Chicago restaurant recs
from my brief stint in the Windy City
hello!
The post-Halloween glide into the end of the year has arrived! And with that, Christmas music everywhere, holiday drinks at Starbucks, sweaters…all the good stuff. Today’s topic was going to be a Halloween recap, but I have nothing to recap so we’re moving onto the next. (Rocked a disco ball costume for a night - what more do you need to know?)
today’s topic: Chicago restaurant recs
A couple weeks ago I was in Chicago - we truly LOVE a new city food tour! Here were some of my favorite spots I got to try while I was in town, mostly organized by meal/occasion. If you’ve been, let me know what needs to go on my list for next time!
For cocktail hour
Moneygun - a speakeasy in the Fulton River district with a dim atmosphere and fabulous drinks. Gets busy any night of the week, but we were able to find a couple bar seats and set up shop! I’d highly recommend their Cosmo - a timeless classic (for good reason)!
Z Bar - if you know me, you know I love a hotel bar. Z Bar is on the rooftop of the Peninsula and had such a good vibe (and gorgeous views) - perfect for a nightcap or even an early evening drink. It’s hard to go wrong with an Aperol Spritz (my order) and they didn’t disappoint. My friends ordered Negronis and loved them!
For dinner
Osteria del Pastaio - you know I love 1) cheese, 2) truffles and 3) any dish involving fire. This spot brings together the best of all worlds with its pecorino al tartufo nero dish - brought together tableside with the most visually appealing presentation! Highly recommend this as a date night spot - it’s a romantic atmosphere and the food doesn’t miss.
Pasta Veneta - the little sister of Osteria, this spot brings all the delicious pastas and Italian apps together! We loved the Caesar salad (of course), arancini and pasta choices. I tried the spaghetti with cream sauce & caviar - super unique presentation and SO tasty!
ROOH - A Michelin guide Indian spot with a fabulous vibe - would recommend for any sort of dinner occasion. It’s sure to impress! I especially enjoyed the chili cheese kulcha & lamb keema, and be sure to try their Pink City cocktail! It brings together a hint of spice & sweetness - one of the best cocktails I’ve had in recent history.
For brunch
Adalina - Last time I was in Chicago, I had the most AMAZING brunch at this spot. Unfortunately, I wasn’t around for the weekend, but next time I am - I am returning without question. It’s an incredibly elegant interior with some of the best dishes I’ve had. Most notably, the espresso martini (of course) and the gnocco fritto had me wishing I could turn back time and do it all over again! SO good.
For lunch
Athena Greek - are you sending a theme in my lunch choices? I love Greek food, and it’s often the perfect lunch choice (and a total crowdpleaser!) I couldn’t recommend this spot more. It’s absolutely delicious, affordably priced and super authentic. Make sure to order the Saganaki - cheese lit on fire with a hint of lemon juice! An iconic tableside experience.
Time Out Market - for an easy work day lunch, this spot is perfect - plenty of great vendors for everyone to make their own choices, and lots of seating throughout the middle of the space! I had chicken souvlaki from Avli when I was here - absolutely delicious, served on an incredibly fresh & flavorful pita with a side of Greek fries.
recipe of the week
Homemade bread is something that really can’t be matched - especially on a chilly fall or winter day. This recipe is going to be on repeat in my household for the next few months - and doesn’t require a Dutch oven to make!
Homemade Rustic Bread (no Dutch oven needed!)
takes 1 hour; makes 5 roses
Ingredients:
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water
1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
2 ½ - 3 ½ cups AP flour, plus extra for dusting
Preparation:
In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, sugar & water; let sit for 5 minutes until mixture is foaming.
Add flour and stir until mostly combined; add salt and continue mixing until fully combined.
Place a clean napkin/tea towel on top of the bowl and let rise for an hour.
After an hour, flour a surface and pour dough out of the bowl. Fold opposite corners towards the middle a couple of times, so it’s somewhat of an envelope; place in a proofing basket (this is the one I use), folds side down. Place napkin on top and let rise for another 30 minutes.
While bread is rising, preheat oven to 460 degrees and place pizza stone in the oven while preheating.
Fill a baking dish with water and place on oven rack directly below the pizza stone, for the last 5-10 minutes of preheating.
Remove pizza stone from the oven and empty bread onto a piece of parchment paper, folds side up; place parchment on top of pizza stone and put back in oven.
Place the bread in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove water dish; bake for an additional 10-15 minutes without water.
Remove from oven; let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into the loaf. enjoy as toast with butter or jam; as a side to a soup or stew; just plain; or as sandwich bread!
current obsession
Literally anything from OAK + FORT has had my name on it recently. Most notably, the Boxy Tote has become my staple bag - and it’s on sale for $48 right now! I bring this everywhere, and it fits everything I need for work, a restaurant collab, photo shoot or a day out with girlfriends. Would highly recommend! (Link)
what’s next?
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What’s up next:
Winter activities in Boston
My must-haves as a content creator
Holiday inspo
And so much more…let me know what else you’d like to see in a comment below!
See ya next week,
Kaitlyn | The Pantry Potluck ♡
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