Kate McDermott 2022-12-12 08:59:06
The constant evolution of Chicago’s neighborhoods and restaurants means there’s always something new to try. Visit some of these exciting spots with fellow attendees or on your own for a unique dining experience. HYDE PARK Hyde Park is famous for The University of Chicago campus, historic museums, and notable architecture. At Virtue Restaurant & Bar, dine on creative Southern fare like blackened catfish with Carolina Gold rice from James Beard Awardwinning chef-owner Erick Williams and chef de cuisine Damarr Brown (who won Fan Favorite on Top Chef). Stop by 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar for Caribbean cuisine such as coconut curry shrimp, tropical cocktails, and late-night snacks that include island crab cakes. BRONZEVILLE Bronzeville is a vibrant neighborhood steeped in African American history. At Bronzeville Winery, the creative American menu ranges from Wagyu burgers to vegan dishes. The food is accompanied by an approachable wine list curated by Anika Ellison, one of the industry’s few Black women sommeliers. Try Creole dishes like chicken-and-sausage jambalaya at Norman’s Bistro and stick around for the DJs spinning everything from house to R&B in The Bar, along with live jazz music on Sunday nights. NORTH LAWNDALE In the 1960s, North Lawndale was the epicenter of the Chicago Freedom Movement, and temporary home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family. Local chef and community activist Quentin Love’s Soul Food Lounge focuses on soul fusion, using Indian, Asian, and Latin seasonings in dishes such as shrimp and grits made with mofongo (Puerto Rican mashed plantains) instead of cornmeal. Founded as part of the Lawndale Christian Health Center ministry, Green Tomato Café serves up made-from-scratch meals like fluffy buttermilk pancakes for breakfast and a chicken salad sandwich stuffed with house-smoked pulled chicken for lunch. CHINATOWN Colorful Chinatown is full of Asian art, specialty shops, and family-owned restaurants. Find Hong Kong-style Cantonese cuisine at Evergreen Restaurant. Sample dishes such as marinated jelly fish, beef short ribs with black pepper sauce, and roast duck. MCCB (short for Modern Chinese Cook Book) Chicago in Chinatown Square is known for its contemporary, authentic Sichuan and Canton cuisine. Try the Cheng Du spicy dumplings or the whole charcoalgrilled tilapia served in a sizzling hot chili broth. PILSEN Striking street art adorns the buildings in Pilsen, a buzzing neighborhood steeped in Latino culture. At HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, chef Thai Dang presents a family-style tasting menu of dishes based on recipes from his childhood. The whole fried fluke is a must try. Located in the landmark Thalia Hall, Dusek’s Tavern is a great spot to grab a dinner of Bar Harbour mussels or crispy pork schnitzel before a concert. Besides a performance space, Thalia Hall also includes Punch House and the Tack Room — both great spots for sipping craft cocktails. SOUTH LOOP Close to McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena is Il Culaccino, serving up traditional and modern Italian favorites ranging from baked clams to house-made gnocchi. The Michelin-starred Moody Tongue pairs flavor-forward beers with the culinary creations of executive chef Jared Wentworth. Reserve a table in The Dining Room for a refined tasting menu experience or have a seat in The Bar, where you can sample brews as you dine on dishes like duck breast with corn pudding and prime beef tenderloin. WEST LOOP Once a meatpacking district, the West Loop is now home to some of Chicago’s most exciting restaurants. Try the elevated-yetapproachable Croatian menu at Rose Mary, helmed by Top Chef winner Joe Flamm. You’ll find a remarkable blend of bold Adriatic flavors, along with some familiar Italian influences, in dishes such as the pork ribs pampanella. Another local Top Chef victor is Stephanie Izard, who has become one of Chicago’s most recognized and beloved chefs. Cabra, her latest restaurant, is a colorful Peruvian rooftop serving refreshing ceviches, beet tiradito, and crab causas in The Hoxton hotel. RIVER NORTH The chic art galleries and trendy clubs of River North make it a neighborhood to see and be seen. At Jaleo, award-winning chef José Andrés puts his spin on authentic tapas crafted with spicy chorizo, fresh seafood, and the flavors of Spain. Feed a group with a large paella, made fresh to order. At Tzuco, Michelin-star chef Carlos Gaytán presents regional Mexican dishes prepared with French haute cuisine techniques. Beautifully presented plates