City Spritz

Petite Edith is one of the newest additions to Chicago’s River North dining scene, created by the team behind Esmé. Known for its elevated French-inspired cuisine and polished atmosphere, the restaurant has quickly become a standout for a refined night out in the city. To start the evening, I ordered the Conicule, made with mezcal, Salers, and citrus. The drink balanced smoky, bitter, and citrus notes. An unexpected bonus dish turned into one of the highlights of the night. F

Hiro Izakaya is a popular Japanese izakaya in Chicago known for its shareable small plates, sushi-inspired bites, and elevated comfort food. With a menu designed for group dining, it’s the kind of place where ordering a variety of dishes is the best way to experience everything. I had been wanting to try Hiro Izakaya for a while, and it fully lived up to expectations. To start, I ordered a classic Lychee Martini. It was light, sweet, and a refreshing way to kick off the meal.

Summer House Santa Monica is a well-known brunch destination in Chicago, offering a California-inspired menu with fresh ingredients and a great dining atmosphere. With an extensive brunch menu and bakery-style pastries, it’s a go-to spot for a relaxed weekend meal. It was surprisingly my first time dining here, so I stopped in to try their popular brunch offerings. To start, we shared the Warm Cinnamon Roll. This dish leaned more like a cinnamon croissant, with light, flaky l