newbie21

If you are interested in Japanese Ramen, perhaps for lunch, you MUST go to Ippudo. Hand made noodles, the only other place on earth that you'll find them is in Japan. The Shiromaru Hakata Classic with thin-sliced Berkshire pork and an egg, and a side of bakudan to spice it up quite simply changed my life. Order a beer and you're in for about $20. Can't go wrong, shouldn't be missed. Have a great time!!

Thanks!!

Great interview with Grant Achatz of Alinea and where he goes for cocktails....woo-hoooo!! http://www.thefeast....-118255379.html

Great interview with Grant and the places he goes for pizza and cocktails: http://www.thefeast.com/chicago/restaurants/Cant-Live-Without-Grant-Achatzs-Favorite-Places-in-Chicago-118255379.html

I'm shocked, SHOCKED to find there is Cuban rum in that bar. Ha!!! Ya, we just replenished from Puerto Vallarta a couple of weeks ago! Yummm.

We have both in the freezer, sadly with woefully little left in each.

I don't know what you mean by hoo-har, but that is one of the most sublime things I have ever put in my mouth.

After a 14 year hiatus, I am back in the restaurant industry. I refer to the chef as 'Chef' in the kitchen and on the floor, and by her first name when off the clock. I have a great deal of respect for her and her profession, yet I also feel like she is a friend of mine, so I think it would be weird to refer to her as 'Chef' when we're having a drink together.

Hi Ira!!! Best of luck to you! I look forward to getting up there once you're up and running!

The Patterson House has excellent food, and the cocktails can't be missed! You really can eat well there, and there's a wide variety to choose from; not your typical bar food by a long shot, thanks to The Ryan Harris and Josh! City House is worth checking out, too.

Raj Darbar has always been one of my favorites. On Halstead in Lincoln Park.

The people who started this thread have long gone, but for those still following, I just went to Palo Santo and had an outstanding meal! We had 9+ courses and wine pairings for just over $100pp. The food was incredibly well done, very fresh, their spices often just picked from their rooftop garden. The homemade tortillas and the fish taco were a standout for me. I look forward to going back!

Really? I just moved to Brooklyn from Chicago, and I'd give my left arm to have anything resembling a Nuevo Leon around here!

Highlights included Kirk, Frog, Rob Cooper, Luke's, Cochon, the cocktail party at Presbetyre, and the Absinthe tasting at....gee, where was I by then? The only lowpoint for me came when I had to leave before the week's end.

Nice review in The Tennessean: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090626...iance+enthralls