Rebecca Taras | November 29, 2011 8:30 amI admit I was a bit bummed when Bistro 110 closed its doors back in August, but after attending a media preview of replacement Bar Toma (110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110) yesterday, my sadness evaporated as quickly as the culinary cocktail I was given upon arrival. My only disappointment was that I couldn't keep eating — I was stuffed.Read More
Rebecca Taras | November 28, 2011 12:00 pmThe temps are only going to get chillier this week, so it's the perfect opportunity to slurp (yes, that's considered proper Japanese etiquette) up a big bowl of ramen at Takashi Yagihashi's Slurping Turtle (116 W. Hubbard St., 312-464-0644) — which opens its doors today!
Designed by Francois Geneve (Takashi, Green Zebra, Quince) the 87-seat space boasts steel and exposed beams creating a contemporary yet comfortable vibe. The menu pays homage to chef Yagihashi's childhood experiences in Japan, and the turtle component symbolizes longevity.Read More
Rebecca Taras | November 18, 2011 9:00 amIt was a close race between 2sparrows and Filini in the new Radisson Blu hotel, but the later came out ahead by 21 votes at the time this post was written. If you're not familiar with Filini or the hip new Blu, take our tour! Even if you are (it is your fave, after all), here are some fun tidbits you probably don't know (hint: the chef grew up in a castle!).Read More
Rebecca Taras | November 10, 2011 10:15 amTurkey day is right around the corner, and in the spirit of giving thanks, I want to know what your favorite recent restaurant opening is. A martini that made you melt, taters that made you tingle, and a server so amazing, you'd love to invite him or her over for dinner on Nov. 24.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 31, 2011 9:30 amDamen Avenue is one of my favorite places to shop and eat, and now there are three new reasons to hit up Bucktown's hottest street.
Vividbraille Studio Boutique (2064 N. Damen Ave.; shown above) is an "impossible to categorize" concept store; owner Brock Willsey refers to his brand as "intelligent and metaphoric," whatever that means.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 25, 2011 8:00 amChicago has already proven its burger prowess with gourmet spots like DMK and Burger Bar, but, let's face it, we can never have too many burger joints — especially ones that bring even more unique, foodie-friendly, meat-tastic options to the table. And that's exactly what you'll get at Butcher and the Burger (1021 W. Armitage Ave., 773-697-3735), opening tonight in Lincoln Park.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 19, 2011 9:00 amOne of the season's most anticipated new eateries, Vera (1023 W. Lake St., 312-243-9770), officially opens its doors in the West Loop today! The wine bar, run by restaurant industry veterans Elizabeth and Mark Mendez, pairs Spanish cuisine with food-friendly wines from all over the globe.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 10, 2011 8:00 amI'm kind of already in love with brunch/lunch spot 2Sparrows (553 W. Diversey Pkwy., 773-234-2320), opening today! First off, how cool is that name?Read More
Kate Stahl | September 23, 2011 8:30 amChicago Gourmet isn't the only game in town this weekend. The five must-hit events below will keep you fed, watered, and dancing. Bring on the weekend fun!Read More
Kate Stahl | September 6, 2011 10:00 amMidwestern-focused tavern Farmhouse (228 W. Chicago Ave.) opens tonight in River North, and the awesome preview video above has me super excited for the new spot. Here are five reasons you should be, too!Read More