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 setting.

6. Firefly. Amidst the Boystown bars, this French-influenced restaurant receives glowing reviews.

5. Le Lan. The chefs here put great effort into perfectly bringing together the flavors of French and Vietnamese cuisines.

4. Juicy Wine Company. The chic wine-and-cheese bar gives patrons a chance to relax, enjoy a glass (or five) of wine, and even take home a bottle of their favorite vintage.

3. Mirai Sushi. In Wicker Park, you’ll be sure to impress your date at this sleek and stylish lounge.

2. Tango Sur. Carnivores will fall in love with this Argentine steak spot with sensible prices.

1. The Tasting Room. Whether you’re new to the wine scene or an old vet, this wine bar is ideal, offering over 100 wines from around the world to enjoy by the glass or the bottle.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) ulterior epicure (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), patrickparsons33, polomex, DDanzig, Taekwonweirdo, (c/o SXC) Gary Fordham, Quentin Houyoux

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• MC Hammer and Cyndi Lauper perform at Glamorama 2008, a fall fashion fundraiser at The Chicago Theatre featuring top designers. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Art Institute of Chicago. (Aug 22)

• The seventh annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest features more than 100 art vendors and 35 bands. Be sure to check out the fashion show and fire performance on Friday, or take a self-guided tour of artists’ studios on Saturday and Sunday. (Aug 22-24)

• In honor of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, try some award-winning wines from around the world at the Gold Medal Wine Tasting at Cafe Ciao. (Aug 22)

• The second annual Chicago Reggae Festival presents local, regional, and international artists and Caribbean food and merchandise. (Aug 23)

• Celebrate all that is Greek at the Taste of Greece with live music, dancing, games, and of course plenty of food from local restaurants. (Aug 23-24)

• Watch 13 consecutive hours of the TV series Angel at Slay-A-Thon 2008. Participate in themed games and an auction which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Aug 23)

• Shake your bon-bon to the sounds of merengue, salsa, cumbias, and more at the ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival. Listen to Latin music from around the world while enjoying ethnic foods and browsing through arts and crafts. (Aug 23-24)

• Amateurs and professionals from around the world swim, bike, and run in the 26^th Annual Accenture Chicago Triathlon, the world’s largest triathlon. The race begins at Monroe Harbor and ends at Columbus Drive just south of Balbo Drive. Cheer on the athletes, and join them at the post-race party which features live music, food, beer, and an awards ceremony. (Aug 24)

• The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii celebrates Italian-American culture with Festa di Tutti I Santi, featuring a church service, bocce games, ethnic foods, kids’ activities, and a $5,000 cash raffle. (Aug 24)

Photo credit: Franco Folini c/o Wikipedia, City of Chicago

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

If you can’t sleep, the contemporary-pop album Insomniac by Enrique Iglesias provides some great tracks to fill your night with. The dance rhythms and sultry ballads appealed to a younger audience and were played on radio stations the world over. He’ll be at the Allstate Arena on Saturday, September 27. Tickets went on sale earlier today.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Dunk Lee

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

The small area can be a bit crowded but cozy, as servers in white T-shirts cover the two rooms. The front room provides a visually-clean area with little décor to distract from the big flavors. In the back, the vibe is a bit warmer and more romantic with exposed-brick walls and wood accents. During warmer months, seating is available outside which may offer a touch more personal space.

Feel free to bring your own bottle of wine (no corkage fee!) and a big appetite. Begin the evening with appetizers like empanadas (turnovers with beef, chicken, ham with cheese, or spinach with cheese), prosciutto served with hearts of palm, or the specialty matambre (veal rolled and cooked with vegetables, served cold). As you can guess, beef is the star at Tango Sur, and the restaurant is filled with the aromas of various cuts of meat. From boneless strip steak to sirloin to a half slab of range-grown flap meat, all the dishes are well-seasoned and are usually served with potatoes (wedges or mashed) and a salad. For a special treat, order a parrillada (for one or for two), a selection of different meats served on a table-top grill.

There are also a number of chicken and veal dishes, like the pechuga de pollo (grilled chicken breast) and milanesa de ternera (breaded and seasoned veal). And while this is a steakhouse, vegetarians aren’t completely ignored—the berenjena is oven-baked eggplant layered with spinach, three cheeses, and a tomato cream sauce.

