"About Last Night..." Gia Gets Unzipped

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The light of the candles flickered. The soft, sexy sounds of Cafe del Mar played in the background. It was a magical night. "Are you ready?", "yes, I'm ready", "is this what you wanted?", "absolutely" I said with a smile. It was love, love at first sight. Insert a record SCCCCRRRATCH now, as the only love I was feelin that night was for the man-size, ginormous, hunkilicious, ELVIS burger from Stanley's Kitchen and Tap. "Mmmmmmm, sooo gooood" was all I could say as I literally clapped when Cydney brought this dish to the table. But first, let me rewind and tell you about Stanley's Kitchen and Tap IN THE EVENT THAT you did not see my 30 second spot on the Game Time Dine Season Premier!

Stanley's is a place you go when you want to feel like you're just hanging out at a neighborhood joint. It's like eating at home, minus the cooking and clean up factor. The place is chock full of things to do from brunches, theme nights, the famous Burger Bar, and if you're a Long Horn fan this is your place! But the extensive menu is what makes this place feel so great. You'll find Chef Jaysen's menu to be full of yummy comfort food such as macaroni and cheese, a variety of amazing sandwiches, and extraordinary dishes like his famous shrimp and cheese grit creation which is outstanding. The drink and desert menu is equally broad with drinks like Sucker Punch, Texas Tea and Spiked Milkshakes. Famous for the fried chicken I couldn't resist this choice either on this particular lovely night. I stared the Elvis burger down and enjoyed the Angus beef with pimento cheese and tiny, crisp onion rings. I should have been embarrassed at the amount of food consumed, but when it's this good you just subtly unzip, or unbutton, whichever is your thing, and keep the good stuff coming.

Check it out - there's something fun going on every day of the week!

In fact, I'll be there again Saturday so don't delay - I'm going for brunch. I'll be the girl, in loose sweatpants licking my fingers from the fried chicken (not really on the pants...you know me better than that!).

Stanley's Kitchen & Tap is located at 1970 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 312.642.0007

In these photos: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess, Cyndey, Fabulous Server at Stanley's

See you next week! check me (Gia Claire) out on Facebook, Twitter or email Gia@efete.net

Labels: dating and dining in chicago, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Triple G...Gaga...Gia...Graham

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

WHO is that hot blonde? Ahhh simmer down, it's just me, Gia, in a mood to be Lada GaGa for a night. Why not right? It was a night to remember for sure. The festivities kicked off at a most desired restaurant, Graham Elliot appropriately located in the Gallery District. If you've never heard of this place you must Google it immediately because A. the website is very cool, and B. it's AMAZING. Housed in a 19th Century printing warehouse the vibe is hip, relaxed but buzzing with ultra cool people (Gaga included). As Graham puts it, the menu is a juxtaposition of four star cuisine with humor and accessibility. When our server mentioned that the Chef was once known to crack up Altoids and Cheezits out of the vending machine to complement various meals I knew I was in the right place. Truly, this is Chicago's first "Bistronomic" restaurant.

Ordering almost an entire side of the menu I sat back and awaited the meal to begin with a delicious glass of Chardonnay and to my surprise a basket of popcorn? Indeed, like nothing Orville could create. This had garlic and truffle oil and I was horking it down like I was in a movie theatre. Not my best idea as there were crumbs lining the front of my shirt like I hadn't seen food in a decade. Regardless, I swished it off and resumed my position for this gastronomic experience. The portions were small but there were many of them. Nothing was done in typical fashion. Each piece was done like a painting on a canvas. Caesar salad, Beet Salad, Bisque, Macaroni (more garlic and truffle oil), Scallops, Beef. They were all exquisite! The flavors and presentation were all very unique and tasted rich, yet subtle as you could easily move through all the courses without feeling like you've overeaten (not that I would know of course). The desert plate was a chocolate combination of Guinness/malt/cocoa, which I enjoyed with a glass of NV Pineto, Brachetto, Piedmonte from Italy. It was THE best desert wine and complemented the chocolate deliciously.

Though not an inexpensive start to the night I would say it is a PERFECT date night. Especially if your date is picking up the tab and they happen to be a VP, Surgeon, or Entrepreneur - you get what I'm saying, not a first date "we'll see how it goes" kinda night.

Needless to say, blonde wig in tow the night kicked up quite a bit and ended in a strange twist of events. From Crobar to Spy Bar I just couldn't keep the blonde thing up and ended up in my a la natural self....a little wiser...and as always...a little crazier.

Next week I cook on lava rocks. Stay tuned!

Graham Elliot is located at 217 W. Huron St. Chicago, IL 312.624.9975

In these photos: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess and unnamed super cool guy!

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Bingo Bango Bongo

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I had a dream. Well, it was something like that for this little establishment on Milwaukee Ave. called the Bongo Room. Someone had a dream that the current owner had a restaurant named The Bongo Room, so there you have it. If it were my dream, I would have embellished a little for dramatic affect, but then again, I'm the writer, not the restaurant owner.

A day of hooky. No work, no cell phones, just the plain enjoyment of a day off from the world. It began here, at the Bongo Room. I must admit, I was not on a traditional date. He was much younger, yes, younger than my normal twenty-something crowd. He was a little less educated, and didn't have his career in line yet, but no matter, it was our special day.

The Bongo Room is pretty. It has fresh flowers, beautiful art, and seats at the counter, which I always find the most interesting. I love to pull up a swivel chair and have a conversation about life, what not. I couldn't help but notice the amount and variety of alcohol stacked high on the shelf. "Umm, excuse me, aren't you only open for breakfast and lunch?" I asked inquisitively. "True, but we get a lot of early morning Mimosa and Bloody Mary requests". Ahhhaaaa....I must make a mental note to self that if ever rounding the early morning near this fine place I must stop in for a cold beverage.

The menu had a variety of fresh choices. I wanted three or four things, and well, I usually do, but opted to try the Chicken and Avocado Club, and the Omelet with feta, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. And....a delicious Cappuccino whilst waiting. The food arrived and looked like art. Fresh, edible art.

The Avocado Club was amazing. The baguette was crispy and warm and the sandwich sang in great harmony with the cilantro lime mayo. Muah. The omelet boasted just as much flavor. The egg portion was actually wrapped around the ingredients, so you could really taste the individual flavors. The portions were generous. The service was delightful and I have to say that the conversation was as stimulating as any date I've been on in awhile, traversing topics such as XBOX Call of Duty 4, the difference between magma, and lava, and the ever increasing selection of Nerf guns.

What could be better than that?

The Bongo Room is located at 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 773.489.0690

Open only for Breakfast and Lunch (and cocktails!)

Stay tuned for next week - Lady Gaga meets Graham Elliot

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night"...Gia is in a Filter state of mind

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Modern. Eclectic. Chic. Flat out COOL. This is Filter Cafe, the newest coffee lounge, and wireless cafe on Milwaukee Ave. Recently re-opened, you would think they've been in business for years by the size of the crowd. Me and mine decided to do a little writing, sipping and snacking on a Saturday afternoon and the only thing I wished was that Filter took reservations because I almost had to sit on my date's lap (normally not a

problem) but with the Mac in tow, not so much.

Let me explain the awesomeness of this cafe. When you walk in you are immediately taken by the powerful colors, lights, art and hip decor. Large artwork floats on the ceiling, floor to ceiling red lights shine like burning embers, and funky, cool pieces of art randomly adorn the walls. It makes you just want to walk around the place and check it all out cause there's something around every corner and on every wall. Lime green couches, and orange chairs that

previously lived in someones home, or in an antique store surround the walls with small and large lamps that you swore could only look good at Grandma's now add a cozy element to this place. Almost impossible to describe is the look of curiosity that people have when looking at how they've taken old doors and placed on the wall as art. It's like a mini art gallery that is large enough to create a sea of laptops when you walk in. People conversing, typing, thinking, reading, sipping their delicious drinks. No doubt, brilliant ideas are being generated as we speak in this powerful place. The music playing is random and soft enough to think and have a conversation. Don't be fooled, this place isn't just for coffee. You can find a full menu of tasty delights from breakfast to hearty wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Place your order, grab a seat and one of the owners will probably bring the food directly out to you.. Some of my favorites are the Spicy Chicken Wrap, the Turkey Reuben, mac'n cheese, and the chicken chili.

Good food at good

prices. You can spend the day here. Heck, I could live here.

Almost four hours later my fingers were numb from typing. I was wired from the caffeine, full from the food, and yet, I still wasn't ready to leave.

Go there today, tomorrow, and every day after. The owners are so awesome, Jeff & Jeff...you can't miss them. Tell them Gia sent you and I promise you'll get Rock Star service!

Oh wait...you know I always check out the bathrooms because, much like the first kiss, you can tell a lot about a place by the bathrooms. I have to say, even the restrooms are funky;chalkboard and graffiti walls.

Jeff & Jeff - you have outdone yourselves!

I'll see you there on Saturday!

Muah for now!

