Let’s say it’s a short (or long) weekend and you decide to go to Chicago. Chi-Town: a city known for its chilly weather, its’ priceless art, and its gorgeous waterfront views. But did you also know that it’s a food frenzy epicenter of Michelin starred chefs, street vendors, and neighborhood bites? Check out these restaurants on your next culinary tour of The Windy City!
Stop One: Brunch at Restoration Hardware
It’s no secret that most girls love snapping the perfect photograph at Restoration Hardware. I mean, beautiful mirrors, gorgeous furniture, and an overall glitzy aesthetic make for the perfect place to update your Instagram feed. However, did you know that the Chicago location includes a full restaurant in the center of the four-story store? Once I heard this, you know I had to immediately make my way over to the super cute part of town where this building is situated and try out the hyped up menu for myself. I’ll let you in on a little secret — it was as good as it looked.
What We Ate: Baguette with cheese and pecans, veggie medley, RH scramble with a side of toast (not pictured)
What We Drank: Vanilla latte with soy
Stop Two: Afternoon Tea at The Chicago Athletic Association
What was once an elite and exclusive private club, is now a hotel open to the public with a gorgeous lobby and a rooftop bar called Cindy’s. If you don’t mind waiting in the quite arduous line wrapped outside of their entrance, you too can brave your way up to the gorgeous bar for drinks and light snacks — not to mention, a breathtaking view of the city. However, I was there in January. And if you know anything about Chicago weather, it’s that I did not want to stand outside in a line in that weather. Instead, we headed upstairs to the hotel lobby and sat down for a snack. With an extensive tea and coffee menu, not to mention a full lunch and dessert menu as well, this place makes the perfect little pit-stop while wondering around the city.
What We Ate: Deconstructed carrot cake
What We Drank: Pot of earl grey tea
Stop Three: Dinner at Roister
Roister: verb, to enjoy oneself in a boisterous way. In the past two years, Roister has gained recognition as a Michelin star restaurant (2016, 2017), home to Chef-Of-The-Year Anthony Brochu (2017), #42 Best Restaurants in The United States of America (2017), #5 best Chicago Restaurant (Conde Naste) and many more awards. All of these awards prove accurate, as my food was absolutely sensational. Not only was there edgy music choice and hip location helpful in it scoring high marks, but every single dish was carefully prepared with intention.
What We Ate: Oysters, chicken cooked two ways, poached salmon, house-made lasagna (not pictured), pickled cucumbers (not pictured), and carrot cake with a coconut whipped mousse
After this full day of eating and walking around the city, I was not only full, but satisfied with my extremely varied bites from a range of chefs around the city. The next time you find yourself in Chi-Town, you’ve gotta check out these quick and easy bites, and make sure to take pictures too – they’re too pretty and too yummy not to share!
Good luck, Happy New Year, and stay warm out there!