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Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant tucked in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, and I was excited to finally try it for dinner. To start the evening, I ordered the Slow Cheetah cocktail made with Dos Hombres mezcal, Fresno chile, pineapple, lime, and coriander. Bold, spicy, and balanced with a hint of tropical sweetness, it was exactly the kind of cocktail I love to kick off a meal. For starters, we tried two of the most popular items: the Lamb Ragu Hummus and the Charred Egg

Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore Michelin Star restaurants without the usual commitment, and Esmé exceeded every expectation. I had passed by this acclaimed Lincoln Park spot many times but finally experienced their seasonal menu — and it was a delicious culinary journey from start to finish. The evening began with the Orchard Lane cocktail, made with pisco, apple, agave, and habanero. Bright, citrus-forward, and slightly savory, it was the ideal

If you’re searching for a hidden restaurant in Lincoln Park with standout cocktails and an unforgettable food menu, Le Mistral in Chicago absolutely deserves a spot on your list. This intimate neighborhood gem is known for being tough to book — and after finally snagging a reservation, I completely understand why. From creative cocktails to one of the most talked-about burgers in Chicago, every bite exceeded expectations. I started the evening with the Bergamot Margarita made

Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the best times to explore the city’s dining scene, and I had heard that Ella Elli was offering one of the standout Restaurant Week menus. After dining there, I can confidently say it absolutely delivered. From the variety of courses to the bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it was one of the most impressive Chicago Restaurant Week experiences I’ve had. We started the evening with a glass of bubbles — always the perfect way to kick off a mul

I love trying new sushi spots in Chicago, and Mirai Sushi in Gold Coast was next up on my list. Known for its sleek atmosphere and freshly imported fish, Mirai delivered a flavorful and refreshingly simple sushi experience. I started with a Lychee Martini and a bowl of salted edamame — the perfect light and salty pairing to sip and snack while browsing the menu. For sushi, I ordered the Tuna Tuna Salmon: a poached salmon roll topped with thinly sliced tuna, avocado mousse, an

Chicago’s dining scene is constantly evolving, and one of the newest spots making an impression is Dēliz Italian Steakhouse. This elevated Italian steakhouse blends classic flavors with modern presentation, delivering a meal that feels both refined and comforting. We started strong with the Dēliz Brioche served alongside garlic herb butter. The brioche was incredible — light, flaky, and layered with subtle flavor that paired perfectly with the rich, savory butter. Next, we or

One of my favorite traditions since moving to Chicago has been making a New Year’s Eve reservation at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. There’s nothing quite like dining at a classic Chicago steakhouse to ring in the new year, and every time I visit Gibsons, both the food and overall experience live up to the hype. Starting with cocktails, Gibsons is absolutely the kind of place where ordering a martini feels essential. One of my personal favorites is a pickle martini, which adds a t

There’s nothing like watching the Chicago Bears at a bar with great food and a high-energy crowd, and Broken Barrel Bar is the perfect place to enjoy game day. From classic bar food favorites to a lively sports atmosphere, Broken Barrel stands out as a go-to destination for football fans and casual nights out. We kicked things off with an order of cheese curds, which are always a must when you’re at a sports bar. Crispy on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside, they w

For the final bites of my trip to Nashville, we had dinner at Pelato to experience some of the Italian dishes it’s known for. From shareable appetizers to rich pasta plates, this restaurant delivered a flavorful and energetic dining experience that felt like the perfect send-off meal. We started with the garlic bread served with a side of melted mozzarella, and this dish was absolutely incredible. The flavor was simple yet bold, with perfectly toasted bread and creamy cheese

Though I don’t always plan for dinner in the Chicago Loop, going out before a show is the perfect excuse to explore the neighborhood’s restaurant scene. My latest stop was Solette, a downtown Chicago restaurant known for its lively happy hour, after-work crowd, and convenient location near theaters. I started with a $10 glass of prosecco from the happy hour menu, which felt like a great value for the area. If you’re looking for affordable drinks in the Loop, this is definitel

