Sunday, October 10, 2010

Breaking Bread with friends at Piccolo Sogno

Bridget & Meredith 10.5.10
In honor of my birthday, Bridget & Meredith graciously took me out for dinner. We celebrated the big 2-9 with amazing wine, terrific food and fabulous company! If you haven't dined at Piccolo Sogno you are missing out. Piccolo Sogno (translated meaning "little dream") opened its doors back in 2008 and has provided the taste of Italy to Chicago's warehouse district ever since.

Piccolo Sogno is not only known for their food they also provide one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city. Clearly, our October visit didn't allow us to dine outside, however the chic and intimate decor inside did not disappoint. The dark blue walls are perfectly accented with yellow and gold which provides a warm, yet elegant feel.

A bottle of chianti kicked off our dining experience and was followed by their grilled veggie and meat antipasti special. We also indulged in cecina fritta which is chick pea flour fries with Parmesan - so delicious. Deciding what to have for our main event was difficult, everything on the menu sounded to die for. We each went with a different entree in efforts to sample as many menu items as possible! I had the four cheese pizza with gorgonzola, ricotta, goat cheese and mozzarella. This pizza offered a wonderful flavor and was enjoyed by all. Mer had the risotta special with peas and prosciutto - the risotta was cooked to perfection and one of the best I've ever had. Bridget went with a pasta dish (stracci di farro) pasta triangles, asparagus, mushrooms, garlic and truffle oil. Not going to lie, she might have had the winning dish. I truly couldn't get enough of this tasty dish and the wonderful flavors it offered (I totally had it for lunch the
next day).

If I don't have you convinced to hit up Piccolo Sogno for dinner yet then maybe this will... Tortino di gianduja - warm hazelnut and chocolate cake with hazelnut gelato, candied hazelnut and chocolate sauce. Happy birthday to me!

Thanks for the great company ladies and the b-day wishes. I couldn't have asked for a better night or a better meal!

Bon appetit,
Jenn & Matt

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Back on Track with Lula Cafe

Alright friends and family, we have slacked a tad in the blog department. With job changes and the big move behind us, (well besides finding a place for just a few more odds and ends) we are "settled" and ready to pick up where we left off.
On September 25th, Matt and I headed to Logan square to check out Lula Cafe. Pulling up we soon realized the place was packed with an eclectic crowd. Young couples, families, and a very artsy vibe, we were ready to see what the hub bub was all about. With a wait to eat inside we decided to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful fall day in the Chi.

Matt and I both ordered one of their specials for that afternoon. Matt had an omelet with fresh mozzarella cheese and I was adventurous by going with the tamale with a pouched egg. Both plates offered a unique flavors and perfect size portions (not super large like most brunch options). As an extra bonus we were able to get some great people watching in!

Matt and I would be up for checking this place out again - I would go with a breakfast burrito instead though. Or perhaps head there on Monday night for their farm night!

Till next time - Jenn and Matt

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Tiny Little Secret - Tiny Lounge in Lincoln Square

I've lived in North Center for over 4 years now; and it amazes me that I haven't taken advantage of what my neighborhood has to offer. Time and time again we head further south to meet friends, eat and drink - that wasn't the case though on Saturday night. Matt and I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather (it had finally stopped raining for the day) and walk to dinner somewhere in my hood. We landed on Tiny Lounge in Lincoln Square and we couldn't have been more pleased. Tiny Lounge is long, narrow, tiny and sign-less but the fabulous drink menu, trendy atmosphere and the amazing food makes this place a tiny little gem. We hit off the night with drinks - not only do they have a nice beer selection they have great mixed drinks (which are unique and perfect for summer). I had the summer solstice (lemon-infused vodka, luxardo italian triple sec, pineapple juice, orange juice, fresh lemon juice) which was both delicious and refreshing. I'm totally going back to check out some of their other specialty drinks...and so should you! Already extremely pleased with the drink menu and atmosphere,
Matt and I were ready to check out what the kitchen had to offer.

We kicked off our tasty adventure with marinated olives (citrus, chili flakes, olive oil, fresh garlic) - not only were the olives presented perfectly but they were fabulous. They offered a perfect balance of salty and spicy - I pretty much ate the entire jar. For dinner we ordered the pizzetta bianca (roasted shiitake mushrooms, fontina cheese, truffle oil, fresh parsley) & grilled chicken empanadas (achiote, fresh oregano, cotija cheese, chimichurri sauce). The empanadas were very tasty and filled with unique flavors but to be honest the pizza was to die for. The thin, crispy crust and roasted shiitake mushrooms were killer - we couldn't get enough! Tiny Lounge exceeded our expectations and offered the most amazing drinks and pizza!

