With warmer weather finally here, Chicago farms are providing produce that chefs are using to create colorful and unique dishes that are not to be missed
Chicago summer—It means beach time and patio dinners and baseball games…and a whole lot of local cuisine. Since Chicago chefs have a limited produce season to work with, they make the most of this time of year! You will start seeing more color on your plates thanks to farm-to-table-focused menus from restaurants across the city. These are just some of our summer favorites right now…
Next of Kin {625 Davis Street, Evanston; 847.563.8242}: Start with the Rainbow Carrot Hummus. Then dig into the Great Lakes Whitefish with cauliflower polenta, black olive and caper tapenade, and green grapes. Finish with their famous Choix des Eclairs (you can choose from classic, birthday cake, double chocolate, and lemon meringue). There are no wrong choices at Next of Kin, but that plan is what we’d choose.
Cafe Spiaggia {980 North Michigan Avenue #2, Chicago; 312.280.2750}: Sister restaurant to the acclaimed Spiaggia, Cafe Spiaggia is often seen as more accessible than Spiaggia, but that does not make it any less delicious. The culinary team is top notch, as one would expect with the Spiaggia name, and creates fresh and stunning menu items like Artichoke with guanciale, Calabrian chili, fonduta, and breadcrumbs, as well as Cavatelli pasta with peas, ricotta, spring onion, and ramps.
The Publican {837 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.733.9555}: Any restaurant that has an entire section of their menu devoted to vegetables is one you want to focus on for summertime. Their current menu highlights carrots, beets, asparagus, and more…all from local Illinois farms!
Smyth {177 North Ada Street #101, Chicago; 773.913.3773}: Smyth creates one of the most unique and seasonally-focused tasting menus in the city, and the current menu is no exception. Their “Classic” tasting menu is under $100, which is almost unheard of in the tasting menu world, and includes dishes like Sweet Peas Cooked In Dashi With Mints & Woodruff. You can also upgrade to their “Smyth” and even “Omaha” menus for more delicious bites.
Althea {700 North Michigan Avenue, Saks, Fifth Avenue, Chicago; 312.525.3400}: Love yourself some veggies? Head to Althea ASAP. Their Plant Bowl is chalk full of quinoa, black lentils, charred root vegetables, marinated kale, avocado, piquillo romesco, and preserved lemon tahini. The flavor will bowl you over (pun intended).
Blackbird {619 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.715.0708}: Make the most of seasonal tastes by trying Blackbird’s Lunch Prix Fixe menu for only $28! It’s a great way to make the most of their seasonal offerings without breaking the bank. Don’t miss the Chilled Pea Soup with carrot gelée, almonds, and crème fraîche.
3 Squares Diner {1020 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago; 773.293.6158}: The perfect Uptown spot for breakfast or brunch, 3 Squares Diner is full of light, bright, delicious food. Their Omelet is simple, but made with
sobrassada, aguachile verde, queso fresco, cilantro, and hominy for a fresh taste of the season.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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