Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/835995
COCO PAZZO CAFE Making its debut in a new location, this Streeterville favorite features a combination of Tuscan classics from its former menu along with a sampling of Roman-inspired dishes from sibling restaurant Tre Soldi. 212 E. Ohio St., 312-664-0212; cocopazzochicago.com EDEN The ambitious menu at this contem- porary American restaurant in the West Lake district—for which chef Devon Quinn grows more than 30 vegetables and herbs in a greenhouse he and his father built themselves— features dishes like braised duck lasagna and lamb loin with pistachio- yogurt panna cotta. 1748 W. Lake St., 312-366-2294; edeninchicago.com ENTENTE Owner Ty Fujimura (Arami) has assembled an all-star team, including Brian Fisher (Schwa) and pastry chef Mari Katsumura (Grace, Acadia), to bring casual, super-seasonal fare— expressed in a tight list of offerings, from chicken liver mousse with Concord grape jelly to fettuccine with white truffle and Brussels sprouts—to Lakeview. 3056 N. Lincoln Ave., 872-206-8553; ententechicago.com NEW FAT BABY TACOS The city's taco-mad craze continues with this fast-casual River North newcomer, where tacos and burritos are filled with the likes of chicken, shrimp, or veggies, and accompanied with onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño, green cabbage, and more. Soups, salads, cocktails, and aguas frescas, too. 109 W. Hubbard St., 312-527- 2229; fatbabytacos.com THE FLAMINGO RUM CLUB From Caribbean-inspired tapas to luxe bottle service and a bar serving up mojitos, daiquiris, and caipirinhas, this island-focused restaurant and cabaret aims to bring the spirit of Havana to River North. INSIDER TIP: Wednesdays feature a can't-miss cabaret starting at 9 pm. 601 N. Wells St., 312-929-0060; theflamingorumclub.com NEW III FORKS STEAKHOUSE Tucked into the Lakeshore East complex north of Millennium Park, this sleek downtown destination scores with a primo rooftop lounge and an updated steak house menu that tempts with plates like lamb meatballs, seared scallops with bacon jam, prime double-cut pork chops, and an impressive selection of prime, dry-aged, and Wagyu beef. 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-938-4303; 3forks .com/chicago HARRY CARAY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE A sporting atmosphere meets a sophisticated menu at this River North institution, one of the city's top spots for steak and a veritable shrine to the Cubs and other Chicago teams. INSIDER TIP: The restaurant's chicken Vesuvio—a classic Chicago dish cooked in white wine and plated with peas and potatoes—is easily the best in town. 33 W. Kinzie St., 312-828-0966; harrycarays.com INCOME TAX Europe is the focus of this newcomer to Edgewater, from the smartly curated list of wines, sherries, beers, and ciders to the selection of wine- friendly plates, including bacalao, pâté, lamb meatballs, and Black Forest duck with spaetzle. 5959 N. Broadway, 773-897-9165; income taxbar.com NEW KATANA From LA-based Innovative Dining Group, this hit Sunset Strip restaurant brings its signature combination of sushi and classic Japanese barbecue to River North this summer in a sprawling, 13,000-square-foot space featuring a lounge, sushi bar, and 299-seat dining room. 339 N. Dearborn St.; innovativedining.com LEÑA BRAVA The Rick Bayless empire continues to expand with this always-packed Baja-style addition to Restaurant Row. Sip a Leña Ice (mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, lime, cucumber, and serrano pepper) while people- watching over tempting plates of ceviche, black cod "al pastor," or a 32-ounce tomahawk steak. 900 W. Randolph St., 312-733-1975; rick bayless.com/restaurants/lena-brava LH One of Chicago's hottest bars, which boasts a magnificent city view, this trilevel rooftop hangout at the LondonHouse hotel scores with craft cocktails and creative American fare. INSIDER TIP: For a primo proposal location, book the Cupola, London- House's exquisitely intimate indoor/ outdoor space at the tippy-top of the hotel. 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr., 21st—23rd Fls., 312-357-1200; londonhousechicago.com/rooftop MASTRO'S This glitzy River North destination for steaks and sushi brings a little bit of Hollywood to the Windy City's carnivorous dining scene. The indulgent warm butter cake is one of the city's top desserts. INSIDER TIP: Catch nightly live music in the lounge from acts like the aptly named trio the Champagne Kings. 520 N. Dearborn St., 312-521- 5100; mastrosrestaurants.com MERCADITO Mexican fare meets a nightclub vibe at this River North hit, whose group- friendly menu boasts six different guacamoles, plus creative drinks (try the mango-licious Smokey Pablo). INSIDER TIP: For a sultrier scene, head downstairs to the lounge La Mez, which offers a rotating selection of more than 80 mezcals and a DJ on weekends. 108 W. Kinzie St., 312- 329-9555; mercaditorestaurants.com MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE A Chicago original since 1978, Morton's is still one of the city's absolute best places for steak. INSIDER TIP: Catch the bar's 5–8 pm weekday "Power Hour" for primo food and drink specials. 1050 N. State St., 312-266-4820; 65 E. Wacker Pl., 312-201-0410; mortons.com OCEAN CUT CHICAGO At this sophisticated yet approachable seafood destination from Chicago Cut partners David Flom and Matt Moore, guests can expect überfresh and flavorful fare like jungle-curry mussels and PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BEARD © 2017 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Cirque du Soleil brings its newest big-top production, Luzia, to the United Center this summer. 130 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM The SOURCE: SCENE The SOURCE: SCENE