Matt and I could not get over the fact we hadn't checked this place out before. We would highly recommend checking this place out - oh & be sure to invite us along (we want to check out another one of their pizzas)!

Our night didn't end at Tiny Lounge as we met some friends at a new watering hole called FountainHead and stopped off at Brownstone on the way home! We truly enjoyed ourselves and the North Center/Lincoln Square hood!


Till next time,

Jenn & Matt

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Romance Accompanied by Drinks: Bistro Champagne

The weather in Chicago has been amazing, which always makes our outings more fun! On May 22nd, Matt and I took a stroll up north to check out Bistro Campagne on Lincoln Ave (which is not too far from my place). The night was perfect, not too hot or too cold. We were totally chancing it and hitting up this North Center hot spot sans reservations; which in the long run worked in our favor. We walked up to the rustic exterior of Bistro Camagne and we were instantly satisfied with the atmosphere. The inside was full of patrons sharing intimate dinners and drinks with loved ones and friends; the interior offered a quaint but homey vibe. Lucky for us there weren't any tables available inside and we were asked if we would mind sitting outside. We were definitely up for sitting outside on this wonderful night so off we went. Wow, the outside was even more wonderful than the inside. We sat in the courtyard and were surrounded by greatness. The lights on the trees, the small little tables and the water fountain created such a great backdrop for our dinner together (I truly felt like we weren't in the city any longer).

We started our meal off right with a bottle of wine accompanied by Price Edward Mussels in a Belgian ale. Matt and I love eating mussels and although these could have had a bit more flavor the mussels themselves were fabulous. These mussels were large and perfectly tender (we might have to go back for their bottomless mussel night). For our main courses we had the white fish (Matt) and the bistro burger (Jenn). Bistro Campagne offers a seasonal organic based menu; the food was certainly tasty but the ambiance was top notch! Matt took the liberty of ordering "desert" for us - aka after dinner drinks on the rocks. I'm pretty sure he was trying to get me drunk and I'm pretty sure it sorta worked.

Thanks Matt for yet another wonderful evening together! I absolutely loved the setting of Bistro Camagne, it was perfect for our romantic dinner just the two of us. Thanks for all you do for me, I couldn't ask for a better partner or a better friend.

To Drinks & Romance,
Matt & Jenn

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Jenn & Alison
May 15th was a good day, mainly because my friend Alison was in town! Alison resides in Kansas but has a special place in her heart for Chicago (hello, who doesn't love a city with a lake and trains)? We didn't have anything special planned for her visit, which was kinda nice. We spent Saturday afternoon catching up over a bottle of wine and then headed out for some drinks and dinner. Matt suggested we hit up the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago to have vodka lemonades at The Fireplace Inn (not to worry we didn't get the big boys for $17.00 - put we will totally be taking advantage of that deal some other time) so off we went. After around adult beverages we decided to walk down the street to Salpicon (1252 N Wells) for some fancy Mexican cuisine and margaritas (yep, more drinks). Salpicon is located on the second floor which offers a pretty great view, I totally recommend sitting at the bar for a drink to check it out! The bright colors on the wall and in the paintings offer a bright and cheery atmosphere for dining.

Our eating adventure began with guacamole picado (fresh diced avocado mixed with onions, tomatoes, chiles & cilantro; served with fresh chips & fire - roasted salsa) - just thinking about it makes me want some more! This guacamole was extremely delicious and bursting with flavor. Matt & Alison went with the chiles rellenos (stuffed poblano peppers, lights -egg battered & sauteed; one with pork picadillo & the other with chihuahua cheese; served with a roasted tomato sauce & frijoles borrachos). This dish was delightful and cooked to perfection - these stuffed poblano peppers might just be the best in town! I ordered the tinga poblana (grilled brookfield farms pork tenderloin atop a roasted tomato chipotle sauce with chorizo & potatoes; surrounded by a cool avocado-tomatillo sauce) - this dish was outstanding! I loved the pork tenderloin, it was out of this world. And the avocado tomatillo sauce was robust in flavor and made the whole dish come together!

