Rock & Roll, DJ Kelsey spins chick rock songs in honor of Mom at Delilah’s. Arrive early (6:00 p.m.) for a screening of Count Dracula and His Vampire Brides.
• Moms get a complimentary signature maki, dessert, and …read more

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When I first walked into Agami, I thought I was in the wrong neighborhood. A contemporary sushi place with this fanciful décor? I obviously had to be downtown. But no, this dining room featuring a curved bar, sushi bar, and striking red banquettes is found in Chicago’s north side, in Uptown. The textured turquoise walls suggest an oceanic venture, accompanied by sky-high seaweed sculptures. If that weren’t enough to get the point across, large flat-screen TVs project scenes of underwater footage.
The menu is extensive, offering dozens of recognizable maki, nigiri, and sashimi options, along with a few seasonal specialties. Start …read more

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There are plenty of places that serve up Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine in the city. But how many let you shop after you eat? Whether you love all things Japanese or are just a curious first-timer, there is a massive market in Arlington Heights that is not to be missed.
Mitsuwa Marketplace is a Japanese mall primarily consisting of a grocery store and a food court, but you can also find an authentic experience here through a bookstore, a travel agency, a video store, a liquor store, and a pastry shop. You’ll find an impressive sushi collection at affordable prices …read more

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