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Extend an Olive Branch
Make peace with one of these olive-inspired dishes.
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New Restaurants
Our handy guide to fresh spots for feasting is required reading.
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Prix-Fixe for Penny Pinchers
Have a multi-course dinner without breaking the bank at one of these neighborhood restaurants.
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Hall Call
Mexican-food pioneer Rick Bayless was inducted into the Chefs Hall of Fame, and we were there to capture the celebration.
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Early Bird Catches the Deals
Getting up at the crack of dawn really does pay off!
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Hop to Hoanh Long
Misty cures her rice craving and then some at this Vietnamese eatery.
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Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em
Chicago's no-smoking law doesn't apply to smoked food, thankfully. Here's where to get the good stuff.
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Chi-Town Bayou
Make like you're in N'awlins for a day with our culinary itinerary.
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Skewered Anew
Afghan Kabob proves to be a superb stand-in for Misty's favorite (and now closed) Afghan spot.
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Eight Arms to Feed You
Whether it's an appetizer, salad or main course, the variety of ways an octopus can be prepared outnumbers its plentiful arms.
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Tables for One
Full fridge or not, Misty can't resist eating out.
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Berries in Bloom
Sleep in and skip the berry pickin', these restaurants have done all the work for you.
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Hope You Like Jammin', Too
Summer means fresh fruit, and fresh fruit means jam...here are some jarfuls of deliciousness to try.
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Ringing It Up for Less at Ringo
A less-than-perfect wine makes Zinny consider changing her penny-pinching ways.
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Salvadoran Salivation
Misty feeds her pupusa addiction, one $2 treat at a time.
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Dog Days of Summer
July is National Hot Dog Month...here's where to celebrate.
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The World in a Cup (o' Joe)
Put down the Starbucks and pick up one of these regional coffee concoctions.
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A Thirst for Summer
Misty's on a liquid diet, at least in the mornings.
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Smothered, Uncovered
Forget the eggs for once and try an American classic for breakfast.
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Snap That Trap
Got some hungry tourists on your hands? Skip the usual suspects and hit the 'hoods for these hot spots.
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Foie Your Pleasure
Get your foie gras fix quick, before the politicians reconsider.
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A Semi-Sweet Meal
Misty lusts after a new restaurant, but finds true satisfaction in one that's been around for years.
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Lady Eats the Blues
Is it possible to find Maryland-style crab cakes in Chi-Town?
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Boozing at the Brown Sack
Who needs a sack lunch when you can have this for dinner?
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Fantastic Funghi
Shrooms are in season in Chicago; here's where to get your fix.
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A Hearty Homecoming
Upon her return to Chicago, Misty plans to feast on all the foods she's missed.
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Fare That's Balanced
If you're trying out an alternative eating style, these restaurants should be on your list.
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Eating for Your Inner Child
You can still be a kid at heart when you order one of these youthful favorites with a grownup flair.
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Talkin' Taquerias
We haven't been to every taqueria in the city, but we've downed enough tacos to find a few favorites.
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Pastrami Party
We've taste-tested our way across Chicagoland in pursuit of the best pastrami joints around.
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Cashing in at Avec
Zinny finally makes good on a promise and is rewarded with an exceptionally tasty meal.
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Take the Cake
When you need to show Mom some love, you can't go wrong with an impressive cake from one of Chicago's best bakeries.
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Sweet Pie Perfection
Long overshadowed by fancier desserts, the humble pie deserves some respect, especially these wow-worthy wedges.
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It's Morning in the Loop
When you need to refuel after pulling an all-nighter at Looptopia, head to these nearby spots for some breakfast grub.
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Cafe Meets Cabernet...with a Slice of Gateau
Zinny says ooh, la, la to an unexpected wine deal.
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Kosher Kitchens
Once you've had your fill of matzoh, head to these kosher spots for a rising good time.
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Dinner and a Show
Hungry for more than just a meal? These restaurants offer food with a side of entertainment.
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The Gifts of Garlic
Try these incredibly potent, garlic-laden plates.
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Totally Chic Chinese
Zinny loads up the chopsticks at Friendship Chinese.
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Messing About at Hyderabad
A no-frills Devon Avenue joint slings deliciously spicy biryani and other Indian eats.
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Search for the Best Cheesecake
If your love for cheesecake would best be defined as "fanatical," this guide's for you.
