BELLY UP
Bill Kim, from Chicago’s Le Lan restaurant, has opened a casual spot called Urban Belly. The idea is to “feed your belly from the heart.” Chef Kim keeps it nice and simple, allowing diners to choose from a selection of dumplings, rice, noodles and sides. First you place your order at the counter, then you’re directed to a communal table where the food is served. Choose among dumplings like chicken and mushrooms, Asian squash or duck and pho spices. The short rib and scallion rice has a deep and delightful flavor – but other rice choices include pork belly and pineapple, and organic pea shoots and Thai basil. As for noodles, the Urban Belly ramen is quite tasty, featuring pork belly, shiitake and pho broth. Also tempting are the soba noodles with bay scallops, king oyster mushrooms and blue crab broth.
Urban Belly, 3053 North California Avenue 773.583.0500, www.urbanbellychicgo.com
HUBBA HUBBA
The sons of Richard Melman (owner of Chicago’s popular Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant group) now have a restaurant to call their own. Jerrod and R.J. opened Hub 51 in June and it’s quite the popular spot for dinner and nightlife alike. The dinner menu offers a wide variety of dishes – from sushi rolls, tacos and enchiladas to sandwiches and salads. The crunchy tuna roll was surprisingly delicious (I didn’t expect to find sushi on the menu, but was blown away by this roll). The big city cornbread is served in a cast-iron skillet with fresh roasted chilies and it’s the perfect comfort food for harsh Chicago winter weather. If you want to add yet another country of origin to your dinner (as I did), try the pulled chicken nachos – chile-braised organic chicken, fresh tortilla chips, guacamole, roasted tomato salsa, white cheddar and Oaxaca cheeses and sour cream. Other tasty items from the menu include premium grilled fish tacos, a turkey meatloaf sandwich and a very tender bone-in pork shank. The desserts are traditional and delicious. The warm brownie, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, is as down-home American as it gets. The ice cream bars are delicious (I personally don’t think it can ever be too cold for ice cream). They are attached to the spoon, covered in chocolate and rice krispies.
Hub 51, 51 West Hubbard Street 312.828.0051, www.hub51chicago.com
SWEET
Instead of waiting hours to snag a seat at Sunday brunch, stop by Sweets & Savories for a decadent and peaceful feast. This Lincoln Park spot is practically famous for its Kobe beef burger, but the phenomenal Sunday brunch has danced below my radar…until now. This brunch is one of the best deals in town. For $19, you’ll be pampered with a three-course brunch fit for a queen. It all begins with an assortment of homemade morning pastries and breads, which change seasonally. The sweet rolls and palmiers (pronounced palm-YAY – it is a deliciously crisp puff pastry cookie, sprinkled with sugar and shaped into what some call an “elephant cookie”) stood out among all of the items in the heavenly basket. Next, choose your poison – bellini, mimosa, Bloody Mary or wine (or in my case, hot tea). The next arrival is the starter course ; I chose the crème brule grapefruit over the sweet potato bisque, and was quite content with my decision. The grapefruit is sprinkled with sugar, then torched to a sugar-crisp, and is accompanied by a shot glass filled a quarter way with Sanbitter, which is similar to Campari The server instructed me to squeeze the remaining grapefruit juice into the shot glass before drinking – quite the refreshing beverage. While many may gravitate towards the omelets, eggs benedict or pancakes, I knew after the first glance that the bacon risotto had to be mine. It arrives complete with a presumably oh-so-lightly poached quail egg, which the server folds into the risotto tableside. The runny egg adds an extra richness to the risotto and the bacon makes it the perfect (yet unexpected) breakfast dish. I have never seen my 10-year-old nephew eat so slowly, and when the server complimented on it, he responded, “It’s just so good that I want to enjoy every bite.”
Sweet & Savories, 1534 West Fullerton Avenue 773.281.6778, www.sweetsandsavorieschicago.com
A ROOM
Athenian room is a Chicago classic. Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this old-school favorite serves solid Greek food in a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. Start with the Taramosalata (Greek caviar, which resembles hummus more so than caviar) with pita bread. I always order the chicken Kalamata (extra crispy); it’s served with a slightly tangy garlic sauce that soaks into the large fries, making them the best fries in the city. All entrees come with a tossed salad, and I recommend adding feta cheese on top. The gyros salad is light yet flavorful – tossed with oil and wine vinegar.
Athenian Room, 807 West Webster Avenue 773.348.5155