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Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Entertainment & Attractions’
Latin Spice
Posted on November 22nd, 2011 by Adam Marks
Last week, the good folks at Nacional 27 unveiled new additions to their menu. The food and atmosphere at Nacional 27 is fantastic, but the new items bring a new zing to the entire experience.
Designed as a restaurant/nightclub, you can often find live music and dancing in this River North hot spot. But frankly, their food warrants your visit all on its own. Start off with one of their signature cocktails. I wholeheartely recommend the el corazon margarita. It combines the tequila with pomegranate, blood orange and passion fruit, and gets a nice kick from the peppered rim.
You can definitely start off with a smattering of tapas for the table. Why eat one dish when you can share 4, right? Go for the hearts of palm salad. It’s crunchy texture with salty olive balance will get you off to a running start. Move on to the tangy ceviches (rainbow coctel recommended) and empanadas. The chorizo empanadas in particular are fantastically spiced and served with a pickled jalapeno crema.
For entrees, Nacional 27 has two new stars that definitely deserve your attention. Definitely get the short rib enchiladas. Simmered in a chipotle sauce, the meat is tender, flavorful, and has a great kick. Also of note is the grouper. It’s flaky texture is matched nicely with a tomatillo sauce and spicy rice. Really, this dish is superb, and deserves a shot. Not too heavy, but with tons of flavor.
Close out the night with some nice desserts. My favorite is most certainly the churros. Not quite traditional, the pieces of fried dough are topped with ice cream. Sometimes, departing from tradition is necessary, and this dessert won my heart over.
Go check out the new menu at Nacional 27 and enjoy the great ambience! I guarantee you’ll salsa out of there after a fabulous meal.
Nacional 27 is located at 325 W. Huron on the corner of Orleans Street.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants
Worth The Wait
Posted on August 2nd, 2011 by Adam Marks
I’m not one for waiting in line for things. I don’t really know who is. But everyone once in a while there is something worth waiting for.
Though the line will like stretch around the block, Hot Doug’s is worth a visit as one of the most renowned sausage/hot dog joints in all the land. Billing themselves as an Encased Meat Emporium, they’ll challenge your concept of what a hot dog can be, and delight your palette in the meantime.
The menu at Hot Doug’s is, at first, charmingly simple. The offer standard dogs, brats, andouille, etc. with clever names like The Brigitte Bardot (“mighty, mighty, mighty hot!!”). But the magic happens in the daily specials. Made on site and constantly in rotation, these concoctions won’t be found anywhere else. For example, today you could get a cognac-infused lamb and pork sausage with spinach raita and goat cheese. Looking for something a bit more familiar? Try the brown ale and chipotle buffalo sausage with dark beer mustard and hickory-smoked sweet swiss cheese. See what I’m saying? These people are peerless in their pursuit of the perfect link.
If you go on a Friday or Saturday, be sure to try the duck fat fries. Your hips will be angry, but your tummy will be thrilled.
Be prepared… Hot Doug’s only accepts cash, and is only open 10:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Oh yeah, they also close on Sundays and other holidays they feel like closing. They recommend a call ahead to make sure they are open. (773) 279-9550. For all that, however, you still can’t beat it.
Hot Doug’s is located at 3324 N. California at Roscoe.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Restaurants, Family Friendly
2011 Chicago Restaurant Week
Posted on February 15th, 2011 by admin
It’s that time again. Foodies unite! Chicago Restaurant Week runs February 18-27, and I challenge each and every one of you to get out there and try somewhere new. Over 200 restaurants have created special pre-fixe menus with lunches for $22 and under, and dinners for $44 or less. Here are some of our suggestions.
Piccolo Sogno
You simply can’t go wrong with this marvelous Italian gem. In the River West district, Piccolo Sogno is king. Make a reservation for sure.
Atwood Cafe
You’ve walked passed it a million times in the loop. Wanted to try it but scared off by the price point? This is your chance. Get in there.