Filter Cafe is located at 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 773.904.7819

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha, and Gia

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Walking up to Yolk on a Saturday afternoon you would think the ladies from Sex and the City had just taken over the place.  The line was almost curling around the corner and the wait was forty minutes.  "Forty minutes?? are you kidding me?" was my only reaction to the nice little twenty-something girl staring blankly at me from behind the counter.  Oh well, I was committed...I was starving...and I HAD to see what all the fuss was about.  After scouring through the menu, making random play lists on my IPhone, and scoping out everyone else's food when she called my name I leapt from my chair...ready to tackle an omelet the size of a football. The energy in this place is amazing. Much like Sex in the City, there are people gathered in groups, couples in tiny little blue booths and an entourage of interesting people at the bar sipping their coffee and enjoying the food.  I could literally picture the gals there, chatting about men, bad dates, and funky tasting...eggs.  But not here...Oh no, this food was outstanding.  Only open for breakfast and lunch the menu has a wide assortment of omelets, sandwiches, salads, pancakes, you name it.  I chose the Hey Ricky omelet which was Spanish with avocado, Chorizo, jalapenos and cheeses.  It came with a fresh assortment of fruit wedges.  The portion was more than three inches high and took over the entire plate.  HUGE!  But everything was so delicious it made me want to have a standing Saturday breakfast just so I could sample everything on the menu. Yolk is cool, hip, and I suggest you grab your favorite someone (as you can see in the picture...that's exactly what I did), and head there immediately.  And hey..."man up" the forty minute wait is totally worth it.  Text me while you're waiting...I'll put a smile on your face. 

Yolk has two locations: (South Loop) 1120 S. Michigan Ave 312.789.9655 and (River North) 747 N. Wells St. 312.787.2277

In photo:  Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess, and unidentified "favorite someone"

Check me out on Facebook - search "Gia Claire" - don't miss the fun! 

Labels: brunch, Chicago dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Gia Hits a European Beer Hall

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Publican was huuuuuum-mming on Saturday night.  As soon as you walk in you can just feel the electricity.  The conversations, set at large walnut communal tables, are buzzing and the hundreds of globe lights on the ceiling (shown in picture) just make this place bright - electric - happening - totally happening.  If you arrive early you are placed in the middle of the dining section at tiered round cocktail tables whereby you can begin with a tasty cocktail and an appetizer, if that's your thing.  I can't remember when a fine meal didn't start with a fine beverage so I solicited some advice from our waiter for the very BEST choice.  Known for the large, international beer selection I felt obliged to, as before, pick one based on the name.  I chose the Duchess de Bourgogne (shown in picture).  This frothy orange goodness was sweet, sour, cold and delicious. I had my doubts at first, but me and the Duchess got along just fine, times three.  Let me get to the menu because I could go on and on about the strong architectural lines and energy of this place but the food....the delicious food story needs to be told.

Known for market and organic fresh everything, I didn't know where to begin.  The oyster platter had a variety of choices from Canada to New Zealand, and most were very creamy and smooth.  As the menu is divided by fish, meat and vegetables we had something from each.  The lake perch fry was outstanding and came with fried artichokes and even lemon slices (which strangely, are quite tasty when fried).  We were also given a sampler of the shrimp which came right off the ship of Captain Dino in New Orleans, apparently just twenty-four hours earlier.  I stared into the eyes of the shrimp floating in squid ink fettuccine, did a three second pause thinking of the talking shrimp in the move Shark Tale, and gulped it down, poor little guy.   Another fine offering from the fish menu were the bouchot mussels which were steamed to perfection.

You can't really come to a place like this, what with swine artwork on every wall, and not try the pork.  The spicy pork rinds were...like eating spicy air, but it's all good.  More importantly, the "potee" was sausage, pork tenderloin, and pork confit, which all boasted tender juicy flavors.  Thank goodness all the dishes were meant for sharing, in case I didn't mention.  I just couldn't eat another bite - you know I tried, but every girl has her limits.

In this Photo: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess (and lovely waiter who shall remain nameless)

** for more information on Gia's adventures search "Gia Claire" on Facebook

the Publican is located at 837 W. Fulton Chicago, IL 312.733.9555

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, chicago food, new restaurants

Katz and Boehm Makes Perennial Sizzle In Lincoln Park

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

They say that three is a charm, but that’s not necessarily true for Chicago restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm. That’s because the dynamic duo have already been successful opening two of the best and hottest restaurants in Lincoln Park, BOKA and Landmark Bar & Grill. Both restaurants have received critical acclaim from local and national publications and continue to be considered two of the more popular spots for great cuisine, cocktails and atmosphere. However, Katz and Boehm just weren’t satisfied with their two gems and decided to open a third restaurant about a year a go. Perennial, has lived up to its name and Executive Chef Ryan Poli was added to bring a new casual dining experience to Chicago.


