Chicago Foodie News That Made Us Smile in 2020 😁

Girl & The Goat

We’re coming to the end of 2020, and we can’t be alone in heaving a big sigh of relief as we wave goodbye to this past year. It was anything but normal - some might even call it “unprecedented” - and it was full of difficult times for all of us in one way or another. That was certainly true for the Chicago hospitality industry, which is still struggling due to closure and limitations even now. However, even in the midst of plenty of uncertainty and sadness, there were still so many moments of joy.

We founded Dine-It-4ward, launching this website and our Culinary Guide. We met new team members, saw restaurants open and re-open, and supported our food friends in creative endeavors across the city. We cooked more at home with meal kits from celebrated chefs, and learned about our industry with virtual events and tastings. Even though we weren’t physically together very often, our whole city has found so many ways to unite and give back.

With that in mind, we’re continuing to focus on the good where we can, and in looking back on 2020, our team actually found quite a few memories that still make us smile today…

Co-Founder, Laura Goodman

I was amazed at what The Fifty/50 Group did in the midst of the worst part of the pandemic. They succeeded in turning some of their locations into pick-up locations for those in need! For example, The Fifty/50 became a spot to pick up a complimentary dinner daily, and West Town Bakery was transformed into a grocery store as well as dinner pick-up spot for all restaurant industry workers. They provided thousands of meals for folks all while at the same time teaming up with World Central Kitchen to feed frontline workers.

I am also loving all the interactive food kits from some of my favorite chefs. I never experimented with cooking like I have in the past few months and one of my favorite meal kits was from Stephanie Izard at Girl & The Goat. I was able to re-create some of her dishes at home, which I never thought would have been possible! I learned how to make a sauce that I now put on everything from fish to chicken to vegetables!

Co-Founder and Market Editor, Kaleigh Glaza

Despite a long-time love of the brand, I had never been to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue before this fall. I’d seen all the beautiful photos and lusted after their tasting offerings, but it wasn’t until I learned about just how much they also give back to Chicago that I knew I had to visit ASAP. Did you know the Starbucks Reserve Roastery shared more than two thousand pounds of coffee to Chicago hospitals, first responders, food pantries, and citizens this year? That’s a whole lot of coffee!

And while big names like Starbucks have been giving back in big ways, I honestly got my widest smiles this year from family-run restaurants like Mable’s Table in Bucktown. When I lived in the neighborhood, Mable’s was my favorite spot for everything from brunch to oyster happy hour at their bar. That’s why it broke my heart when they temporarily closed in June. They were the very definition of the type of restaurant that made Chicago such a special food city to me! Clearly their other patrons agreed though, because they received an outpouring of support and donations from the neighborhood and were able to re-open this fall. Everytime I order from them now, I know that meal is extra special and full of the best in Chicago food.

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

Co-Founder, Jay Kopp

I am continually amazed at the charitable donations restaurants have been making despite their businesses being absolutely crippled. Saigon Sisters donated meals everyday for the first two months of the pandemic and continue to do so. They have given thousands of meals to frontline workers at Northwestern Hospital and created a spotlight on women-owned businesses doing good during what will probably be the most difficult time in their professional careers.

For my day to day, the chicken wings at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap always have a special place in my heart. First off, they are delicious! The Pancho's and Spicy Buffalo are excellent. But, it is also a taste of home for me. Living in the neighborhood for 15 years, I will happily eat those wings every week and that taste always reminds me off all the fantastic times I have had here. I look forward to watching the Bears win the Super Bowl in 2022 with a few of their wings in hand! Everytime I pick-up those wings, I am in a happier place.

Doughnut Vault

Designer, Emily Bukala

I've been so happy that so many restaurants started offering takeout or expanded their delivery menus this year. As a huge pizza fan, I've tried to order from more local favorites rather than bigger chains during this time so a new favorite has become The StopAlong in Bucktown! I've become very familiar with Doughnut Vault's online ordering and pick-up system haha I’ve always been a big fan of sweets and snacks, but since I’m pregnant right now, and trying to stay home whenever possible, it’s been so fun to be able to get all my favorites delivered or picked up.

Also, I can’t leave out a classic and my forever love: The Goddess and Grocer. Picking up their sandwiches, veggie bagels, and sweet potato fries has kept me going through this crazy year!

Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Contributor, Madison Freeman

Living in Lakeview East, a part of Chicago that feels like a small community, and seeing people who will stand in line outside a restaurant for hours just to help keep their doors open, has reassured my faith in humanity. If nothing else, I think these trying times have given people an opportunity to help others and their communities.

I have tried to do my part in that effort in any way I can, even if that was just ordering from neighborhood spots as often as possible. When Chicago shut down in the spring we lost access to my all time favorite veggie burger in the history of the world. So, during the rest of quarantine, I went on a hunt for Chicago’s best veggie burger. And I think I found it! My quarantine search for Chicago’s best veggie burger ended when I found Doc B’s veggie burger with kale slaw and teriyaki glaze. It’s the best - even if you eat meat!