Dos Diablos
This eatery made a splash when it opened last year. If you haven’t made it in yet to try their fajitas, your days of legitimate excuses are over.
Mercat a la Planxa
Check out Jose Garces’ authentic Spanish cuisine. Between the ham and fig salad, the sausage and porcini flatbread, and the baby squid, you’ll have an amazing four-course meal.
For a complete listing of the participating restaurants, and most of the menus for the occasion, check out the Restaurant Week website. See you out there!
- Adam Marks
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Downtown Chicago
Blues great Buddy Guy sells out
Posted on January 17th, 2011 by
Chicago has had plenty of famous blues names, and a lot of big-time blues clubs – but only one famous name who is also a big-time club. Buddy Guy began carving his legend in the rough-and-tumble 50s, and when his records started appearing in the 60s, his 
aggressive guitar virtuosity quickly captured the attention of fledgling rock guitarists; Eric Clapton later said that “Buddy Guy was to me what Elvis was for others,” adding that his “total freedom of spirit . . . really changed the course of rock-and-roll blues.”
All of that has contributed to Guy having won five GRAMMY awards – with another nomination this year – and to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. But none of it has taken him out of Chicago, where Guy ensured his place on the nightlife scene by establishing his club, the funky and inviting Buddy Guy’s Legends, in 1989. (The club moved to its current and grander location at 700 S. Wabash in 2010.) While the club offers a full schedule of local and visiting artists, Guy also uses it as his occasional home base.
This month it’s been more than “occasional,” however: Guy has been appearing every week, Thursday through Sunday, in a string of sold-out shows which extend to month’s end. In fact, tickets ($50) remain for only three of Guy’s performances, which will be his last Chicago dates until spring. Sunday (Jan. 23), Guy hits at 9 PM, following a 7:30 opener from Larry McCray. The following Wednesday and Thursday (Jan. 26-27), the Legend starts at 10:30, with supporting acts starting at 9. And by the following weekend, it’s all sold out once again.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, live music
No NYE Plans? It’s not too late…
Posted on December 28th, 2010 by
Friday night is New Year’s Eve. On the brink of 2011, you have some big decisions to make. Will you stay in your PJs and play Wii all night long? Perhaps a low-key affair with friends? If you are the type to venture out, here are two ideas for great places to ring in the new year.
NoMI at the Park Hyatt gives you two choices (and price points). This lovely space is filled with art and design, sure to impart a sense of elegance for your special evening. For $150 each, you can have an indulgent and decadent 5-course menu from Chef Ryan LaRoche along with treats from renowned Pastry Chef Frederic Moreau. If you want to bump up your evening a bit, grab some friends and reserve a spot at Elevate on the Eve. For $395 each, (parties of 4-6 only), you’ll have an 8-course tasting menu including fresh truffles and phenomenal wine pairings. With a magical view of Michigan Avenue and Historic Water Tower Square, this has all the makings of a wonderfully memorable occasion.
For an entirely different experience, check out the celebration over at Carnivale. This nuevo latino eatery has it all. Get your dancing on with a live DJ, stilt walkers, and samba pros. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast and a balloon drop. It couldn’t be more different from NoMI, but there’s something for everyone out there!
Regardless of your plans, all of us here at Concierge Preferred wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend. In the mean time… Party On!!!!
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago New Year's Eve, Chicago Nightlife, Chicago Restaurants, Downtown Chicago, Mag Mile, Michigan Avenue Shopping
Thanksgiving Out
Posted on November 23rd, 2010 by
Personally, the smell of a turkey roasting is the one and only signifier that the holidays have arrived. I love planning the menu, prepping the food, and slaving until everything is just right. But let’s face it, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s no need to think that you can’t have Thanksgiving if you don’t cook it yourself. Why not spend the evening out on the town? This week we focus on some great picks for Thanksgiving Out.
