We are beyond happy we were able to get back to one of our favorite cities, after 18 long months. Hello again Chicago! This amazing city has our hearts. How can you not feel alive when you visit a city where any day of the week, people are enjoying a life well lived. Gathering with friends for small plates at The Purple Pig, savoring Gluten-free gnocchi with wild boar ragu at Spiaggia Cafe, or getting your French fix with escargot and duck confit at Mon Ami Gabi – is too good to ever pass up. Can you tell we’re there for the food first? Long lunches and festive dinners with lively conversation are our Chicago mantra.
Cafe Spiaggia
This sophisticated Italian cafe overlooks North Michigan Avenue. Two top marble tables nestled in the window nooks are the perfect spot for an intimate lunch. The menu at Café Spiaggia consists of sumptuous small plates, and all of the pasta selections are made in-house. Start with a bubbly glass of crisp prosecco, enjoy a seasonal burrata salad, and share a tender meatball (don’t forget to dip your bread into the flavorful pomodoro sauce). Next, sink your fork into pillowy handmade gnocchi with wild boar ragu (don’t let the “wild boar” intimidate you, it tender and delicious)! Finally, order a creamy cappuccino to sip, while contentedly recalling each satisfying bite.
Le Colonial
Recently relocated to a fabulous spot overlooking Oak Street, this local favorite is a not to be missed experience. Most of us regulars were skeptical that their iconic location on Rush Street could be reinvented or improved upon in any way. Yet, here we are, with the same fabulous Vietnamese menu, top notch service, and a new, invigorating atmosphere.
Our dearest friends would not visit Chicago without coming to Le Colonial for a bowl of PHO BO soup (we wholeheartedly agree). This is a soul-satisfying Wagyu oxtail broth, rice Noodles, scallions, bean sprouts, cilantro, and beef tenderloin. This is comfort food at its finest. Sip a spoonful of the light, savory broth, then slurp up (yes I said slurp) the most tender thinly-sliced beef and paper thin noodles. Yum and yum! We also never pass up the Ga Xao Xa which is a spicy Amish chicken, jalapeno and shiitake mushroom stir-fry – we love a little heat, and this meal delivers. If you’re a beer drinker, sip on a Tsingtao draft (sorry David – next time).
The Purple Pig
A local Chicagoan turned us on to this cult favorite establishment several years ago. This rustic, Mediterranean inspired, shareable plate restaurant invites guests to linger over glasses of wine, charcuterie, and an array inventive dishes. Patrons of The Purple Pig are privy to lively conversation, and an energized, convivial environment. Imagine if you were in your best friends kitchen, but it was way cooler.
Not to miss offerings include: Salt-Roasted Beets with whipped goat cheese & pistachio vinaigrette, a “smear” which is thick slices of grilled bread served with Roasted Bone Marrow, herbs, capers, and Maldon sea salt, and our all-time favorite the Turkey Leg Confit with cabbage, and fried lentils (skip the lentils if you’re GF). Foodie, vegetarian or wine lover – this fun, festive spot has something special for all of the above.
RL Cafe
We always begin our Chicago weekend at RL Cafe for a long lunch (we are creatures of habit). Within these walls I feel like my mother may have felt having lunch in this spot in the 50’s. Black and white photographs line the walls, brass light fixtures, saddle leather seating, and white tablecloths define the totally Ralph Lauren cool space.
A meal at RL Cafe is all about classic American food that is consistently delicious. The service is top-notch with a wait staff that is both personable and knowledgeable. There’s a predictable debate about whether to have the Maine lobster bisque or succulent garlic butter escargot (we are obviously suckers for snails) to whet our appetites. Then comes the debate between the Polo Club sandwich (a super yummy chicken blt with the option of a fried egg) or my personal favorite – the lobster roll with lemon aioli on a buttery brioche bun. At the end of the day, the choice never matters – it’s all good.
Mon Ami Gabi
This charming spot in Lincoln Park is a is a newcomer in our Chicago restaurant repertoire. At Mon Ami Gabi, be prepared for beautiful wines from their historic wine cart, a bagged, crisp, warm baguette with French butter, and an array of classic French dishes. Our experience began with mouthwatering escargot bathed in an herbed-garlic butter which was sublime (enter the baguette for sopping up that delicious sauce). Next up, a crispy skinned ultra-moist duck confit served with perfectly braised red cabbage. The main event was steak in a caramelized onion, red wine sauce and hand-cut frites. When you visit (and you should), make sure you make the time to linger and savor the moment – you’ll be glad you did!