Salpicon offers upscale Mexican cuisine - with super flavorful dishes and a wonderful atmosphere! If you love Mexican food as much as we do you need to check out Salpicon for some tasty eats, and be sure to stick around the neighborhood for an after dinner drink. The Old Town neighborhood has lots of fun great hot spots to check out! The best part of the night was having Alison to share great drinks, great conversation, great company & great food! Thanks for coming to hang out Fetter - I totally enjoyed having you around! I miss you tons already.

To sharing good food with even better company,
Matt & Jenn

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Yummy Brussel Sprouts @ The Gage

Wow, life has gotten in the way of our eating and blogging lately. Sorry to our loyal readers for not staying on top of things; but my job change has thrown Matt & I a little off schedule. With all that is going on, we managed to make our way to The Gage May 12th and we didn't let late trains, networking events or rain get in the way. We were on a mission for some tasty eats and some time to catch up, just the two of us. The Gage is located at 24 South Michigan Ave and fairly new to the Chicago scene.


The atmosphere was very pleasant (even if we were the youngest people there)! The bar has a wide variety of whiskey and other fun drinks but Matt and I went with a Half Acre and Dogfish Head. The menu was fantastic and had lots to choose from; in the end Matt and I were very pleased with our choices and left full (I don't think I have been that full in a long time). I ordered the caramelized lobster (lemon quinoa, basil, chili) - this dish offered unique flavors that both Matt and I enjoyed immensely. We ordered a burger (we both we craving meat); it was also delicious and came with amazingly tasty fries and a huge pickle (which I loved). The most surprising thing we ordered were the brussel sprouts - OMG these were fab! Cooked to perfection with brie and apple wood bacon I instantly fell in love with these crazy sprouts. Clearly the night was a success and it totally obvious why The Gage is one of Chicago's new hot spots. Good food, good drink, good atmosphere....

Eat Drink & be Merry -
Matt & Jenn

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Otom or Bust - Bust for sure!

Friday April 23rd, Matt and I celebrated our two years together (crazy how time flies)! Matt is such an amazing boyfriend that he took Friday off of work to be with me.... Matt really wanted to head to Evanston to check out the town, so off we went. We checked out the Lululemon, a great wine shop, and had some lunch at Dixie Kitchen. Overall, we had a very enjoyable day. In celebration of our anniversary we made dinner reservations Otom 951 Fulton Market at(parent restaurant Moto - this place has to be great, right)?!?!
The decor at Otom didn't disappoint: exposed brick, light hard wood floor, orange accent colors and a striped accent wall crated, an amazing setting for our date! The decor was simple and the lines were cleanp; Matt and I were really liking the vibe. Now for the food....we totally couldn't decide on a starter so we asked for the waiter's assistance - he recommended the pork belly croquette (quail egg, gribiche, papaya). I'm not sure Matt or I knew exactly what we were eating but this pork belly croquette was extremely flavorful and delicious. This of course got us a bit excited for the main event, however our meal took a turn for the worse.... I ordered the pork chop (smoked, bone in; corn panna cotta, crispy kale, sauce piquillo); the pork chop was cooked to perfection but had little to no taste. Oh, and the corn panna cotta was tasteless and totally not worth adding to the plate. Matt had the duck breast (black vinegar gastrique, bulgar, yu choy, lemongrass, ginger) - no joke the duck wasn't edible. I don't think it was cooked and it was mainly fat; not acceptable! If I didn't have a cloth napkin I would have spit this duck right out; and for those who know me well you know I'm not a picky eater nor is there much I don't like. Luckily we ordered the “mac & cheese” (trofie, sweet pea, bechamel, goat cheese, pea tendrils). Otom's twist on mac and cheese was a pleasant surprise, we totally loved the addition of the peas. But let's be honest Matt and I didn't hit up Otom for some mac & cheese!
If you are looking for a Chicago hot spot to check out skip Otom, it isn't worth the trip! Trust us on this.....if you are in the area though do go to Fulton Lounge for a pizza or a good drink (pomegranate martini anyone?).
Matt, I love you! Thank you for a spending the day with me I'm looking forward our many more together.
2 yrs down and many more to come,
Jenn and Matt

PS: They do have PBR - thank God for that!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Perfection @ Gemini Bistro

4.14.2010 Gemini Bistro

It is hard to stay in when it is 80 degrees out - I would much rather walk to a local hot spot for a drink and some tasty eats. After work last Wednesday April 14th, Matt and I walked to Gemini Bistro in Lincoln Park. Clearly we weren't the only ones with the idea because the wait was an hour, however we snagged a seat at the bar and indulged in a fabulous meal. We totally lucked out with an amazing and very knowledgeable server/bartender (he suggested the most amazing app ever).

