Ocean Prime Chicago I know what you're thinking, "another steakhouse in Chicago?!". Well I'm here to tell you that Ocean Prime is the latest Chicago steakhouse but it's so much more than that. Ocean Prime made its debut in April on the corner of Wacker and Michigan. The 16th location of the national chain is huge - we're talking 350 seats, plus plenty of private dining space. It's a beautiful, open space with towering chandeliers and gold accents. Ocean Prime Chicago Ocean Prime Dining Room Ocean Prime is a great spot for a corporate lunch or dinner, family gather ..read more

I'm back with my fourth annual list of the best foods I ate this year! Keeping track of all of the restaurant openings in Chicago is my side gig, and let me tell you, there were at least 10 openings each month (and a slurry of closings, sadly) making it even harder to pick my favorite dishes. 2018 was also filled with domestic and international travel, so you'll find a few of my favorites are not from Chicago. In no particular order, here is my list of the best things I ate in 2018! 1) 12 Layer German Chocolate Cake at Moody Tongue. Man was this thing DECADANT. After you try it, you have t ..read more

This year marks the 9th year of my best bites list! This year's list features highlights from some of the most decadent meals of the year. I’m talking big steaks and extravagant seafood dishes, plus comforting pastas. If you know me, you know I have a huge sweet tooth which is why you'll also find a decadent cake and pastry on this list. In no particular order, here are the best things I ate in 2023! Spicy Bluefin Tuna Crispy Rice at Miru. Braised Short Rib and Pappardelle at Torchio Pasta Bar. Baklava Froyo at Andros Taverna. Photo Credit: Kim Kovacik Arroz Cremoso from A ..read more

It's hard to believe this year marks the 8th year of my best bites list! This year's list spans dishes from all seasons, from farm fresh fruit and burrata, to comforting and rich short rib risotto. You'll find plenty of comfort foods (both sweet and savory), plus some other unique standouts that are worth a try. In no particular order, here are the best things I ate in 2022! Farm Table Burrata with Seasonal Fruit, Balsamic Reduction, Sea Salt, Olive Oil and Basil from The Lunchroom at Space 519 Choco-Caramel Shortbread Doughnut from Beacon Doughnuts Cacio e Pepe Arancini with Aged ..read more

Photo Credit: Steak 48 Chicago Let me just start off this post by saying my meal at Steak 48 was EPIC. From the atmosphere and service, to the food and wine, everything went off without a hitch. Steak 48 is one of the newer steakhouses to enter the Chicago market, a bold move if you ask me. We take our steakhouses pretty seriously here in Chicago, and there is certainly no shortage of excellent options. Steak 48 was started in Phoenix by the brother's behind Mastro's Steakhouse. The "48" represents Arizona as the 48th state in the union. The Chicago location is its third (there's a ..read more

This year marks the 7th annual list of the best things I ate. Last year when I compiled my list I thought for sure things would be different in 2021! At least we had some fantastic meals to get us through a very difficult year. The comfort food trend held strong again this year including some of the best pasta, pizza, desserts and sandwiches. In no particular order, here is my list of the best things I ate in 2021! Cake Balls at West Town Bakery Cornbread Muffin and Mac & Cheese at Soul & Smoke Whole Bird Chicken Parm at Monteverde Suppli at Sfera Weasley's Spicy Red To ..read more

Hey everyone! I know it's been A LONG TIME. But I'm back to close out the year with my annual list of the best things I ate! It was a busy year filled with buying our first home and getting married (the fiancé is now officially an Instagram husband), to job promotions and exciting travels. There were some lows (getting robbed while away on our honeymoon tops the list!), but definitely plenty of culinary highs. In no particular order, here's my list of the best things I ate in 2017: 1) Wedge Salad at Entente That dressing is unreal, and the plating? The prettiest salad I ever did see ..read more

  What can I say about 2020 that hasn't already been said? This year was tough on so many levels, especially for the restaurant industry. We lost many of our favorite independent restaurants and the road to recovery is going to be a long one. However, the sheer resilience and flexibility of many restaurants has been nothing short of amazing. This year our favorite neighborhood spots (any many new virtual ones) kept us well fed via outdoor dining, takeout and delivery.  This year's list of the best things I ate certainly looks different though. For one, due to travel restrictions, t ..read more

It's hard to believe 2016 is coming to a close! I feel like it was yesterday that I was making my list of my favorite dishes of 2015! This year was another year filled with incredible food and drink, in Chicago and beyond, and that's why it's always so hard to pick my favorites. I'm so fortunate to live in one of the best food cities on the planet, and thankful for all of the incredible food-related opportunities I've experienced each of the last (nearly) 7 years since I started The Ghost Guest! In no particular order, here are the best things I ate this year: 1) Cacio Whey Pepe at Monteve ..read more

Another year is coming to an end which means I'm back with my fifth annual list of the best things I ate this year. 2019 was full of delicious meals, both in Chicago and abroad, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to explore new cuisines and cultures and enjoy some tasty classics. This annual list keeps growing longer and longer, partly due to the fact that there are so many wonderful restaurants opening, but also partly because I ate...A LOT. In no particular order, here is my list of the best things I ate in 2019! Ligurian olive oil cake at Torchio Pasta Bar. This place was a total ..read more