Ranjana's Indian Cooking Classes Review

We just took a private cooking class with Ranjana.  She was very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.  She thoroughly explained the numerous recipes we were cooking that day - not only the techniques involved but the overall principles of Indian cooking that were applicable to that dish!  Additionally, Ranjana was extremely efficient - cooking, managing the kitchen, teaching all at the same time.  This class is an INCREDIBLE value and I highly recommend it to anyone - both beginners and experts in cooking would find value in learning from Ranjana.

P.S.  I am of South Asian descent, so I am familiar with Indian cuisine.  The recipes she taught us were some of the best I have ever had.

6730 S Euclid Ave
(between 67th St & 68th St)
Chicago, IL 60649
Neighborhood: South Shore

(773) 355-9559

Puerto Rico Food & Liquors Review

Before I moved to  this neighborhood, I heard people refer to this corner store by a million different names from "Puerto Rico" to "Junior's" to "that place on the corner that makes the best f*cking salsa in the city."

I am a little hesitant to tell folks that it is true... they make the best f*cking salsa in the city.  They bring a huge batch in on Fridays, and I am lucky to find a rogue container of it on Saturday afternoon.  The shit is good, and it goes fast.

And if salsa isn't enough to turn you on, perhaps the choice selection of beers will do.  I swear, I thought my boyfriend wanted to make out with the "brew buyer" for stocking some harder to find, probably really hoppy and/or sour, slightly more costly brew.  Apparently I just don't understand, but my "beer snob" boyfriend does and he adores this place.  Personally, I think they have a great  wine selection, but I am not going to make out with anyone because of it.

The weekend tamales are a treat, and the guys who work there (one of which is "Junior") are friendly, funny, and will shoot the shit with you  for a minute before they cut you loose.

2559 W Augusta Blvd
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

(773) 342-2678

HB Restaurant Review

I have a confession to make.  I judge people by their favorite foods and restaurants.  I also judge people I don't know by their yelp reviews q=), but that is another story. If the place sucks, I am their new enemy.  If the place is awesome, I am their soul mate and may ask them to marry me.  I came to Home Bistro restaurant on the glowing recommendation by Jennifer M.  I warned her of my caveat, yet she pressed me onwards.  HB Restaurant is BYOB, so pick up a wine and they'll uncork it free of charge.  The restaurant is kind of small and parking along the street is limited so RSVP and come early if you can.

I believe Home Bistro's menu is seasonal as Jennifer M's duck wings and beef cheeks were nowhere to be found.  Undeterred, my party started off with the Charred Corn Salad.  I don't think I've seen a more vivid looking salad.  The sorghum vinaigrette paired nicely with the arugula, corn, carrots, and walnuts.   Then everything came out at once and there wasn't an empty spot on the table.  The sweet Housemade Pierogi was out of this world.  Foie gras, Benedictine, stuffed together with the plum jam has me drooling at my work desk.  Normally, the thought of a snail slithering down my throat grosses me out but the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) always gets the best of me.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed Sautéed Garlic & Escargot.  It almost makes me forget the slime, beady eyes, and him wanting to hide in his shell.  What do you have to hide?!

For our main courses we had the BBQ Beef Tongue with truffle fries.  The truffle fries instantaneously disappeared because they were magnificent.  The luscious Braised Pork Shank falls apart at a simple jab of your fork.  The only disappointment of the night was the Brisket special.  N one does brisket like Texas forever.  We ended the night with scrumptious Strawberry Bread Pudding.  Great service and great food, HB restaurant is my homeboy.

3404 N Halsted St
(between Roscoe St & Newport Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 661-0299

Anthony's Homemade Italian Ice Review

Anthony's is my go-to  for ice cream.  I live in the area and I have plenty of choices, I could walk to Dairy Queen, I could even walk to Scooters but they just don't compare to Anthony's.

Unfortunately, I am a creature of habit and I've never had their Italian Ice which is why I can't give it all 5 stars.  The ice cream is always amazing and easy to eat and you really can't beat the pricing.  The employees are always incredibly friendly asking if you'd like to sample.

It feels like a little ice cream parlor in a small town - definitely not a big city.  I wouldn't recommend sitting inside and eating, it's very limited seating but their outdoor space is perfect for people watching.

Anthony's never disappoints!

3442 N Southport
(between Newport Ave & Cornelia Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 868-4237

Chicago Pizza Tours Review

Absolute must do when in Chicago!!!

From the time we met Jon of Chicago Pizza Tours at Pizanos to the time we were dropped off, it was a truly first class experience one cannot miss when in Chicago!  The tour lasted a little under three hours tasting at four different pizza parlors all of which are rated in the top twenty (out of over 2000) in Chicago.  However, the experience isn't JUST about tasting pizza as you learn about the intricacies of pizza from its history to dough making to the various types of ovens/cooking styles, so on and so forth.  At the same time, you're learning about the history of Chicago plus having tons of laughs as the tour guide is hilarious!!!  Although you would think a full day of eating pizza is enough, you're actually left wanting more since the restaurants are amazing and the tour makes you appreciate the food you're eating even more.

We did many other tours while in town (Wrigley, river/lake Architectural, etc.), but this was the highlight of the trip by far.  Thanks Chicago Pizza Tours!!!

Well Dunn Catering Review

We worked with Ric at Well Dunn for our recent wedding, and we could not have asked for a better experience. Our reception was held in a venue that had never been used for a wedding previously, and they handled everything perfectly. The food was fantastic, and we had guests telling us all night long they had never had better food at a wedding. We had a sit-down dinner, and the service was absolutely wonderful. I would definitely recommend Well Dunn, we received quotes from several well-known DC catering companies and Well Dunn had both the best menu selection as well as the best pricing. Would use them again in a heartbeat!

510 11th St SE
(between S E St & S G St)
Washington, DC 20003
Serving Washington, DC and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast

(202) 543-7878

Le Bernardin Review

There is a reason Le Bernardin is ranked as nyc's top restaurant: perfection. Nothing at Le Bernardin is left to chance or is done in a half-assed manner. We ordered the Le Betnardin tasting menu $145pp without wine pairings). Worth every penny. every piece of fish was beautiful and flavorful. Not once did anything smell fishy, which did happen at Esca, another high-end seafood place. Perhaps its the fact that Eric Ripert is actually on site most nights? Whatever the reason for LeBernardin's amazing performance doesn't matter. All that matters is that dining here is an experience like no other. You need to dine here at least once in your life. there are minimal non-seafood options.

The Equitable Building
155 W 51st St
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhoods: Midtown West, Theater District

(212) 554-1515