EATING CHICAGO (my kind of town)

Hello Fellow Foodies!

Chicago is your kind of town!

One town that won’t let you down, Chicago is…

Please enjoy Frank’s singing while taking a bite of Chicago!

This is my kind of town.
Chicago is,
My kind of town,Chicago is,
My kind of people, too;
People who smile at you,
And each time I roam, Chicago is,
Callin’ me home, Chicago is,
One town that won’t let you down;
It’s my kind of town.

Uncle Julio’s Hacienda

Border-style Mexican food with Hacienda-style decor. Try Uncle Julio’s signature drink, The Swirl, which is a frozen concoction of layered margarita and home-made sangria.

I loved the heart healthy mesquite grilled salmon filet served with sautéed vegetables and fresh pineapple pico de gallo. Their light crispy chips and zippy salsa are the best around. Uncle Julio’s is located on North Avenue near Clybourn.

EPIC

EPIC is housed in a transformed early 20th century mill building. The new space combines elements of exposed brick, steel and concrete, together with textiles. The tables incorporate wood from the old mill floors.

Halibut Ceviche and King Crab with Meyer Lemon Mousseline Sauce

Chef Stephen Wambach created a contemporary American Menu rooted in French technique. We enjoyed the professional relaxed service, creative yet unstuffy menu, and the chic industrial yet warm atmosphere. Epic is located on Hubbard near Clark Street.

XOCO

Rick Bayless’s XOCO, a quick service cafe serving rustic Mexican street food.

Empanadas, take-out.

Flaky carnitas empanada with tomatillo salsa, 3-chile salsa, and cotija cheese for breakfast, this ROCKED!

Hot-from-the-fryer churros.

Frothy Mexican hot chocolate ground from Mexican cacao beans.

We have been long-time fans of Rick Bayless’s other restaurants, Frontera Grill and Topolobambo, now we add their little sister restaurant XOCO (which means “little sister” in Aztec dialect) to the list! XOCO is located at the corner of Clark Street and Illinois.

MACKU

Macku Sushi – a unique palette of ingredients, textures and flavors. Macku Chan’s Japanese inspired cuisine is innovative, exciting, every dish a surprise. Macku is located in Lincoln Park at 2239 N. Clybourn Avenue.

Our favorite: White Asparagus Soup with Monkfish Liver

Flying Fish!

We were big fans of their Kaze Sushi in Roscoe Village. So glad to see Macku open in Lincoln Park!

Julius Meinl Coffee House

THE JULIUS MEINL GROUP was founded in Vienna 1862 by a boy from the country who came to Imperial Vienna looking for work. He opened a small store and started to sell green coffee. In those days coffee beans were roasted at home on wood burning stoves. This process required a lot of care because the risk of burning the beans was considerable. It was young Julius Meinl who had the ingenious idea of selling fresh roasted coffee.

Smoked Salmon with dill crème fraîche, sliced tomato, red onion,
lemon, capers, open-faced on dark rye

Kaiserschmarren Austrian “pancake” with golden raisins, cinnamon,
powdered sugar, Meinl plum compote

Highlight of the Day!

I had the absolute pleasure to share this lunch with Two Fabulous Chicago Food Bloggers!

If you haven’t already, be sure to visit my friends and their exceptional blogs for inspiration.

Courtney

Coco Cooks

Marie

Proud Italian Cook

Thanks for a lovely afternoon ladies! You rock!

Julius Meinl is located on the corner of Southport and Addison.

NoMI

High above the Magnificent Mile, NoMI’s awe-inspiring views of the Chicago skyline.

Jamison Farms Rack of Lamb

Diver Scallops, Spring Pea, Truffle Vinaigrette

Extending the biggest thank you to my dear brother and sweet sister-in-law for another eating extravaganza in Chicago.

As always, Love You!

NoMI is located in the Park Hyatt Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

More favorite Chicago restaurant posts:

Custom House

Hot Doug’s

Charlie Trotter’s Kitchen

L2O

Joe’s Stone Crabs

Chicago’s Dog House

What are your favorite Chicago restaurants?