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 […]

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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

July 4th, 2008

Fourth of July Celebrations 2008

To all our U.S. readers, happy Fourth! If you want to celebrate without the traditional explosions and fireworks, here are a few other options…
• Continuing from yesterday’s festivities, the Fourth of July Celebration at Citizen Bar features a $25 drink package (along with a free burger before 1 p.m.) and a bags tournament. (11:00 a.m. […]

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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 […]

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January 1st, 2008

Agami

When I first walked into Agami, I thought I was in the wrong neighborhood. A contemporary sushi place with this fanciful décor? I obviously had to be downtown. But no, this dining room featuring a curved bar, sushi bar, and striking red banquettes is found in Chicago’s north side, in Uptown. The textured turquoise walls […]

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December 26th, 2007

New Year’s Eve in Chicago, cont.

Here are a few more ways to bring in the New Year in Chicago:
• Metro: If you’re into the indie rock scene, Spoon will be headlining and playing songs from their most recent album, “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.” 18+ (10 p.m., $76) (map) (link)
• Motel Bar: So maybe you’re not so good at planning […]

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November 17th, 2007

International Chicago: Asia

Back to our International Tour, it’s time for Asia. While many may be familiar with Chicago’s Chinatown down on the South Side, there is also a New Chinatown developing and growing near the intersection of Argyle St and Broadway Ave. It’s a mix of Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Thai shops and restaurants. Because Asia […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

October 2nd, 2007

Mitsuwa Marketplace

There are plenty of places that serve up Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine in the city. But how many let you shop after you eat? Whether you love all things Japanese or are just a curious first-timer, there is a massive market in Arlington Heights that is not to be missed.
Mitsuwa Marketplace is a Japanese […]

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August 23rd, 2007

Tokyo 21

The Weed Street district may be best known for a lively nightlife, but Tokyo 21 has added fine food to the mix. The owners of Chicago’s renowned Kamehachi chain created this contemporary Japanese spot, which feels like an authentic Asian lounge. Neon lights, great music, video screens: all of these are typical ingredients of an […]

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May 2nd, 2007

Just Desserts

Sometimes, you want to skip right over the meal and just indulge yourself, satisfying that sweet tooth with dessert. If you’re feeling especially decadent, you might want to check out the following temptations.
David Burke’s Primehouse is normally known for its mouth-watering steaks but the signature dessert is nothing to scoff at either. “It’s a silver-plated […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments