If living in a big city has taught us anything, it’s that soaking up time spent with nature is important, especially when dealing with unpredictable Chicago weather. One way to feel closer to nature is by bringing it indoors through some awesome new plants. Not only are plants pretty to look at, but just having them around offers added health benefits like air purification, increased productivity, and reduction of stress. Whether you’re already a collector of plants or looking to get started by building your own personal nursery, be sure to check out these eight plant shops around Chicago that offer just about everything you need to know to hone in on your own green thumb. 

4601 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Located on Chicago’s Northside in Albany Park, Plant Shop Chicago is truly one of a kind. Not only does this local gem offer a wider variety of plants like aloe vera and the ZZ plant, but the staff is also super knowledgeable and takes time to work with any patron, guiding them to make the best plant decision based on lifestyle, budget, and how much time they can actually put into taking care of plants. New to plant care or don’t know where to start? Check out Plant Shop’s blog before taking a trip in-store to get an idea of what kind of greenery you want to add to your collection. 

3907 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

If you’ve gotten used to the world where anything you want can be delivered to your doorstep (thanks, Amazon) look no further than Vedas Plant shop. With a huge variety and free (yes, free) delivery throughout Chicago, you can start or add to your indoor jungle from the comfort of your couch.

The customer service team at Vedas is outstanding and is ready to answer all your questions about general plant care, how to save your ailing plants, and how to be the best plant parent you can be. Along with the classic houseplants, Vedas prides itself on having a variety of unique options. I suggest taking a look at the African Milk Tree and adding that weird but beautiful plant to your greenhouse. 

858 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

I’m not sure there’s a better combination than plants and art, and The Plantier has got both within their shop located in Noble Square. What started as a self-exclaimed “obsessive” love for the two has turned into The Plantier, where you can find tons of plants to add to your collection, as well as art pieces to curate the ultimate sanctuary, free of the bustling noise of any-given Chicago neighborhood. One thing that makes this shop unique is that they offer cuttings of rare plants that customers can purchase and propagate, seeing the hard yet soothing work of plant care come to life. 

5739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Having been in Chicago for almost 40 years, Gethsemane Garden Center definitely knows a thing or two about plant care. Located just north of the Andersonville neighborhood, Gethsemane is Chicago’s largest year-round garden center. Here, you’ll find everything you need for a complete plant collection whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

The extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff are ready to talk annuals, houseplants, seeds, shrubs, and more to guide you to become a well-rounded plant owner. Gethsemane is also committed to shopping locally and supports locally run farms and greenhouses to bring you the freshest and most interesting plants you can find. 

745 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Since 2003, Sprout Home has offered a plethora of services for plant lovers of any kind. Looking to revamp your outdoor garden space? Sprout Home can help. Just want a few houseplants to give your space a more welcoming feel? The in-store and online collection is perfect. No matter what size your project is, Sprout Home has got you covered.

Additionally, if you’re looking for any floral services from an exquisite bouquet to the floral arrangements for a wedding or large event, all you have to do is walk across the street to the Sprout Home Floral shop where the experts are ready to take care of all your floral needs. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbnaRfjrFDW/

957 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

If you’re considering turning your home into a mini-greenhouse, Plant Salon is the place for you. With a recently opened second location in Bucktown, this place has all the gorgeous greenery you can imagine. From pothos to philodendrons, you are sure to find something that inspires your inner plant-parent to curate the perfect collection of houseplants.

Along with plants, Plant Salon also offers things like candles, mugs, and skincare items that will elevate your space to the cozy, homey vibe you’ve been working on since you moved in. 

2321 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chicago Plants, based in Wicker Park, has everything you could dream of when it comes to plant shops. Workshops to help you understand the ins-and-outs of plant care? Yup. Repotting services for when you’re too nervous you’ll tamper with the intricate root system? Yes, again.

Chicago Plants is your one-stop shop to make sure that you’re bringing the best and most attentive care to your plant children. They also offer consultations for offices, homes, restaurants, and more to spruce up your space in the best way: with plants! 

4601 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

While there isn’t a physical storefront for this nursery, Chica Plant Shop is an incredible option for plant lovers. Running the business out of her home, Erika essentially “fosters” her collection. Whether you’re an expert at plant care or a first-time owner, you’re sure to find that any plant from Chica Plant Shop has been properly nurtured, and will become a permanent and flourishing fixture in your indoor jungle.

If you plan on buying from Chica Plant Shop, be sure to check the site often. Her popular plants aren’t available for long and we’re calling dibs on a lemon lime prayer plant!

