Taking a break from writing for real work, I began to reminisce about a recent trip to Chicago. The growling of my tummy reminded me I’ve neglected to eat today and it’s past five o’clock in the afternoon! That’s not sensible at all. Let me tell you about dining in Chicago before I get a bite to eat.
While in Chicago, I had the exciting task of deciding where I was going to eat. It’s my guess that just about every American and many foreigners have heard about dining in Chicago. If you’ve never had a deep dish pizza made in Chicago, you’re missing a treat! I say this and I am not a big pizza lover. I have pizza fewer than six times a year unless I’m in Chicago more often than that. I must include New York hand-tossed pizza, too.
For years, four girlfriends and I would make summer vacation plans around The Taste of Chicago held annually, just to get a sampling of the scrumptious cuisine offered by The Windy City’s infamous and not so famous restaurants. There is food to satisfy just about every craving one can have. Chicago boasts that this food festival is the largest of its kind in the world. I believe them!
Just in case you’re visiting Chi-town this summer or future plans take you there, the following restaurants are just a sampling of restaurants in Chicagoland. Some are national and perhaps international franchises but others are homegrown and owned. I typically stay within walking distance of Michigan Avenue if not on Michigan Avenue; therefore, these restaurants are within walking distance of that area. Some are also a reasonable cab fare away. The list isn’t comprehensive but it will satisfy your appetite while pleasing your palate.
Bandera (American/Southwest) 535 North Michigan Avenue (312) 644-3524
Bice (Northern Italian) 158 East Ontario (312) 664-1474
Big Bowl (Asian Noodle Shop) 60 East Ohio Street (312) 951-1888
Bistro 110 (French Bistro) 110 East Pearson (312) 266-3110
Café Iberico (Spanish Topas) 739 North LaSalle Street (312) 573-1510 (You can’t go wrong with the paella or salmon. Don’t forget the flan y café. Caí en amor con este restaurante.)
