Neua dad deaw
$$, Thai, Wrigleyville
"I can’t pick just one dish from TAC, but if I had to, it would be their Thai beef jerky. It is so tender and comes with a fantastic Thai Sriracha sauce. You can find it on their secret menu."
ChefCurtis Duffy
Chicago
Accolades
- Three Stars (Grace)Michelin Guide
- Four Stars (Grace, Avenues)Chicago Tribune
- Nominee for Best Chef: Great LakesJames Beard Foundation
- Nominee for Best New Restaurant (Grace)James Beard Foundation
- AAA Five Diamond Award (Grace)American Automobile Association
- 7 Hottest Chicago OpeningsZagat Survey
- Nominee for Best ChefJean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence
- Best New Restaurant (Grace)Chicago magazine
- Chef of the YearChicago Tribune
- Restaurant of the Year (Grace)Jean Banchet Awards
- Chef of the YearJean Banchet Awards
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in Chicago
Where I Go Out
Scallop ceviche
$$$, Mexican, Near North Side
"This is a gorgeous dish. The acidity lends delicate balance and clean flavors, and the texture of the scallops is fatty and unctuous. It's not always on the menu, but definitely worth getting if it is!"
Sawa gani
$$, Full Bar, Sushi, Sheffield Neighbors
"This family-run restaurant may be known for its sushi, but the kitchen's hot dishes are not to be missed. This app of fried river crabs with shichimi togarashi and Japanese curry is one of my favorites."
Fried pig's ear
$$$, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Mediterranean, Tapas, Near North Side
"The texture that Jimmy Bannos Jr. attains with this dish of fried pig's ear, crispy kale, pickled cherry peppers and fried egg is something you can’t find anywhere else. Crunchy, chewy, soft—the ears have three-dimensions."
Lobster roll
$$$, Seafood, Happy Hour, Near North Side
"GT Fish & Oyster's lobster roll has generous portions of perfectly cooked lobster on an amazing bun. The roll is toasted and topped with fried onions. It's simply the best."
Coconut tapioca pirouettes
$$$$, Modern, American, New American, Cocktail, West Loop Gate
"I love these on Sepia's dessert menu. The richness of the milky tapioca, brightness of the pineapple, and crunchy, spicy cashews are a spectacular combination, and finished with a rum syrup, it's truly amazing."