Romantic and full of sizzling heat, it’s no coincidence that this restaurant is named after Argentina’s sultry dance, the tango.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Taekwonweirdo (1, 2)

Tango Sur ($$): 3763 N Southport Ave; 773-477-5466
Mon – Thurs : 5 :00 p.m. – 10 :30 p.m.
Fri: 5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sat: 3:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 22, 80, X80

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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, so don’t be surprised if you catch someone checking you out.

The menu features an array of small dishes, featuring appetizers like tuna tataki (tatsoi, heart of palm, avocado, lemon, yuca chip, and aji panca coulis) and butter lettuce wraps (with crispy rock shrimp, uni ailoi, peas, and black truffle vinaigrette). “Samba rolls,” a.k.a. sushi rolls, include Samba rio Roll—which brings together lobster tempura, red leaf lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and rice cracker—and the Bobo Brazil—seared kobe-style beef, avocado, kaiware, shiso, red onion, and chimichurri ponzu. And if you’d prefer a traditional one-plate entrée, try the crispy red snapper in spicy red curry sauce or organic chicken teriyaki.

Of course, a place this hip serves up excellent cocktails. Try a traditional caipirinha, pisco sour, or mojito, or order one of the restaurant’s signature drinks like the “Sambatini.”

The colors are bold, the menu is daring, and the people are lively. Sushi Samba Rio isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a party.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Khaotikit, leighrowan

Sushi Samba Rio ($$$$): 504 N Wells St; 312-595-2300
Sun – Tues: 11:45 a.m. – 12 midnight
Weds – Thurs: 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult; pay lots nearby; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 11, 65, 125, 156
http://sushisamba.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Admission is free, but the food and drinks aren’t. Tickets come in strips of 11 for $7. Entrees can cost anywhere from 5-10 tickets, depending on the size of the portion. Every booth also offers a “taste portion,” a smaller serving of one of the menu items, which only requires 2-3 tickets. Personally, I try to get more of these smaller options, so my handful of tickets lasts a little longer, and then I get larger portions of my favorite foods.

While the Taste is well-known for its fried foods and people stuffing themselves with irresistible delicious dishes, the city wanted to provide visitors with plenty of healthy options also. So, new to this year, every restaurant that applied had to list at least one healthy item on their planned menu. The result? Plan on seeing items like whole wheat spinach and basil pizza from Father & Son (Booth 37), organic barbecue tofu skewers from A Natural Harvest (Booth 60), and vegan sweet potato pie from Soul Vegetarian East (Booth 2). Mind you, the judgments here were a bit lax and were taken “in context”. Hence the potato chips at Billy Goat Inn (Booth 6) are “healthy” (potatoes are a vegetable, right?) when compared with the rest of their menu: steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers. Bakeries like Eli’s Cheesecake and JR Dessert Bakery had a bit of a difficulty also, but they included sugar-free desserts or items with fresh fruit.

This year’s Taste will be healthy for the planet as well. The cooking oil used during the ten-day festival will be recycled into bio-diesel fuel. This is especially good news as gas prices continue to rise.

Finally, like every year, there are big names lined up for musical performances: Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Plain White T’s, Joss Stone, Fantasia, and Bonnie Raitt, just to name a few.

Grant Park, free concerts, and more food than you could imagine: there’s no better way to celebrate summer in Chicago.

Photo credit: Peter Fuchs (c/o Flickr), City of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago: 200 S Columbus Dr; 312-744-3315
June 27 – July 6: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Ticket sales end one half-hour before closing time.)
*July 3-4: closes at 9:30 p.m., July 6: closes at 6:00 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 Electric Line (Van Buren)
http://www.tasteofchicago.us/
(Coolers, dogs, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.)

