What’s New

Brooklyn is so closely associated with the American cultural zeitgeist of the early 2000s that it’s easy to forget how newly “cool” the borough was at the time. During Oneida’s late-90s infancy, the freak rockers would be met with bemusement when they told music journalists they were from Brooklyn. “People would laugh—Brooklyn was not hip,” says Oneida drummer Kid Millions. Fast forward a couple decades, and the bandmates have largely been priced out of the neighborhood, just like fellow longtime residents and starving-artist types in similarly hip locales around the country. The cost-of-living problem is exacerbated because some have started families: Millions is raising his kiddos in the Woodhaven area of the Bronx (“near a park with trees!”), while keyboardist Fat Bobby has relocated to Boston. For several years now, any time the band has reconvened has been an event worth celebrating. The current lineup consists of Millions (who also leads Man Forever and has played with Royal Trux, Spiritualized, and the Boredoms) and Fat Bobby (also of Oneida side project People of the North) as well as guitarists Hanoi Jane (of postpunkers New Pope) and Shahin Motia (formerly of Ex Models, currently of Knyfe Hyts) and synth player Barry London (you must hear his old project Jäh Division).

Millions describes Oneida’s brand-new album, Success (Joyful Noise), as having a bit more “straight-ahead” rock sound than previous material, name-checking Jonathan Richman, the Velvet Underground, and the guitar pop associated with New Zealand’s Flying Nun label. All those influences can be heard on lead cut “Beat Me to the Punch,” but in true Oneida fashion, it turns a simple, shambly riff reminiscent of the Clean or the Chills into something sinister—the tune erupts into blasted-and-wasted howls of feedback, a la the Velvets’ “I Heard Her Call My Name.” I also hear traces of New Zealand in the catchy “I Want to Hold Your Electric Hand,” the abrasive, churning “Rotten,” and the fuzzed-out “Opportunities.” The long-form “Low Tide” grows more manic and cacophonous as it unfolds (with a touch of Joy Division and maybe some Daydream Nation-era Sonic Youth), then gives way to Fat Bobby’s signature key pulses. “Paralysed” and “Solid” conjure the Oneida of yore, channeling the metronomic Krautrock pulse pioneered by Faust and Can; they add expansive synth textures and guitar squeals, and the latter ramps up the aggression with snarly multitracked vocals and pure rockist triumph.

Oneida’s Success is available through Bandcamp.

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Last year Chicagoland multi-instrumentalist Eric Reyes broke out in emo and pop-punk circles with his debut as Snow Ellet, the EP Suburban Indie Rock Star. It injects the sugar rush of pop punk and emo into crisp, straightforward power-pop hooks, a balanced approach that lets fans indulge their sweet tooth without getting cavities. After the release of Suburban Indie Rock Star, Reyes mixed Kirby Grip’s November 2021 album, Portrait of Bliss, where the local four-piece shifted gears into rocket-engine ambience. That sound has bled into Reyes’s work, judging from Snow Ellet’s June EP, Glory Days (self-released under license to Wax Bodega): though its sounds stay grounded in intimate, earthly concerns, they also sparkle with space rock’s larger-than-life euphoria. Reyes’s blastoff guitars supersize the quotidian emotions around romantic missed connections and twentysomething nostalgia for teenhood until they feel as big as a starlit sky. On “Can’t Hear the Phone,” Reyes’s cross-stitched guitars and sharp, plaintive vocals convey an itchy, queasy lovesickness that’s amped up by dreamy synth melodies and brittle electronic percussion—this sleek song can trigger Proustian recollections of that particular teenage feeling where you’re convinced you’re not from the same planet as all these other people.

Snow Ellet Ogbert the Nerd headlines; Arcadia Grey, Snow Ellet, and Superkick open. Thu 8/25, 8 PM, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, $12, 17+

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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Chicago’s Central Camera is a great example of a small business that has persevered through multiple challenges–check out contributor Zinya Salfiti’s cover story in our latest issue to read more. And if you’re inspired to seek out more local legacy businesses, go no further than roughly a mile north to Atlas Stationers, who celebrate their 83rd year in business this year. A stationery store is a rarity these days, and Atlas keeps their inventory stocked with fountain pens, fancy journals, and other items that make the writing life more luxurious. Atlas Stationers is hosting their 35th annual sidewalk sale today and tomorrow from 9 AM-4 PM, with plenty of specials on pens and inks that you can’t find at big box office supply stores. It’s all at 227 W. Lake (near Franklin), so stop by and stock up.