While looking over the menu I enjoyed a class of Malbec and Matt had a Dogfish Head - we started with the Thai Mussels (red curry, coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, Thai basil). These mussels were out of this world and bursting with the most amazing flavors; we even dipped our bread in the leftover juice. The mussels were a little spicy which made the dish even more enjoyable for Matt and I (we like it hot). We then ordered the Gemini Burger (hello it comes on a pretzel roll, we couldn't resist). The mussels and burger provided plenty of food for the two of us and honestly the service and food were spot on. I'm so glad this Lincoln Park hot spot is going to have some patio seating this summer along with brunch! I know we'll be back.

This Friday Matt and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary (so exciting) and are planning on going to a nice dinner! We haven't officially decided where we are heading but I'm sure it will be good.

Cheers,
Matt & Jenn

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

A Taste of Chicago's History @ Manny's Deli

Saturday was an amazing day in Chicago, it isn't very often we have 70 degree weather in April! Matt and I started our day with a nice, long walk through the Lincoln Park Zoo and on the lakefront; before we knew it we were on Oak Street window shopping (or at least I was). We had a packed agenda, so after a pit stop at Starbucks for an iced coffee and some substance for Matt (apparently the walk was a little too much for him) we hit the showers and headed off to Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli. Manny's offers amazing corn beef along with a taste of Chicago history!
I'm not sure what I was expecting when walking into Manny's - all I knew was Dad had been there back in the day, oh and to expect big sandwiches. I already knew I wanted to try a Reuben, so I went for it and enjoyed every last bite! It was amazingly big and tasty; let's be honest who doesn't love a place that serves potato pancakes as their side?!?!? Matt just had a plain corn beef sandwich and found himself a little jealous of my pick, however we were both in agreement that the corn beef was outstanding.
There are lots of options to choose from at Manny's; the cafeteria setup (with old men in hair nets ready to serve you) surprised me for some reason. I totally enjoyed the staff's humor while we waiting for our eats. The dining area is set up like a cafeteria as well but the walls are filled with old newspaper articles and other Manny's history. I do have to mention that Manny's does not have
cafeteria prices, but the food and the experience is worth the price tag!
Before & After of My Sandwhich

Our beautiful Saturday afternoon didn't end with Manny's - we headed to Munster , Indiana to take a brewery tour of Three Floyd's LLC. Matt loves their beer and really wanted to check out the tour, so we got in the car and headed to Indiana. Needless to say Matt and I had a wonderful day together...

Shalom,
Matt and Jenn
PS: Yes, I did eat the entire sandwich!















Monday, April 5, 2010

Freshest Sushi @ Sushi Wabi

Good Friday means no meat for me, but it worked out perfectly since I totally was craving sushi. Matt and I have heard a lot of positive chatter about Sushi Wabi, which is located at 843 W Randolph Street. Sushi Wabi is fairly small but we were able to sit at the sushi bar without a wait! Let’s be honest, it is kinda fun to watch the chefs create maki rolls.

Matt and I love sushi and enjoy checking out local options – we have been wanting to check out Sushi Wabi for some time now, so we were excited. What’s great about this place is that their menu offers a nice variety of fish and maki rolls (our favorite). Matt and I started our meal off right with one Sapporo and one Kirin Light (two Japanese beers), plus edamame. Then we went with the small maki mono – which includes a combination of three rolls, chef’s pick! We’ve never gone this route before but we totally enjoyed all three rolls and the surprise. We couldn’t resist adding one more roll to our meal so we ordered the hot daisy (albacore . masago . mayo . sesame oil . green onion . chili powder). Sushi Wabi has amazingly fresh fish and that is what makes this tiny sushi restaurant such a power house. If you are looking to check out high quality and super scrumptious sushi, definitely check out this hot spot – live in the downtown, west loop? Sushi Wabi offers delivery, a taste of heaven without having to leave your home.