Featured Image Credit: Vedas Plant Shop

Read More

Spring is finally here, and after months of snow and freezing temperatures, Chicagoans are wandering outside again to experience the sunshine and fresh air. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a walk off the beaten path. Secluded parks and trails are located all throughout Chicago for the perfect urban oasis. Keep reading to discover the city’s best hidden parks and trails for a spring walk, or head over to a forest preserve for a weekend getaway.

1700 S. Wentworth Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

Tucked away between apartment buildings, Ping Tom Memorial Park features breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Chinatown park sits beside the south branch of the Chicago River and includes a natural area with native prairie and wetland habitat. Drawing from the surrounding neighborhood and its distinct heritage, the park, named after a prominent Chinatown civic leader, highlights Chinese design elements with a sweeping pagoda-style pavilion.

1521 S. Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Located directly south of Adler Planetarium and east of Soldier Field, Northerly Island is often overshadowed by the significant Chicago landmarks of Museum Campus. But if you make the trek out to this secluded peninsula, you’ll be rewarded with unique eastern views of the Chicago skyline framed by prairie grassland. This urban oasis is truly a hidden gem with 150 different varieties of native plants and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. 

125 W. Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park may be known for its expansive zoo and conservatory but venture a little further north to discover the tranquil Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. With a gentle backdrop of a soothing waterfall, the park is designed to mimic the flow of a melted glacial river cutting through limestone rock. Walking trails provide the perfect way to meander this contemplative space.

200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago, IL 60660

Just north of Belmont Harbor, tens of thousands of migratory birds flock to a natural area of prairie, shrubs, and woodland to rest and take shelter during the spring and fall months. Birdwatchers will find thrushes, woodpeckers, sparrows, owls, and many other species at this hideaway. A 1.5-mile walking trail loops through the sanctuary giving hikers the perfect vantage point of the city skyline and numerous types of birds.

598 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Adjacent to Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach, Milton Lee Olive Park offers phenomenal city views, broad grassy areas, and circular fountains. Although neighbored by famous Chicago landmarks, the park is tucked away and often overlooked.

5491 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60615

Promontory Point is a man-made peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan from Hyde Park. Encircled by a walking trail, benches, and fire pits, this secluded park gives spectacular views of downtown and Lake Michigan. Grab a spot on the limestone rocks guarding the peninsula against Lake Michigan’s waves and let your mind wander.

5801 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60646

At this 46-acre nature preserve, explore numerous Illinois habitats, including wetland, woodland, prairie, and savannah. Walking the trails at dusk, you may even spot a deer or two!

2700 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608

Concealed within the Bridgeport neighborhood, Palmisano Nature Park has undergone extensive transformation. Once a coral reef, the park became a quarry and then a landfill before changing into its present-day form as a park. The park promises a pleasant spring stroll with a fishing pond, 1.7 miles of paths, and an open meadow to enjoy.

Image Credit: Uniuversity of Chicago

1400 N. Humboldt Dr., Chicago, IL 60622

In the heart of the Humboldt Park neighborhood, you’ll find a massive 200-acre park that feels like you’re entering a different world. Walking trails weave throughout several lagoons and natural areas making it easy to get lost in this whimsical park. During the summer months, you can even rent a swan-shaped paddleboat to explore one of the giant lagoons with breathtaking views of the skyline.

6300 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

Located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park, Garden of the Phoenix sits on Wooded Island, an escape from its surrounding urban setting. Inspired by Japanese design elements, the park was established in 1893 to symbolize the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. Cherry blossoms, a wooden bridge, and a beautiful sculpture make this scenic garden a dream-like getaway.

Featured Image Credit: Save Promontory Point

Read More

The 2022 MLB season will officially toss its first pitch on Thursday afternoon after a labor stoppage threatened the season completely. A little arguing here, a little bickering there, and a couple weeks of a fast-tracked Spring Training and we’re finally here. And since the league and players association spent all offseason up in arms about money, let’s take a dive into a report about what a standard day at the ballpark will cost the fans around the league, but more specifically the ones attending a game at Wrigley Field this season.

You can find the full breakdown and infographics of the report here courtesy of time2play.

In February 2022, they surveyed 1,110 baseball fans, 50 percent male and 50 percent female, from across the United States to ask them about their budget and comfortability when it comes to attending the ballpark for a 2022 MLB game. They also analyzed data on each MLB stadium from 2019 and 2021 (2020 not included for obvious reasons), to compare the costs and pricing differences across baseball in 5 categories: general tickets, beer, hot dogs, parking, and souvenirs.

After all of that, here’s what they found in general terms:

“For those making plans to go to the ballpark, the average budget per person is $106 with 45% of people willing to spend $0-99 per person for a ticket, food, beer, parking, and souvenirs. It’s no surprise 79% of people want most of the money to go toward their tickets/seating and the average budget for a ticket is $75.

When it comes to quenching their thirst, 46% of people are willing to spend $5.99-$9.99 for a beer. Overall, 32% of people say food and alcohol costs impact their decision on whether to attend a game or not.”

The 2022 Chicago Cubs are an enigma. Are they good? Are they not? Are they at least moving in the right direction? No one knows, but at least they have a DH now. One thing we do know is that Wrigley Field is the most expensive ballpark experience in the entire league. If you want to head to Wrigley Field, have two beers and a hot dog, and pay for parking you’re going to drop at least $110 ($111.15, to be specific). Per Fangraphs, the Cubs are projected to finish 75-87 this season and tie the Cincinnati Reds for third in the NL Central. Imagine dropping a Ben Franklin plus some to watch a team 12 games under .500. But that’s Wrigley for you.

Nonetheless, folks are fine with this. It’s always been a thing, even when the team is piss poor and I am a culprit of this too. A few rumblings have been going around social media this week about how the get-in price for the Cubs home opener vs the Milwaukee Brewers is astonishingly low. Tickets can be had for price tags in the teens right now for Thursday’s bad weather opener. It’s true, but those prices will regress towards their true mean as the weather warms up, actual baseball is played and fans slowly get in the baseball mindset. Long story short, no one really cares about Bleacher Bummin’ when it’s 43 degrees out. Come August those ticket prices will match the temperature and we’ll be mad again.

Cubs Opening Day tickets available on StubHub at, um, reduced prices. 😬 pic.twitter.com/1K7b6VnCIa

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) April 5, 2022

86 percent of those surveyed said they feel comfortable going to a baseball game in 2022 and that 65 percent of those individuals plan on attending at least 2-5 games during the 2022 season. By that, at Wrigley Field, the average person could spend a total of $555.75 for five baseball games, 10 beers, five hot dogs, and parking for the entire thing. Good deal? We’re not sure.

Read More

Big news, movie buffs! The Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is returning for its 38th season beginning April 21st through May 1st. The festival’s growth has been impressive, starting with 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 film fanatics today! With over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. screened, CLFF is a great way to experience the Latino culture, right here here in Chicago. Check out this year’s most anticipated films. 

1991

While the Army and the guerrillas were waging a violent war in the mountains leading to the extermination of hundreds of indigenous communities, a different kind of war broke out in the big city. On the one side, indigenous kids who found, in breakdancing and hip hop, a way to express themselves; on the other, upper-middle-class teens like Daniel, who chase these breakers down with baseball bats.

Blood-Red Ox

Lebanese American journalist Amir and his boyfriend Amat visit a town in Bolivia that is being threatened by an oil company. Amat suddenly starts to see visions of a blood-red ox; as Amir tries to save him from these paranoid attacks, he begins to wonder if he is also losing his mind.

Blue Heart

In this bleak, chaotic world, a photojournalist, and his teenage son befriend a mysterious woman who is in search of her identity. Shot guerrilla-style for ten years, Coyula (Memories of Overdevelopment) continues his exploration of alternative realities and dualities with this story about loss, yearning, and uncertainty.

Loop

In this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again, in this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again, in this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again…

Dos Estaciones

Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition Special Jury Award for Best Actress for Teresa Sánchez at this year’s Sundance Festival, González’s fiction feature debut takes place in his native Atotonilco, Jalisco, where foreign corporations and climate change threaten to wipe away the last vestiges of a homegrown, artisanal industry. Dos Estaciones quietly and subtly explores issues of gender identity and fluidity in a mostly conservative community.

Me & the Beasts

Starting a solo career turns out to be tougher than Andrés Bravo expected, especially now that many of his friends are leaving the country in search of better opportunities. But just as he is starting to despair, two mysterious beings dressed in yellow from head to toes decide to give him a helping hand.

Please Hold

In the near future, Mateo is wrongfully incarcerated due to a computer glitch. Realizing he has no means of recourse in the fully automated and fully privatized prison system, he fierously  attempts to reach a real human being who can set things right.

Split Ends

Struggling to understand her grandmother’s dementia, Isa chops her long locks and immediately regrets it. Her obsession with her hair begins to suffocate her as she struggles with the fear of her family’s beauty standards and her complicated feelings of grief.

Yellow Sunglasses

Thirty-year-old Julia has a one-night stand with Darío, an attractive waiter, who introduces her to Ignacio, an employee at a photocopy store who is trying to be cast in a play. Together they will live an intense connection through which Julia will deal with her frustrations of not knowing if she will manage to be who she dreamed of being when she was young.

Featured Image Credit: Blood-Red Ox/blackvelvetmovies

Read More

Unlike their south side neighbor’s outfield situation, the Chicago Cubs have things pretty squared away ahead of the 2022 MLB season. That is, of course, if newly acquired outfielder Clint Frazier can keep himself healthy and on the field this year.

Who Is Clint Frazier?

Clint Frazier is a 27-year old outfielder who has spent the majority of his five years in the big leagues with the New York Yankees. As the former fifth overall pick in the 2013 draft, the expectations were high for Frazier pretty early on in his career. And when you play baseball in the Big Apple, well, those expectations only get even higher. Unfortunately for Frazier, injuries have hindered much of his performance and success so far in the MLB. It’s no question that he’ll be looking to turn things around with the Chicago Cubs.

What injuries has Frazier had exactly? Concussions. And not just one. Clint Frazier has dealt with multiple head injuries since 2018, with the latest happening during 2021 Spring Training. That one ultimately knocked him out for the majority of the season, but he’s in a much better place currently. Just ask him!

How’s Frazier Today?

“I’m good right now,” is what Frazier told NBC Sports Chicago in a recent interview.

It’s an answer we certainly love hearing after the intense treatment that Frazier underwent following his release from the Yankees. 

In video interviews, Clint Frazier talked a lot about his symptoms from the concussions, and what it was like dealing with them on and off the field. Frazier put it best with a few simple words, “Baseball’s already hard, but it made it extremely hard.” Now, unlike Frazier, we aren’t constantly having things thrown at us at 80-90+ mph. So we’ll have to take his word for it.

Defining Frazier’s Success In Chicago

For Clint Frazier to have a successful season in 2022 with the Cubs, he’ll need to do one thing: stay healthy. If that means missing games here and there, starting the season off at a slower pace, or even gearing things up in the Minors, so be it.

The talent for Frazier is there already. It’s a reason the Yankees stuck with him through multiple seasons of setbacks and recovery. It’s also the reason he’s on the Chicago Cubs today.

With Clint Frazier staying healthy, he’ll stay on the field, and for a player like him, well, the performance will just come naturally. He’s already calling 2022 the biggest year of his career. And when you take his one-year deal with the Cubs into consideration, he’s absolutely right. This is the year for Frazier.

We’ll have to wait and see how everything plays out, but good health should mean good things for both Clint Frazier and the Chicago Cubs organization. If he can stay on the field with no issues, we have no reason not to believe that he’ll be extended quickly and stay with the Cubs long term. Fingers crossed!

Read More

Cool, creamy, and delicious, there is no dessert quite like gelato. Dating back to the Middle Ages of 16th-century Italy, gelato has stood the test of time. With summer fast approaching, you may be getting ready to let cold desserts back in your weeknight rotation (or maybe they never left), so why not stop by these awesome gelato places in Chicago right down your neighborhood? With fun flavors, unique serving styles, and a classic background, gelato is the perfect treat to kick off the best season in Chicago in the best way possible: with dessert. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

It shouldn’t come as a shock to find BomboBar is at the top of our list. This West Loop staple came to popularity through their gelato, shakes, bombolinis, injectable Bombos, and more. With gelato flavors like cookie monster dough (my personal favorite), cinnamon toast crunch brownie, and campfire s’mores, you’re sure to find a flavor of this luscious treat that pleases the whole crowd. Bonus? If you’re bringing your furry friend for a walk down Green Street, BomboBar offers a pet-friendly menu with treats curated just for them. 

1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

If you never thought you could mix art, cute animals, and gelato, you obviously haven’t been to Eli’s Ark. In the heart of Wicker Park, this spot brings a bit of fun to each scoop by creating animal art on each serving of their mouthwatering gelato. Opened in 2018, Eli’s Ark owner Elisa Nguyen said she took inspiration from animal-based shows she was watching with her son (source), and this inspired her to create the perfect family-friendly spot to indulge in a delicious menu of flavors that changes daily. Adults and kids alike can indulge their inner animal-lover by getting multiple scoops of gelato styled like a dog, bunny, and even a unicorn. 

859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

2662 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

1012 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

With three locations across Chicago, Black Dog Gelato is simply a must-try. Here, you’ll find classic flavors like pistachio and strawberry, but also eccentric flavors we’re sure you haven’t had like olive oil and lemon passionfruit. Owner Jessie Oloroso started Black Dog Chicago originally in Ukrainian Village, and has since opened two more locations in the West Loop and Logan Square, making her delicious confections even more easily accessible across the city. Want to get the best flavors delivered right to you? Join Black Dog’s pint club to get monthly access to their best featured, dairy-free, and featured flavors! 

615 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

It may seem impossible to transport your taste buds to Italy in the middle of River North, but with a stop at Café Crèmerie, that is completely possible. Recently reopened from the chaos that was 2020, Café Crèmerie focuses on serving specialty coffees, wine, Italian treats, and of course a handful of flavors of artisanal gelato. Remove yourself from the bustle of River North at Café Crèmerie, relax in the atmosphere, and indulge in one of their many different gelato flavors.

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Among the lively crowds and festivities of Navy Pier, you’ll find FRÍO Gelato. This gelato spot was started by two cousins and best friends, Sebastián Koziura and Enrique Schcolnik, and focuses on the Argentine style of gelato, so you can be sure the sweet treats will be smooth, creamy, and made with only the freshest natural ingredients. With an emphasis on being allergen-friendly, all the flavors served at FRÍO are gluten and nut-free. Looking to take your gelato to the next level? Turn it into an alfajor (Argentine cookie) sandwich! 

1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

We tried to think of just one word to describe Sugar Junkie, but were caught up on “bright, colorful, delicious, high-energy” and so many more. Located in Lincoln Park, Sugar Junkie brings a pop of entertainment to every scoop of their delectable gelato. From vanilla to rainbow cake batter to key lime, Sugar Junkie can curb your sweet cravings. Not only do they serve a classic scoop or two, but you can also find fun toppings like sprinkles and cotton candy, as well as treats specifically for your pup! 

Featured Image Credit: Café Crèmerie

Read More

Whether it’s a late-night snack or a lunchtime feast, the burrito is one of the most delicious and versatile food items you can order and eat. Pile it high with beans and veggies, or stuff it full of steak for the more carnivorous eater— any way you make them, good burritos are delightful pockets of flavor and fuel that faithfully serve the needs of Chicagoans’ palates and stomachs. You can find the best burrito near you at these spots in Chicago.

L’Patron

3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Head to Logan Square to try one of L’Patron’s nine (nine!) different kinds of burritos. Take your pick of a handful of meat selections (including beef tongue), opt for the poblano rajas, or ask about the vegetarian special for the day.

Image Credit: Burrito Beach

Burrito Beach offers a truly customizable burrito-making experience where guests can choose from a vast selection of meat and fillings with options like Asada Chicken, Baja Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Cabo Shrimp, and even Beyond, 100% plant-based meat filling. From there diners have the option to load up burritos with a variety of veggie and Mexican-inspired fillings such as award-winning guacamole, salsas, and sauces.

Taqueria El Asadero

2213 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618

If you’re looking for best burritos near you in Chicago, this family-run taqueria boasts great steak on its Facebook page. The restaurant offers fresh and delicious carne asada burritos. Add on a horchata and tuck into an amazing meal.

Read More: The Best Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Waukegan, IL

Taqueria Traspasada

3144 N California Ave, Chicago IL 60618

811 N Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60657

This burrito spot has blessed us with not one, but two locations (Avondale and West Town) where hungry Chicagoans can partake of the classics—like a Pollo Burrito— or try something new, like the Sesos Burrito (beef brain).

Del Toro

2133 S Halsted St, Chicago IL

Tequila bar and restaurant Del Toro works to ensure that diners not only taste an impressive selection of margaritas, but also that they balance all of that tequila with a hearty and delicious burrito— one filled with chorizo, fish, chicken, or any number of other possibilities.

Tony’s Burrito Méx

1957 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL 60657

The burritos at Tony’s not only offer a wide selection of meats and other toppings, but more than one size of burrito is available— opt for a small, 10-inch tortilla, or a large, 12-inch tortilla.

La Pasadita

1140 N Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60622

A dedicated purveyor of burritos near you in Chicago since 1976, La Pasadita makes your burrito-eating experience as customizable as possible. You can create your own burrito with any number of meats, go the vegetarian route, try the “super burrito,” or even break out a fork for the tidy burrito bowl.

Read More: 8 Excellent Polish Restaurants to Visit in Chicago

Read More

Four Chicago restaurants have been named to the latest edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide star rankings for the first time. In total 23 Chicago restaurants landed on the 2022 list, which is one less than last year, but newcomers Claudia (Bucktown), Kasama (Ukranian Village), Esmé (Lincoln Park), and Galit (Lincoln Park) cement their name amongst the coveted roster of Chicago culinary greats. Take a look at the full Chicago Guide below with quick hits and thoughts from UM Staff.

Of note, the 2022 edition of the list is a more accurate representation of the current culinary landscape in Chicago. Covid-19 impacted there being a list at all in 2020 and the 2021 list was not new, it was merely a representation of who was on the list pre-pandemic. With new entries and a few drop offs, the 2022 list is Chicago’s culinary scene right now.

Alinea is the only three-star restaurant in Chicago for 2022. They’ve held onto their three stars every year since 2011 and leave no doubt what the ultimate culinary journey looks like in Chicago. The Alinea Group added another star to their resume with West Loop’s Next.

West Loop’s Ever and South Loop’s Bar and the Dining Room at Moody Tongue in the South Loop made their debuts with two stars in 2021 and retained those credentials in 2022. Moody Tongue effectively replaced Band of Bohemia as the city’s only brewpub to be recognized on the coveted list.

Perhaps the trendy it-restaurant of right now is Kasama in East Ukrainian Village. Since it opened early in the pandemic it’s been a massive hit and was named to Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurants of 2021. It’s star is not only deserved, but almost expected given the rapidly growing hype surrounding this west side infant owned and operated by the spousal duo of Chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. As for other newcomers Galit, Esmé, and Claudia, here’s what the official Michelin Guide had to say:

Galit: “Chef, Zach Engel, brings his experience to bear on this personal brand of modern Middle Eastern cuisine. His prix-fixe allows diners to make their own selections from a range of options, but sharing is key to cover the most ground…”

Esmé: “…lays bare lofty ambitions at this airy atelier. The minimalist, well-lit space evokes an art gallery, complete with a high-concept tasting that’s aimed at blurring the boundaries between art and dining, with an eye towards community…”

Claudia: “…Claudia is über cool and contemporary. Modern art adorns its walls and midnight-blue velvet covers the booths. Tables are ideally situated to face the kitchen, where the synchronized team prepares an intensely creative prix-fixe…”

Three Stars
Alinea | Lincoln Park |

Two Stars
Ever | West Town
Oriole | West Loop
Moody Tongue | South Loop
Smyth | West Loop

One Star
Boka | Lincoln Park
Claudia | Bucktown
El Ideas | Pilsen
Elizabeth | Lincoln Square
Elske | West Loop
Esmé | Lincoln Park
Galit | Lincoln Park
Goosefoot | Lincoln Square
Kasama | East Ukrainian Village
Mako | West Loop
Next | West Loop
North Pond | Lincoln Park
Omakase Yume | West Loop
Porto | East Ukrainian Village
Schwa | Wicker Park
Sepia | West Loop
Temporis | Noble Square
Topolobampo | River North

Dropped Off Due to Closure
Acadia | South Loop
Entente | Lakeview
Parachute | Avondale
Spiaggia | Gold Coast
Yugen | West Loop

Featured Image Credit: Alinea

Read More

We know spring is brunch season, but easter just makes it all the more special! With the weather finally warming up, we are definitely ready to get together! Whether you celebrate Easter or just need a special occasion for a unique limited-time brunch, we’ve got you covered with the biggest list of Easter Brunch in Chicago this year!

1100 W. Thorndale Chicago, IL 60660

Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar will host an Easter brunch on Sunday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The brunch will feature live entertainment from the Tom Lowery Trio, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the patio and inside. Easter specials will include a Bunny Hop Latte, cereal lattes like a Honey Nut Cheerios Latte, Fruity Pebbles Latte, and Golden Grahams Latte, and Easter Egg Truffle Deviled Eggs. Reservations are recommended and can be made via Tock.

5553 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

To pair with brunch, guests can enjoy a $10 Bloody Mary with house-made mix and choice of a garden veggie-infused vodka or smoked jalapeno and garlic-infused vodka. Uvae will also serve $8 Mimosas with a choice of pear and ginger, blood orange and cinnamon, or smoked honey and apple. Reservations are strongly recommended by booking with Resy.

916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Read More