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Heating Things Up At Coalfire
Zinny bites into two kinds of pie—pizza and humble—at Coalfire.
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Take Me Out to Eat Before the Ballgame
A fan can't survive on peanuts and Cracker Jack alone, so keep these Wrigleyville spots in mind for game day.
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All Bulked Up
Look to bulk foods for tasty eats that won't take a bite out of your wallet.
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Ethnic Easter Eats
Take a break from that chocolate bunny and savor these old-world delicacies.
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Coo Coo for Kiko's
While stuck in So-Cal, Misty dreams of Chicago's diverse food options--especially the meat.
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Where's the Corned Beef?
The salty brisket isn't just for St. Pat's. Enjoy fine plates of it year-round at these restaurants.
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Island Hopping with an Appetite
Find your way to these restaurants, where you can feast on the Caribbean—sans the pricey flight.
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Degeneration of Swine
Ham will do just fine for a family gathering, but Chicago is rife with tasty pork alternatives.
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Monday Night Goes American
Zinny's evening of cheap wine and pizza reminds her of the good old days.
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An Albany Park Stunner
Becoming reacquainted with the neighborhood involves first-rate falafel and other foodie finds.
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The Savory Side of Chocolate
Give your sweet tooth a break and explore plates that pair cocoa with salty ingredients.
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Magical Pastry Tour
We've scouted out the best pastries around, so you can nibble away the winter blues.
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Chicago's Juiciest Ceviche
Watching chefs whip up ceviche in Mexico teaches Misty to appreciate the concoction stateside.
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Super Heroes
Try a great sub from one of Chicago's finest grinders.
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Forget the Fish Fry
These restaurants offer alternative Lent-friendly seafood plates for the Catholic in all of us.
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Erotic Eats
Chicago restaurants sling out libido-charging plates that'll help you get laid.
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Wine for a Song
Zinny's BYOB break still has her snatching up wine for less.
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Aw, Shucks
Whether you shoot them raw or take 'em in a dish, oysters are one mollusk you've got to dig in to.
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A True Taste of Peru
Misty and friends scarf a mean paella while reminiscing about their favorite global eats.
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Super-size for the Super Bowl
From boundless beef to better beer, we've got the bulk-size goods you need for your party.
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Wind, Rice, Repeat
To sate her craving for rice, Misty puts away heaping spoonfuls of curry at Tank.
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Eat Chic, Drink Cheap
Raise the BYOB bar at these truly date-worthy restaurants.
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Eat Your Oatmeal!
We've got a few nourishing breakfast places that'll hit the spot on a cold winter morning.
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Brunch Goes Bubbly
Cheap champagne and real-deal OJ make for a boozy brunch at Flying Saucer.
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Healthy, Hungry and Wise
We've got eating-out tips for those hopping on the 2008 health train.
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Filipino Food Frenzy
Misty invades an insiders-only Filipino restaurant and makes out with a whole lot of eats.
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Hands-on Feasting
After vowing to try somewhere new, Misty lands some affordable Indo/Pak cuisine.
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Me, Myself and Pie
For those who want to go at it alone, a handful of Chicago restaurants cater to the singular dining sect.
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Drinking More for Less at Rodan
Zinny bypasses the BYOB again, but scores a great deal.
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Fly Globally, Eat Locally
Traveling through O'Hare? Skip the golden arches and opt for these local eateries.
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Getting What You Give
Misty scouts out some Korean eats that remind her of her recent volunteering trip to Indonesia.
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Twice the Fun for Half as Much
Zinny puts the BYOB on hold but keeps the wine deals flowing with a night at the Tasting Room.
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Stairway to Culinary Heaven
First may not be the worst but second is the best at these two-floor restaurants.
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BYOB Alternatives
Can't get a table at Coast? Try these lesser-known but just-as-great substitutes.
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Steeped in Tradition
A quick lesson in loose leaf will have you trading in your java for a cup of tea.
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More Adventures in Uptown
Zinny's happy to call dibs on a table at Lawrence Avenue's Dib Sushi.
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South of the Border Slurping
Latin American versions of chicken soup mix things up in your bowl.
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Belize Does it Better
Misty discovers some of the tastiest grub on the planet, and it isn't from Mexico.
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Seeking Special-Occasion Sushi
Zinny heads to Izumi for an elevated BYOB experience.
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Eat Your Art Out
These restaurants and cafes come with killer views...of art.
