Everywhere and Everything I Ate and Drank in Chicago

June 22, 2019

Four straight days of eating and drinking my way through Chicago has resulted in my longest food blog ever. Longest because there are so many images; some things I would normally leave out I wanted to include so you could see as much of the experience at these incredible establishments as possible. Y’all, Chicago is my new favorite food city. I met my dad here last week for a ridiculously indulgent Father’s Day weekend and we had truly outstanding food and service everywhere we went. Here’s a taste of what we had and where we had it:

Cabra:

Our eating adventure started with brunch at Stephanie Izard‘s latest rooftop spot, Cabra.

Shrimp-y Brunch-y Tacu Tacu:
huancaina omelette. tamarind-tomato

Skirt Saltado + Shrimp Tacu Tacu

Chakana Chelada: aji panca + mango + cusqueña +lime

Black Plantain Waffles:
chicharrón pork belly + pickled mango syrup + pork fat butter + pickled mango

Crab Causa: aji potato + avocado

Loving the vibe. Thanks to my dad for this pic!

I would be here all summer long if I lived in Chicago, y’all. See more on Cabra in my companion piece: “Brunch at Cabra is Magnificent“.

Little Goat Diner:

We also visited Little Goat Diner – a classic from Chef Stephanie Izard. And while I didn’t take nearly as many photos here, you can rest assured it was one fantastic breakfast. Pictured is the This Little Piggy Went to China: sesame cheddar biscuit + sunny side eggs + sichuan pork sausage + chili garlic chive sauce + gooseberries.

Dinner at GT Prime was my dad’s favorite meal (and another outstanding dining experience). It started with blue cheese stuffed olive martinis.

Dad did it right with the Prime Rib. This 12 oz. slow roasted prime rib-eye is served with horseradish cream and au jus.

Keeping it classic with chocolate cake for dessert.

Longman & Eagle:

We had Father’s Day brunch at Longman & Eagle and it did not disappoint, y’all! I must insist you get the red velvet doughnuts here (which they make in house daily).

Shakshuka: Baked Eggs + Spiced Tomato + Roasted Olives + Feta + Multigrain Toast. The cheese grits in the background of this photo were also sensational, as was the Elotes Benedict my dad had.

This intimate Japanese bar was perhaps my favorite experience in Chicago. Utterly outstanding service, quality of dishes and cocktails and a sleek yet inviting ambiance await at Kumiko. We indulged in sake, cocktails, and pork bao buns, matcha and an unforgettable Japanese milk bread. We started with sake.

A perfect Old Fashioned for my Dad.

Steam Buns with Berkshire pork belly, spicy pickles and an herb bouquet

Japanese Milk Bread: fermented honey ice cream and Italian summer truffle

Our visit ended with matcha and coffee.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that dining at Michelin starred restaurant, Boka, was a highlight of my eating career.

Beau Soleil Oyster with green strawberry + fermented onion

Shima Aji Crudo with yuzo kosho + green coriander + buckwheat

Glazed White Asparagus with sorrel + dry aged beef fat + smoked scallop

Spring Pea Tagliatelle with grilled ramps + bonito + finger lime

Goddess and the Baker:

We stopped in here only for juices and espresso but I can tell you this is my kind of place. Goddess and the Baker has a fantastic selection of baked goods, fresh juices, toasts and acai bowls and I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in town.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to eat anywhere as I was to eat at Next. My dad and I decided pretty last minute that we were going to Chicago, so snagging a reservation at many of the higher end places we visited was a challenge to say the least. As soon as I booked my ticket, I also got us on the wait list to eat at Next and Alinea every night we were in town. Two days before our trip, I got an e-mail that there had been a cancellation at Next for the last night we were there (and I cried on my couch for ten minutes after I made the reservation). I wish it hadn’t been dark so I could have gotten better photos, but that meal will stay with me forever.

Next constantly explores the world of cuisine, changing the prix fixe menus and dining experience completely every four months. We enjoyed their Italia menu and this was part of the antipasti: focaccia + burrata.

Antipasti: Crostini

Antipasti: soft shell crab

Agnolotti Bolognese

Sweetbread Agrodolce with bread pudding + brodo

Steak alla California with Olive + Cipollini + Sorrel

Campari & Soda and Honey + Cashew Gelato

Thank you Chicago for four days of nonstop amazing eats! I’ll be back (soon)!

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