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• All three locations of Adobo Grill in the Chicagoland area will be putting out a menu made for love. Dishes include empanadas con pétalos de rosa (empanadas stuffed with Oaxacan cheese, fresh corn, and chipotle-rose-petal salsa), parrillada de corazón (adobo-marinated lobster tail, grilled lamb chops, sea scallops, beef tenderloin, and homemade chorizo), and corazón de chocolate (Mexican chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse and raspberry-corazón tequila sauce). (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• You may not be able to take your date to Italy, but his/her tastebuds won’t know the difference at A Mano. Revel in the authentic Italian fare in a romantic setting, where you can even have a beautiful rose display awaiting your special someone at the table. The “Italy is for Lovers” menu for two comes in at just under $50. (5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Love doesn’t have to be all violins and candlelight. To add a little spice to your romance, check out the heat at DeLaCosta, where the incredible décor and velvet curtains should add some dramatic pizzazz to your prix-fixe menu for two. (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 a.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Chaise Lounge offers American food with an international flair in its luxurious Miami Beach atmosphere. Have your pick of three dinner packages: the first includes a bottle of wine; choice of appetizer, salad, and entrée; and a dessert for two. The second adds a dozen rose. The third includes a limousine escort to and from the restaurant. (4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., $150-$600 per couple) (map) (link)

• Want to give your guy/girl the moon? The Shoot for the Moon package at Le Colonial is all that and then some. Celebrate the holiday with private use of the restaurant’s terrace, a live harpist, a custom-designed meal by the executive chef, champagne, a personalized playlist in the town car that will take you to a luxury suite… all for just $10,000. If your piggy bank doesn’t hold quite that much, try the three-course tasting menu. (5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., $50-$10,000) (map) (link)

• Celebrate your romance with a bit of old-world sophistication at 200 East. The honest-to-goodness supper club is an elegant spot for dining, dancing, and a heart-shaped chocolate cake for two. (4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Diners can enjoy some of the finest French cuisine Bucktown has to offer at Café Matou. The high ceilings, exposed brick, and wrought-iron chandeliers set the bistro scene, while the roasted onion soup, lamb scallops, and chocolate sorbet enhance it. (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Love sucks. Celebrate anti-Valentine’s Day with Sheffield’s as they screen films like Fatal Attraction and The War of the Roses. And who needs romance when you have chocolate-dipped strawberries and cocktails? (11:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

• Indulge your sweetheart with a romantic getaway at the Amalfi Hotel, a luxury contemporary hotel in Chicago’s River North district. The Sweet Indulgence Package includes deluxe accommodations for two, a bottle of Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a late check-out (so you and your sweetie can stay in bed just a little bit longer). (all February, $209 a night) (map) (link)

• The Drake Hotel combines tradition with elegance and style like no other. The romance package includes early check-in, in-room sparkling wine, full breakfast for two, and late check-out. The hotel’s restaurant will feature a live violinist and free champagne cocktails. (ends Feb 18^th, $199 a night) (map) (link)

Photo credit: monsieur paradis, Le Colonial, Carrie Taylor

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• Brrrr… It’s cold out there, which is perfect weather for Chicago’s newest attraction, Paintings Below Zero. A brilliantly colored ice wall that is nearly 100 feet long (30 m) and over 10 feet tall (3 m) is the largest and perhaps most stunning work from Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. (Feb 1-29)

• Chicago artists explore a regional legend as part of Chupacabras! Artists Reinterpret the Myth at the National Museum of Mexican Art. These works of art explore the impact the numerous sightings have had on Latin and American cultures. (ends July 20)

• The 13^th annual Strictly Sail Chicago at Navy Pier features the newest sailboat designs and the latest gear, accessories, and hardware. There are also several seminars from renowned sailors, remote-control boat racing, live music, and daily prizes. (ends Feb 3)

• Celebrate La Fete de la Chandeleur (Crepe Day) with the sweet and savory crepes at Brasserie JO’s Crepe Festival. Specialty crepes include a baked ham and cheese gratinee served with petit frisee and a classic sweet Crepe Suzette. All dessert crepes will be served with a paper fortune. (Feb 1-2)

• Get into the Mardi Gras spirit at the Metromix Mardi Gras Masquerade at Matilda. There’ll be king cake, a buffet of appetizers, a top shelf open bar, and of course, lots and lots of beads. Masks and reservations required. Call 773-883-4400. (Feb 2)

• If you’ve got a tough skin and laugh in the face of frost, you may earn yourself a free lunch. Stop by South Water Kitchen for their Groundhog Day Alfresco Lunch. Outdoor diners will receive a free meal of chicken and dumplings or grilled cheese with tomato soup, along with a warm apple brown betty. Reservations required. (Feb 2)

• It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. Learn things like truckin’, pimpwalks, and suzie-qs at the Chicago Big Apple Dance Workshop at Galaxie Chicago. All dancers of all levels can attend one or both sessions for $20 each. (Feb 2, 9)

• INTERNal Affairs is a new comedy at Donny’s Skybox Theatre that looks at everyday topics and situations from the point of view of a Second City intern. Directed by Monica Wilson, the play features original music, sketch comedy, and improvisation. (ends Feb 16)

• The SushiSamba Rio Carnaval features specialty Brazilian dishes and cocktails. The party reaches its height on Tuesday with live music, samba dancers, and a live satellite feed to Rio de Janeiro’s festivities. (ends Feb 5)

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) chocolate monster mel, davebluedevil

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

1. Atmosphere. The restaurant has one of the most diverse clienteles you’ll ever see. Patrons of all ages and all backgrounds enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows, earth tones, and pitch-black bar with an eight-foot (2.4-meter) aquarium stocked with tropical fish. If you look closely enough, you can even catch glimpses of the kitchen behind the tank. Exposed beams and well-spaced seating complete the open and airy ambiance.

2. Food. The all-things-Latin menu offers starters like ceviche de salmon y callos—citrus-marinated salmon, seared bay scallops, avocado, and pickled red onions—and empanadas de pernil—slow-roasted pork and black bean empanadas, warm hominy, and spinach salad. You might be suspicious of the cachapas de papa (corn crepes filled with three-potato mash and Irazu cheese), but I assure you, it is one of the best unique combinations you’ve never thought of. And while the ponchos de pollo are perfectly seasoned, just remember, they are hot. You’ll be grateful for the sweet plantains they are served with. The roasted chuleta (pork chop) is nothing to scoff at: it is cured in sugarcane juice and is 16 ounces (454 g) of hearty meat. And I swear the costilla (beer-braised short rib) is as big as a baseball bat.

3. Dessert. The delectable Oaxacan chocolate mousse cake with sweet corn ice cream is simply out of this mundo. For something on the lighter side, the sponge cake drenched in three-milk sauce is a must-have.

4. Drinks. The rum cocktails here are nothing less than delicious… and strong! The bartenders here are generous with the liquor, so if you’re planning on a cocktail or two, be sure you have a designated driver. Specialties here include mojitos, martinis, and caipirinhas. The chocolate martini brings together dessert and cocktail beautifully, blending Bolivian chocolate, Argentinean sugarcane vodka, and black chocolate liqueur.

Whatever your reason for dining at Cuatro, you’re bound to have un tiempo bueno.

Photo credit: Cuatro

Cuatro ($$$): 2030 S Wabash Ave; 312-842-8856
Mon – Thurs: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 5:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking and valet available
Public trans: Bus # 1, 3, X3, 4, X4, 18, 21, 29
http://www.cuatro-chicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.

10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.

9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the south side of Chicago offers a wide selection of new, unopened vinyl records.

8. Weather Bell. At Monroe and Clark Streets, the bell has long outlasted its original owner.

7. Evil Olive. This Wicker Park martini bar looks great no matter what direction you’re coming from. Yo Banana Boy!

6. Chicago Highways. Chicagoans rarely call the seven major highways by their actual names. Instead, we rely on nicknames… and maybe a few not-so-nice words during rush hour.

5. Wholly Frijoles. The waiting list may be a mile long, but the food is most certainly worth your patience.

4. Relax Lounge. Relaxation here comes in the form of beats, brews, and burgers.

3. Daley Center. The premier civic center of Chicago is considered one of the city’s architectural highlights. Obviously though, voluntary visits are much more fun than obligatory ones.

2. Chicago River. Chicago’s river may not have a good reputation, but it’s still an incredible example of city engineering. How many rivers do you know that flow backwards?

1. Beatnix. Although originally featured for Halloween, this Boystown corner shop is fun and fabulous all year long.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler