There’s never really a right time to start anything new, and I figured what better time to join Substack than 6 weeks post-resignation from my full-time job. This is something I’ve been wanting to launch for quite some time now, and I thought in honor of my very first post, you might all be interested in learning more about which spots are on my personal Chicago bucket list in the new year. Let me know if I left anything out!
Restaurants & Bars
In-On Thai: This casual Thai restaurant reopened in a new location in Uptown, and it’s also a great BYOB option. We all know there’s plenty of just okay Thai spots in Chicago, and I’m really excited about this north side gem offering authentic Thai food.
Ragadan: This is another casual spot in Uptown, but this time it’s serving up Jordanian-influenced food. The menu looks to be full of affordable and flavorful crowdpleasers like falafel and kefta kabobs (which I’m sure are delicious), but I’m especially excited about the "Dan Burger” which comes with shoor pickles, chopped onion, ketchup, mustard and zatr mayo.
John’s Food & Wine: To be honest, when I first heard about this new Lincoln Park opening, John’s Food & Wine didn’t immediately shoot to the top of my list. Slowly, my social feeds started to fill with the beautiful dishes coming out to this kitchen and I began to be swayed. The food here looks simple, approachable, yet ever so satisfying. It looks like the perfect, no-fuss date night destination.
Nettare: Located just a 10 minute walk from my place, this new opening serves as a bar, restaurant, and market in the West Town neighborhood. The classic cocktails also sound incredibly refreshing, and I’m particularly excited about their unique menu which includes giardiniera frites (say no more), oyster mushroom skewers, and game bird with chicken skin grits.
Provaré: Another West Town favorite, Provaré has been on my list for quite some time now. This is a Michelin Guide restaurant known for its delicious Creole/fusion fare. I’m not kidding when I say I’d devour pretty much anything on their menu, which effortlessly blends Italian and Creole flavors. If there’s one thing I accomplish in 2024, it’s finally checking Provaré off my bucket list.
Maman Zari: This is a new Persian-inspired tasting menu in Albany Park that I’m dying to visit in 2024. I’ve also read that this is also the country’s first Persian tasting menu, and I love that they offer both standard and vegetarian versions. The food looks enchanting, soulful, and fragrant, and I’m looking forward to celebrating a special occasion here.
Helmand: Another Albany Park opening that immediately earned a spot on my list is Helmand. I’m not super familiar with Afghan food, but I’m hoping to expand my knowledge and palate thanks to this new north side opening. I know the beef mantu here will hit me on a spiritual level, and their Afghan seekh kabob actually looks like it may just be life-altering.
Laschet’s Inn: It’s really not often that I’m craving German food, but the authentic vibes at Laschet’s Inn are enough to draw me in. As someone who doesn’t eat pork, it’s usually a huge deterrent to visiting any Bavarian restaurant, but the chicken schnitzel and jumbo pretzel may be just what the doctor ordered especially in time for Chicago winter.
Basant Modern Indian: When it comes to Indian food, I’m incredibly loyal to The Spice Room, but this father and son owned North Center restaurant actually makes me want to head to a neighborhood (which I typically consider to be a dead zone for good food). As I sit here studying their menu, I find myself salivating over the fish basant cooked in creamy coconut milk and a spicy tomato sauce, lamb shank nihari, and chicken tikka, in particular. Wowza.
Shokran: Seth and I recently dined at a fantastic Moroccan restaurant in Paris (Le Sirocco), and left feeling confounded that we could not name one place for Moroccan food in Chicago. It turns out we’re just ignorant because Shokran is a beloved Irving Park gem that has been around for over a decade. The tagines here looks stunning, and I’m committed to checking this off my list this year.
Hermosa: A casual sandwich shop by day and private dining space by night, Hermosa offers an 11-course BYOB dinner for up to 10 guests. I’m super intrigued by their contemporary take on Cambodian food, and all of the dishes here look truly tantalizing. The tasting experience will run you about $200 pp (before taxes and tip), but from what I’ve heard the cost is more than justified given the outstanding flavors and overall quality of the experience.
La Pharmacie: This is an intimate and cozy cocktail bar located in Edgewater with a frequently rotating menu. It looks like the perfect, moody neighborhood date night spot. If I find myself on the far north side this year, I definitely plan on stopping here for a lovely night cap.
Asador Bastian: By now you’ve probably read a ton of press about this River North steakhouse. This steakhouse, however, is a bit unique as it derives much inspiration from the Basque region (which I’m dying to visit, by the way). The space also looks tastefully curated, which is rare to see in a somewhat sceney River North hotspot. I did have a small bite of their steak at a recent event Resy hosted in collaboration with The Schoolhouse, but I’d barely count that as a visit. I can’t wait to visit spot and leave with a belly full of superior steaks.
Pochos: An adorable Mexican-American owned brunch spot in beautiful Pilsen, Pochos has a tantalizing menu of delicious brunch favorites. I’m a sucker for chilaquiles and theirs truly looks fantastic—hoping to visit this cute little gem on 18th St this year and sip on a refreshing Michelada.
Bronzeville Winery: This Bronzeville gem offers a well-curated wine list and thoughtful menu of modern American classics. The rotating wine list also aims to highlight winemakers from around the world, supporting women, minority and black-owned labels. When it comes to the food, the whole red snapper (grilled or fried with sesame glazed bok choy coconut rice) and the bourbon peach vanilla cheesecake alone may be enough to make the 30-min drive worthwhile.
Kajiken: This Japanese restaurant made its debut in May 2023, but I’ve been dying to visit ever since we (accidentally) tried abura soba for the first time in Tokyo. Abura soba is simply just soup-less ramen noodles, and I hate to say I think I might prefer this slightly over standard ramen. I realize Kajiken likely won’t compare to our first-ever bowl of abura soba had in Tokyo, but I’m ready to see for myself.
Osito’s Tap: A cozy bar in Little Village, I hate to admit that Osito’s first caught my attention solely because of its very adorable logo (a tiny little chihuahua will always tug at my heartstrings)—the namesake is inspaired by the family’s very smol dog who has since passed. Aside from the cute branding, the bar is classic Chicago through and through, and the food looks pretty special too.
Activities & Sights
The Salt Shed: I may be the last millennial standing who has yet to see a show at The Salt Shed, and I really hope to change that this year. I was so bummed when I was out of town for the The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie show in September, and I’m really hoping I can finally check out a concert in this iconic venue.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Another Chicago gem that I’ve somehow never visited is the MCA. I even used to live a mere 10 minute walk from here, and somehow I never managed to tour any of their past iconic exhibits (e.g., Murakami, David Bowie Is, etc.)—really need to plan a little solo museum date in 2024 and going to hold myself to it.
Museum of Surgical Science: This is an exquisite museum dedicated to highlighting the history of surgery and medicine. I personally have zero ties to this field, but somehow this museum is very high on my bucket list thanks to its unique exhibits and beautiful architecture.
Jackson Park: I’ve always wanted to take a leisurely stroll around this massive park in Hyde Park. Jackson Park is also home to a beautiful, authentic Japanese garden, and I hope to visit here on a sunny afternoon with the fam this year.