The Chicago Traveler

September 16th, 2008

Ten Best Romantic Spots 2008

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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 31st, 2008

Leave a Good Taste of Peru in Your Mouth

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 […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 23rd, 2008

Tango Sur Is a Sure Thing

Those who love meat and plenty of it would do well to visit Tango Sur in Lakeview. This Argentine steak spot is a local favorite due to its quiet ambience and sensible prices.
The small area can be a bit crowded but cozy, as servers in white T-shirts cover the two rooms. The front room provides […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 1st, 2008

Three’s a Party at Sushi Samba Rio

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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 19th, 2007

Café Laguardia

Normally, seeing palm trees and animal prints in any establishment will make me want turn right around and run away. However, despite its questionable décor, Café Laguardia boasts a menu that couldn’t be more authentic, even if it came straight from Cuba.
Actually, the menu is Cuba-born. More than 50 years ago, the founder opened his […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

November 29th, 2007

Mas

When co-owner Hubie Greenwald and Executive Chef John Manion first conceptualized Mas, they thought about restaurants that were fun and lively. So they put together a place (just west of the Ruby Room) that had a fun atmosphere but didn’t sacrifice the quality of the food or service. Patrons enjoy Latin-influenced dishes amidst dim lighting […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

November 21st, 2007

La Peña

La Peña is a family-owned restaurant that is bright and colorful, in more ways than one. From the rich tablecloths to the lively atmosphere to the vivid live music, this place is a South American celebration.
Many Latin restaurants start you off with a free basket of tortilla chips and salsa. However, La Peña offers […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

September 25th, 2007

Fogo de Chao

If you like meat and a lot of it, Fogo de Chão is the place for you. This all-you-can-eat spot will certainly get you in touch with your carnivorous side.
As soon as you walk in the door, you can smell all the delicious meat in the room; however, you’ll probably also notice the immense salad […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

June 29th, 2007

Taste of Chicago

One of the largest tourist attractions in Illinois begins this weekend: the Taste of Chicago. For ten days, over 70 restaurants from all over Chicago set up tents on a half-mile strip near Grant Park, allowing millions of people to sample an incredible amount of food from several cultures. Whether you like fast food or […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments