choosechicago.com FUN FOODIE EVENTS Held in January at the Field Museum, the First Bites Bash tasting event is the official kick-off for Chicago Restaurant Week , when hundreds of restaurants offer special prix fixe menus. Art, music, lucha libre, and dishes featuring the classic Mexican sauce all come together at the three-day Mole de Mayo Festival , held annually in May in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. classic cocktails, along with live jazz in The Bar . Located just south of Chicago’s Loop, Chinatown — with its ornate architecture and traditional shops — is a world all its own. Serving authentic Cantonese cuisine with a focus on eclectic seafood dishes and daily dim sum, Triple Crown has been wowing fans for more than 25 years. At MingHin Cuisine , dine on dim sum and other dishes that offer a sophisticated take on Chinese fare. Lincoln Park is home to loads of beautiful green space, as well as prime access to the lakefront and free Lincoln Park Zoo. Tucked away on a quiet neighborhood street, Avli Taverna offers modern Greek cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Timeless and elegant, with a bit of whimsy, Michelin-starred BOKA has been serving up its creative American cuisine for 20 years. History abounds in the South Loop, from the area’s celebrated blues clubs to the notable architecture of Printers Row. Near the scenic Prairie Avenue District, Chicago Oyster House offers some of the city’s freshest oysters, seafood, and steaks. Modern Italian cuisine paired with unique wines is the focus of Il Culaccino , located close to McCormick Place. Artsy and funky, Wicker Park is chock-full of cool boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively bars. Pairing award-winning New Orleans fare with live music and an outdoor patio, Ina Mae Tavern offers an authentic Southern experience in Chicago. Latin American cuisine, colorful cocktails, and an upbeat vibe lend a festive air to Amaru . Held every summer, the popular Taste of Randolph features restaurants from the West Loop, one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods. Combining top barbecue pitmasters with country music superstars, July’s multiday Windy City Smokeout has been drawing crowds for more than 10 years. Taste of Chicago , the city’s signature summer food festival, is held every year in Chicago’s Grant Park and features some of the city’s best-loved restaurants. Each year in September, top chefs and sommeliers from around the country gather at Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park for tastings, special events, and demonstrations. Triple Crown Andersonville delights with its mix of indie boutiques, laid-back bars, and chic vintage shops. Here, chef Paul Fehribach shares his passion for coastal Southern cuisine at Big Jones , with dishes ranging from crispy fried chicken to crawfish etouffee. A rustic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and Roman-inspired fare, Bar Roma is a neighborhood eatery where everyone loves to linger. The center for African American life and culture in Chicago, Bronzeville is a tight-knit community full of colorful art and historic landmarks. Channeling the area’s vibrancy, Bronzeville Winery offers an elevated wine experience with creative, seasonally inspired cuisine. Acting as the neighborhood’s unofficial gathering spot, Norman’s Bistro offers Creole-inspired fare and 31
Chicago Visitors Guide 2024: Page 31
