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lovesfood

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy-Ben Franklin"

I'm a: Lover of good food
City, State: Chicago, IL

Bio:

I LOVE FOOD and trying out new spots. I am always up for trying unique and interesting foods, restaurants, and beverages.

Restaurants I'm affiliated with: Not associated with any - love them all!

6 Reviews
3 Favorite
3 Recommend
1 Been There
0 Vault

Followers 1
Following 1

Reviews 6
My Restaurants 7
Photos 0
Videos 0

lovesfood's Reviews

Allium

120 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 312-799-4900
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Style: American
Website Link

Reserve Online

242

2 Reviews
0 Favorite
4 Recommend
1 Been There
1 Vault

lovesfood

"Upgraded, but still the Four
Seasons"

Food: American with a twist
Decor: updated casual
Service: Wonderful
Cost: $$$$
Wine / Cocktails: full bar

Overview:

I finally visited Allium after being a relatively frequent guest at the Four Seasons dining room and lounge. I was apprehensive as I've always loved the service and food at the Four Seasons.

I was pleasantly surprised with the new decor - I was concerned that it would be too "modern" (read, cheap looking), but it was still somewhat traditional, but spruced up and there was definitely more color in the room.

The food was still amazing (pulled chicken - wow!) though pricey. Portion sizes were good, yet not overwhelming and everything was delicious.

The wine list seems to have expanded price-wise, so my only watch out is that this spot isn't for the faint of heart in terms of spending...

Special Dishes:

Pulled Chicken, Burger, Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Salad

NoMI Kitchen

800 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 312-239-4030
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Style: American
Website Link

Reserve Online

573

5 Reviews
2 Favorite
5 Recommend
5 Been There
3 Vault

lovesfood

"Pricey but with a great view"

Food:
Decor:
Service: Excellent
Cost: $$$$
Wine / Cocktails: High end and delicious

Overview:

So...when I read all of the articles of NoMI Kitchen, what with their 'approachable' dining, 'casual' atmosphere and new pricing...I figured I'd stop in. Not only that, but I brought a work group with me.

I had visited the original NoMI and loved it - but it was definitely a fine dining spot. This time, I was expecting a bit less fancy, and a bit more homey. I wasn't exactly wrong...but some notes:

- still really expensive (which is fine, I just hadn't expected it with the 're-vamp' of the restaurant).
- better atmosphere - more young and hip versus stuffy, and still the awesome view
- Food was really delectible, but portions were quite small
- Service was high quality as before

So, in my opinion, this is still a fine dining spot, not really a casual eatery as many of the write-ups were leading me to believe. It offers a superb view of the city in a relaxed, dressy atmosphere with excellent service and food to match.

Special Dishes:

Delicious sushi

Avec

615 W. Randolph
Chicago, IL 60661

Phone: 312-377-2002
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Style: Fusion / Eclectic
Website Link

3535

12 Reviews
49 Favorite
14 Recommend
6 Been There
11 Vault

lovesfood

"Wonderful Spot!"

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost: $$
Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

I visited Avec on a Sunday evening and found a lively, fun atmosphere. The menu, while not monstrous, was filled with too many things I wanted to try! Everything was delicious there - and I also recommend something nice from their really well priced wine list!

The atmosphere is great - really lively - and also interesting...if you are sitting at the end of a communal bench table, you may be asked to move to seat others (I found it charming!).

Defintely a great spot - but if you are in a hurry to dine, don't visit here as there are no reservations and you may have to wait.

Oh - and visit with a group so that it's easier to try more food!

Special Dishes:

Everything!

Ruxbin

851 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60642

Phone: 312-624-8509
Neighborhood: Chicago
Style: Eclectic
Website Link

399

5 Reviews
4 Favorite
6 Recommend
1 Been There
3 Vault

lovesfood

"Fab"

Food: American
Decor: Dark, cozy
Service: Excellent
Cost: $$
Wine / Cocktails: None

Overview:

This is my favorite restaurant - hands down. It is not only adorable on the inside (reclaimed seats as lighting, seatbelts as the back of a bench! Very awesome!), but the food is excellent and the service is wonderful.

The only negative is the wait. Ruxbin doesn't take reservations and only will seat tables of 4 or less on the weekends (I learned this the hard way). However, they are BYO, so bring some wine and hang out a while.

I especially like the trout, but the mussels are also quite good, and if they ever put the chicken and waffles back on the menu - definitely try it!

Check out the bathroom as well...one of the most unique bathrooms in the city!

Special Dishes:

Trout, Mussels

The Publican

837 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: 312-733-9555
Neighborhood: Fulton Market
Style: American
Website Link

Reserve Online

2366

14 Reviews
30 Favorite
26 Recommend
9 Been There
9 Vault

lovesfood

"All around wonderful"

Community at it's best

Food: American
Decor: Lively
Service: Excellent
Cost: $$
Wine / Cocktails: Delicious and reasonably priced (huge beer list)

Overview:

I really love the Publican. I have now tried almost every menu item and none of them have disappointed. Each dish is flavorful and beautifully presented. My advice - go with a group - and try one of everything!

Service is great (aside from one moderately cranky bartender in the waiting area...).

I love the communal table, but I was also able to sit in one of the 'jails' as we called it. It was so much fun to also sit in one fo the booths as you feel like you are part of a fun party, but can talk to your group and spy on the scene at the restaurant.

This is a great spot to take out of towners as well - to give them a good feel for the unique Chicago dining scene.