Chicago's Ethnic Fare

Saganake

After New York or San Francisco, I would rank Chicago as the city that offers the most to the food tourist. On a recent visit, I had the chance to sample a few of the cuisines the city had to offer.

Chicago's Greek neighborhood features several Greek or Mediterranean restaurants offering varied dining experiences, from casual to fine. On the casual end of this spectrum, I can recommend Nia for their saganaki cheese - a flaming cheese that can be had with bread or just by itself. The jumbo shrimp in garlic sauce and a wild mushroom risotto were also tasty. While these items were a bit on the pricey side given the small quantities, the food delivered in terms of quality.

I was less taken by the Frenchmarketchicago - an indoor marketplace seemingly tailored for mostly the working crowds. Very little about either the decor or menu struck me as French other than the crepes and pastries. However, the vendors are very diverse, with ethnic foods on offer ranging from tamales to kababs. I tried crepes at fLip Crepes and lobster rolls at Da Lobsta - not outstanding but edible.

Macaroons

I also stopped by Del Seoul, a Korean restaurant whose menu, interestingly, features tacos. I had read some great reviews about this place, but came away somewhat disappointed, perhaps because I didn't find it novel enough. Their shrimp and chicken tacos were great, but they were not something I had not eaten before. I certainly did not see any Korean influence. However, their chicken wings were good - closer to those I had at Bonchon.

So as to not end this post on such an ambivalent note, I would recommend that if you find yourself in Chicago, make time for the French pastries and macaroons at at Tonipatisserie. You will thank me!