FUN FOR ALL SEASONS: FALL/WINTER HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen HAISOUS VIETNAMESE KITCHEN Husband-and-wife team Thai and Danielle Dang opened HaiSous in Pilsen (where the couple also lives) to celebrate different regions and cultural influences within Vietnamese cuisine. Thai creates recipes from his heritage, based on childhood memories of growing up in Vietnam. While Danielle, a former architect who designed the restaurant, acts as director of operations and curates the bar program. Their extensive menu lists each dish by its Vietnamese name, followed by a helpful description in English. The family-style tasting menu is remarkably affordable and delicious, with generous portions. “There would be an absolute revolt if we ever took our whole fried fluke off the menu,” Danielle says. “Guests love to make their own lettuce wraps with fresh herbs and the seasoned crispy white fish before dipping it into the chef’s signature n ướ c m ắ m t ỏ i, a Vietnamese flavored fish sauce.” FLIPPIN FLAVORS “I literally built Flippin Flavors overnight,” says Linda Flippin. After her husband said he thought bottling her from-scratch jerk marinade was a good idea, she came up with a name, designed a website, received a tax ID number, and even ordered bottles and labels by the time he awoke the next morning. The Flippins live within walking distance of their Beverly restaurant, which opened in 2020 just after the pandemic shut the city down. They survived a tough year with catering and takeout. Plus, diners can purchase a bottle of hot or mild jerk marinade to cook with at home. Everything on the Flippin Flavors menu is seasoned with Linda’s jerk marinade, ranging from fresh salads to hot Philly sandwiches. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Melanie Whaley founded Essential Elements three decades ago, growing her current boutique in Avalon Park into a destination shopping spot for discerning fashionistas (there’s even an Essential Elements Mavens Facebook group for her most loyal followers). Over the years, Melanie has showcased local and Black women designers like Takara Designs, Faith Davis, Simply Greta, and Twisted Clay. She juxtaposes local Chicago talent alongside collections from small European design houses, including a shoe salon with supple handmade leather shoes. These pieces are nothing like what you’ll find on department store racks. “I love beautiful fabrications and artsy designs,” Melanie says. “My ideal customer is a fabric connoisseur who has a passion for beautiful design elements.” TOP PHOTO: HAISOUS VIETNAMESE KITCHEN Learn about other inspiring local business leaders at Essential Elements choosechicago.com/spotlights . 29
Chicago Visitors Guide 2022: Page 29