Since Matt and I are such huge fans of sushi I had to provide you with a few more options that we love:

Blue Ocean
Sushi Par II (um all you can eat sushi, hello)
Sushi Sumba

Next stop, not sure! So, stayed tuned…

Matt & Jenn

Thursday, April 1, 2010

I should have known....a cat logo!

Cafe Matou 3.27.10

Matt and I had planned on having a “Matt & Jenn” night on Saturday – change has been all around us lately and we felt going on a date (that included a card of course) would be perfect for a night together!

We headed to Bucktown to Café Matou. Right off the bat Matt and I felt a little out of place. We were seated so close to the other tables it was hard not to listen and pay attention to what was going on with other diners. As a result of the close quarters, we realized we were not getting the service offered to the other tables. Café Matou is reasonable priced and the food was pretty yummy but I would say skip this place! The seating and service killed it for us. Yes, we look young. Yes, our typical place is less stuffy but we still deserve top notch service.

I know all you really want is the down low on the food - Café Matou is unique because they change their menu daily (or so that is what they told the other patrons dining with them). Matt had the trout which was pared with delicious mushrooms and rice and I went with the steak that was cooked to perfection and came with a roasted red onion with goat cheese. We were totally satisfied with out entrees though it was the service and atmosphere that wasn’t up to our standards. Café Matou does offer great desserts – the white mousse was amazing and so was their coffee.

It was great to have a date night together and that is what is most important! However, I’m ready for a redo date at a different location...good thing we have another 40 ahead of us in 2010!

Happy Eats,

Jenn and Matt

Monday, March 22, 2010

Kicking off Spring at Sola

With March Madness in full swing and the arrival of Spring, Matt and I have found ourselves having a packed calendar….and a few restaurants behind (thank you Matt for pointing that out). However, with my beloved Kansas Jayhawks out of running for NCAA national champs it is time play a little catch up on our restaurant tour of Chicago!

On Sunday Matt and I retired our Kansas apparel, shook off the loss, and headed to North Center for brunch at
Sola (3868 North Lincoln Avenue). I live steps away from this brunch and dinner hot spot and have had the pleasure of experiencing both. Sola offers a warm atmosphere with orange and yellow hues splashed throughout. The windows offer great lighting and a perfectly placed fireplace adds an extra touch of warmth and intimacy.

So, I know what you are thinking….more eggs!?! What sets Sola apart from the many brunch options in Chicago is the amazing flavors that their dishes produce. Oh, and their super fabulous coffee. I wanted to try something I’ve never had before, so I went with the wild mushroom omelet (leeks, asparagus, and prairie fruits farm goat cheese). Matt had the breakfast wrap (tortilla, black beans, eggs, cheddar, spinach, and guacamole). Both options were cooked and presented to perfection – I really loved the mixture of veggies and goat cheese in my meal and I really loved the flavor of the tortilla and guacamole in the breakfast wrap.

Why we love Sola; the great atmosphere, the yummy food, small yet filling portion sizes, tasty coffee and reasonable prices (no joke it cost us about the same to eat at the Golden Apple the day before, yikes). We aren’t the only ones that find this brunch/dinner spot so appealing, most of the tables were filled (although we didn’t have to wait for a table) with families gathering, girlfriends getting together and couples sharing a nice breakfast together, preparing for another hectic week.

Happy Spring,
Matt and Jenn

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

BBQ at Smoque

Matt & Jenn 3.14.2010

After beating up our bodies during the Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration (involving green beer and multiple car bombs), we needed something to fill our stomachs and help us get through the day on Sunday. Matt, his out of town guests, and I headed to Smoque at 3800 N Pulaski to eat some BBQ. This is our second trip to Smoque and it didn’t disappoint. So, how good is Smoque? Well, Guy Fieri from The Food Networks Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is a fan. But, if that doesn’t entice you to hit up this BBQ hot spot maybe the smell will lure you in.

Our Sunday visit was a perfect time to hit up Smoque with a fairly small crowd as there wasn’t a wait. I will warn you, on any given Friday night there most likely will be a line out the door but it moves quickly and it is so worth the wait.

I went with the ½ and ½ - half pulled pork and ½ shredded brisket sandwich topped with their very flavorful BBQ sauce! I didn’t skip out on the french fries which were perfectly cooked and super yummy. Matt had the pulled pork platter which included two sides – he went with the baked beans and corn bread. Another fabulous choice for a side is their mac and cheese which is baked to perfection. Smoque offers perfectly cooked BBQ dishes (we really need to try their ribs) and was the perfect meal to kick off our Sunday.