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Something Skewered This Way Comes
If we've learned anything from state fairs, it's that everything tastes better on a stick.
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For the Love of Lula
Misty ditches her 'hood for a day of creative cocktails and feel-good fare at Logan Square's hip eatery.
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Saluting Soup Season
Warm up your belly with bowls of fall-inspired goodness and some classic cups, too.
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Finding a Caribbean Oasis at Punta Cana
Zinny's penchant for plantains earns her the Biggest Eater award.
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The Choicest Chicken
Misty finds the tenderest bird around at an unassuming Middle Eastern storefront.
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Let the Candy Outta the Bag
Treat yourself to some Halloween sweets from these creative candy spots.
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Eyes on the Pie
When only pizza will do, Misty heads to Il Fiasco for its perfected thin-crust pies.
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Where the Cabbies Eat
When you want a spot with quick, cheap and tasty eats, just look for the taxis parked outside.
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Bread Winners
We've tracked down the city's best bread baskets for starting your meal off right.
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End-of-Summer Splurge
Zinny tries multi-bottles and multi-courses at Logan Square's Bonsoiree.
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Have Your Cake and Donate,Too
You can feel good, stuffed and full of altruism after visiting these spots.
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Start the Presses!
Misty swoons over homemade huaraches, flecked with black beans and pressed to order.
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The Ultimate Tailgater's Companion
Score big points at your next tailgate by putting together a football fantasy feast.
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Heading to Havana
Cafe Bolero's rum drinks may be on hold, but its temporary BYOB keeps Zinny—and her wallet—happy.
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Boystown by Daylight
Misty walks down Halsted, barhopping, celebrity sightseeing and chowing down along the way.
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Istanbul in Chicago
Eat like a sultan without booking a flight to Turkey.
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Saved by the Lunch Bell
Relive your lunchroom days by grabbing a tray at these cafeteria-style restaurants.
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Am I a Snob?
Zinny surprises herself by falling hard for Lincoln Park's Miska Liquors and Nan's Sushi.
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Barbecue Bliss
Misty brightens up a rainy day with some BBQ ribs at lively Vietnamese restaurant Pho Hoa.
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Cheap Choices
It pays to be choosy at these fine dining destinations.
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Crepe Cravings
Zinny's ode on a Grecian crepe takes an Algerian twist.
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N'awlins Knock-outs
Celebrate the Big Easy by feasting on its cuisine
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Savoring Summertime
Misty shares her favorite spots for indulging in the season's drinks and eats.
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Do it in Private
Separate yourself from the dining masses in one of these private dining rooms.
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Tamale Lust
You may think you know tamales, but you don't. We've unwrapped the city's best bundles of goodness.
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Falling Hard for Buena Park
Zinny has an unremarkable sushi meal on a remarkable stretch of Sheridan Road.
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Quintessential Summer Eats
Make the most of the season by indulging in the must-have eats.
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Shoveling Schnitzel
Misty gets a head start on her 2008 German vacation with lots of sausage at Resi's Bierstube.
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Costa Rican Burritos are Just Better
Zinny pairs her favorite beer with the tastiest burrito around. Sorry, Don Chema.
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Pack the Perfect Picnic
Tantalizing treats that'll wow any picnic basket
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Checking Out Paradise
Supermercado Chapala's tender carnitas, memorable guac and friendly patrons give Misty a taste of paradise.
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Holy Smoked
We round up the finest barbecue spots this side of the Mason-Dixon.
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Thai'd and True
Zinny and Merle take it slow with sauvignon blanc at surprisingly hip TAC Quick.
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Fried and Gone to Heaven
Misty's day off turns into a hog-wild fried shrimp fest at The Fish Keg.
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Mas Alimento, Por favor
Zinny goes on a tasting frenzy with sauvignon blanc by her side at Mundial Cocina Mestiza.
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Big Buns, Bigger Belly
Misty sings sweet love songs to this off-the-radar Middle Eastern eatery.
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Pounding Potato Pizza
Zinny carbo-loads at Pizza Rustica.
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Just Desserts
Move over mint chocolate chip: These unique summer snack spots take over the frozen world.
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Five Foods I'm Loving
Misty sings praises of her current can't-live-without foods.
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A Swedish Smorgasbord
Pick up everything from meatballs to almond cake in Andersonville, aka Little Sweden.
