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Celebrating the Holidays with Max & Leo’s and Chicago Trolley

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism | 8 Comments

Everyone knows that coming to Chicago is an adventure in architecture, food, the arts, shopping and sports! From a tourism perspective, there are endless ways to see all that Chicago has to offer. In the winter time, our options are a bit limited given the weather. Which is why our recent holiday celebration of artisan pizza from Max & Leo’s and a ride aboard the Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tour made for such a festive evening.

We started out at Max & Leo’s for its artisan pizza and wings. Made in 900 degree coal fired ovens, the pizza’s char crust is filled with creative ingredients from the always popular Margherita to the Brooksy (Mascarpone and sliced mozzarella, grilled chicken, caramelized onions and wild mushrooms) to L’Umina (ricotta cheese, sliced pears, caramelized onions, basil, fresh sliced prosciutto and drizzled organic wildflower honey) to many other varieties that you can see here.… Read more

Dining on the Freshest Seafood at Sullivan’s Steakhouse Naperville

Posted by | Restaurants | 5 Comments

sullivans-lobster

Going to a steakhouse as a non-meat eater can sometimes be concerning. Will the fish that they offer me be at the same standards as the steaks being served? Will I have choices or just that one line item of salmon? Had I gone to Sullivan’s Steakhouse from the start, I would never be asking these questions. The fish is outstanding.sullivans-board-roomIn the quaint downtown of Naperville, Illinois, you will find a Sullivan’s Steakhouse. There are many reasons to be celebrating at Sullivan’s in Naperville. From the newly remodeled restaurant with a contemporary feelsullivans-decor-picmto the holiday season to a girl’s gathering to family dinners to a work meeting.… Read more

Food, Champagne and Fundraising at Kendall College and Fig & Olive

Posted by | Fundraiser, Restaurants | 5 Comments

Food brings people together. No matter what the reason, whether sitting at the table, standing in the kitchen, in a restaurant or for a cause, it is the glue that holds people together.

This past month, I have had the pleasure of participating in 4 different types of events all designed to raise money for amazing organizations. Some are medical and some are education focused but all took place over a meal. This post will share Kendall College and Fig & Olive’s events. You can read about the Jackson Chance Foundation Ping Pong Ball and the FLIGHT event next Tuesday. 

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Contemporary Italian Food at Tocco Ristorante in Wicker Park

Posted by | Restaurants | 5 Comments

Adventures in the Chicago restaurant scene are never ending. Thankfully! The ability to have a week of global tastes and flavors needs no plane ride or passport. This week, my friends and I experienced Italian cuisine at Tocco Ristorante. Tocco means “touch” in Italian. Each dish we enjoyed was created with the Chef’s personal touch incorporating fresh local produce and the finest imported ingredients from Italy.

Tocco’s contemporary design is open and airy with private tables for intimate dining as well as a community table in the center of the restaurant. This is a local neighborhood spot that offers a warm greeting from Chef Bruno Abate in appreciation of your visit.… Read more

Chicago’s Premier French Restaurant: Le Bouchon

Posted by | Restaurants | 4 Comments

If you love French food but going to France for dinner is a bit of a distance, then I highly recommend you stop by Le Bouchon in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. This French bistro is an area hotspot that consistently pleases its guests as is readily apparent at the always-bustling space.  This is a big clue to make a reservation!

When you first walk in, you realize that this quaint space is just like a Parisian café. The artwork, vast assortment of French wines, tin ceiling and traditional dishes (think escargot, foie gras, French onion soup) transport you to France. None of this is surprising given the history of the late Chef/Owner Jean-Claude Poilevey who was known as a pioneer in bringing French style cooking to Chicago.… Read more

5 Must Try Chicago Restaurants from Green Bean to Donuts

Posted by | Restaurants | 22 Comments

Summer is just flying by, as it seems to always do. But I had such fun this summer exploring Chicago’s restaurant scene. From donut to sports oriented to Sunday Supper to Korean to health conscious restaurants, I found favorite dishes everywhere! Whether you live in Chicago or come to visit, the information below hopefully piques your curiosity to dine at the numerous places I am sharing. 

Chicago restaurants

Let’s start with breakfast. Well, not really breakfast as donuts are perfect any time of day, right?! You know how they say “don’t play with your food”? At Doodles Donuts, you are encouraged to doodle on your donut!… Read more

Kings Bowl: Chicago’s Newest Dining and Bowling Establishment

Posted by | Entertainment, Games, Restaurants | 9 Comments

Ever have one of those days when you are looking for something fun to do? Maybe you are with your family, a significant other or just a group of friends. A little laugher, good food and games sounds right to me. Enter Kings Bowl as the perfect place to hang out and just have a good time.

THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT KINGS BOWL

A new community bordering downtown Chicago and Lincoln Park has recently opened called New City. Among it’s offerings is a Kings Bowl entertainment center. There are locations across the country if you want to check out their website for one near you.… Read more

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Posted by | Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 13 Comments

Vacation. What does that mean to you? For me, it is something to look forward too. An escape from the real world of stress, work, traffic and just life. It doesn’t have to be long. Doesn’t have to be far away. Just has to be new scenery. In other words, days off but not staying at home as that is not a vacation in my eyes. You go SOMEWHERE.

Maybe you are able to get on a plane and land in a place that is your piece of heaven. Or maybe, you are lucky enough to have a small piece of sunshine just a short drive away.… Read more

Exploring The Taste of Chicago Festival

Posted by | Festival, Foods, Restaurants | 15 Comments

“Summer, fun and food” could only mean Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest free food and music festival held in Grant Park along the gorgeous lakefront. 69 restaurants including food trucks and pop-up restaurants from across Chicagoland offered their signature dishes in full size and Taste portions. The Petrillo Music Shell hosting musical artists The Roots, Kongos, The Decemberists, Billy Idol and The Isley Brothers each evening of the fest. 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

As the culinary scene expands so do the diverse items being offered. You will find everything from classic food festival items, ethnic cuisine, sweet treats and gourmet choices.

 

 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

Sweet treats:

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

 

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

Some adventures choices from Chicago’s Dog House: Alligator smoked sausage and Rattlesnake, rabbit and pork sausage

Chicago's Most Popular Summer Food Festival

In case you thought food was brought to the festival already made…..Vee… Read more

National Restaurant Association Show 2016 Trend Report

Posted by | Foods, Restaurants, Trade Show | 18 Comments

When you bring together a vast group of restaurant, hospitality and foodservice people, you will undoubtedly see a passion for the industry and the opportunity to learn something. This experience took place recently at the 2016 National Restaurant and BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) show held at McCormick Place in Chicago.

nra bar show trends report

 

The NRA Show increased in size from last year without question from an exhibitor and registrant perspective. There were more than 67.000 registrants from around the world in attendance. While this show is not designed for consumers to attend, the outcome of what is learned and shared at this show plays a role in what we encounter when visiting restaurants and utilizing food service locations.… Read more