Category Chicago

Naha- Chicago, IL

On one of our adventures to Chicago, we were fortunate to have Mike’s parents join us for the trip. They aren’t used to eating the modern cooking techniques like gastronomy that Mike and I thrive on, so luckily Naha was our “good food of Chicago” introduction. We had dinner reservations just a few hours after we landed. Mike and his father, Clifton, share the same birthday week 40 years apart. A trip to Chicago was the perfect way to celebrate for both of them. It was a beautiful weekend and the weather was so nice that we decided to walk from The Drake to Naha. It was a wonderful way to take in the sights on the way to dinner. We arrived at an attractive corner restaurant with glass windows and a few tables out on the sidewalk...

Benny’s Chop House- Chicago, IL

Here we are back in the culinary mecca that is Chicago! I love it here just because of the food. I’ve been so fortunate to experience what I feel is the best of Chicago. Benny’s Chop House is definitely included and puts a high class modern touch on the traditional steakhouse. Never once did I feel like I was just in a steakhouse. The service is absolutely first class. You want to see some professionals work a dining room? Benny’s is the place. We were spoiled rotten and felt like we were VIPs at the hottest spot in town. Their talent is making everyone in the room feel that way. The place fills up to the brim on Friday nights and the bar area is bursting with very smartly dressed couples.

Wet-aged, dry-aged, and all natural USDA Prime cuts are offer...

Alinea- Chicago, Illinois

The entertainment business is a huge industry. Why? Because we love to be amazed. The general public thrives on thrill and there is virtually no limitation to our wonderment. We need that outlet, even if it’s fleeting or false. We need to let go our daily routines and just be “wowed” sometimes. Alinea is in the business of “wow”, and they take the lead in making dinner a grand event.

What Alinea does best is surprise you. Like reading a good mystery novel, they keep you guessing at what is coming next. They tease you with food props, but they also swing a home run when it comes to actually eating their dishes. Luscious and delectable bites of goodness that astound you with texture and shock you with presentation...

Blackbird, Chicago, IL

A few years back, we did a food tour of Chicago. It was just a weekend, but the city remains one of our favorites and we go back as much as possible to try new restaurants and revisit the ones we love. Blackbird made our list of reservations based on great reviews and of course the winner of the James Beard award numerous times.

It has a sleek and modern décor with a white bar area opening up to dining room seating. We were just a two-top along the side wall of the dining room, but it was a great spot to get a view of everything going on in the restaurant.

The bar was a hot area and nearly every seat would remain taken during our dinner. The dining room was just as full with a few larger parties in the middle and smaller tables lining walls...