Grown Folks Stories hosts a special edition of their two hour “gathering of nonprofessional, unrehearsed storytellers” tonight at the Smart Home, a new private event space located within the Museum of Science and Industry campus (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive). Expect real stories from real adults–the sad, the hilarious, the slightly uncomfortable, and the ridiculous—all can be heard on a Grown Folks Stories night. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the museum’s cafe, and complimentary beer samples from Funkytown Brewery will be on tap, so this evening is for those 21 and over only (natch). Doors open and sign-up starts at 6 PM, with the show following at 7.

Reader contributor Ayana Contreras writes about the legendary Chicago arranger and composer Charles Stepney for our latest issue; read all about him here and check out tonight’s event at Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph) for more. Charles Stepney: Out of the Shadows will feature Rotary Connection 222, a large ensemble led bassist Junius Paul, who will perform songs from Stepney’s vast catalog. Damon Locks and Black Monument Ensemble open. The music starts at 6:30 PM, and the event is free and open to all ages.

Gossip Wolf reminded us this week that musician and memoirist Ava Cherry will visit Gman Tavern (3740 N. Clark) tonight to celebrate the release of her new book All That Glitters, which tells the story of her journey from collaborating with David Bowie, singing backup for Luther Vandross, and making music of her own all along the way. Reader contributor Aaron Cohen will discuss the book with Cherry. Entry is $10 at the door and the venue is open to those 21 and older. The talk starts at 7:30 PM.

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The city’s SummerDance series is well under way, and today’s fusion of live music, dance instruction, and outdoor activities takes place in Englewood’s Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine). The fun starts at 4:30 PM with a free poster and printmaking station run by the Hyde Park Art Center’s Youth Board 0f Artists (a group of teens well-versed in art making who will show you how to make your own prints), and a short dance performance by Quimaya “Maya Unique” Sewell (a recent grant recipient from the Englewood Arts Collective, who helped to coordinate today’s activities). At 5:30 PM, the Majestic Gents offer a workshop in Chicago-style stepping, followed by open dancing at 6, with music provided by DJ Myron. The entire day is hosted by Englewood Arts Collective cofounder Rob Smooth. It’s free to attend and open to all ages. (SCJ)

Dancers at an event hosted by Majestic Gents

There’s only a few more sessions of Veggie Bingo left for this summer: the popular weekly event at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) starts at 6 PM each Wednesday night through 8/31. Veggie Bingo benefits a variety of Chicago community gardens under the umbrella of the local nonprofit NeighborSpace, and that benefits a variety of Chicago community gardens under the umbrella of the local nonprofit NeighborSpace, and bingo winners have a chance to receive a bounty fresh produce and locally made food products. Advance tickets are $10, and guarantee you entry to the event plus one bingo card; additional cards are available for purchase, and the bar is open for libations. More information is available at the Hideout’s website, and doors open at 5:30 PM. (SCJ)

If you’re looking to take advantage of the nice weather and get your motor running, ride over to Montrose Saloon (2933 W. Montrose) tonight as they host Pints and Pistons, a sidewalk motorcycle show and gathering, happening from 6-10 PM. Compare notes with fellow bike enthusiasts and enjoy food trucks, beverages from the bar, and live music in this get together co-organized by Motoblot. Go to Motoblot’s Facebook page for more information. (SCJ)

Access Living, Women’s Justice Institute, and the Chicago Community Bond Fund have partnered to present a screening of the film Any Given Day tonight at 6:30 PM at Lacuna Lofts (2150 S. Canalport). The documentary looks at the criminalization of mental illness by following three incarcerated people navigating Cook County’s Mental Health Court. How do they rebuild their lives after prison? After the screening, a panel discussion featuring members from each organization will talk about the harm that can happen when punishment is used as a substitute for mental health care. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and light refreshments will be provided. Masks are required. This is a free event, and registration is encouraged at Eventbrite. (MC)

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As the national conversation around police reform has gained momentum, the general public is slowly being introduced to the massive shortcomings of the criminal justice system. The intent of the system has never truly been to rehabilitate, and that is no more acutely apparent than when incarceration intersects with folks struggling with mental illness. Filmmaker Margaret Byrne’s new documentary Any Given Day aims to shine a spotlight on this overlooked and vulnerable population. 

Produced by Beti Films, Any Given Day follows the story of three Chicagoans struggling to succeed despite mental health challenges. As the blunt instrument of the carceral system is used as an ineffective proxy for mental health care, their troubles are compounded. 

Byrne gives a short overview of the people at the center of the film—Angela, Daniel, and Dimitar, whom she observed over eight months—and shares a little bit about each of their journeys.

“Angela is a single mother of four children, two adult children and two minor children . . . Her journey is about getting custody of her son back while trying to manage life after being incarcerated.” Byrne muses, “I think that’s something me and Angela very much have in common as single moms—when you fall apart, everything else falls apart. You are essential to the well-being of other people. I think we learned that we have to take care of ourselves. And it’s a simple lesson, but it’s also a very difficult lesson, I think, for a lot of people.”

She continues, “Daniel was homeless for years. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in Cook County. He’s in his early 30s. And it was through the mental health court program that he got into a program that NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) runs called the Moving On Program, where you can move from a residential home into an independent apartment. And then the question is, are you getting the right services to be able to maintain your first apartment?”

She goes on to describe the third person in the film. “Dimitar immigrated here from Bulgaria as a child. He also went to UIC and graduated with a degree from UIC in anthropology. It was the summer after his graduation that he had his first manic episode. He didn’t end up getting arrested until a couple years later, and that’s what led him to the mental health court. His mom, Gina, is really central to his stability, because she’s his caregiver. And so it’s also about the toll this takes on people that care for those that are struggling with their mental illness and are in crisis.”

Filming the story of any vulnerable population requires a level of sensitivity, and Byrne took care to try to respect their stories. Byrne reflects, “You know, there are definitely times where I’d show up with the camera and not film, because it just wasn’t a good time.” Garnering that level of intimate access took time and trust, leading Byrne closer; it blurred the traditional sharply defined line between filmmaker and subject. Byrne says, “I mean, I think, for me, personally, documentary filmmaking is all about building strong relationships, particularly if you are setting out to tell somebody’s story, and they’re in a vulnerable position. And, you know, we had a lot of conversations, we spent a lot of time together, in so many ways I became their advocate.”

That necessary closeness meant that Byrne was also forced to look inward at her own personal mental health struggles. During the course of the film, the subject matter triggered her own mental health crisis, and she had to decide whether or not to include herself in the story or not. Byrne shares, “It became relevant, you know. It really became about all of us, and my intention in telling their stories was to help destigmatize mental illness. And so I felt that if I didn’t include something of myself, and my own history of mental illness, that it wouldn’t be honest, and it wouldn’t be doing the work. I worked with a wonderful editor, Liz Kaar, who really helped to direct those parts of the film and make all that make sense.”

When asked how anyone can support those struggling with mental health, and how we can strengthen the fabric of our communities, Byrne says, “I think the film shows that little things make a huge difference, you know, just to pick up the phone for somebody, even though you’re tired—I’m going to show up for this person. And that’s a decision you have to make for yourself, but I think you just can’t look away from the things that are difficult and challenging, because that’s how people slip into crises. I think when you isolate, when you’re not in contact with other people—and I think that’s another lesson in the film is that being connected to other people really is important for everybody’s mental health.”

Though the film highlights the lack of resources for mental health, there are also some lifelines for those in crisis. In July the 988 health crisis number launched nationwide, a connection to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. When the number is dialed, instead of dialing the police, callers will be connected to trained mental health counselors at the NAMI chapter in Chicago. Additionally, NAMI offers a helpline for those seeking support and resources, including housing and legal help. NAMI can be reached at 833-626-4244.

Any Given Day will air on Thursday, September 8, at 7 PM on America Reframed on the WORLD channel. A free streaming window will be activated September 8-22 at worldchannel.org/episode/america-reframed-any-given-day/

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Chicago restaurateur and nationally recognized wine expert Aldo Zaninotto is ushering in a new era for his beloved neighborhood hospitality programs, bringing together his three wine-focused concepts — Osteria Langhe, Testaccio and Soif Wine Lounge — under one overarching group with potential for further expansion with the creation of A to Z Hospitality.

