The Chicago Traveler

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to the ‘T’.
8. Superdawg Drive-In. The winking hot dogs on the roof will be a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Huey’s Hot Dogs. While serving up great dogs and burgers, this eatery is also well-known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes.

6. Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Both the nostalgia and …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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As we watch the hundreds of countries compete in the Summer Olympics this week, I’m reminded of all the different cultures and cuisines we have right here in Chicago. French, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, German… the list goes on and on. Another cuisine that has steadily become more popular is that of Brazil, as exemplified by Zed 451.
This “contemporary steakhouse” (just a few doors south of Le Lan) is furnished with wood floors, black steel, and stone, giving the restaurant a rustic, natural feel. A double-sided fireplace surrounded by leather seating graces the lounge area, and stairwells lead from the …read more

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As I’ve learned from La Gondola, you can’t judge a restaurant merely by its appearance. The same goes for Taste of Peru, located in a strip mall on the far north side. What was once Chicago’s “best kept secret” is now packed every weekend with hungry regulars, all anticipating the authentic flavors this family establishment has to offer.
Featured in my International Chicago series, the small space is spattered with Peruvian posters and photos, and it’s obvious how much owner Cesar Izquierdo loves his home country. More impressively though, he shares that love through the menu. Seafood lovers will appreciate the …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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Whenever you travel to a new city, the last thing you want to do is eat out at a restaurant that you could find just about everywhere. What’s the fun in touring a new city and then eating at a fast food chain? If you want a dining experience that is uniquely Chicago, then head on over to the Chicago Chop House in the River North neighborhood (less than a block from Portillo’s).
The Chop House is decorated with over 1,000 historical photos, providing looks into the Windy City’s past. There are scenes of Chicago when rush hour traffic was a …read more

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Tavern on Rush is a well-known steakhouse in Chicago, and it’s the place to go if you want to see and be seen. If you want to impress your date or a business associate, you can’t go wrong here.
At the same intersection as The Original Pancake House, this two-story restaurant and lounge is impressive and upscale. While the establishment doesn’t have a set dress code, you might feel underdressed if you don’t spiff up a bit. After all, this place has Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys pulling up to its doors on a regular basis. Thirty-somethings unwind over martinis in the …read more

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In the heart of Greektown (and on the same corner as Greek Islands), Santorini invites its customers back to the Mediterranean via a charming rustic setting. Whitewashed walls are decorated with copper pans and other minor (but authentic) touches, while traditional music plays in the background. A large fireplace adds to the intimate setting, which is surprisingly cozy given the size and high activity of the restaurant.
The eatery is named after a Greek island, so it makes sense that it focuses on seafood. Non-fish eats are just as good though, including the appetizer dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with ground …read more

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• 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 …read more

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