The Chicago Traveler

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 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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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 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 …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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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 own restaurant in Bainoa, Cuba. When he decided to move to Chicago, he brought all his recipes with him and opened a casual, family-operated eatery in what is now the Bucktown neighborhood. The atmosphere is very relaxed while the live music is always energizing. Take …read more

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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 and earth tones in an upscale setting. Exposed brick walls and hanging beaded lanterns give the place an intimate, stylish feel.
Most of the food isn’t truly authentic; it’s contemporary Latin. The term “Nuevo Latino” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, and, I …read more

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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 something delectably different: thinly-sliced plantain chips. I guarantee you: those won’t last long, so you should probably grab something from the appetizer menu. The empanadas are absolutely delicious, as are the humitas and the tortillas de papa (potato pancakes stuffed with cheese and topped with …read more

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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 bar with a wide selection of greens and sides, enough to satisfy even your vegetarian friends. The white tablecloths and exposed wood beams tie everything together in a sophisticated atmosphere.
The fixed price menu is worth every penny of its $50. You’ll start off with the …read more

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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 elegant entrees, you can find it at the Taste, along with cooking demonstrations, live music, and kids’ entertainment.
It is definitely the place to be when it comes to summer in Chicago, and I try to go every year. Located right behind the Art Institute, admission …read more

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