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The Chicago Traveler

August 27th, 2008

Wine and Cheese Pizza at La Madia

Who says pizza is unrefined? Certainly not La Madia, a River North restaurant whose motto is “Art of Pizza, Love of Wine.”
You’ll know this isn’t any ordinary pizza place when you see the floor-to-ceiling wine wall behind the bar. Groups of friends and romantic couples fill the striped booths and the pizza bar surrounding the […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 19th, 2008

Mirai Serves Sushi and Sake in Sleek Style

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 […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 19th, 2008

Bass, Boys, and Bad Behavior at Roscoe’s

If you’re young, fun, and like to shake your bum, you’ll probably find yourself dancing the night away at Roscoe’s.
Once you get past the occasionally haughty bouncer at the door, you’ll be greeted by a labyrinth of a bar and, on the weekends, wall-to-wall crowds. The front section contains a bar island which fills the […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

August 15th, 2008

A Mano Hands Out Great Italian

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, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 13th, 2008

Zed 451 Sets the Night on Brazilian Fire

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 Matt B -- 0 comments

August 12th, 2008

Le Bouchon Is Bucktown’s Best Bistro

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 […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 12th, 2008

It’s Always Ladies’ Night at the Closet

If you are a woman who has made the courageous step of Coming Out of the closet, congratulations! You’ll be getting a pamphlet and key chain in just a few weeks. And now, one Chicago bar (just north of Joy’s Noodles) invites you to go right back in, as it is oddly named The Closet.
[…]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 8th, 2008

C’est La Belle Vie

In an era of food chains and carbon-copy restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place that still believes in the purity and simplicity of home-grown food. However, chef Paul Virant cures his own meat and works hard to find ingredients locally for his contemporary American cuisine inspired by Western European fare at Vie […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

August 7th, 2008

Brasserie Ruhlmann Serves Steak in Style

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 […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

August 5th, 2008

Connect to the Latin Beats at Circuit

For many people, the thumping beat of dance music goes through them like an electric current, giving them energy to move and groove for hours. So appropriately enough, one of Boystown’s premier dance clubs is called Circuit.
At Circuit (just south of Kit Kat Lounge), you can find lesbians, gay men, and even straight couples moving […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments