Custom Placements: Dining Lead
Four Tasty Ways to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend
Whether you hit a festival or brunch, the upcoming long weekend is a good time for eating in the city.
Carbo-Loading
Facing a dozen Sterling Food Hall vendors during the lunch crush, you may feel the urge to flee for the familiarity of the closest chain. Breathe deep, then follow the aromas of toasted sesame seeds and sumac to Seedo’s Levantine Bakery, where Mutaz Abdullah explores the flavors of Palestine, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq through flatbreads, … Read more
Family Favorites
Homey Korean dishes shine at Mister Tiger, a West Town spot from three first-time restaurateurs.
Revisiting Smyth and Tasting Menu Recall
Our critic dines at the West Loop restaurant for the first time since it received its third Michelin star.
Class Act Reimagines the Dinner Party
The new Bucktown tasting menu restaurant brings diners together in new ways.
The Trotter Way
In his new memoir, an acclaimed chef recounts working for a culinary legend — and how their relationship soured.
Stuffed Plantain at Mahari
As we passed assertively spiced and brightly flavored dishes around the table — salmon rice fritters with mango chutney, a lamb burger with Haitian pikliz and pineapple — a consensus emerged among our omnivorous group that the star of the evening at Mahari was the mushroom-stuffed plantain. To make the vegetarian entrée (a beef version is also available), executive … Read more
The Case for Reviewing While High
Chicago’s dining critic explains why cannabis makes him better at his job.
Second Life
When we last saw John Avila, he was slinging Indonesian food at Minahasa in Revival Food Hall. The chef built a fan base there for beautifully seasoned dishes, but slow traffic forced him to close. It always felt like his food deserved its own space, which it now has in Rendang Republic, a counter-service spot … Read more