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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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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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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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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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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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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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re lovesick or sick of love, there’s something in town for you.
• Your date’s a little crabby, but you love him/her nonetheless. Why not go out for a little crabbiness you can both handle? Sam Houston’s Charhouse is offering four celebrated entrées, including a full serving of Alaskan king crab legs. Another option is the Mixed Grill with a 6-oz prime top sirloin, rotisserie chicken breast, and grilled shrimp scampi. (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)
• Oysters are widely known for their aphrodisiac qualities. Shaw’s Crab House has a …read more

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My cooking skills are limited to tuna sandwiches and grilled cheeses. Fortunately, for the holidays, I have a rather large family full of talented cooks who make a great Christmas dinner. However, if you’d rather eat out and let the professionals handle the kitchen heat, here’s a list of Chicago restaurants that will be open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve
• Deleece: The popular Lakeview restaurant will serve up a four-course family-style meal along with its regular menu. (5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., $35) link
• Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar: The prix-fixe here includes dishes like roasted goose …read more

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Let’s continue our International Tour by heading to Central and South America. A large majority of Central and South Americans live in the Logan Square neighborhood, but their influences can be found throughout the city.
For example, Mayan Sol Latin Grill in Albany Park is a great eatery that can take you to Central America because that’s where the owners are from. When co-owner Erwin Piril left Guatemala City (the capital and largest city of Guatemala) for Chicago back in 1998, he knew right away that he wanted to open a restaurant. So with his mother’s recipes and her flair …read more

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