The group’s current restaurants reflect Aldo’s two decades plus of experience in the international wine business. His first restaurant, Piemonte-focused Osteria Langhe (15 Best Italian Restaurants in the US 2021, Fodor’s Travel; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2016 – 2022), opened in the buzzing Logan Square neighborhood in 2014. Following its success, Aldo set his sights on his next restaurant right as the pandemic began to surge across the country. Undeterred, he was able to launch Roman-style Testaccio (2021 MICHELIN Plates Recipient; Best New Restaurants 2022, Chicago Magazine) in the summer of 2020 and later the subterranean Parisian-inspired Soif Wine Lounge located below Testaccio in 2021.

Image Credit: Rachel Bires

About Aldo

As Aldo continued to grow his portfolio of restaurants in the Chicago market, the group became a family affair with both of his children stepping into primary roles within the business. His daughter Ariana Zaninotto, 25, worked as general manager of Testaccio before working her way up to restaurant director overseeing all three concepts while his son Alec Zaninotto, 23, is capitalizing on his love of music and experience as a local DJ (Ace Hotel, Blind Barber, Fox Bar at Soho House) to become the Booking Coordinator for the DJ program at Soif along with working the floor and engaging with guests throughout the night.

Now in 2022, Aldo and the team are excited to announce the appointment of Culinary Director Michael Lanzerotte, who will be overseeing all three A to Z Hospitality concepts for this exciting new chapter of the family-owned and operated collective. Keep scrolling to learn more about Chef Michael and the new culinary direction for the group.

Image Credit: A to Z Hospitality

About Michael

A Midwest native, Michael cut his teeth at local Chicago spots like the Mediterranean shared plates concept Bistro 750 in Lakeview, Lincoln Park’s chef-driven gastropub White Oak Tavern, and West Loop’s comfort food spot Saint Lou’s Assembly and adjacent cocktail bar MONEYGUN. Now, Michael is taking the reins at these three beloved Logan Square spots, pulling from his years of experience to develop seasonal dishes rooted in Italian pasta culture and European culinary traditions.

Michael’s new menu at Testaccio has already rolled out, highlighting the emphasis on fresh pasta creation with dishes like the Sfoglia Lorda all Campidanese, a mini ravioli with house-made sausage, Parmigiano Reggiano and fennel pollen, and the summer ingredient driven Cappelletti di Mais Dolce with local sweet corn, creamy crescenza cheese, fresh basil, and Calabrian chili oil. Refreshed menus at Osteria Langhe and Soif are also in progress, with new specials, activations, and events on the horizon as we enter the harvest season.

“I’m incredibly excited for what fall will bring this year,” says Michael. “I have some ideas up my sleeve for truffle and mushroom seasons at Osteria Langhe, which are some of the most celebrated ingredients in Piemonte. It’s such a community affair there, and I’m looking forward to bringing that energy to Logan Square.”

As for the future of A to Z Hospitality, Aldo is always thinking about the next project. “There are other amazing food and wine regions in Italy I have not yet had a chance to showcase to Chicago that I would love to bring to life down the line,” says Aldo. “For example, Tre Venezie in Northeast Italy is an amazing area that pulls influence from surrounding countries like Slovenia and Austria in its wine culture and cuisine. I think a concept based on that could be a great addition to the regional restaurants we have chose to specialize in.”

Featured Image: Testaccio

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Sandwich, noun. An item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal… Cross out the light meal, the rest sounds about right. Like all other iconic food items, Chicago’s chefs and restaurants don’t hesitate to get creative with this classic dish, either. From classic grilled cheese reaching a whole new level, to Asian-fusion sandwiches, here are places to find the best sandwiches in Chicago during (or beyond) this national sandwich month!

400 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654

WHAT: Goddess of Italian Parma

This local favorite is perhaps also one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable eateries in the city. On the menu, diners can indulge in a variety of innovative breakfast and lunch sandwiches including Goddess of Italian Parma, Spicy Chicken Melt, Spanish Serrano Ham + Manchego Cheese, and many more. Hannah’s Bretzel also offers a Chef Series that features a special sandwich created by a local chef. In August, diners can expect a collaboration with El Che Steakhouse & Bar.

1137 Greenleaf Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

WHAT: Ouilmette Cheesesteak

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmette, Buck Russell’s is the newest one-stop-shop on the North Shore. When dining in, guests can expect smiling faces, and casual, yet thoughtful, service. The savory menu includes a dozen original sandwiches served on house-baked bread, including the “Ouilmette Cheesesteak” featuring shaved ribeye, provolone, A1 mayo and caramelized onions, or the the “Ragin’ Cajun” made with Cajun-spiced turkey, Alpine swiss, slaw and homemade chow chow relish. Diners can also order the “Texas Style Chili ” seasoned with an award-winning spice blend from the Lone Star state itself.

Image Credit: Gardones Photography

954 W Fulton Market St, Chicago, IL 60607

WHAT: August sandwich

Marvin’s Food & Fuel, the vibey corner joint in Fulton Market, has partnered with Buck Russell’s, the popular new sandwich shop and bakery in Wilmette from the team behind Sophia Steak, Gemini, and Andros Taverna, for its August Sandwich Series campaign. The monthly sandwich pop-up series at Marvin’s Food & Fuel kicked off in March featuring an original recipe created by Chef Doug Psaltis of Andros Taverna.

The sandwich consists of warm shaved corned beef, Hook’s Baby Swiss, sliced dill pickles, and spicy brown mustard with a side of hand-cut fries.  Proceeds from the $16 sandwich benefit Pilot Light, a chef- and educator-founded nonprofit that introduces food education and its benefits to students.

1525 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

WHAT: Ultimate Grilled Cheese

When you think of sandwiches, what better way to celebrate the month than with a childhood classic that never goes out of style? LG’s Bar & Kitchen, located in Chicago’s Old Town, provides a unique twist on the classic Grilled Cheese sandwich elevating it from your family’s kitchen to a night out meal with friends. Made with a gooey four-cheese blend, fresh tomato jam, fried onions, crispy bacon sandwiched between two gold brown pieces of parmesan-crusted sourdough.

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

WHAT: Roasted Beef Reuben? This take on the classic reuben is for all the plant-based menu lovers out there, who are looking to enjoy all the classics this sandwich month without the meat-filled guilt. Farm Bar Lakeview is using beets as the substitute for corned beef to create the same texture and topped with sauerkraut, swiss cheese, Farm Bar secret sauce sandwiched between marble rye bread. Visually, this sandwich may look like a reuben, but once you take a bite, it’s even better.

1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Hot and Crispy Mushroom Sandwich

Bloom Plant Based Kitchen from James Beard nominated Chef Rodolfo Cuadros offers Chicago a completely plant-based menu that is 100% gluten free and vegan. One of Chef Rodolfo’s favorite dishes is his Hot and Crispy Mushroom Sandwich. Sambal aioli, battered maitake mushroom, fermented cabbage and pickles will become your new favorite sandwich to celebrate national sandwich month.

1604 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Wagyu Breakfast Sandwich

From Bonhomme Hospitality Group, Beatnik West Town is driven by a triumphant fusion of three countries close to their heart: Morocco for its audacious combinations of color and passionate artisans, France for its music and artistic confidence, and Italy for a healthy dose of polish and panache to sex it all up. In the spirit of that fusion, they’ve got a killer Wagyu Breakfast Sandwich on the brunch menu, served with Wagyu Bresaola, black truffle aioli, organic egg, Swiss cheese, and giardiniera vinaigrette.

1721 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

WHAT: Almussafes Bocata

Unless you’ve spent some quality time in Valencia, Spain, you’ve never eaten one of the world’s great sandwiches, Almussafes Bocata. Typically eaten as a snack between meals, this sandwich, or “bocata,” is traditionally made with sobrasada (a soft, spreadable pimenton-spiked sausage), caramelized onions and melted cheese. At Mama Delia on the Bocata del Abuelo, they add a parsley and red onion salad, which balances the richness, with further upgrades via goat cheese and the pan de cristal, the super crispy bread shipped frozen from Spain on which it’s served.

Image Credit: Sunda New Asian

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

WHAT: Crispy Eggplant Steamed Buns

If you cut a bao into two halves, it counts as a sandwich. Plus, we just can’t leave this one off our list because… Hello!? Have you seen the ingredients? We’re talking panko crusted eggplant and asian slaw sandwiched by two slices of scallion bao bun! Say no more! We’ll take one order of the eggplant buns, and one order of the classic Korean Fried Chicken Buns too!

Image Credit: Maddy Cox

825 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

WHAT: City Smoked Ham

According to Rob Levitt, Head Butcher of PQM, the mark of a great sandwich is contrast. If the star of the sandwich is fatty (pork belly, gooey cheese) consider an acidic condiment to cut all the fat. If it is lean (shaved turkey breast) consider something fatty like avocado or a flavored mayo or aioli. And always try and add some texture — whether that’s greens, slaw, chips, fried onions, or giardiniera (Rob’s fave!).

So, try the City Smoked Ham sandwich and taste the layers of goodies and the amazing textures yourself! The sandwich is made with thick-cut smoked ham slices, stracciatella cheese, escarole, sun-dried tomato, and olive oil tapenade on PQB focaccia.

Image Credit: Clayton Hauck

2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

WHAT: Reuben

We all know Lardon has some of the best charcuterie boards in Chicago. But did you know their sandwiches are also on fire!? For example, this classic yet delicious reuben sandwich is always our go-to choice for a quick fix that never fails! House-cured pastrami, Midnight Moon gouda, fancy sauce, house kraut, and deli pickles on marbled rye — it. is. heaven!

Image Credit: All Too Well

352 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

WHAT: Boatwich

All Too Well is our go-to spot for a quick work lunch in Chicago. There are just too many good things about this cute little joint! The marketplace always have fun, fresh, healthy treats. The sandwiches here are fresh and full of flavors, and the owner never shies away from using innovative ingredients like smoked white fish spread or chimichuri. But our favorite thing about this place is all the menu items are named after something or someone special to the owner. That human touch is just so beautiful!

Featured Image: Maddy Cox

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Craving Curry? This popular Indian dish is seasoned with various delicious spices and served over rice (like Basmati or Jasmine). Depending on the ingredients, your curry can be extremely spicy or comfortably mild. It’s the perfect comfort food for when you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. Plus, it’s even better the next day as leftovers. Check out where you can find the best curry in Chicago and get your hands on some butter chicken and garlic naan! 

2770 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

This mom-and-pop shop is known for its wonderful teas. But, they also have insanely good curry bowls! Vegetarians can’t get enough of their filling Cauliflower Peas & Potatoes served with russet potatoes, green peas, tomatoes, and spices. And meat lovers will fall for their Pork Vindaloo, which consists of tangy curry, pork, and potatoes.

Image Credit: The Spice Room

2906 W Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

You don’t have to travel to Northern India to get an authentic meal in Chi-town. Just swing by The Spice Room for a modern interpretation of classic dishes and high quality ingredients. Popular items include Chicken Curry served with onions, tomatoes, ginger, and spices. Also Curry Lamb which is lamb cooked in a savory curry sauce. 

59 W Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60654

Founder Jagmohan Jayara opened his first restaurant in 1993 and since has grown to three locations. His team serves up food that touches the soul and celebrates Indian culture. Some favorites include Spicy Hyderabdi Veg Curry, a mix of vegetables cooked in a spicy peanut sauce. Also, their Chicken Curry is absolutely delicious. The tender chicken cooked in a delicately spiced curry sauce will literally melt in your mouth. 

434 W Diversey Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60614

The talented team at Gorkha Kitchen dishes traditional Indian and Nepalese cuisines based on recipes that have been perfected over thousands of years. Their top curry dishes include Creamy Masala Chicken Curry and Nepali Khasi, which is a goat curry cooked in aromatic Nepalese spices with the flavors of fenugreek, cinnamon, onions, ginger, and tomatoes.

714 W Diversey Pkwy. Chicago, IL 60614

Looking for a variety of modern Indian cuisine? Then check out Mild 2 Spicy for vast selection of items. You can find almost everything on their menu, including Paneer, Tofu, Vegetarian, Lentil, Chicken, Lamb, Goat, and Seafood Curries. Plenty of mild and spicy flavors to go around!

Featured Image: Gorkha Kitchen

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