Chicago Eats: Cantina Laredo

You know I love anything related to Mexican food -- and Cantina Laredo in downtown Chicago is no exception. I watched them build the space for this restaurant, it was quite the project, the sidewalk was shut down for months, but I think the end result is great. There are large windows that slide open in the Summer months for almost al fresco dining and the second floor actually has some nice city views at night.

Via

 The food is delicious and the margaritas are strong. What more could one want from a Mexican restaurant? The pitchers of margaritas are a must, they aren't listed on the menu but are available for around $30.

 

One thing I liked about their entrees was that they were served with fresh veggies, instead of the standard beans. It really helped to lighten up the meal a bit.

And they have an awesome special during the week, "Happier Half". The entire upstairs lounge food menu is half-priced from 4-7 p.m. This includes their tableside guacamole, ceviche and empanadas. Yum.

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Cantina Laredo
508 North State Street

(Near State and Grand)
Chicago, IL 60654

312.955.0014


Chicago Eats: Big Star in Wicker Park

Just looking at the pictures I took from a visit to Big Star is literally making my mouth water. Yum. If you live almost anywhere in the city, you've probably heard of Big Star! It's well known for delicious tacos and an awesome outdoor patio. It was built in an old garage, so it has a very casual vibe, but don't be fooled -- the food is top notch.

Be prepared for a wait, especially on a beautiful sunny day. We had an hour wait, but they take your number and call when your table is ready, so we were free to hop into another bar and have a bloody mary! When we did get seated, it was definitely worth the wait. If you live in the area, you can also opt for the takeout window, they do have a few picnic tables on that side you could sit and eat at as well.

Cutie Mom

The outdoor patio

It's a limited menu, but we tried almost all of the taco flavors and certainly didn't miss other options.

The guacamole is a must. I've never seen a radish garnish on guac before, but it's a cute serving idea for a party. And now, bring on the tacos! We had the pollo (roasted chicken thigh), fish, potato and pork belly. I would recommend any of them, but my favorite was the chicken and fish.

Potato taco with rajas chipotle, queso cotija, onion, cilantro

The fish taco, beer battered tilapia, chipotle mayo, cabbage, cilantro, lime

Somehow "the champagne of beers" just seemed right. If you go, they also have margarita pitchers and a pretty well stocked bar. There is also a daily special, $3 whiskey shots...try at your own risk.

Loved the chairs

 If you're in the area or even visiting for the weekend and want to get out of downtown, this is a must eat! If you back track and stop on North Ave on your way out, there are some cute shops and a huge Akira so you could make a nice afternoon of it.

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Big Star

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1531 North Damen Avenue

Chicago, IL

773.2354039

Chicago Eats: 5411 food truck

I finally had my first experience with a food truck. I am loving this trend, such a novel idea and great way to try something different for lunch. Last week the 5411 empanada truck was right by my work and I was so excited to try it out! You can get 5411's lunchtime locations by following them on Twitter. 5411 creates gourmet Argentine empandas, and guess what? They are baked, not fried. No need to feel guilty if you happen to try oh, you know, 3 or 4...

Are these not the most gorgeous empanadas you've ever seen?? Each flavor of empie is baked in a different shape dough.

Via the 5411 website.

The menu for the day.

The truck did not let me down. I had the Beef empanada and the Spinach and cheese one, delicious! I also got a side of chimichurri sauce. The homemade baked dough was perfectly cooked and flaky. And you've got to love the prices, all empanadas are only $1.99 each and a selection drinks are only $.99 cents.

My one regret? Not trying the Nutella & banana one. Huge fail on my part. I must get that for dessert next time. Do you guys have any favorite food trucks where you live? Any I should scope out in the Chicago area?

Chicago Eats: Grahamwich

I finally got a chance to try famed Graham Elliot's sandwich place, Grahamwich. It did not disappoint. I loved the decor and the food was delicious. Great place to grab lunch and it's really close to my office (ut-oh!). It's about 3 blocks off the Mag Mile in the River North area.

I had the pork belly sandwich. So good! I've got a major BBQ pork obsession lately, it's like I must try them at every place I go to! Anyway, this one had a perfect coleslaw on it and thin pickle slices. Yum. I also tried a Root Beer -- all of their sodas are homemade. My friend had the roast beef sandwich with spinach and shoestring fries, not sure what else, but she did really like it! And last but not least, my friend ordered the Truffle Popcorn. This was some good popcorn! It was seasoned to perfection and had Parmesan sprinkled on it. They also have homemade chips seasoned this same way, those will be a must for next time!

