Photo via Del Frisco’s
Chicago Restaurant Week begins next Friday, and we are getting our stomachs and our calendars ready! We only have fourteen days, from January 26 through February 8, to try as much of Chicago’s best food as possible. To help you prioritize your meals, we have our best bites for the occasion. These range from brunch to lunch to dinner, in a wide range of cuisines, so that every palate will be satisfied.
Barrio: Adobo Fried Rice
The newest concept from DineAmic Group, Barrio {65 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.940.9900}, is bringing some extra spice to River North. They recently launched their weekend brunch menu featuring a variety of Mexican and pan-Latin flavors, and those flavors are featured during Restaurant Week. Case in point, the savory and decadent Adobo Fried Rice topped with crispy pork belly and a fried egg. It’s a unique brunch experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Bistronomic: Jacques Pépin menu
For a taste of truly classic French fare, Bistronomic {840 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.944.8400} will be honoring the famous Jacques Pépin with their Restaurant Week menu. The menu starts with Black Lentil Salad, then offers mains like Braised Beef Shortribs with garlic turnip purée before finishing with desserts includng Coffee Panna Cotta with roasted hazelnut.
Torali, Italian-Steak: Bruschetta of the Day
A beautiful and recent addition to the Chicago food world, Torali {160 East Pearson Street, Chicago; 312.573.5160} has rich twists on classic steakhouse menu items. You might want to start with dessert like Coffee Pot de Creme and Keylime Tart, but don’t get ahead of yourself! The “Bruschetta of the Day” changes, well daily, so you never know what taste excitement awaits! Entrée options include Chianti Short Ribs and Ora King Salmon so every course is a good choice.
STK: Dry Aged Tenderloin of Beef
Steakhouses like STK {9 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.340.5633} are always a great bet for value during Restaurant Week. Indulge in classic cuts like Dry Aged Tenderloin of Beef, plus an appetizer and dessert. All this for the cost of what you’d usually pay just for an entrée! You can’t miss that opportunity! Appetizer options include their classic Shaved Brussels Salad (above) and Crispy Rock Shrimp.
Le Colonial: Banh Pho Xao
As the “premiere French Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of the Gold Coast,” you will be able to try dishes you can’t find anywhere else at Le Colonial {937 North Rush Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}. From their signature Banh Pho Xao (rice noodles sauteed with soy sauce, bean sprouts, green onions with chicken, and garlic chili sauce) to the Sup Man Cua (asparagus and crab meat soup), every bite is is special.
Del Frisco’s: Filet Mignon
One of Chicago’s most long-standing steakhouses has new updates that will have the Restaurant Week crowd running to dinner! Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse {58 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.888.2499}, of course, has classics like Filet Mignon and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, but for Restaurant Week, we recommend exploring. You can upgrade your steak to a Prime Strip or Prime Ribeye, or top it with everything from Blue Cheese Crumbles to Foie Gras. After dinner, be sure to visit their new Esquire Room Champagne lounge.
Photo via Presidio
Presidio: Flourless Chocolate Cake
For the perfect date night during Restaurant Week, Presidio {1749 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.697.3315} has everything you need. An intimate, warm environment, plus a bar and kitchen staff that will make the most of every bite of your meal. From Lamb Meatballs to Farotto with a one hour egg (a Restaurant Week-only special), you can’t go wrong. Don’t leave without indulging in the Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Photo via Rosebud
Rosebud Prime: Roasted Lemon Chicken
An amazing week of Chicago food deserves a visit to an iconic Chicago institution. The Rosebud family of restaurants is known throughout Chicagoland for excellence, and that includes Rosebud Prime {One South Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.384.1900}. Start your meal with their Signature Meatball and try the Roasted Lemon Chicken for an entrée. End it with the Rosebud Cannoli for a classic Windy City meal.
Photo via TWO
TWO: Smoked Slagel Farms pork tenderloin
If you love eating and drinking local, there is no better place than TWO {1132 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.624.8363}. Their dinner menu is only $33 during Restaurant Week, and includes Midwest specialties like Smoked Slagel Farms pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes. Then, guests of all sourcing preferences and flavor profiles will love the bonus course of Nutella ‘s’mores with Nutella pannacotta, homemade marshmallow, and graham cracker crumble!
Photo via Salero
Salero: Smoked Pork Croquettes
Explore new cuisines this Restaurant Week with Salero {621 West Randolph Street; Chicago; 312.466.1000}. Nosh on Smoked Pork Croquettes, Spanish Tortillas, Confit Potatoes and Flan de Queso Fresco. Come with a group, and get ready to pass your plates and share!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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