Bistro Newsletter

Michael and I spent Sunday through Tuesday in Chicago this last weekend. We were in town for an industry wine tasting of incredible Italian wines that have been awarded Tre Bicchieri by Gambero Rosso. Be on the lookout for the grape “Pecorino” this weekend. I fell in love with this humble fruit. We haven’t been to Chicago in two years, so it was a great opportunity to try out some new (and old) restaurants and a few tourist attractions.
Our list:

Nobu Hotel, in the West Loop directly in Fulton Market. Plush linens, calming pool area with his and her steam rooms. Swanky understated style with big windows. Unassuming lobby. Loved the hotel, pricey.

Taqueria Chingón Michelin Guide recognized elevated tacos, delicious, fast casual service, chill casual vibe. Loved it!

Dispensary 33 all your recreational needs filled professionally

Emporium Arcade Bar old school games, pool, air hockey, friendly bartender
Leña Brava baja style seafood, happy hour menu, great tequila list

Nobu Restaurant Japanese, wonderful Salmon Sashimi, our Miso Black Cod we prepare here is way better and its Chef Nobu’s recipe, stuck in the 80s-90s, the entire place felt a little tired, super expensive

Oakville Grill & Cellar perfectly prepared pedestrian style cuisine, killer California wine list, Michael loved it
Purple Pig heavy meat joint, fancy wine list, classic Chicago businessman’s lunch spot, expensive

Shoreline Architectural Boat Tour super informative, open-air seating, dress appropriately(!), limited bar on board, amazing view of the city, inspired and enthusiastic tour guide, fun!

Rose Mary Chef Joe Flamm’s first restaurant in Chicago, Italian-Croation, wood fired food, really good small plates, sit at the chef’s bar to watch the action, warm/knowledgeable service

The Green Mill historic jazz club in Uptown since the 1890’s, famous Al Capone hangout and speakeasy during prohibition, jazz 7 nights a week, cash only, they’ll shush you if you talk to loud during the set, stellar house band Joel Paterson & Friends… no I was not shushed.

Bar Tutto Chef Joe Flamm’s newest restaurant, wood fired Italian all day menu options, great pastries, bread, Italian sodas, evidently the chef loves starch and cheese

Bridgeport Art Center cool warehouse event space, surrounded by sculptures, great place for a large wine tasting


Cheers,
Sharon

View Images