Lunch is a little on the expensive side $8 for a sandwich and the sodas and chips are extra. But hey, it's good stuff!

So all in all, we had a great experience. If you're visiting town, this would be a great place to take a break from shopping and you definitely won't find many tourists here! And who knew, behind bustling State street there is a quiet little landscaped courtyard where we ate our lunch.

One other thing -- the menu changes seasonally, so you never know what new creations they'll come up with. Always something different!

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Grahamwich

 - Website -

615 N. State Street

Chicago, IL 60656

Chicago Eats: Rocks

I have to let you in on a little neighborhood secret, Rocks. My favorite neighborhood spot for meeting up with friends and grabbing a drink and some food. I anxiously watched this place go up and was super excited to have a cute spot right by my house. I've since moved south a bit, but I still head to Rocks because it's definitely worth the walk! I think business is doing well because they've recently expanded and taken over some space next door. If you're in the Lakeview area, you definitely need to stop by. If for nothing else than the skewer that comes in the bloody mary's.

I was here last month with my usual Rocks buddy on an unseasonably warm day. Doesn't that bloody look delicious?

My friend ordered beer that came in a cute can.

 And on another trip, we enjoyed $5 glasses of wine. Rocks has great specials every day and Tuesdays are $5 wine and cheap salads! I like pretty much all of their food, one thing they do really well is their chili. Delicious!

My lovely friend, LB!

Not the best shot, but they have a great patio for the warmer months!

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Rocks Lakeview (also a Lincoln Park location)

3463 N. Broadway

Chicago, IL 

773.472.0493

Chicago Eats: Stella's Diner

It's breakfast time and my mouth is watering just thinking about Stella's. Hands down, favorite breakfast place in my neighborhood. Nice low-key diner with extra delicious food. Besides the food, this is also a favorite because it's less than a 5 minute walk from my house, it's located right on Broadway and Barry. Always nice going in because everything is consistent every time, even the waiters! And I recently discovered my favorite guy lives right on my street. Kinda funny, I see him all over now. My sister got some pictures last time we were in (she loves Stella's as much as me!)

Dad, contemplating the menu...

On to the good stuff. My sister's usual order, the "West Coaster" Skillet. Loaded with cheese and tons of avocado!

And my usual, Eggs Salsa. Covered in Munster cheese, could this get any better? YUM!

I've been here for lunch and it was really good as well, huge portions. I guess that's not really an upside, that should be more of a downside, oh well :) They're also known for their shakes, I always want to walk down here in the evening and order one! Maybe tonight...

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Stella's Diner

3042 N Broadway

Chicago, IL 60657

Hours, Mon-Sun 7am-10pm

Chicago Eats: Japonais

If you like sushi, I've got a great restaurant for you! Or even if you just like fancy cocktails, this place is good! Last month one of my friend's celebrated her last weekend of being a single lady by visiting us in Chicago for her bachelorette. My other friend did an awesome job of planning all the festivites. We began a night out by heading downtown to a sushi place on the river, Japonais.

Getting ready! Kristen, the bride-to-be is in the middle and the planner and maid of honor, Annie on the right. (A lot of these are Annie's pictures, thanks AO!) 

Before our table was ready, we headed down to the lounge for drinks. It is gorgeous down there and right on the river! I started with their signature cocktail, the floating Orchid. Delicious.

A shot of the lounge from their website...

And the drinks kept coming... We were having a great time and not paying attention to the clock, but apparently they were late seating us -- and offered to buy us all a round of drinks. More floating orchids please! The outside area was great and even if I wasn't going to eat here, I think it would be a nice place to come and have a few drinks.

We finally moved on to the dinner portion of the night and everything was delicious. We wanted to eat light since we knew we had a full night of going out (and looking cute in our outfits) ahead of us! The entrees here run around $20 but when you're just ordering sushi to share, prices are very reasonable!

The sushi bar

I would definitely recommend Japonais if you are looking for dinner or drinks in a really nice atmosphere. And don't forget to have a Floating Orchid...or two  :)

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Japonais

600 W Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60610

312.822.9600