Chef

Nicole Pederson

"This is my favorite pizza in the city, and I’ve got New York standards. This combo may sound strange, but try it. It’s briny, salty, cheesy, and totally delicious."

"I am a pork bánh mì girl all the way, except when I come to Nhu Lan. Their pork is great, but the chicken is what I always crave. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy."

"I love steak tartare, but have been disappointed by it time and again. Never at Maude’s. They make it exactly the way I like it and serve it with grilled bread, mustard sauce, capers, and slow-cooked egg yolk."

"A big bowl of Tank’s phở is delicious, but the catfish really gets my taste buds going. If I’m feeling really gluttonous, I’ll get the catfish and pork simmered in a clay pot."

"Every Monday night, Lula offers a three-course farm dinner for just $34. It is always amazing. Sometimes it’s vegetarian, sometimes you’ll get seafood, but you can’t go wrong."

"I’m addicted to Rick Bayless’ tiny Mexican joint. My favorite sandwich includes braised short ribs and pickled jalapeños. It’s absolutely delicious. The soups are amazing, too, and you can’t leave without a churro. Now you can eat this at O’Hare International Airport—it’s just as good!"