include the Guerrero-style pork shank with black bean puree, and carne asada served with a chipotlegoat cheese fondue. UKRAINIAN VILLAGE The beautiful churches and residential architecture of Ukrainian Village attract visitors from all over. Another draw? The world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. Serving breakfast sandwiches and adobo dishes by day and a high-end tasting menu at night, Kasama is both a neighborhood gathering spot and one-of-a-kind dining destination. Artfilled Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen cooks traditional fare with a modern twist in the heart of Ukrainian Village. Order a plate of pierogis, handmade daily in the kitchen, or opt for the chicken Kyiv with creamed parsnips, peas, and carrots. LOGAN SQUARE The undeniable energy of Logan Square comes from its hip cocktail bars and live music venues. At Lonesome Rose, dig into creative Tex-Mex tacos and burritos, with options for omnivores and vegetarians alike. Be sure to check out Golden Teardrops, the restaurant’s hidden basement bar. Executive chef-owner Joe Frillman uses vegetables from his brother’s local farm to create the inspired pasta dishes at Daisies. The menu changes with the seasons, but has included ravioli filled with truffle ricotta, sweet corn, and white cheddar, as well as pappardelle tossed in a mushroom ragu. AVONDALE The industrial cool of Avondale is an urban blend of old and new. Among the new is contemporary American restaurant Eden, open all day long. Get coffee and a breakfast burrito pre-conference, then end your day with a dinner of seasonal fare made with ingredients from the on-site greenhouse. Husband-and-wife team Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark have garnered James Beard Awards and Michelin stars for their inventive contemporary Korean cuisine at Parachute. Esoteric wines pair well with haemul pajeon seafood pancakes and pork bossam accented with kimchi. LINCOLN PARK Get outside in Lincoln Park, known for its charming streets, loads of green space, and lakefront views galore. For dinner, try the seasonal American fare crafted by acclaimed chef Lee Wolen at Michelin-starred Boka. Standout dishes include veal sweetbreads and poached Alaskan halibut, or go for the eight-course tasting menu. Galit earned a Michelin star for its bright Middle Eastern flavors. Lamb kebabs, wood-roasted cabbage with saffron mudjara, and silky-smooth hummus are accompanied by fluffy pita for dipping. WRIGLEYVILLE Sports fans find plenty to love in Wrigleyville, from Chicago Cubs baseball at legendary Wrigley Field to sports bars and souvenir shops. At spacious Smoke Daddy, gather the group for a crowd-pleasing feast of tender brisket, baby back ribs, and smoked pit beans in sight of the stadium. Mexican street food, like al pastor tacos and queso fundido, along with frosty margaritas, attract baseball fans to the two-story Big Star Wrigleyville that overlooks historic Wrigley Field. UPTOWN Historic Uptown is known for its nightlife, with an array of vintage theatres and clubs. Before hitting the town, experience the luxurious tasting menu at Brass Heart that offers unique takes on international cuisine, with seasonal dishes like the striped bass with green apples. You’ll find some of the best Ethiopian cuisine in the city at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant. Use the pancake-like injera to scoop up shared dishes that include the vegan quosta (spinach slow cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger) or the spicy yebeg wot (tender cubed lamb served in a rich berbere sauce). Be sure to order the buna (coffee) that’s roasted in-house and served in a traditional clay pot. CHICAGO GIFT IDEAS Send attendees home with goodies they’ll only find in Chicago. GIFT BASKETS Women-owned Basketworks makes seasonal and Chicagothemed gift baskets. BEAUTIFUL BAGS Customize quality leather bags from Laudi Vidni with your logo or corporate colors. GIFTS THAT DO GOOD Each gift purchased from Packed With Purpose supports a good cause. SOMETHING SWEET The sweet treats from Silver Spoon Desserts send attendees home with a smile. Or try the rich fudge homemade by Kilwins. SOMETHING SAVORY Customize a bag or tin from popular Garrett Popcorn Shops. ARTISAN PIECES Find art, tees, and more from local makers at Black-owned The Silver Room. LOCAL FLAVOR The gift boxes from Here Here Market are packed with local edible treats. HAPPY HOUR GOODIES The cheerful wines from Love Cork Screw will get the afterparty started right. Check out Chicago’s Michelin guide winners.
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