Perennial’s menu boasts a plethora of approachable dishes such as the Soft Shell Crab” and the “Brown Butter Gnocchi” appetizers. Both starters are prepared with flavors that are succulent and a presentation that differs from similar type dishes. The entrees are a perfect mix of seafood, meat and pasta selections, which makes it a difficult task to choose. However the “Grilled Salmon”, “Alaskan Halibut”, “Compart Duroc Porkbelly” and “Sea Scallops” are all popular dishes that won’t disappoint. The “Perennial Mac and Cheese” side dish holds it own when compared to other mac and cheese dishes in the city. An attractive array of desserts and cheeses complements the menu, but the standout is the warm chocolate brownie served with coffee ice cream.

Their specialty cocktail menu is also seasonal and the wine list is manageable. The service was attentive, but not overbearing and the waiter was knowledgeable about the cuisine, cocktails and wine. The vibe and crowd is casual elegance and atmosphere is loud enough to enjoy a dinner conversation. As the summer weather heats up Chicago expect Perennial to be even hotter during the months to come.

Perennial is located at 1800 N. Lincoln Ave in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. For more information log onto www.perennialchicago.com. Check out more reviews and to get an inside look at the newest hottest restaurants on Fete Select TV.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, kevin boehm, lincoln park, new restaurants, perennial chicago, rob katz, ryan poli

20 Regions of Italy in River North's Ristorante Prosecco

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A trip to Italy may not be on your travel agenda in the near future, especially with the state of the economy. However, thanks to a new River North Italian hot spot, you can experience Venice, Italy right here in Chicago. Ristorante Prosecco is a chic yet unpretentious white table cloth restaurant in the heart of the River North gallery district. Prosecco offers sophisticated, regional comfort foods from Italy's 20 regions, as well as the largest selection of Italian sparkling wine in Chicago. The interior of the restaurant was designed based on the beauty of Venice and the and the soft color of a glass of Proseco.

Executive Chef Mark Sparacino created Prosecco's menu to be seasonal and offer the finest foods from Italy. Their appetizer, salad and entree selections are plentiful and done very well. An appetizer menu favorite is the Capesanto con Brasato, a diver scallop stuffed with braised short rib of beef served on a bed of saffron risotto, shitake mushrooms and carrots. Their house made pasta and risotto are remarkably savory and popular. A couple of their notable pasta dishes are the Orecchiette Tartufate, served with wild mushroom, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato, and black truffle cream and their Roasted Duck and Goat Cheese-Filled Ravioli. Proseco's meat and fish dishes such as the Full Rack of Lamb and Pistachio Crusted Halibut keep customers returning for more. The Tiramasu and Torta di Mele, a baked apple layered pastry tart, are two of at least six house made desserts that Prosecco offers.

Prosecco's extensive wine list is divided into two categories, sparkling and still. They offer some of the best and finest Italian wines in the country. They are Chicago's first proseccheria, a wine bar devoted to the enjoyment of Italian sparkling wine. Prosecco is planning to host several Italian sparkling wine dinners to showcase their flavor and versatility.

Ristorante Prosecco is located at 710 N. Wells St. in the River North gallery district. They are open for lunch and dinner. Check out Ristorante Prosecco at www.ristoranteprosecco.com. As always, watch Fete Select TV to check out the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago gallery district, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select tv, italian food, new restaurants, ristorante proseco, river north chicago

Coca - Cola Sponsors Fete Select TV and Hispanic Heritage Month

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Sept. 16th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the US - a national holiday that began under President Lyndon B. Johnson and highlights the significant contributions Latinos have made on US culture.

Coca-Cola and Fete Select TV celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an inside look at Mercat a la Planxa.

Inspired by Catalan cuisine, acclaimed Executive Chef Jose Garces' new restaurant shows us of why Latino chefs are making a huge impact on fine dining.

Mercat a la Planxa on Fete Select TV.
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
www.mercatchicago.com

Check out Fete Select TV's new segment on Mercat a la Planxa.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, dinner, fete chicago, fete select tv, hispanic heritage month, mercat a la planxa, nbc 5 chicago, nbc 5 street team, new restaurants

New Fete Select TV Segment Features C-House

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Located in the New Affinia Hotel, C-House features a wide range of seafood options and a rooftop lounge for Chicago skyline views. Check out Fete Select TV, as D.C. gives you an inside look at the cuisine, cocktails and vibe. Go behind the scenes in the kitchen with Seth and Toni, their Excecutive Chef and Pastry Chef. C-House is by acclaimed Chef Marcus Sammuelson. Click on Select TV and see why this restaurant is Chicago's newest hot spot.

