Chicago | Follow Me Foodie

$50+, American, Best Foodie Moments, Best Of..., Chicago, Chocolates/Candies, desserts, Eclectic, Euro-Asian, Fine Dining, Food 6, Food Event, Fusion, Ice Cream/Gelato/Yogurt, International, Modern American, Salad, Seafood, Vegetarian, WineJuly 10, 2012

“Best Restaurant in Chicago” – Alinea (Chef Grant Achatz) Act 2/5

By Mijune

He creates a sense of discovery with every dish and I have no doubt he is inspired by his life experiences and kids. The dishes are sophisticatedly playful and every dish is made with a plethora of ingredients, but the way they came across is not confusing. This is Chef Grant Achatz’s Alinea – Act 2 of 5.

$50+, American, Best Foodie Moments, Best Of..., Chicago, Chocolates/Candies, desserts, Eclectic, Fine Dining, Food 6, Food Event, Fusion, Ice Cream/Gelato/Yogurt, International, Modern American, Seafood, Top 10, WineJuly 9, 2012

“Best Restaurant in Chicago” – Alinea (Chef Grant Achatz) Act 1/5

By Mijune

It’s a 3 Michelin Star that was #7 on the World’s Top 50 Best Restaurants 2012. This is the Mother of Follow Me Foodie to Chicago. Welcome to Grant Achatz’s Alinea. Chicago is known for its performing arts and I consider Alinea one of the venues. It is a culinary production. This is Act 1 of 5.

$20-30, $30-50, American, Breakfast, Brunch, Chicago, Cocktails, desserts, Eastern European, Eclectic, Food 5, International, Italian, Modern American, Seafood, WineJuly 8, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – The Publican (Brunch)

By Mijune

Chef Paul Kahan is one of Chicago’s top chefs and this is his newest restaurant. They specialize in pork and house made sausages, charcuterie and rillettes and it’s quickly becoming a local favourite. The food caters to their carefully selected beer, wine and spirits menu and vise versa.

$10-20, $20-30, American, Breakfast, Brunch, Chicago, Cocktails, desserts, Diner, Eclectic, International, Salad, Vegan, VegetarianJuly 7, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – Lula Cafe

By Mijune

I was debating between dinner at Lula Cafe or Longman & Eagle, both located in Logan Square, and without a coin toss Longman & Eagle won. Lula Cafe is known for their breakfast and brunch which was likely a better bet than dinner. It was a bit “granola” and vegetarian focused for me.

American, Chicago, Food 4.5, Food 5, Italian, Pizza, Pub food, Salad, VegetarianJuly 6, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Best Deep Dish Pizza)

By Mijune

The creator and owner of Pizano’s Pizza and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria are step brothers and their father Rudy Malnati Sr. was one of the original founders for Chicago style deep dish pizza. Both places are considered birthplaces for authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.

$10 or less, authentic, Chicago, Food 5, Italian, SandwichesJuly 5, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – Al’s #1 Italian Beef (Sandwich)

By Mijune

Being in Chicago, where there’s a significant Italian population, I shouldn’t be surprised when the locals recommended me to try Al’s #1 Italian Beef Sandwich. It’s known for having the best Italian beef sandwiches in the city.

$10-20, American, bakery, Burgers/Hot Dogs, Cakes/Cupcakes, Chicago, desserts, Drinks, Eclectic, Food 3, Food 3.5, Ice Cream/Gelato/Yogurt, Modern American, Pastries/Cookies, Sandwiches, VegetarianJuly 4, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – Mindy’s HotChocolate Restaurant and Dessert Bar

By Mijune

My experience at HotChocolate was like anticipating the Broadway musical Chicago and then getting the Sound of Music – the play. I actually love Sound of Music, but if I wanted tickets to it, I would just buy tickets to it. I wanted the theatrics and “wow” factor that I didn’t really get at HotChocolate.

$10-20, American, authentic, Chicago, Food 4, Italian, Pizza, Pub food, Salad, VegetarianJuly 3, 2012

Chicago, Illinois – Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta (“Best” Deep Dish Pizza)

By Mijune

The history behind Chicago’s famous pizza and even at Pizano’s is so much more deeply rooted than what most people know. “The Best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza” is bound to start arguments, but this is one of the birth places for deep dish pizzas although Oprah comes for their thin.