Eating Out

My Top Five Milwaukee Must-Do’s

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals, Travel • July 17, 2015

I recently traveled north to check out Milwaukee (less than a one-hour drive from Chicago) and take-in the city’s keystone summer celebration. Summerfest is an annual music festival held along the lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The World’s Largest Music Festival attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. For 11 days, more than 800 acts play on 11 sponsor themed stages throughout the grounds, including the 23,000-capacity Marcus Amphitheater. On any given day, attendees can enjoy alternative, rock, country, hip-hop, pop, EDM headliners and much more. I was lucky enough to take-in two of... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

A Complete Guide to Kokopelli’s in Wicker Park

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • July 10, 2015

If you haven’t found your favorite neighborhood authentic Mexican eatery, it’s because you haven’t yet been to Kokopelli’s. Nestled on Milwaukee Avenue, Kokopelli’s is welcoming – semi-casual and unassuming. From their beginnings in Tijuana as a thriving food truck business, they chose Chicago as their first North American location, fitting well into Wicker Park with its varied ambience, art and menu options. The creative lighting manages to highlight the giant, original chalkboard murals and the beautiful hardwood floors throughout…not to mention the vast tequila bar serving over 40 high-end... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Ranalli’s New Pizza Menu Preview + FREE GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways • July 2, 2015

One thing’s for sure — Chicago is hardly lacking in top-notch pizza spots. From our renowned deep dish to cozy, neighborhood trattorias, serving both coal-cooked and wood-fired pies in the Neapolitan-style, Chicago-style and more. Located off of the busy intersection of Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Lincoln Park, Ranalli’s is the perfect place for locals. The Four Corners Tavern Group first opened the restaurant with the idea that it could become a neighborhood spot with a real feeling of community and since they first opened their doors, it has become just that,... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

NOODLES & COMPANY ADDS MUSCLE TO ITS MENU WITH NEW BUFF BOWLS + RECIPE

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Giveaways, Health • June 14, 2015

No carb-loving foodie wants to skimp on pasta, especially not at an eatery with a name like Noodles & Company. Yet the national fast-casual restaurant chain has given us permission to go sans pasta with its new BUFF Bowls. The entrées feature four of Noodles & Company’s most popular pasta dishes – in the nude! The bowls consist of an extra portion of veggies, topped with protein, and served on a bed of spinach in place of noodles. Without pasta, the emphasis is truly on the... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

What Breakfast Dreams are Made of: Oui Oui to Cochon Volant

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • June 8, 2015

This past weekend, Cochon Volant invited me to experience acclaimed James Beard winning chef Roland Liccioni of Les Nomades and acclaimed chef Matt Ayala of Gilt Bar, Schwa & Moto’s new brunch menu. Cochon Volant, (which translates to “flying pig” according to Google) features “French” cuisine. This hot spot located on Loop and Monroe and Clark streets offer all-day menu highlighting French specialties such as croissants and a combination menu that features French classics steak frites, escargot, mussels, roasted chicken, and even a seafood bar with fresh oysters. The inside of Cochon Volant is... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

My Top-Top experience with Autre Monde

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks • May 26, 2015

I recently was asked by Top-Top, a new reservation booking service to serve as a brand ambassador. Top-Top lets users book reservations at top Chicago restaurants, $2.50 fee per person, for diners to be treated to ‘week-of’ availability and the capability to select the table of their choice. Anyone can get the Top-Top treatment by booking reservations through their site (use promo code “toptopinfluencerCFG”). Why do I love it so much? The first reason I love Top-Top is that they asked me to dine at Autre Monde.... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Rioja Wine Festival and Chat with Bodegas Muriel Winemaker

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals • May 15, 2015

Photo: Bodegas MurielPhoto: Bodegas Muriel Wine lovers, foodies and chefs from around the world met in Chicago on Saturday, May 2nd for the Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival. Spain’s most prominent wine region hosted its biggest event of the year in Chicago first nationally celebrated festival featuring Rioja’s best winemakers and notable U.S. chefs in the stunning atmosphere of Chicago’s iconic Union Station on Canal street. This food and wine festival showcased nearly 200 vibrant wines from Rioja, ranging from Blancos to Rosados to Gran Reservas, all accompanied by... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Rioja Wine and Tapas Festival Review

in Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Festivals • May 11, 2015

Photo: Chicago Food Girl (Nikon D90) Photo: Chicago Food Girl Wine lovers, foodies and chefs from around the world met in Chicago on Saturday, May 2nd for the Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival. Spain’s most prominent wine region hosted its biggest event of the year in Chicago first nationally celebrated festival featuring Rioja’s best winemakers and notable U.S. chefs in the stunning atmosphere of Chicago’s iconic Union Station on Canal street. This food and wine festival showcased nearly 200... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Interview with Executive Chef Tanya Baker, 2015 James Beard Award Finalist and a Rising Star in Chicago

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Recipe • May 4, 2015

Most Chefs will tell you that they don’t cook for money but rather for the love of food. Executive Chef Tanya Baker of The Boarding House in Chicago is no exception. For the first year in a row, she’s a finalist for one of the food world’s most prestigious awards: the James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award, given to a chef age 30 or younger who demonstrates an impressive talent and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Healthy Pasta Cookbook Review + Free Giveaway

in Eating In, Eating Out, Eats & Drinks, Events, Giveaways • April 29, 2015

“Eating pasta can be advantageous to your health, satisfying, and economical. Pasta should be a staple in every kitchen.” I don’t know about you but healthy and pasta are my two favorite words. As soon as I received my cookbook from the dynamic Bastianich sibling duos, I knew this would be one I would not be able to put down. As an owner of more than one dozen restaurants—including Babbo, which he co-owns with chef Mario Batali—it’s... Share this: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr