Chicago Eats: Terzo Piano @ The Art Institute of Chicago

So many good restaurants in Chicago, it can be hard to choose where to eat. Awhile back I was able to check another one off my list, the famed Terzo Piano, located in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. My sister and I stopped by for lunch one afternoon. They are the only restaurant in the Art Institute that does not require you to pay admission to the museum to enter. Their main highlight is lunch, they are open every day of the week for lunch and Thursdays only for dinner (reservations recommended).

For any Chicago Foodies, the head chef here is Tony Mantuano, of Spiaggia fame. The focus of the food is fresh, organic, local and sustainable. The menu is ever changing, so no matter how many times you go there is always something new waiting for you. Even the bread around here is special, homemade foccacia.

We started with the antipasto which was delicious and presented beautifully.

For our meals my sister chose a pasta and I had a sausage sandwich with a side salad. Both were great and perfectly sized portions, not too big. The entrees and salads range in price from $16 - $25.

The setting inside the restaurant is bright, white and modern. My pictures don't do it justice, but it's a very cool interior with walls of windows overlooking the city.

If you're looking for an artfully prepared lunch in a modern setting, you should definitely try Terzo Piano.
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Terzo Piano
Located in the Modern Wing of the Chicago Art Institute
159 East Monroe
Chicago, 60603
312.443.8650

For other restaurant recommendations in Chicago, see my reviews here: Chicago Eats

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: 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

Steal of the week: Jimmy John's

This is more like a "steal of the day" -- For all Chicagoland Jimmy John's today is customer appreciation day which means, $1 subs from 11am - 3pm! I have one right across the street from my work, I'll definitely be hitting them up for lunch! Planning to do a late lunch, since I am guessing it will be packed in there. Let me know if you're able to cash in on the deal too!

Sunday brunch @ angelina

Just in time for the weekend -- I've got a must try brunch (and dinner) place to share. When I used to a live a little further north on Pine Grove, I discovered an awesome Italian restaurant, Angelina.

It's since become one of my go to places for bringing family (Sister and Pops are both big fans) for dinner. The food is unbeatable and will leave you happily full. It's a cozy spot that would be great for a date too. And, because who doesn't love a good deal? They offer a prix fixe meal on Tuesday nights and 25% off your bill on Wednesday for neighborhood (Lakeview) residents. Love it. Oh and the prix fixe deal? Tried that once with my Pops, so good, but you need to come hungry. Something that is unfortunately, never a problem for me. $27 each and you get to pick any 3 courses off the menu. Appetizer, main and dessert, no small portions or limited menu baloney.

*picture from angelinaristorante.com


Alright, now you know the dinner is delicious. But the best part? Brunch! On Saturday and Sundays Angelina offers a $20 unlimited champagne brunch. Get the bellini, yum! Or excuse me, should I say get many bellinis (hello, unlimited) and clear your schedule for the rest of the day. You are going to want to sip and eat and sip some more... And its not just the drinks that are worthwhile, they deliver on the food too. The Tuscany Frittata will not let you down.

Pictures from a brunch venture with the girls on that 90 degree Sunday a few weeks ago...

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ANGELINA RISTORANTE
3561 North Broadway
Chicago 60657