Cheers,

Matt and Jenn




Monday, March 8, 2010

Hot Tamales @ De Cero 814 W Randolph

Jenn and Yummy Taccos 3.5.10
Ok, so here is the deal: Matt and I headed to De Cero on Friday night for yet another meatless adventure (yes, it is still Lent). I have been to De Cero a couple of times in the past for various occasions but this time I was there to eat and eat and eat! De Cero is out of this world outstanding, needless to say Matt and I were over capacity stuffed upon our departure but couldn’t help discuss the possibility of buying 30 tamales (the most amazing ever) and freezing them for later!

You must be dying to know what we indulged in; keep in mind there is no way my words will do the flavors offered on this menu justice (but I’ll try). My suggestion – just go there!!! The fun began with their trio of salsa and a side of guacamole. All three salsa variations were bursting with flavor and super delicious (my fave was the green, Matt loved the red). But the guacamole was even more super fabulous and the best I’ve ever tasted at a restaurant. The guac trumps the salsa trio (if you only want to try one). Matt and I couldn’t help but get another round of chips so we could continue to dip into such delight.

The main event didn’t disappoint – Matt ordered the Enchiladas Tres Queso (Chihuahua, manchego and cotiia cheese) which were absolutely heavenly. These enchiladas are hands down the best we’ve had. The rich flavor the cheese combination offered was superb and extremely decadent. I had a hard time deciding what I wanted, so I created my own main event which included: a goat cheese tamale (hot chile, masa, pico de gallo). Let me say the corn base of this tamale was amazing; it was rich in flavor and a tad spicy as well (I couldn’t get enough). The creamy goat cheese inside was a perfect pairing – seriously considering ordering 30 and freezing them. I also had two tacos Black Bean (garlic, avocado, cilantro, crema) and Battered Shrimp (cilantro, avocado crema). The tacos are small which is great because you can try more then one.
Just thinking about De Cero and the amazing dinner we had on Friday makes me excited to go back! Next time you are in the mood for Mexican, skip your old reliable and head to De Cero; I promise you wont be disappointed! Oh, and don’t forget to call us on your way there because we’ll want to come with.

With full tummies (yes still),
Matt and Jenn

Sunday, February 28, 2010

A Family Affair -Rustico Grill

Jenn, Mom, Mia 2.27.2010
Matt and I are still going strong in efforts to stop and taste all 52 Chicago based restaurants in the A La Card deck. I'm starting to think he is totally regretting ever giving me the deck in the first place. Our latest stop was at Rustico Grill in Logan Square, what made this flavorful adventure so amazing is that we were joined by my family! Matt and I usually head to the burbs to hang out with the Baldos in the house and suburb I grew up in, but with the A La Card challenge in the for front of my mind they agreed to join us in checking out Rustico Grill. Family is extremely important to me so having mom, dad and Mia join us meant a lot. I am so lucky to have such a close family who lives so close! We truly enjoy each other's company (most days) and find pleasure in being together.

Rustico Grill is located on restaurant row in Logan Square. This space is j
ust charming; with a

rustic vibe and amazing chandelier that sets the mood in the cozy space. We started the night off with a drink and some appetizers: Empanadas de Chiloris (filled with shredded pork in acncho chile, onion and orange juice), Guacamole, Ceviche de Pescado and Chile Relleno en Escabeche (poblano pepper stuffed with potatoes & choriz) . Hands down the empanadas and the chile relleno were spectacular - they exuded surprising flavors and prepared our pallets for the main event.



We ordered strategically making sure there weren't any duplicates at the table! Honestly, with the unique flavors used on all chef Raul Arreola's dishes you can't go wrong at Rustico Grill. However, don't skip the Callos a la Poblana (grilled sea scallops in a creamy poblano sauce), Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (wood grilled black tiger shrimp with sweet garlic sauce) and Cochinta Pibil (slow roasted pork marinated with achiote and sour orange juice).


Rustico Grill offers a great setting with unique flavors and is definitely worth checking out! They are up for Chicago's Time Out best new Mexican restaurant!

Thanks Baldo family for a wonderful evening of family bonding time and good eats.
With love,
Matt and Jenn