As the saying goes, “when one door closes, another one opens” and that never has rung more true than in the restaurant industry. Especially here in Chicago, where beloved mainstays can be replaced by fresh and innovative locales that quickly become neighborhood favorites. That was the case when Bongo Room’s location in Andersonville shuttered in March 2024 after more than a decade serving the community. However, neighbors didn’t have to wait long to enter through the same doors and enjoy new and exciting options from Tala House, which opened in May.  With the philosophy of “cooking with n ..read more

As the saying goes, “when one door closes, another one opens” and that never has rung more true than in the restaurant industry. Especially here in Chicago, where beloved mainstays can be replaced by fresh and innovative locales that quickly become neighborhood favorites. That was the case when Bongo Room’s location in Andersonville shuttered in March 2024 after more than a decade serving the community. However, neighbors didn’t have to wait long to enter through the same doors and enjoy new and exciting options from Tala House, which opened in May.  With the philosophy of “cooking with n ..read more

Chicagoland boasts a fair share of accolades when it comes to cuisine. And perhaps the category that we brag about the most is an unequivocal favorite: pizza. Whether in the city or out in the suburbs, there's no shortage of incredible pizza restaurants that rival anything you can find in Italy or beyond. One of those restaurants is Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine, an artisanal, New York-style, pizzeria with an award-winning owner set to compete in the 2025 World Pizza Competition in Italy this coming April. Introducing: Giovanni Labbate, the brains behind the winning pi ..read more

Chef Mitchell Jamra is the man behind All Too Well – a sandwich deli in Lincoln Park - and Evette’s, with three locations in Lincoln Park, Time Out Market and now, Lakeview. Jamra, a first-generation Lebanese-American, grew up immersed in three food cultures (Lebanese, Mexican, and Midwestern) and taps into his upbringing as the foundation for his concepts.   On his off days, you can find Jamra day drinking on his boat or enjoying al fresco season at a few of his favorite locales including Webster’s Wine Bar, Victor Bar, Big Star and LYRA. When he gets hungry, it’s off to Dove’s ..read more

Oaken Bistro + Bar, the restaurant within Lake Forest's, The Forester Hotel, welcomed Chef Christian Alejandro as their new Executive Chef this past November. Over the last decade, Chef Alejandro has had leadership roles at institutions including the Signature Room at the 95th, Niche Restaurant, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, The Mid-America Club and most recently as Executive Corporate Chef at Veritas Lux Mae.  In his new role at Oaken Bistro, Chef Alejandro has expanded upon the restaurant’s relationships with nearby farm ..read more

Have you been to Daebak’s location in Wicker Park yet? If not, we’re here to tell you that it’s so good, we went twice in two weeks. The first visit was on official CFM business of course but it was such a memorable culinary experience, we knew we had to return as soon as possible. Luckily a few foodie friends were game to join us for round two where we got to try even more authentic Korean cuisine. Read on for everything we enjoyed and recommend.   Daebak’s menu is broken down by meat (beef and/or pork), combos and packages, all reasonably priced for the feast you get. On our first ..read more

Since opening, River North's Coco Pazzo has offered a tableside service experience, aiming to bring interactive dining to its guests. This old-school service allows diners to select dishes prepared or finished directly at their table, providing an up-close view of culinary techniques and a chance to engage with staff. The restaurant's offering adds an element of theater to the dining experience, designed to enhance both presentation and flavor. We recently spoke with Jack Weiss, owner of Coco Pazzo, and Sam Weiss, the restaurant's General Manager, to better understand the nostalgic o ..read more

The past May, Laurel opened at The Talbott Hotel, bringing a blend of New American and Mediterranean flavors along with a reimagined space on the first floor of the hotel, complemented by a 100-seat patio. Led by Executive Chef Dino Tsaknis, Laurel's menu offers a fusion of local, seasonal ingredients from the region of the Mediterranean.  An authentic start to your Mediterranean meal, the Lamb Meatballs are large and in charge not only in size but in flavor. Rich and fragrant by themselves, the pool of herbed labneh tempers the gamey lamb while transporting you to a warm and sunny patio ..read more

There’s a new brunch in town and you need to try it the first chance you get! Available on Saturdays and Sundays, Bar La Rue’s new brunch menu is served alongside their regular all-day menu beginning at 10:30am. Head in while the weather is still nice to enjoy your meal on their sidewalk patio or in their open-air dining room. Can’t miss college football gameday or NFL Sundays? Don’t you fret because Bar La Rue has plenty of TVs so you can have your brunch and eat it too! Read on for our recommendations that we can’t stop thinking about.   While the famous Thick-Cut French Toast is t ..read more

Is it possible to give an 11 out of 10 rating to a place just based on service and hospitality? I mean, yes, the food at Highland Park’s new Indian restaurant, Indus, is great but have you ever truly felt like part of the family from the second you walked through the door? A door that either of the owners, Sukhu and Ajit Kalra, open for you and warmly welcome you in. A door that represents a threshold in which you pass into their “home” and they make sure every need is met.   The Kalra’s, also owners of Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill, want you to walk out as a member of their ever-expand ..read more