Our Team’s Favorite Dishes from 2022

via Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

It’s a tough job, but someone has to eat all the amazing meals Chicago’s chefs cook up! Our team is out and about in the Chicago food world all year long, visiting new restaurants and trying the latest in food and drink across the city and suburbs. Sometimes it’s part of our day-to-day work for Dine-It-4ward, but many times it’s simply because we truly love the restaurant experience. 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 laying claim to favorites, these are the meals that we’re still talking about as the year comes to a close…

Laura Goodman, Co-Founder

Sweet Tooth Pick: Chocolate Chip Cookie from Beatrix 

In my mind this is the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It’s sweet, but not too sweet and is the perfect texture: chewy on the inside and crunchy around the edges. Check it out and you’ll see! (at left)

Chicago Classic Pick: Bone-In Filet from Bavette’s  

This cut takes Filets to a new level giving it delicious flavor. Pair it with hand-cut steak fries and a martini and that’s all you need for a perfect dinner! 

Under the Sea Pick: Omakase from Omakase Yume 

It’s such a special experience. This intimate restaurant really transports you to Japan, and the preparation is unmatched.

Out of Office Pick: Bison Filet & French Fries from Le Rock in New York City

If you are in NYC, don’t miss Le Roc. The Bison Filet with peppercorn sauce is tender and delicious and their French fries are some of the best I’ve ever had.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Kaleigh Glaza, Co-Founder

Sweet Tooth Pick: Sticky Date Cake from Armitage Alehouse

Everyone that knows me knows I love myself some dessert, but I wasn’t sure about a dessert made of dates. Boy, was I wrong! This cake is ooey gooey delicious, so flavorful, and the ice cream scoop on top is the ideal balance. Sheer perfection (see at left)

Under the Sea Pick: Maine Lobster Linguini and the Oysters Two Ways from Lyra

I could have listed my entire meal from Lyra here, but these two dishes were standouts. The oysters were such a unique preparation, and the linguini was stellar. I’m a sucker for anything prepared tableside, and the plating of the linguini was a feast in itself. Can’t wait to come back here!

New Hot Spot Pick: Entire Meal at The Bazaar by Jose Andres

This was one of my first meals out in 2022 and I’m still talking about it. From the creative cocktails to the delicious menu of signature cuts of meat, the whole experience was fantastic. Definitely get the Carpaccios and Croquetas de Pollo, but save room for your favorite cut of steak.

Out of Office Pick: Scallops from La Coupole in Paris

I spent five weeks in Paris this spring and every meal was just fantastic. But this was one of my first meals there and it set the tone for my whole trip. I can’t find it on the menu anymore, but this brasserie is worth a visit either way! Beautiful, classic French cuisine and super helpful staff.

Robyn Glaza, Social Media Manager

Chicago Classic Pick: French Onion Soup from Le Bouchon

Always piping hot, never with too soggy bread, and crispy, savory cheese on top (LOTS of cheese)! This pairs perfectly with their extensive wine list too!

Under the Sea Pick: Tiradito Trio from Tanta

A trio of the freshest seasonal fish, served raw and packed with unique flavor combinations. It’s visually stunning, with so many bright colors. Eating it while relaxing on their rooftop made for a perfect summer meal.

Cut Above the Rest Pick: Wagyu Card from Prime & Provisions

These were the best and most tender cuts of steak I have EVER had (all top-of-the-line and sourced from Japan). The tasting card was also served with their famous Prime & Provisions seasoning and other accompaniments, but you really don’t need them (see above). We even covered all this goodness on our blog if you want to learn more!
I also love the House-Cut Potato Chips on their Bar Menu! Crumbly, melty blue cheese piled high on top of homemade crispy chips.

Casual Carryout Pick: EVERY SINGLE MENU ITEM FROM PORTILLO’S BUT ESPECIALLY THE ITALIAN BEEF

What?! We can’t eat at fancy restaurants every single day! ;)

Madison Freeman, Editorial Correspondent

Under the Sea Pick: The Dynamite Scallop Roll from Roka Akor

This is just so dang good! It's topped off with a flame seared sashimi scallop and dynamite sauce... say no more.

Sweet Tooth Pick: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Bar from Edge of Sweetness Bakery

I'm usually a chocolate girl, but these melt in your mouth treats have been a favorite of mine for years.

Happy Hour Pick: The Aperol We’ve Been Through from Summer House Santa Monica

I still have dreams about this drink and summertime Chi :) It’s also great for colder months when summer really is only a dream! Just look at this cutie (at left)

Out of Office Pick: The Classic Pad Thai from Hawkers Asian Street Food in Nashville

It's wok-fired in a tangy, red chili pepper sauce with eggs and veggies and topped with roasted peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime. Yum!

Daisy Kimala, Tiktok Manager

Under the Sea Pick: The Snow Crab from Half Shell

This is served on a pile of fries with garlic butter - To die for!

Sweet Tooth Pick: Loukoumades from Lyra

These warm donuts come with 4 different dipping sauces (caramel, local honey, vanilla anglaise, cranberry curd, nutella) and each is better than the last.

Healthy Choice Pick: Basil Pesto Caprese Flatbread from ingrained

I crave this at least once a week!

Out of Office Pick: A Grilled Cheese Dumpling from Beauty & Essex in New York City