Photo via Alexa Bendeck
Yes, the Michelin from the Michelin Star is the same as the Michelin car tire. The history of the company dates back to 1900, and how it now affects the Chicago restaurant scene is an interesting evolution…
Initially, in an interest to sell more car tires by increasing the amount of vehicles on the streets of France, brothers Éduoard and André Michelin published a travel guide including car mechanic listings, tire replacement instructions, gas stations, and hotels.
By 1922, a restaurant listing category was included, and in reaction to how well it was received, Michelin began to hire a team of people to review restaurants anonymously.
Fast forward to 2005 when the Michelin Guide enters the American market, and in 2011, Chicago is the fifth city to have its very own Michelin Guide.
One Michelin Star translates to Une très bonne table dans sa catégorie or A very good restaurant in its category.
Here at DiningOut Chicago, with thousands of restaurants to choose from, we feel lucky to be nudged in the right direction for our dining choices. This is a list of restaurants with One Michelin Star that make fine dining exceptional…
Blackbird {619 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.715.0708}
Blackbird was awarded One Star the first year Michelin entered Chicago and has retained their star every year since. For the last two decades, this West Loop restaurant has been home to Executive Chef Paul Kahan, and more recently, Chef de Cuisine Ryan Pfeiffer. To celebrate their 20 year anniversary and consistent success and evolution crafting Midwestern cuisine, Blackbird is inviting chefs from all over North America to curate a multi-course menu each month. Check them out for this special installation, the “Blackbird at 20” series.
Photo via Dusek’s Board & Beer
Dusek’s Board & Beer {1227 West 18th Street, Chicago; 312.526.3851}
Inside the historic Thalia Hall building in Pilsen is Dusek’s Board & Beer, where chefs explore the relationship between cuisine and beer, going as far as pairing entrées, cheese, and choucroute with a craft beer selections. The beer menu is extensive and worldly between draft, large format, and flight options. Food-wise, it’s delicious, offering elevated brew-pub menu options with creative preparations. This One Michelin Star restaurant, first awarded in 2016, also offers a Michelin-quality lunch and weekend brunch.
Photo via North Pond
North Pond {2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago; 773.477.5845}
We’re crazy about North Pond, as it truly is a special place through and through—from location and view, to food, drink, and service. With a heavy focus on locality, the food is fresh and dynamic, not to mention aesthetically pleasing. Chef Bruce Sherman offers two different dining experiences: a tasting menu with ingredients at the height of their season (wine pairings are available) or just as lovely, à la carte selections. Rich game birds, sustainably sourced fish, rabbit, and beef are expertly prepared and paired with interesting flavors and textures. When the floor-to-ceiling windows are wide open, it is as if you’re enjoying a serene dinner outside in the actual Lincoln Park overlooking the pond and a sliver of the Chicago skyline.
Photo via Boka
Boka {1729 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 312.337.6070}
Boka is Boka Restaurant Group’s esteemed flagship restaurant. It has been awarded a Michelin Star every year since 2011, and rightly so—both service and Chef Lee Wolen’s execution of American cuisine is impeccable. Inside, the wall of moss, staghorn ferns, and artwork of fancy personified animals makes the design and vibe of Boka truly one-of-a-kind. If you’ve enjoyed any one of the group’s other concepts, be sure to visit Boka in Lincoln Park to really feel where it all began (and for the full experience, indulge in their 9-course tasting menu).
Photo via EL Ideas
EL Ideas {2419 West 14th Street, Chicago; 312.226.8144}
At EL Ideas, the kitchen and dining room are merged as one. Seating just over 20 guests at a time, the space is intimate and homelike. Guests are encouraged to interact with other tables and even make their way to to the kitchen (and after a few bottles of wine for the table, you will feel like doing this). The chefs turn down the bass of the hip-hop just to describe the next course, and expect Chef/Owner Phillip Foss to deliver the plate to your table himself. Each course is thoughtful and a perfect segue into the next; the plating is both elegant and fun. EL Ideas is BYOB, and wine service will be up to you. In a way, you are given power to create your own experience here, but they certainly set you up for success.
Photo via Roister
Roister {951 West Fulton Market, Chicago}
It is not a surprise that Grant Achatz’ concept, Roister, made its way on the Michelin Guide. Achatz is always looking for ways to push the envelope, to re-invent something classic, to change the way we think about food. His Executive Chef Andrew Brochu knows the ins and outs of the company, initially exploring both the front and back of house of Alinea, and now helping Achatz put out food that evokes an emotional response from his guests. Their à la carte menu is varied and approachable. Head to Roister for their Half Chicken Dinner—an all-chicken multi-course option offering Chicken Liver Toast, Chicken Noodle Soup, and a Half Chicken & Fixin’s with Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.
Becky Wills | Contributor
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