Chicago Bites - Restaurant Reviews & Dining Podcast

You don't have to go South to get a rainbow cone. Just head to the Taste!

Check out our Flickr set for inspiration about what to try and what to see at this year's Taste of Chicago!

Posted by Tammy at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Peppermint ice cream with hot fudge is a yummy and nostalgic holiday dessert.

Tammy and I recently ducked into Petterino's to escape the winter chill and discovered dining designed for theatergoers. Attached to the Goodman, this restaurant is in the heart of the theater district, and the locations and start times of the hottest shows in town are printed along side the dinner menu. But is Petterino's worthy of a standing ovation? Listen in and find out.

(5.9 M)

00:00 - 02:11 Theater draw, singing and waiters
02:12 - 05:14 The cast-iron harbinger and catering to touristy diners
05:16 - 07:46 Sweet black cod, scallops, a huge sweet potato and pasta
07:47 - 09:53 Falling down cake, peppermint ice cream, smashed memories & cobbler
09:54 - 11:35 Service and theater listings
11:36 - 12:49 Arguing to agreement and signing-off

Petterino's
150 N. Dearborn

Bridget rates Petterino's 5/10
Tammy rates Petterino's 5/10

The cod with crimes committed against it.

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Adessgo
Terragusto

On-line Buzz about Patterino's:
Citysearch
Metromix
TripAdvisor

Check out our Petterino's photo set on Flickr

Posted by Bridget at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A deviled egg topped with okra awakens the taste buds for southern comforts.

Ever since Oprah mentioned Art Smith’s Table 52 on her show, getting a reservation there has been next to impossible. So Tammy and I were thrilled when we landed one. It's understandable that Oprah would give her personal chef a shout out, but is this new restaurant riding on hype alone, or is there really something special about Smith’s comfort food? We dove into the menu with relish to find out!

(6.8 M)

00:01 - 02:35 Hot reservation & Albert's ghost
02:36 - 04:13 Revamped with mixed results
04:14 - 05:01 Southern comfort with a twist
05:02 - 07:53 Appetizers & sides - the mac & cheese question
07:54 - 10:20 Thoughts on lamb and salmon
10:21 - 11:58 Twelve layers of heaven
11:59 - 12:41 Thoughts on wine
12:42 - 14:47 Ratings & sign-off

Table 52
52 W Elm

Bridget rates Table 52 7/10
Tammy rates Table 52 6/10

My lamb was good, but not spectacular.

Related Chicago Bites Posts (A.K.A. other places to go for lamb):
Veritas
The Gage

On-line Buzz about Table 52:
Chicagomag.com
Chicago Suntimes.com
Metromix
Oprah.com
Yelp

Posted by Bridget at 6:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Devon

Devon Seafood Grill is a sophisticated place tucked away in the Gold Coast neighborhood, but there's nothing Midwestern about the quality of the seafood. We're sure this restaurant has an "A game", but did we find it on this visit? Listen in to find out.

(7.1 M)

00:00 - 01:08 Back story
01:09 - 02:34 Dining room atmosphere
02:35 - 04:15 Staff favorites & feeding
04:16 - 05:05 Interesting wines
05:06 - 05:48 So crack is the key ingredient?
05:49 - 07:15 Good deals and appetizer recommendations
07:16 - 08:48 B's search for the perfect crab cake
08:49 - 10:50 Mental comparisons to Bobby and other entree thoughts
10:51 - 12:03 Dessert departures
12:04 - 15:26 Ratings and sign-off

Devon Seafood Grill
39 E Chicago Ave

Bridget rates Devon Seafood Grill 9/10
Tammy rates Devon Seafood Grill 8/10

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Oceana
Sola

On-line Buzz about Devon Seafood Grill:
Metromix
Yelp

Book mentioned in this podcast:
Heat by Bill Buford

Posted by Tammy at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Iggy's martinis are served in cool glasses. The drinks themselves are super sweet.

Iggy’s is known for late-night dining in the city, but its two previous locations are closed. So we went to Iggy’s 3, which recently opened in River North, to see if the third time’s the charm. Did the martinis and pasta live up to our expectations? Or is there a reason Iggy’s can’t keep its doors open?

(6.3 M)

00:00 - 01:59 Dinging Iggy's. Will it survive in the 'mob BBQ' place?
02:21 - 04:50 6ish arrival, waiter bonding, and drinks
04:51 - 08:51 Peanut shrimp perseverance and pasta main dishes
08:52 - 11:32 Dessert disappointment. Sounded like a good idea at the time
11:33 - 13:36 Ratings and sign-off

Iggy's
800 N. Dearborn St.

Bridget rates Iggy's 3/10
Tammy rates Iggy's 3/10

The chocolate cobbler lacks luster. Too much ice cream. Too little chocolate.

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana
Osteria via Stato

Check out our Iggy's 3 photo set on Flickr

Posted by Bridget at 6:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's mac and cheese! Or is it? Humm. That is the question.

Everything at Karyn’s Cooked is vegetarian friendly from the spaghetti with meatballs to the meatloaf. And vegans can feast on traditional favorites like mac and cheese without having to worry about dairy. But do these culinary creations stand a chance against their meaty and milky counterparts? Get some surprising opinions from this meat-eater and my “pesco-fussitarian” co-host.

(6.3 M)

00:00 - 01:03 What is a "pesco-fussitarian?"
01:04 - 02:41 The pesco-fussitarian who doesn't like vegetarian dining
02:42 - 05:20 Meatless meat defense and more main course commentary
05:21 - 06:07 Mac and cheese? Well, we've had worse
06:08 - 08:11 Back to the appetizers and wine pairings
08:12 - 09:01 Dessert? What the heck is that?
09:02 - 11:58 Atmosphere, service and accessibility
11:59 - 13:46 Ratings and sign-off

Karyn's Cooked
738 N. Wells St.

Bridget rates Karyn's 5/10
Tammy rates Karyn's 4/10

Spaghetti with meatballs is a Karyn's favorite and a filling meal.

Related Chicago Bites Post:
Blind Faith Cafe

On-line Buzz about Karyn's Cooked:
Menuism
Metromix
Yelp

Posted by Bridget at 5:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The secret to Dutch Apple Pancakes is real pie filling. Shhhhhhh.

Since the demise of the Cambridge House, Bridget and I have been on the look-out for a replacement. Did we find one at the Marquette Inn? Well, the Marquette Inn does have all the diner criteria including surly waitresses, endless coffee and bowls of creamer & butter, plus the added attraction of a bar in the middle. Listen to the podcast to see how it rated versus our cherished standard.

Do you have a favorite seedy spot in Chicago? Know a great place to get pancakes? Drop us a line and let us know where you satisfy your diner cravings. We'd love to hear from you.

(5.0 M)

00:00 - 00:11 Intro
00:31 - 10:15 Pancakes! And other musings.
10:16 - 10:37 Wrap-up and sign-off

Marquette Inn
135 W. Madison St.

Bridget rates this tasting 7/10
Tammy rates this tasting 8/10

Bridget enjoys her pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!

Related Chicago Bites Posts:

Fornetto Mai
Spa Cafe
Stella's Diner

Posted by Tammy at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Risotto and a nice Zin at Dine prove that wine looks (and tastes) best when well paired with good food.

Alpana Singh says that wine tasting is like speed dating. The idea is that you know pretty much right away if the wine you’re sipping is going to work for you, just like you know if you want to date the person you're talking to after a three-minute interlude.

I’m not entirely sold on speed dating, but I do agree with Alpana’s overall point. Wine tastings are a great way to learn about wine.

So Tammy and I made our way to Uncorked Chicago’s Winter Wine Tasting to try the wine and meet Alpana, who spoke at the event. We also went to the tasting because it gave us the perfect excuse to eat at Dine, the restaurant where the tasting was held.

Listen in to hear our mini-review of Dine (We can’t wait to go back!) and our impressions of this wine tasting and others.

(5.9 M)

00:00 - 00:30 Intro and Tryst
00:31 - 09:15 Meeting Alpana, Wine Tasting Review, and Wine Tasting Rating
09:16 - 12:07 Dine Mini-Review
12:08 - 12:45 Wrap-up and Sign-off

Uncorked Chicago

Dine
733 W. Madison

Wine sipped during this podcast:
Tryst

Bridget rates this tasting 3/10
Tammy rates this tasting 3/10

Wine Tasting 101: First, carefully pick a wine glass from the table.

The sampler appetizer at Dine is a great way to start.

Related Chicago Bites Posts:
Park Grill
Opera
Elephant and Castle

Posted by Bridget at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The big tree at the Walnut Room is a holiday must.

It’s no secret that I was disgruntled when Marshall Field’s suddenly became Macy’s. But the Walnut Room and the big tree? That’s a holiday tradition. It’s just not Christmas in Chicago until you go see the big tree! And Tammy and I couldn’t help but wonder… is there a major difference between the Walnut Room’s food and service under the Macy’s guard? So in the name of research, we made our way to the Walnut Room and sat under the tree sipping holiday drinks… a tradition not to be missed no matter who is in charge.

A very happy holidays and New Year to you, and stayed tuned for more dining adventures in 2007.

(4.9 M)

00:00 - 01:06 Intro
01:41 - 08:23 Walnut Room Review
08:24 - 10:36 Sign-Off

Walnut Room
111 N. State on the 7th floor of Marshall Fields or Macy's or whatever

Bridget rates this restaurant 3/10
Tammy rates this restaurant 5/10

We both agree as a holiday tradition, the Walnut Room is a must do even if the food is average.

Frango Mint Pie! Need I say more?

Posted by Bridget at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The display of cupcake goodness at the Ritz-Carlton's Saturday night Cupcake Buffet.

You guys ready to Cupcake Crawl? It’s just around the corner!

But before we tour the city Saturday to taste some of Chicago’s best cupcakes, Tammy and I decided we’d better figure out exactly what qualities define a great cupcake.

So we made our way to the Ritz-Carlton’s Cupcake Buffet to taste the goods and refine our rating criteria.

Watch the site tomorrow for details about the Cupcake Crawl route and a complete timetable.

(6.6 M)

00:00 - 02:30 Intro
02:04 - 03:23 Mini-Wine Review
03:23 - 12:24 Cupcake Buffet Review and Discussion of Cupcake Rating Criteria
12:25 - 14:25 Sign Off

The Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton
160 E. Pearson St.

The Cupcake Buffet is served from 9 to 11 p.m. on Saturday nights. You can sample two cupcakes for $8, four cupcakes for $12 or all 12 cupcakes for $18.

Bridget rates the cupcake buffet 7/10
Tammy rates the cupcake buffet 6/10

Posted by Bridget at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Our waiter, Jeff, and Bridget

Our meal at the Park Grill in Millennium Park was punctuated by a good waiter (above with yours truly) to start and a cupcake trio to end, making it a good experience overall. Sure, the Park Grill is primarily a tourist destination, but its proximity to the Loop lends itself to an after-work meal for locals as well. The prices are not totally exorbitant (although we did pay roughly $12 for four scallops) and the food is good. Very good.

Not to mention that this sit-down restaurant is eons better than the outdoor patio, which specializes in over-priced, sugary, drinks served in plastic cups. If you want some good grub, ditch the plastic and pay the price for a seat inside. Did I mention the cupcakes?

Technical Note: We’re playing with our sound. Is this podcast easier to hear? Does the echo drive you insane? Drop us a line, and let us know.

(6.2 M)

00:00 - 00:34 Intro
00:35 - 10:56 Park Grill Review and Cupcake Crawl Chat (We'll be "crawling" soon!)
10:57 - 13:33 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Park Grill
11 North Michigan Ave.

Cup-a-cake Cupcake Containers available at the Container Store.

Bridget rates this restaurant 5/10
Tammy rates this restaurant 6.5/10

A fine cupcake trio is one of the many desserts at Park Grill

Posted by Bridget at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Looking for something light? Quartino's, which opened at the beginning of the summer, specializes is small plates that are great to share with friends after work. The food it tasty and affordable, and so is the wine. The house wines I've tried have all been good. And they serve it Italian-style-- no fancy stem wear at this place! It's all about lounging on the patio and munching on a-little-bit-of-this while sipping a tad of that.

The restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but you have to take a ride in the freight elevator to get to them. I didn't mind... I was escorted by a cute waiter and also took a peek into the super-clean kitchen along the way. Taking the scenic route does have its advantages.

Bear with us on sound for this one.... Tammy will fade back in! We're still learning!

(7.5 M)

00:00 - 00:33 Intro
00:32 - 06:57 Quartino Review
06:58 - 08:10 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Quartino
626 N. State St.

Bridget rates this restaurant 6/10
Tammy rates this restaurant 5/10

Posted by Bridget at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tasty salmon served on a plank

I can never remember the name of this place, but that’s just because Viand is so much a part of our lexicon that Tammy and I refer to it as "that wine place around the corner." Now you'll know what what we're talking about! The restaurant features a very nice wine list, good service, and alfresco seats great for a leisurely sip.

Hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July full of good summer fare and fun!

(8.6 M)

00:00 - 00:36 Intro
00:37 - 07:01 Viand Review
07:02 - 09:22 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Viand
155 E. Ontario

Bridget rates this restaurant 6/10 (A tad drab... according to our verbal rating... but it's so much better than that.)
Tammy rates this restaurant 5/10 (Dull as dishwater)

Ahi tuna and Fried Green Tomatos

UPDATE!
Since this review, Viand has undergone some changes -- a completely new menu and chef. We hope to check it out and report back to you soon!

Posted by Bridget at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Been shopping and looking for a good place to lunch? It's summer in the city and this little spot is a great place to stop for a salad, some iced tea, and a cupcake.

And speaking of cupcakes, watch for details on Chicago Bites' upcoming cupcake taste test!

Sorry to our loyal listeners for the late posting this week. I have no good excuse, other than I'm a slacker.

But seriously... have a Pierrot Gourmet cupcake and start thinking of your own cupcake favorites because soon we'll want to hear all about them!

(13 M)

00:00 - 00:28 Intro
00:29 - 09:04 Pierrot Gourmet Review
09:05 - 11:26 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Pierrot Gourmet
108 E. Superior St.

Bridget rates this restaurant 6.5/10 (A tad drab... but enjoyable)
Tammy rates this restaurant 5/10 (Dull as dishwater)

Posted by Bridget at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tucked away in the Whitehall Hotel, Fornetto Mai is my new favorite hang out. Tammy and I went there for brunch and dinner before reviewing it, and we enjoyed it so much that we've been back since with more friends in tow. Its upscale atmosphere is surprisingly unpretentious, and the dinner menu is particularly tasty. I crave the veggie pizza, which is the perfect size to share (if you’re trying to eat healthy and watching those Weight Watchers point values). And the chocolate fall-out cake? It defies description. The first bite literally left me speechless. And that’s really saying something!

(11.4 M)

00:00 - 01:02 Intro
01:03 - 02:15 Mini-Wine Review
02:16 - 09:55 Fornetto Mai Review
09:56 - 12:24 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Fornetto Mai
107 East Delaware Place

Bridget rates this restaurant 8/10
Tammy rates this restaurant 7/10

Posted by Bridget at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Elephant & Castle is far too busy for everyone to know your name, but if you go there often enough, you start to become part of the active hum that runs through the place. Whether it's the after-work crowd popping in for a brew or St. Paddy's Day maniacs who cheer the drum & pipe crews shoving their way through the crowd, Elephant & Castle is always filled with people in a very good mood. And yet, it's also a wonderful place to eat a quiet lunch or dinner with friends. I've been in after-work, on St. Patrick's Day, and had dinner there many evening, and I plan to go back as long as I'm employed downtown. It's my quick escape after a hard day's work.

What's your favorite home away from work restaurant? Drop us a line and tell us where everyone knows your name.

(13.5M)

00:00 - 00:58 Intro
00:59 - 09:16 Elephant & Castle Review
09:17 - 09:24 Wrap-up & Sign-off

Bridget rates this restaurant 8/10
Tammy rates this restaurant 7/10

Posted by Tammy at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)