Labels: affinia hotel, C-House, chicago, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, food, marcus sammuelson, michigan ave, new restaurants, restaurant reviews, rooftop lounge, seafood

Four New Hot Spots To Dine!

Friday, August 1, 2008

I’m always looking forward to trying hot new restaurants in the city and Chicago always has a lot to choose from, especially this summer. Therefore over the past week I set out to try four new hot spots that have been generating a lot of buzz since opening. My criteria for deciding whether a restaurant is worthy of a repeat visit boils down to the cuisine, service, vibe, cocktails, cost, and location. For the most part the four dining venues hit the mark on food, but service was a bit sketchy for at least one of them.

My first stop during my week long dining crusade was Ajasteak. Located at 660 N. State St. (in the new Dana Hotel and Spa), they boast on offering the artful precision of Asian cuisine coupled with the robust flavors of a modern steak house. Basically they serve sushi and a very high grade of beef (Kobe). My wife and I had lunch there and were surprised to see the dining room nearly empty. The lunch menu however, provided an interesting choice of sandwiches, although a little pricey. I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich, which our server touted as his favorite, and the steak fries deemed the best ever. My wife chose the Seared Tuna Sandwich and a side of their heaping Onion Rings. We both shared a Maki roll to compare to our favorite sushi joints. The sandwiches were tasty; the service not so much. The steak fries were not even close to being the best ever. The sushi was decent, but nothing better than our more affordable BYOB sushi spot in Lakeview. Be prepared to open your wallet for an expensive and tasty meal, but the service may not coincide with the price.

My second stop was at OTOM, the sister restaurant to futuristic cuisine MOTO. OTOM Executive Chef Daryl Nash prepares post modern cuisine without being futuristic. They pride themselves on having stress free and fun food and I have to say that we had a lot of fun trying his creations. Cuisine such as Carbonated Watermelon to cleanse the palate and Butter-poached Shrimp appetizer were big hits. I’m not a huge fan of tofu, but their tofu poached in olive oil, corn puree and topped with freeze dried corn was savory. The Chicken ala King with oyster mushrooms and the Fried Short Rib Ravioli entrees were spectacular. After the Coconut-Pineapple Paradise dessert we were sold. The cocktails and service were great and the ambiance was low key. This is a great place to relax and chill with a significant other or a group of friends. OTOM is located at 951 W. Fulton Market St.

C-House was recently opened by acclaimed Chef Marcus Sammuelson. Sammuelson, out of New York City, is the youngest chef to receive two 3 star reviews from the NY Times. C-House is an American Seafood and Chop House restaurant. I taped a segment of Fête Select TV there recently and had a chance to enjoy some of Executive Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner’s specialty dishes, including Chili Crusted Fluke, Yellow Tail Fish Tacos, and Chorizo Mac & Cheese. C-Bar, their raw bar, offers standard seafood favorites and allows guests to sit and view the preparation of their meal. Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts created The Candy Bar- variety of bite size chocolates, confections and cookies. C-View is their upscale lounge located on the 29th floor and I became a fan of their Honeysuckle specialty cocktail. C-House is few blocks off Michigan Ave in the new Affinia Hotel (166 E. Superior St.)

The final destination on my parade route of restaurants was Hub 51. Owners R.J. and Jerrod Melman, sons of Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You), recently opened this 10,000 square foot space with a 20 ft bar. Hub 51 has definitely attracted a big crowd early and appears to be the new place to see and to be seen. The food is American cuisine with different influences from California, Mexico, Australia and Asia that includes homemade tacos, seafood, signature sandwiches and sushi. We had a Sweet Potato Roll, Chicken Nachos, Halibut Tacos, and the Sea Bass. The dishes were all very good, but the winner was the Sea Bass flavored with horseradish broth. My very pregnant wife couldn’t enjoy the Hub Punch, which is their specialty cocktail concoction of Grey Goose le Citron, tequila, Lcor 43, and pomegranate. The kicker for the evening was Martha’s Carrot Cake; RJ & Jerrod’s mother’s own carrot cake recipe. I’ll be back just for the carrot cake alone. Hub 51 is not a quiet place to have a romantic dinner, however it does offer a lively atmosphere with a bar scene that revs up as the evening grows. Check it out at 51 W. Hubbard St. (Corner of Dearborn and Hubbard)

Now that you have four new spots to try, drop me a line and let me know what you think at dc@efete.net.

Labels: ajasteak, C-House, chicago dining, cocktails, dc crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, Hub 51, new restaurants, Otom, seafood, steak house