The Chicago Traveler

Oh Volo… where do I even begin? Your radiant décor? Your chic food? Your comfortable, social atmosphere?
Owner Jon Young (co-creator of Kitsch’n across the street) and chef Stephen Dunne are behind this Roscoe Village wine bar, which has been featured on The Food Channel. The restaurant bears striking design with dark brown walls, dim lighting, and a small open kitchen. Couples and small groups relax over granite tabletops, completing the modern yet warm vibe.
The weekly-rotating menu includes small tapas-like dishes that focus on organic and local produce. Past plates have featured heirloom tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and basil vinaigrette; mussels …read more

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Okay, I admit I know nothing about fondue. In fact, the last time I had it was in college, when a group of us kitchen-incapable students tried to cook some up. While our results were delicious and fun, I’m going to assume that a bunch of 20-somethings dipping various fruit slices and cheeses into a pot on the stove is not the ideal fondue experience.
If you’re as clueless as I am about fondue, have no fear. The Fondude is here! Or rather, he’ll be there! Give the Fondude a call at least 48 hours in advance for a tête-à-tête (fondue …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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At Juicy Wine Company in River West, wine lovers browse through the retail space and select their preferred combinations of vintages and complements (pate, olives, and cheese). You can take these purchases home or head upstairs to the lounge. Here, hipsters gab in semicircular booths and small tables while a DJ spins on an elevated stage. Exposed brick with light wood and cork details complete the contemporary space (southeast of Soulistic Studio).
If you choose to sit a spell, the wine list is categorized quite neatly, separated by color and body. A few are available by the glass, but most come …read more

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The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with people’s new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.
Chalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: a restaurant with oversized chalkboards that list the specials of the day. Rather than constantly reprinting menus, the owners are able to easily change these boards on a daily basis. Aside from the namesake wall-length chalkboard, the small dining room features white molding, linen-clad tables, …read more

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Nothing says romance like fine Italian cuisine over candlelight and soft music. It should be no surprise then that many Chicagoans looking to impress their dates head up to Lakeview to Angelina Ristorante.
You’ll ease into a night of comfort as you enter the softly lit room, decorated with oil paintings and black-and-white photos. Show up early, or make a reservation: a line often forms before the doors even open for dinner. The window seats are tempting, but you might be sacrificing table space if you take them.
The menu changes seasonally, relying on the availability of fresh produce. Italian antipasti standards …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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Most people try to find a wine that complements their food. The folks at Bin 36 put together a contemporary trattoria (next door to Crimson Lounge) named A Mano, thereby creating an Italian menu that would balance well with their wines.
A combination of Michigan Avenue tourists and white-collar executives fill the bar and dining area, enjoying the exposed brick walls, low ceilings, and metal railings. The restaurant has a contemporary feel, almost like a gallery, with artistic and authentic dishes emerging from the open kitchen.
For lunch, A Mano offers Paninis, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pastas (with flour from Italy), along …read more

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On more than one occasion, I have heard Chicago compared to Paris, France. And why not? Paris is one of Chicago’s international sister cities. With much respect for “the City of Light,” Le Bouchon offers authentic and delicious French dishes in Bucktown.
With white curtains, tile flooring, and a beautiful mural over the bar, the charm of Paris comes alive in this small room (north of Grace). The tables are arranged close together, so be prepared for a bit of bustling. Also, a word of warning: the tables next to the front window might seem ideal, but they are near some …read more

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Chicago is well-known for its pizzas and beefs, but we’re a lot more than just fast food. Take Brasserie Ruhlmann steakhouse for example. This four-star establishment in River North (just east of the Freedom Center) makes dinner more than a meal; it’s an event.
People from New York City may recognize the name; the eatery is a spin-off of a restaurant by the same name at Rockefeller Center. With a mosaic floor, grand floral arrangements, and red-plush seating, Brasserie Ruhlmann is dressed to the nines. Up to 500 guests can fill the 10,000 square feet (929 m2) of space at a …read more

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