Lunch
1) Blackbird: Chef Paul Kahan’s West Loop restaurant was voted one of Chicago’s top five restaurants by Gourmet Magazine, not to mention it has a Michelin star.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Wood-grilled sturgeon with roasted leeks, potatoes, caviar
2) GT Fish & Oyster: This River North seafood mecca offers a nice escape from the harsh Chicago winter. The fresh seafood, combined with the nautically-themed restaurant, makes for a lovely weekday or weekend lunch.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Lobster roll
3) Travelle: Located on the second floor of The Langham hotel, this Mediterranean restaurant offers fine dining in a beautiful space, overlooking the Chicago river.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Pomegranate-braised lamb shank
Dinner
1) Cichetti: Chef Michael Sherrin of Trencherman heads up the kitchen at this newly-opened Venetian small plates spot.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Gnocchi with braised pork shank
2) David Burke’s Primehouse: Steakhouses are always a great bet during Restaurant Week, especially when you can score an appetizer, filet and dessert for under $50. Primehouse’s dry-aged steaks are worth considering for a Restaurant Week lunch or dinner.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Classic filet mignon
3) Embeya: This stunning Asian fusion restaurant in the West Loop always offers a three-course lunch for $21, so skip that. Instead, head over for their prix-fixe dinner, which is served family style. This is bound to be one of the best deals during Restaurant Week.
Dish We’re Most Excited About: Thit Heo Kho (braised pork belly)
What restaurants are you looking forward to trying during 2014 Chicago Restaurant Week? Let us know in the comments.