I love it when a new cocktail bar opens in Chicago, and Double Fun in the Gold Coast was high on my list to try. Known for its creative cocktail menu and moody atmosphere, Double Fun is quickly becoming a go-to spot for elevated drinks in the neighborhood. I started with The Martina, made with tequila reposado, Cocchi Rosa, strawberry amaro, and hoja santa. This cocktail leaned strong, but the strawberry amaro added a balanced sweetness that rounded out the bold flavors beaut

Trying new breakfast sandwiches is one of my favorite morning adventures, and Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria did not disappoint. This upscale café offers both a luxurious atmosphere and flavorful breakfast dishes. To start, I ordered a classic vanilla latte along with some of their bakery items: monkey bread, strawberry hot pocket, and pain au chocolat. For the main event, I went for the Breakfast Sandwich, featuring thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, egg, potato rosti, sri

For the final meal on my New York City trip, I knew I wanted to end on a high note—and Ci Siamo easily became one of my favorite restaurants we visited. Located in Manhattan and known for its wood-fired dishes and handmade pastas, Ci Siamo delivered on both atmosphere and flavor. We started with the Gnocco Fritto filled with goat gouda, a dish I’d absolutely order again. The airy, crispy dough paired perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy Gouda. It was the ideal light star

During my New York City food tour, after enjoying multiple Italian spots, I wanted a change of pace and visited La Mercerie, a chic French restaurant in NYC known for its fresh flavors and Parisian-inspired menu. We started with Pain et Beurre, a simple yet delicious dish of a fresh baguette served with salted butter — a perfect introduction to the meal. For a shared starter, we had the Salad with Fine Herbs, which was crisp, fresh, and bursting with vibrant herb flavors. For

During my trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida, I dined at Gallion’s, a seafood-forward restaurant known for fresh fish, creative dishes, and flavorful starters. From unique menu items to perfectly cooked seafood, this dinner spot exceeded my expectations. I started with the Butter Candle, a bread-and-butter creation filled with garlic and spice. While it sounded gimmicky at first, it was absolutely delicious and a must-try. We also tried the Crab Cakes, which were crab-forward an

Emerald Loop quickly became one of my go-to late-night stops in Chicago after initially visiting to try their famous espresso martini. This lively pub stood out not only for its cocktails, but also for its festive holiday decor and unexpectedly great bar food. I had to try the Nitro Espresso Martini on tap, which isn’t usually my go-to drink, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and creamy it was. To pair with the cocktails, we ordered a few appetizers, including the

This past September, I experienced Tokyo Last Call, a unique dining concept in the basement of Sushi-San, where four Japanese bars and bartenders rotate each weekend with their own curated cocktail menus. I attended the last weekend in September, featuring Tokyo Confidential as the guest bartender. My favorite cocktail of the night was the Arigato El Gatto, made with Japanese whiskey, mezcal, watermelon, and chili. The cocktail had the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sw

If you’re visiting Newport, Rhode Island, a stop at The Lobster Bar is a must for fresh seafood and beautiful harbor views. This restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, perfect for anyone looking to indulge in classic New England flavors. We started with the Seafood Tower, which included ahi tuna, lobster, shrimp, and oysters. This tower was impressive, with a generous selection for the table to share. The ahi tuna was fresh and flavorful, and a whole lobster is a

Whenever I’m back in Cincinnati, I love finding new restaurants to try — and Colette was at the top of my list after hearing so many rave reviews. From the first bite to the last, this French-inspired restaurant delivered an incredible dining experience. We started the meal with both bread options — the Pain Maison, a fresh brioche served with seasonal butter, was light, fluffy, and perfectly rich. The second bread option, the Animal Farm Creamery Butter Service, is only avai

After passing The Franklin Room Chicago multiple times, I finally made my way in to try some of their celebrated dishes. Known for...