Elate
This little gem is tucked away in the Hotel Felix in River North, and I would trust that chef with any holiday. For $55, adults enjoy a multi-course meal of your favorite traditional foods. Best of all, the desert is a Pumpkin pot de creme. If it is anywhere near as good as his peanut butter version from last summer, you are in for a treat.
Big Jones
This southern restaurant won’t skip on the delicious fat that adds so much flavor to the meal. If you are on the north side, this Andersonville favorite is a great option. For only $46, you’ll enjoy a great four-course meal.
The Chicago Diner
Though they are fully reserved, carry-out would be a great option here. This entirely meat-free restaurant is offering their 28th annual Vegan Thanksgiving meal. It isn’t my style, but there is no reason why food restrictions need to keep you from enjoying the holiday!
I hope that whatever your Thanksgiving is this year, it is a happy one. May your souls and tummies be filled with joy!
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Restaurants, Thanksgiving in Chicago
Seven on State
Posted on October 18th, 2010 by
Believe it or not, holiday shopping is just around the corner. Soon, we’ll be hearing winter tunes, sipping gingerbread lattes, and watching the yule log on TV. The good news is that if you are shopping downtown, there are some amazing eats to distract you from the piles of receipts you will amass.
Tucked away on the seventh floor of Macy’s State Street is Seven On State, the best of all possible food courts. Here you can sit at real tables, in real chairs, and eat fantastic food. They have servers come around to refill water and soft drinks, and the chow is not your average food court fare.
The most popular stop at Seven on State (and possibly my favorite) is Frontera Fresco, brought to you by Chicago’s beloved Rick Bayless. This king of mexican fare delivers fresh tacos, quesadillas and more. The food isn’t greasy and is absolutely packed with flavor. The chips and guacamole make a great side.
Next door is Marc Burger, from Marcus Samuelson. You can’t go wrong with his great meals, but if you want something a little different, try the chicken sandwich with avocado mayonnaise. Yum!
Not to be outdone, Takashi’s noodles is the presence of Takashi Yagihashi. His ramens are sure to be the perfect warmer as the cold weather starts to set in.
Also on the floor are sandwich and salad stations. They may not have flashy TV chefs behind them, but they still deliver great food, and the lines are often much easier to manage!
All in all, you can’t go wrong at Seven on State. Make sure to stop in next time you are shopping, but be aware that they are only open for lunch.
Seven on State is located on the seventh floor of Macy’s – 111 N. State Street.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Restaurants, Chicago Shopping, Downtown Chicago, Macy's, Macy's on State Street
September 1: So many jazz clubs, so little time
Posted on September 1st, 2010 by
The Chicago Jazz Festival gets underway Thursday afternoon and sails into full swing Friday. But the festival expands into a five-day event if you count the annual Jazz Club Tour. And you should: for $30, participants get unlimited transportation to more than a dozen Chicago nightspots, which waive the cover charge for you to check out the venues and the jazz artists playing that night.
Organized by the Jazz Institute of Chicago more than t
wo decades ago, the Jazz Club Tour extends from 6 p.m. till midnight Wednesday, September 1, and from the Green Mill (4800 north) to Red Pepper’s Masquerade Lounge (a blues-and-comedy club at 8700 south). Patrons purchase an identifying Club Tour button at any of the clubs, which gets you into the clubs and onto the four bus routes run by Chicago Trolley Co. And the bus rides themselves provide enough camaraderie to almost justify the evening on their own.
Among the artists playing tonight are gypsy jazzers Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan (at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway); quartets led by trombonist Russ Phillips and saxist Scott Burns (Andy’s, 11 E. Hubbard); saxman Eric Schneider with pianist Willie Pickens’s trio (Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct.); on-the-edge bands led by saxist Edwin Daugherty and trumpeter Corey Wilkes (Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak); and the post-fusion groups Prosaic and Crawl (at Reggie’s Music Joint, 2109 S. State).
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, live music
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The Chicago Travel Blog covers all things of interest for the visitor to Chicago, whether here for work or pleasure. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, transportation, and entertainment & attractions are what you’ll find out about here.
