Good old Chicago

I have a NY friend moving to Chicago for grad school and recently asked me my input on the Chicago restaurant scene and I got very excited. See, Chicago isn’t so lucky when it comes to known foodies. They don’t get awarded Michelin stars and most of the great city chefs don’t get the recognition they deserve. Loving the Chicago food world, I sent my friend the list below. But fellow Chicagoians, don’t chew me a new one. These are simply my favs so feel free and comment about some of your own.

• Avec – my absolute favorite Chicago restaurant, period. Yes, you have to wait a long time, no they don’t take reservations, but it is worth it. One long community table with great wine and a menu full of delicious small plates. If the wait is long, go to the Japanese restaurant a few doors down and have a martini while you’re waiting.  At Avec, have your tattooed waitress choose your cheese platter and make sure you get the flatbread along with the gnocchi - if you’re lucky enough to find it on the menu.
• Publican – part of the Avec and Black Bird family, you’ll get the same Avec vibe with community tables and a rustic atmosphere. But Publican offers big plates and great beer options. It’s not as intimate (the bathrooms are communal) but the food is amazing. The beef tartare was the best I’ve had in Chicago and every time I go back I get the mussels.
• XOCO – fairly new to the Rick Bayless franchise right before I moved. The soups are spicy and not over-priced. The lunch line goes out the door but if you’re lucky Rick himself will hand you your churros.
• Graham Elliot – I love this man. After seeing him on Iron Chef, following his career at The Peninsula Hotel, becoming the nation’s youngest four-star chef and realizing the music played at his restaurant is his own iPod, what’s not to love? The menu is fun, the wait staff wears sneakers and the food makes you rethink your own kitchen cabinet. (I’ll also be cheering for him during this season of Top Chef Masters!) 
• Spring – a little more upscale but I will not forget the dinners I had here. The flavors and the service are worth going back.
• RIP Kaze – this would have taken my number one slot but it recently closed its doors. I am convinced it was due to the lousy location. The white asparagus soup with foie gras and black truffle oil sprinkled on top still gives me the chills. Owners, if you’re looking for a new adventure open up here in Manhattan!

For steak’s I would choose Nine or Chop House. And if you wanted to spend a pretty penny there is L2O, moto, Topolobampo, and of course Alinea and Trotters.

Friends, what am I missing?

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