Clik here to view.
Photo via Broken English
There are always new places and plates to try in the Windy City. From seasonal menus to new openings to updates on old favorites, there is always something to try. We have our take on some of the city’s latest openings and must try dishes. Try them soon, you won’t want to miss out.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
True Food Kitchen {1 West Erie Street, Chicago, 312.204.6981}
Follow through with your get-healthy resolutions this year at True Food Kitchen. Co-founded by wellness specialist Dr. Andrew Weil and eight-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox, True Food Kitchen offers fresh, high-quality goodies rooted in the principles of Dr. Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. Executive Chef Michael “Sully” Sullivan oversees the Chicago outpost, presenting a rotating menu of seasonal dishes that caters to all diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. With a tagline like “Honest Food that Tastes Really Good,” True Food Kitchen stays “true” to its name.
WonFun and 2Fun Chinese {905 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.877.5967}
Drawing from his experiences in Bhutan and his overall love of Asian food, Austin Baker brings Chinese fare to Randolph Street with WonFun and 2Fun Chinese. Housed on the first floor, the interior of WonFun is intimate in nature with an open kitchen so guests can see noodle-pulling first hand. The menu—inspired by Baker and Executive Chef Ben Ruiz’s travels to The Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine in China—offers authentic Sichuan classics such as Chongqing Fried Chicken and the Ma Po Tofu made with minced beef, doubanjiang, dried chiles, and Sichuan pepper. With bellies full, guests can climb the stairs to 2Fun Chinese (which becomes a buzzing karaoke bar on Tuesdays). Centered around a 35-seat bar with a large red dragon looming overhead, the 160-seat space features a dim sum cart for snackable goodies paired with a lineup of cocktails like the Oolong Island Iced Tea crafted with four tea-infused liquors and popping boba.
Clik here to view.
Photo via Mirabella Italian
Mirabella Italian Cuisine & Bar {3454 West Addison Street, Chicago; 773.463.1962}
We can now return to a historic locale, exploring the flavor profiles of Italy with Mirabella Italian Cuisine & Bar. Owner/Executive Chef Arturo Acucaquizpi has always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. The Ecuadorian chef began cooking at the age of 18, working his way up the ranks from dishwasher to executive chef at one of Chicago’s best steakhouses, Gene & Georgetti. After 20 years of honing his talent, Chef Acucaquizpi decided it was time to venture out on his own, opening the restaurant in December. Mirabella Italian Cuisine & Bar focuses on Italian cuisine, especially that of the Tuscany region, offering a menu of seafood, meats, and pastas—with the option to go gluten-free—and their signature dish, Chicken Mirabella, crafted with pickled sweet peppers and pepperoncini.
Broken English {1400 North Wells Street, 312.951.7667}
A new location of Broken English has hit Old Town. In a renovated two-story building, this hip taco joint has found a home, converting the space into a lively non-stop fiesta. The first floor, with a funky mix of street art and contemporary furnishings, makes a great dining space and connects to a year-round patio, while the second floor houses a lounge. The menu features a fresh take on typical Mexican fare, with a lengthy list of tacos, from Carnitas to Shrimp. (Our favorite is the Carne Asada.) Chef Frank Valdez uses the freshest ingredients he can find to create his take on tacos. Broken English is where the party really starts.
Clik here to view.
Photo via Elske
Elske {1350 West Randolph Street, 312.733.1314}
This new addition to the West Loop is sure to become a neighborhood go-to. Chicago’s ultimate culinary power couple, Anna and David Posey, have launched their collaborative concept appropriately named after the Danish word for love, Elske. David, who was twice nominated for the James Beard Award during his tenure at Blackbird, and Anna, who was pastry chef royalty at The Publican, helm Elske as a real family affair. The modern menu features both à la carte dining options and a multi-course tasting menu, and takes its cues from simple, seasonal food using local ingredients. A sample of the menu choices include Smoked Scallop with radish and potato; Celeriac Risotto with hazelnuts, Sherry, and black truffle; and Grilled Pork Coppa with sunchokes and quince.
SafeHouse {60 East Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.3131.007}
From James Bond to Austin Powers, spies and espionage have been a fascinating part of popular culture for decades. Now, Chicagoans can escape reality and become secret agents themselves—if only for a few hours—at SafeHouse in River North. Like its original Milwaukee location (which has been going strong for 50 years), wannabe agents will need to know the password or perform a spy clearance test to prove they are friendly agents before entry. Once an agent has been granted access, they’ll embark on a unique mission, getting agent names and discovering the restaurant’s hidden gems, including secret passageways and hidden rooms. The menu relies on Midwestern favorites for flavor: Try the Fried C4 Cheese Curds, the M.O.A.B. (Mother of All Burgers), or the Poutine.
Clik here to view.
Photo via The Rabbit Hole
The Rabbit Hole {1208 North Wells Street, 312.274.1824}
Old Town’s newest concept offers guests a trip through the looking glass at The Rabbit Hole, an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed restaurant. Decorated with whimsical artwork (including a portrait of the White Rabbit) inspired by the classic film, The Rabbit Hole is a sports lover’s haven. With 10 large screen TVs, as well as life-sized Jenga and giant Pictionary, you’ll always have something to keep you entertained. On the menu? Twenty-four craft beers on tap (along with a host of cans and bottles) and whimsical cocktails with names like White Rabbit on a Dirty Mule with Mezcal, ginger beer, lime juice, Jägermeister, and grapefruit juice, or the Have We Gone Mad with Stoli Vanilla vodka, Earl Gray tea, house-made lavender syrup, and lemon. The food menu focuses on reinvented American pub fare, offering shareable appetizers, salads, meat-heavy platters, and tasty sides.
By DiningOut Staff
The post Chicago Spots to Try NOW appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.