2021 Foodie New Year’s Resolutions
Tanta Chicago
New year, same great Chicago food world. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t exciting spots to explore, delicious cocktails to try, or plenty of chefs to learn from. 2021 has so much promise for our food family, and we are setting up plans to make the most of it. With that in mind, while you’re creating goals for the New Year, might we recommend making a few food goals too? They’ll be a lot more fun than your usual New Year’s Resolution, and certainly set you up for a delicious year ahead…
EAT MORE COLOR
This is a tip that dietitians give all the time as a way to eat healthier, however, it’s a tip that doesn’t have to be limited to salads. Your eyes are a huge part of your dining experience, and eating colorful meals will make dinnertime more interesting and exciting. Instead of eating a plate of all brown, mix your next meal up with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes from all around the world. Three spots to check out for this goal are:
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}
Lyfe Kitchen {multiple locations}
Brightwok Kitchen {multiple locations}
Geja’s Cafe
GET OUTSIDE
Chicago patios are a summertime favorite, but plenty of spots have expanded patio season to include winter oases that are allowing us all to dine outside throughout the whole year. Visiting all-season patios now is a great way to get out of the house and support your favorite spots! And once the weather warms, we know all of the city will be taking advantage of patios and rooftops city-wide. Three spots to check out right now for this goal are:
Athena Greek Restaurant {212 South Halsted Street, #1, Chicago; 312.655.0000}
Geja's Cafe {340 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.281.9101}
Lottie’s Pub {1925 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.489.0738}
EXPERIMENT WITH MEAL KITS
Last year was all about cooking at home, and that doesn’t have to stop in 2021! Make the most of your kitchen, and learn the best recipes from Chicago chefs in the process. Plenty of restaurants are still offering meal kits with varying degrees of preparation available. Whether you want to easily reheat your favorite dish, or sharpen your Top Chef skills, these are three spots to check out for this goal:
Girl and the Goat Goat-ceries Meal Kits
Lettuce Entertain You Family Meals, Meal and Cocktail Kits
Siena Tavern At-Home Pasta-Making Kits
Chicago Chop House
SUPPORT CHICAGO INSTITUTIONS
You know them, you love them, but you shouldn’t forget about them! Chicago institutions have been around for decades in most cases, and that’s because they’re serving up food the whole city can get behind. These are places you can always count on for a great meal from chefs and teams who are at the heart of our amazing food family. Three spots to check out for this goal are:
Gino's East {multiple locations}
Club Lucky {1824 West Wabansia Avenue, Chicago; 773.227.2300}
Chicago Chop House {60 West Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.787.7100}
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Giving back and supporting charities is important all year long, so don’t forget about Chicago nonprofits even though the holidays are over! Three causes to support to help support now and throughout 2021 are:
After School Matters: Use code ASM20 when you buy your 2021 Culinary Guide to get a discount and donate a portion of your purchase to their work
Lurie Children’s Hospital: Use code LURIECH20 when you buy your Culinary Guide for a discount and to donate a portion of your purchase to their work
The Trotter Project: Use code TROTTERPROJECT20 to purchase your Culinary Guide for a discount and to donate a portion of your purchase to their work
Molly’s Cupcakes
TREAT YOURSELF
We have to have a little fun - even with resolutions! With a tough year behind us and (hopefully) better times ahead, it’s more than okay to treat yourself to something extra delicious. We all deserve a little bit of sweet, a little bit of frosting, a little bit of decadence! Three spots to check out to make the most of this goal are:
Firecakes {multiple locations}
BomboBar {multiple locations}
Molly’s Cupcakes {multiple locations}
LEARN NEW SKILLS
It’s never a bad time to learn new things! Whether you want to sharpen your knife skills, become a coffee aficionado or just learn a new recipe to impress your roommates, there are plenty of virtual classes being offered by Chicago restaurants and brands. Three spots to check out for this help achieving this goal (and get a delicious meal at the same time) are:
The Chopping Block Cooking Classes
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Virtual Roastery Tour and Coffee Tasting
Virtual Dining Chicago Classes
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor