2023 Foodie New Year’s Resolutions
Indienne
New year, same great Chicago food world. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t exciting spots to explore, delicious cocktails to try, and plenty of culinary experiences you won’t want to miss! 2023 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 finalizing 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…
TRY A NEW CUISINE
Yes, we are all guilty of staying in our comfort zone when it comes to dining. Yes, it’s safe, easy & convenient. BUT you could be missing out on a delicious cuisine that turns out to be your new favorite. It’s time to take advantage of living in one of the best culinary cities in the US. The beautiful city of Chicago is home to endless different ethnicities & nationalities; both with its people and its restaurants. Here are three great spots to check out to meet this goal:
Indienne for Indian fine dining and a tasting menu {1559 North Milwaukee, Chicago; 312.363.3110}
Demera for Ethiopian cuisine {4801 North Broadway, Chicago; 773.334.8787}
Polombia for the unique combination of a Polish and Colombian dishes {Time Out Market, 916 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 832.202.4574}
via Sunda New Asian
GO MEATLESS (EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE…)
Whether you are a devout vegetarian or simply want to eat a little more mindfully this year, substituting a meat dish for a plant-based one is never a bad idea. While this may not have been as manageable a few years ago, now, in 2023, the possibilities and options for vegetarian eating are positively endless. From full on plant-based kitchens to your favorite restaurants now offering vegan/vegetarian friendly options, you should have no trouble meeting this goal.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen {1559 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 312.363.3110}
Daisies Chicago {2523 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.1671}
Sunda New Asian {110 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.644.0500}
Galit {2429 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.360.8755}
Goddess & Grocer
SUPPORT LOCAL & MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES
If there is one thing Covid taught the foodie world, it is just how important and rewarding supporting small/local/minority run businesses is; and it’s a concept we definitely still support in 2023! Why is shopping and dining at local establishments so important? Firstly, you’re supporting and giving back to YOUR community, instead of the big, name-brand corporations. Secondly, it can help stimulate the local economy and create more jobs for people in the area. Thirdly, you’re supporting the fact that equality of opportunity should be available for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or income. It’s a win/win/win for everyone! Here are some great places to visit if you want to support small businesses:
Daisy’s Po’ Boy & Tavern: Black-owned {5215 South Harper Avenue, Chicago; 773.675.8767}
Goddess & Grocer: Woman-owned {Multiple Locations}
Cebu: AAPI-owned {2211 West North Avenue, Chicago; 773.709.9153}
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine: Woman-owned {Multiple Locations}
via River Roast
COMBINE EATING WITH GETTING ACTIVE
While this may seem nearly impossible during Chicago winter, warmer weather will be here before we know it! (hopefully sooner rather than later…) With the warm weather comes more opportunity for walking, jogging or biking to the next foodie adventure. Food is always rewarding of course, but it can be made even MORE rewarding when you work up a little sweat and appetite to get it. Here are three great spots near the legendary 606 and Lakefront paths so you can get a little bit of movement in around your eating:
Small Cheval: Near the 606 Trail {1732 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 312.837.3859}
Yolk Test Kitchen: Near the 606 Trail {1767 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 312.348.1333}
Le Colonial: Near the Lakefront Path {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}
River Roast: Along the riverside path {315 North LaSalle Street, Chicago; 312.822.0100}
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Chicago charities and nonprofits are always looking for and can benefit from your support – year round! Any support is appreciative and there really is no better feeling than giving back 🙂 If you purchase our 2023 Culinary Guide using the below codes, part of your purchase will go towards their causes. These charities are just a few of the ones our Culinary Guide supports, and just a few that provide support and education in the culinary field in Chicago. Purchase the Guide and you’ll be supporting Chicago restaurants AND charities, all in one go!
Pilot Light: PILOTLIGHT22
By Robyn Glaza | Social Coordinator