Edition: Kidding Around Chicago
New Tables In Town
Author: Amy Kistner
These new Chicago restaurants are ranked at the top when it comes to dining in the Windy City, be it classic or contemporary.
MADO
This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is located just minutes from downtown in the beautiful Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood. Mado's menu features foods with Greek and Italian leanings made with fresh ingredients, many of which are procured from local sources. The atmosphere here is comfortable and welcoming; the prices aren't bad either. On the menu: wood-grilled rainbow trout with walnuts, coriander and majoram; watercress salad with radishes, almonds, lemon and mint; and a chocolate-and-apricot tart with creme fraiche.
GRAHAM ELLIOT
This four-star restaurant contender sports a casual atmosphere and affordable price tag in the midst of the gallery-friendly River North neighborhood. The Graham Elliot menu features contemporary American food with eclectic touches, mostly emanating from chef Graham Elliot Bowles' roots in the molecular gastronomy scene. On the menu: aged cheddar risotto with Pabst-glazed pearl onions, Granny Smith apples, crispy prosciutto, and Cheez-it crackers; pistachio-crusted lamb shank with tomato-artichoke ragout, Israeli couscous, shaved fennel, and black olive puree; "Spice Krispie Treats" with marinated strawberries and condensed milk sherbert.
L2O (pronounced L-two-oh)
This global cuisine-inspired modern seafood restaurant is located in the historic Lincoln Park area. L2O's menu offers numerous seafood options paired with a variety of interesting flavor combinations. The modern interior offers a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with clean lines and ebony columns. On the menu: Santa Barbara shrimp with red pepper, rasberry, and cucumber; Hokkaido scallop with jalapeno, parsley, and bergamot; and lobster with Tahitian vanilla, chanterelle, and watermelon radish.
Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago , IL 60654
This contemporary-American restaurant, located in the River North gallery district inside a 19th century printing warehouse, has all the taste of an uppity resaurant, but none of the bitterness.
Mado
1647 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
Mado gives diners a fresh taste of the Mediterranean without breaking the bank or patron's pants with simple yet with high quality dishes, friendly service, small portions and a cozy atmosphere.