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Finding Nirvana
Zinny finds green and greener Nirvana—then eats it—at the amazing vegan Korean restaurant Amitabul.
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Bridging the Diet Divide
Where herbivores and carnivores happily eat side by side.
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Make Way for Mazza
Thanks to Bhabi's limited hours, Misty delights in the new kid on the Devon block.
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Round-the-World Breakfasts
Morning meals like they make them over there.
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Freshly Minted
Mojitos and mac 'n' cheese fritters make quite a match at Morseland.
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Living the Loop Life
Despite its stale cannoli, Trattoria Caterina hits the neighborhood-feel nail on the head.
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Wild Pies
This is not your mother's pizza...in fact, some of these don't seem like 'za at all.
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Beyond the Burrito
Chuck the Meximelt and give Cinco de Mayo its proper due with our guide to Mexican bests.
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Call Me a Francophile
Misty makes nice with her Le Bouchon tablemates...until they try to touch her creme anglaise.
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Strictly Seafood
Zinny nurses a hangover with an easy-going lager and meat from the sea at Habana Libre.
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Korean Comfort Food
There's more to Korean cooking than do-it-yourself barbecue.
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Goin' Gluten-Free
Misty finds unexpected joy in restricted eating at a Lebanese spot on the North Side.
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CSA All the Way!
Community Supported Agriculture makes supporting local farms as easy as organic pie.
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Your Basic (Georgian) Bakery
Misty keeps it simple with pies of every flavor at Devon's Georgian Bakery.
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Best Eggs Bennys
Easter is as good a reason as any to feast on eggs.
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Keeping It Casual at Fan Si Pan
Humungous spring rolls and giant bottles of Asahi make for medium-size results.
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Where to Eat the Bunny
From braised rabbit stew to golden-fried spring rolls, these spots cover your bunny needs.
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An Indian Feast for Kings
Misty gives Uptown's all-the-rage Marigold a try.
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Toasted at T-Spot
Zinny whittles away at her still-to-try BYO sushi spots, dropping into T-Spot with a team of fellow foodies in tow.
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Mad About Matzoh Balls
Just in time for Passover, we seek out the best bowls of salty matzoh ball soup in town.
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Between a Rum and a Hard Place
Misty makes way for amazing Mexican and Captain Morgan's at Pilsen's Mundial Cocina Mestiza.
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Masa Mexican, Please
Corn fungus and quesadillas put Misty's rum-filled belly to rest after St. Pat's revelry.
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Where's the Beef?
These unsung beef stand heroes sling thin slices, fresh giardineria and even cheddar cheese.
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Spoonful of Paradise
We can't all head to Isla Mujeres like Misty, but we can hit up for favorite international spots.
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Popping into Palmito
Trying to channel warmer waters, Zinny has a classier-than-expected Costa Rican feast.
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Unusual Suspects
The best food spots you haven't heard of.
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Rogers Park Perfection
Misty stumbles onto one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the city...and sinks into an Italian feast.
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Taking You Down to Chinatown…Bakeries
Replacing ham and havarti croissants with barbecue pork and bean paste-stuffed buns.
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Going Greek
Forget the Mediterranean...good Greek abounds in Evanston.
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Summer In The City Comes Early
It may be colder-than-cold, but nothing warms the soul like an ice cream sundae.
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Save Some Saturday Soup For Me
Nothing beats rustic, hand-slapped food, and Los Niches slaps it together right.
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The Bistro Breakdown
Kindle that romance over fabulous French...just save the messy French onion soup for the second date.
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Jamaica Jerk: Flask Not Included
Go to the north end of the chilly city for some deliciously hot eats.
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Hot Chocolate Heaven
Where to find a cup of nostalgia that goes way beyond Nestle.
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Taste of Polonia
Got a hankering for sauerkraut? Get your fill with a little help from our guide to Chicago's best Polish spots.
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La Unica One for Me
Misty craves Cuban tamales all the way home from South Africa.
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So Fresh And So Clean, Clean
Lots of wine meets lots of flavor, thanks to Indie Cafe's wise decision to keep tempura in its place.
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Get Sum
Fend off chopstick-wielding Chicagoans for a taste of dumpling zen at these local dim sum palaces.
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Best Of The Buffets
All-you-can-eat spots that take a big step up from Golden Corral-status.
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Look Ma, No Lines
Five spots where you don't need to wait an eternity for a plate of eggs.
