Our Team’s Favorite Dishes from 2021
It’s a tough job, but someone has to eat all the amazing meals Chicago’s chefs cook up! Our team is always out and about in the Chicago culinary world, visiting new restaurants and trying the latest in food and drink. Sometimes it’s part of our day-to-day work, but a lot of times it’s just because we truly love restaurants. And though we rarely have a bad meal in such an outstanding food city, there are some dishes that stand out from the crowd. After a lot of reminiscing and watering mouths, these are the meals that were our favorite from the last year.
Laura Goodman, Co-Founder
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio’s Gnocchetti con Pesto: It’s the most satisfying pesto dish I’ve tried in the city to date. Full of basil flavor and the creamiest texture! {Monteverde}
Dinner at Oriole: The entire meal - from start to finish - was amazing! The service, the creativity, the vibe. It’s just so special—a once in a lifetime experience.
The sugargoat Chocolate Chip Cookie: I always pick my cookie of the year and Beatrix has been the reigning champion for a while, but I was convinced by a friend to try the Chocolate Chip Cookie from sugargoat this year and I’m sold. It was a perfect mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips, baked to perfection. Chewy and underdone just the way I like it and not too large to finish in one sitting! {sugargoat sweets}
avec’s roasted oyster mushrooms on sourdough with sheep’s milk cheese, fresh figs, black garlic and cardamom: I normally get the Truffle Tallegio Foccacia but stepped out of my comfort zone in 2021, and was handsomely rewarded. This toast was a meal in itself and one of the most satisfying single dishes I’ve had all year. {avec}
Kaleigh Glaza, Co-Founder
Gioia’s Nei Paccheri: More things need to be served tableside! And more things also need to be served with hilarious bibs. Both of these enhance the whole dining experience and bring the whole dining room into your meal. But even without the tableside presentation and bibs, this pasta dish is fresh and delicious. Plus, it comes with plenty of 22-month aged Parmigiano, which is always a win! {Gioia}
Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Chicago’s Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew: This drink is the definition of a smooth customer. The hint of sweetness from the whiskey barrel tempers the crisp caffeine of the cold brew, and it’s even more delicious because you get to enjoy it at the Reserve Roastery. Even if you’re not a coffee fan, it’s worth a visit just to walk the floors and see all the roasting magic! {Starbucks Reserve® Roastery}
Prime Beef Tataki with Shaved Truffle from Roka Akor (above): You know a meal is amazing when you’ve already made another reservation before you even get to dessert. The second I tried this tataki, I knew I had to come back to Roka Akor and take my family. It’s bite-sized heaven, especially thanks to the truffle (shaved and jus). Plan to get multiple servings! {Roka Akor}
Millie’s Banana Puddin’ from Virtue: Let me clear. I hate bananas. But I LOVE banana pudding. And this might be the best one I’ve ever had! It was tough to save room for dessert because Virtue’s whole menu is packed with delicious comfort food, but I’m so glad I did. My life is that much sweeter thanks to this dessert. {Virtue}
Ramen Takeya
Natalie Viscosi Page, Head of Sales
Fried Chicken Buns from Ramen Takeya: The soft, delicate bun paired with the crunchy fried chicken & creamy sriracha mayo makes for the perfect combo. It’s a two bite item I dream of often. {Ramen Takeya}
The Espresso Martini Shot & Funky High Ball Cocktails at Nights & Weekends Bar: If “simple is underrated” was a theme, it would be the theme of this bar. Everything is so simplistic but in a way that makes you never want to leave. Each drink on the menu has no more than four ingredients & I love it. Bonus good vibe points because they also have no TVs. {Nights & Weekends}
Honorable mentions:
The Zucchini Fritters, The Stracciatella & The Rigatoni from Rose Mary
The Sourdough Cavatelli from The Press Room
The Miso Bold & Spicy from Ramen Takeya
Madison Freeman, Special Correspondent
Mama Depandi’s Bucatini from RPM Italian: 1000% no question ever in my mind. This will be on my list every year. {RPM Italian}
Coda di Volpe’s Classic Tiramisu (above): This is literally the best tiramisu I’ve ever had! The flavors flow perfectly together and aren’t too overpowering. A lot of tiramisu is really heavy on the coffee flavor, but theirs has the perfect creamy/coffee/cocoa ratio. {Coda di Volpe}
Velvet Taco’s Ref Curry Coconut Queso: As a vegetarian, this dish is a dream. Most queso tastes pretty similar and uses the same ingredients, but this one is different. Velvet Taco’s queso has curry flavors mixed with cotija crumbles, red onion and Thai basil. It’s AMAZING! {Velvet Taco Core Menu}
Robyn Glaza, Social Media Coordinator
The Crispy Brussel Sprouts from Mable’s Table: For the people who think brussel sprouts are boring or basic.. you have not yet tried them from Mable’s Table. Perfectly crispy and paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce & bacon, these are anything but basic. Plus, the restaurant is so cozy! {Mable’s Table}
Le Bouchon’s Soupe a L’Oignon Gratinee: This is a classic soup… with a little twist! Using AMAZING seasoned croutons instead of bread made this soup something to write home about. And I can’t forget about the heaping portion of crispy yet gooey cheese on top. {Le Bouchon}
Honorable mentions: