Slurping Turtle, Happy Stomach

I've been fortunate enough to be a guest not once, but twice, at the innocuous gray and red brick house that resides on the  corner of Damen and Armitage ave, also known as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Chicago, Takashi.  On the inside Takashi is quite cozy and magical.  One of the best components to a meal I've ever had in my life was here; fish accompanied with roasted long-stem Japanese wood mushrooms with a cauliflower foam.  The cauliflower foam (an actual bubbling mini-heap) tasted exactly like creamy, buttered cauliflower; pure heaven.  Behind Takashi is genius skill of head chef James Beard Accolade, Takashi Yagihashi, the pioneer behind the famed Tribute in suburban Detroit.

via Takashi off of Damen ave. in Bucktown

via An elusive flavored foam coating perfectly seared scallops

Takashi is a special occasion restaurant; there's something in the cuisine- and wine, that's approachable yet decadent which calls for sharing.  The more intimate the group you choose to bring here, the better.  Takashi is ideal for a small family get together, an anniversary celebration, or romantic holiday dinner sure to impress. Ah, so dreamy.

A little more helpful info: Takashi holds a Michelin star and serves a noodle-focused brunch. Ok, enough about Takashi.

FINALLY, something more affordable and accessible, sans romance! Yagihashi opened Slurping Turtle in River North and we are dying to get there and take our own noodle slurping picture.  Sushi, noodles, dumplings, and broth, OH MY! With a full bar, located right on hustle-bustle Hubbard ave. Slurping Turtle is bound to hit some high notes and fill some empty bellies.

Food for thought: The turtle is symbolic of longevity in Japan. Thus, the slurping turtle is the quest for the everlasting noodle- and ultimate Japanese comfort food.

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Skip Whole Paycheck- go across the street Kingsbury Street Cafe

Honestly one of the most subtly beautiful and inviting eco-chic cafes in this city aside from Karyn's and Uncommon Gound, Kingsbury Street Cafe focuses on light, healthful meals.  The interior reflects the menu, as the walls and plates are stark white paired with natural inspirations throughout.  The long wooden tables and small cactus-like plants on each table are charming and elegantly restrained.  Kingsbury Street Cafe is lit with a sizable amount of natural sunlight as the front wall is 20 foot windows facing West, providing a refreshing place to start, or unwind from a hectic day.

The quality of the food is as outstanding as the interior; vivid, clean, and leaves an impression.  Nothing here is heavy or overbearingly rich, which is a nice contrast to high-profile restaurants that specialize in making the lunch/ brunch experience the most extravagantly calorie-rich meal of the day.  Kingsbury Street Cafe is playful and imaginative, but completely filling without regret.  Over the top brunch items I'm thinking of  include the Publican's Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder and The Bristol's hangover breakfast with noodles, pork belly, and a poached egg.  I'm not knocking Chicago's move toward a decadent and deserved brunch, just offering an excellent alternative.

Bypass Whole Foods for once and venture across the street for lunch or brunch. I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised and it won't make a huge dent in your wallet. I'm already looking forward to a return trip.

 Roasted beet salad 

with pistachio, edamame, red onion, red wine 

vinaigrette dressing with chicken

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Grass Fed Beef Burger- crispy maple glazed bacon, sautéed 

mushrooms & onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle and a side salad in place of french fries

Thankful for...

MORE TIME! Chicago Gourmet will be back in full force before Christmas... much has happened on the long hiatus, most notably the Chicago Gourmet will be on the WTTW show "Check, Please!" featuring one of our favorites, Ruxbin Kitchen.

There's much more to come... I'm excited to be back!

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Tonight it's Chicago Cut. By no means a new opening, word has quickly spread this is an instant classic. Review to come!