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Food Flights Take Off
These food flights—plentiful platters and tasty trios—let you sample one fare several ways.
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Zinny Goes Zin
Chilly winter days make for the just-OK pairing of Thai food and Zinfandel.
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Truffles To Die For
You'll be saying "Hershey, who?" once you try these gourmet chocolates.
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Want Unconventional Fries With That?
Chicago spots that funk up the all-American side dish.
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Breakfast Bests
We report on our favorite homey spots for corned beef hash and other morning treats.
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Show Me the Feta
A Greek feast sates Misty's need for a hearty meat-free meal.
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Supping on Shrimp
Hai Yen proves that rice paper kills wontons every time.
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Kamikaze-Style Cooking
Top cooking schools test-driven by a not-top chef.
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A Naan-tastic Feast
Zinny can't restrain herself when it comes to Hema's spicy goodness.
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A Table Full of Mexican
Who needs a Thanksgiving feast when you can load up on gorditas any day of the week?
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Diner Daydreams
She may be in Africa, but Misty can't stop thinking about Deluxe Diner's patty melt.
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La Vera Cucina Italiana
Red sauces run rampant and the vino comes reasonably priced at the following restaurants.
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Kick Kraft to the Curb
Considering the bliss that powdered processed cheese can bring, we set out to find the best homemade macaroni and cheese.
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Chilly? Think Chili
A multi-bean cure for the common Chicago winter.
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Tres Leches, Tres Magnifique!
Going crazy over sweets at Pilsen's BomBon bakery.
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The World on a Plate
Exploring Chicago's ethnic markets.
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My Gosh, Mexican
Misty discovers the best Mexican meal she's had in Chicago. And oh, is it good.
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Going Godzilla For Sushi
Zinny finds hip digs and fresh fish in River West.
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Stack 'Er Up
Finding the perfect sandwich...plus 99 more.
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Deep Sea Delights
Seafood doesn't come cheap, but at these spots, it's worth every dime.
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Sampling the Strip Mall
Misty goes nuts over the cheapo offerings at Thai Aroma.
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Snobby Late-Night Dining
Dining late doesn't equal a stale-taco fate.
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Saucing It Up, Barbecue-Style
I'm on a diet. So it makes just about no sense that I picked Calvin's BBQ for my latest BYOB outing.
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Great Steakhouse Burgers
Wrap your hands around one of these boffo burgers and you'll quickly forget about the filet.
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Chicago Eats, North to South
From Chinatown cookies to La Unica coffee, Misty was on the prowl last weekend.
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Appetizing First Acts
You'll be saying "entree, who?" once you see the appetizer menus at these restaurants.
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Doing the Wine Bar Crawl
Zinny ditches her BYOB mantra at not one, but two wine bars.
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Digging Robey Pizza
As she prepares to move to a new 'hood, Misty savors Roscoe Village eats one more time.
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A Blissful Buffet in the 'Burbs
There is life...butter, naan-filled life...beyond the city limits.
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The Second Time's a Charm
Zinny finally makes it to...and digs into...Semiramis.
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Hungry? Hungover?
Feeling rancid after a night on the town? Chew your way to serenity.
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Trying Seaweed on for Size
Dipping into green goodness at Wicker Park's Usagi Ya.
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Freaking Over Frasca
Misty gives in to peer pressure...and oh is she glad she did.
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Taking Good Tastes to TV
Love food? Love Misty's column? You'll adore her TV show.
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Noodling Through the North Side
From margaritas to pulled pork sandwiches, Misty eats her way through Lincoln Square.
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Going Raw
Zinny can't help but take two trips around this totally killer, totally uncooked buffet.
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Haute Eats at the Hotel Restaurant
This ain't your grandparent's hotel dining.
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Going South-South-South
Misty heads to 79th Street for African eats that top all previous meals.
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One Naan-tastic Meal
A trip to Devon Avenue proves quite fulfilling.
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Drinking Over Designer Sushi
Tanoshii does sushi a little differently...but keeps it BYOB, of course.
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The Culinary Adventurer's Guide to Chicago
Palate-pleasing options for the diner who's ready to take on tripe.
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Doing the Diner After Dark
Nothing's better than a big plate of pancakes and a glass of wine after 1 a.m.
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Taking It To Taylor Street
Zinny's latest BYOB exploit has her eating sushi...smack dab in the middle of Little Italy.
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