You guys know Chicago is near and dear to my heart. I spent five amazing years in Chicago after college, and still try to travel there as often as I can. Let’s be honest a weekend getaway from Grand Rapids to Chicago is just a short drive, train ride or flight. Whether you’re with your family or girlfriends there’s so much to see and eat in Chicago for a weekend getaway. Speaking of eating did you know Chicago Restaurant Week starts January 25th? This was my favorite event when I lived in Chicago to experience a new restaurant or revisit an old favorite. If you’re planning a trip to Chicago soon here’s why restaurant week is a great time to visit.
What is Chicago Restaurant Week?
Chicago Restaurant Week runs from January 25-Febuary 7, 2019 and is one of the best events in the city. If you love trying new restaurants or new dishes this really is a great time to head to Chicago. With almost 400 restaurants participating in restaurant week there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I would recommend scrolling the menus and making reservations beforehand (highly recommended for most restaurants). Another fun way to kick-off Chicago Restaurant Week is with the First Bites Bash. This event takes place on January 24th at The Field Museum and tickets are still available. You can find food tastings from many of the restaurants participating in restaurant week.
Restaurant Recommendations
With almost 400 restaurants participating in Chicago Restaurant Week it can feel a little overwhelming picking a restaurant to dine at. So, here are some restaurants that I tried for a sneak peek of restaurant week.
Tanta
Escape the cold weather of Chicago and take a culinary adventure to Peru at Tanta. Serving authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages this is a great restaurant to really try something new. Tanta is participating in Chicago Restaurant Week for lunch and dinner and you can browse the menus here.
I tried the Teradito Bachiche which was absolutely amazing and delivered so many different flavors in each bite. This dish includes chef’s fish selection, 22-month aged parmesan leche de tigre, and ‘fish skin’ and it paired perfectly with the Pisco Sour. If you haven’t tried a Pisco Sour before let me tell you it’s incredible and made with pisco, egg white, lime, sugar and bitters. At Tanta they really utilize locally sourced products, and take you on a journey with each dish. If you’re looking for a food adventure, the opportunity to try something new and authentic Peruvian dishes head to Tanta.
Cafe Spiaggia
If you love Italian food look no further than Cafe Spiaggia located on Michigan Ave. in Chicago. With James Beard Award Winning Chef, Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef, Joe Flamm at Cafe Spiaggia and sister restaurant Spiaggia you know the food is going to be delicious. At Cafe Spiaggia you can find casual Italian fare including handmade pastas and incredible shared plates. You can browse the lunch and dinner menu for Chicago Restaurant Week to check out the different dishes offered.
I tried the Truffle Arancini which was a highlight of the night. The truffles gave the arancini a pop of flavor and such a great appetizer to share with friends. If you’re a huge fan of Italian food, love a lively atmosphere and a great selection of wine head to Cafe Spiaggia for Chicago Restaurant Week.
ZED451
I was so excited to try ZED451 for a sneak peek of Chicago Restaurant Week after hearing raving reviews from friends that have dined here. ZED451 is a modern churrascaria with hand-carved rotisserie that’s served tableside. Even as someone that’s vegetarian/pescatarian I was really impressed to find many dishes that I could enjoy for restaurant week. You can take a look at the menu here.
This upscale Brazilian steakhouse has an amazing menu for Chicago Restaurant Week. I was blown away with how awesome their Harvest Table was with a variety of salad options, cheeses, soups, and breads. I loved the salads and different cheeses and it was a perfect way to start the meal. They serve char-grilled buttermilk bottom sirloin, Moroccan chicken and Faroe Island salmon directly at your table which is so fun to try. End your meal with this delicious chocolate cake served with beet ice cream which was delicious. If you’re dining with a group, enjoy a Brazilian steakhouse, or want to experience a fun atmosphere head to ZED451 for Chicago Restaurant Week.
Beacon Tavern
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave. you can find Beacon Tavern. Beacon Tavern offers elevated tavern classics with a focus on seafood dishes. The food has something for everyone to enjoy, and a gorgeous dining experience with floor to ceiling windows that offer great views of the city. Check out the brunch, lunch and dinner menus for Chicago Restaurant Week here.
One of my favorite dishes was the catch of the day served with ratatouille, olive oil and balsamic. You guys know I love fish and it was cooked to perfection and delicious with the tomatoes and olive oil. I also really loved this rigatoni served with roasted butternut squash and cranberries. If you like spicy flavors you have to try the monkey bread with parmesan and black truffle that leaves a little heat on your palate. If you want incredible food in a casual setting, spectacular views of the city, and an approachable wine list head to Beacon Tavern.
Where to Stay in Chicago
If you’re traveling to Chicago for restaurant week you might also be overwhelmed by the many hotels in Chicago. The Blackstone Hotel was such a wonderful host while I was in town for Chicago Restaurant Week. If you’re not familiar with this hotel you really should check it out for your next trip. The Blackstone Hotel has a ton of history including hosting numerous heads of state in the Suite of Presidents. In 2017 the hotel went through a revitalization and is now part of the Autograph Collection.
The rooms at The Blackstone Hotel have modern touches, but are still extremely comfortable with plush bedding and historic architecture. Many of the rooms have lake views and views of Grant Park that are just stunning. The bathrooms have amazing upgrades and all the amenities you need to make your stay feel like home.
You can also find Mercat a la Planxa a restaurant and bar located in The Blackstone Hotel. You know I’m a huge fan of Spanish cuisine, so I loved trying a few dishes from the menu like this delicious flatbread with peppers and anchovies. Also, if you like gin the Mercat Gin Tonic is a highlight at the restaurant.
More Things to do in Chicago
If you’re traveling to Chicago for Chicago Restaurant Week or spring break (right around the corner) I wanted to let you know about the Chicago City Pass. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Chicago like The Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, or Museum of Science and Industry the City Pass provides a good way to save some money. I spent my afternoon at The Art Institute using the City Pass, and it was perfect for a chilly day in Chicago.
A huge thank you to Choose Chicago and The Blackstone Hotel for sponsoring this post and hosting. And thank you to Tanta, Cafe Spiaggia, ZED451, and Beacon Tavern for the incredible food and dining experience.
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