Chicago Quarantine Eats
With the non-stop cooking that comes with COVID life this year, (plus my working as a personal chef), the ultimate treat for me these days is to order in from a favorite local restaurant. Feels good to support a small local business, is so nice to have a break from the kitchen, and especially wonderful to order something that is more decadent than the way I typically cook. As Michael Scott would say, "It's a win, win, win."
If you're looking for new restaurants to try and wanting to spend your dollars locally, check out these spots:
North Center
Taqueria el Asadero, at Lincoln and Montrose
2213 W Montrose Avenue Chicago, IL 60618
Hands down the best Steak Tacos I've ever had. Even after many years of living in San Diego and San Francisco, these still win. The meat is perfect, there are no chewy bites, and the green salsa is the perfect amount of spicy and so flavorful.
If you're doing it right, you also get their guacamole, that is so creamy I swear they mix butter into it, and the chips they make are ridiculous. Grab it to go, and shovel it in. *side note, it's great for a hangover!
Lincoln Square:
The Warbler on Lincoln Ave
4535 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60625
Please get the cauliflower, everytime, forever and ever. If I could have tried this when I was younger, then perhaps I would have learned that I actually like vegetables before my 20's. (Previously sauce on pizza and pasta was my only veggie source, for real.) The chefs here, and at their sister restaurant next door, Gather, kills it with the produce. Possibly the best selection of produce-focused restaurant dishes in the city of Chicago.
And if you're looking to booze it up a little, the Robin mezcal cocktail is totally where it's at. If you're comfortable with it, The Warbler is great for dining in during COVID, because they have a fantastic patio, and are taking tons of precautions to keep everyone safe. They're really nailing it.
Lakeview
Art of Pizza on Ashland between Diversey and Belmont
3033 N Ashland Chicago, IL 60657
For the days when you just can't shake that deep dish pizza craving, they sell it by the slice, and even though I always buy two at a time, because it's that good, the first slice always satisfies. And then I'm left with the bonus second piece for the next day!
Lincoln Park
Roti North and Sheffield Commons
100 W North Avenue Chicago, IL 60614
This place really nails it, it's a Mediterrean counter service restaurant, where you build your own meal with so many options to choose from. I love that they offer lamb, because it's one of my very favorite meats, and I simply don't think to cook it often enough. Plus, with a lunch or dinner from Roti, it's easy to get in 7-10 different types of veggies in one meal. Feels healthy, balanced, and still comforting and really satiating.
What am I missing on this list? Would love to find some new gems in the city to support so please share!