Alinea creators coming to Fulton Market with Next Restaurant and The Aviary!

Brought to me by the weekly Fulton River District Association bulletin, the creators of the world-famous restaurant, Alinea, are making their presence known in the Fulton Market.  Currently under construction, two new businesses are taking shape at 953-955 W. Fulton Market.  

Next Restaurant will explore world cuisine and instead of taking reservations, your booking will be made more like a theater or a sporting event where your tickets will be fully inclusive of all charges, including dining service.  Obviously, ticket prices will depend on the time and day of your visit. 

The Aviary won’t technically be defined as a bar or a lounge, really.  They’ll have chefs producing the drinks so not only will they have the classic cocktails, but you can bet they’ll have some amazing and beautiful cocktails to compliment the menu at Next Restaurant. 

Both Next Restaurant and The Aviary are slated to open later this year. 

Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea and one of his food creations.

Awesome barbecue at Smoque BBQ. Ribs, Brisket, Mac-n-Cheese, Cornbread, Ahhh!

Soooo, the other day my friend and I had quite the Chicago food adventure.  First we paid our second visit to Smoque BBQ and then it was on to Mac-n-Cheese Pizza over at Ian’s Pizza.  But of course I’ve already posted about Ian’s so now it’s all about Smoque BBQ in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood.  Located at 3800 N. Pulaski Road, Smoque has been featured on tons of Chicago media outlets and even Diners Drive-in’s and Dives on Food Network.

When you’re walking up to Smoque, you can already smell the smokey goodness and when you get inside, it’s even better.  It’s totally no frills, you look up at a huge menu written in chalk, order up at the register, and then take a seat at one of the packed tables.

I ordered the Sliced Brisket Platter which comes with cole slaw and two sides (mac-n-cheese and fries) for $10.45.  My friend ordered the Sliced Brisket Platter and cole slaw with peach cobbler and cornbread for $10.45.  He also ordered an extra ‘taste’ of pulled pork for an additional $3.00.

I definitely recommend that everyone check out Smoque as soon as possible because you wont be disappointed.  The brisket was so tender and flavorful and their BBQ sauce isn’t your typical mass produced sauce.  Smoque is open every day of the week except for Mondays but definitely check out Smoque’s website for a menu and more! 

Photos courtesy of the uncrate website.

Epic Burger expanding to North Avenue! I LOVE Epic Burger!

Ever been to Epic Burger’s original location in the South Loop/Printers Row neighborhood?  Well, Epic Burger, located at 517 S. State Street in the mega-dorm has become so successful that they’re planning on expanding to the North Avenue retail area at 1000 W. North Avenue. 

Epic Burger goes with the whole sustainable and going green route and their food is, for the most part, all natural.  Plus, Epic was pretty smart to open up their restaurant on the ground floor because I would think almost any good restaurant would do well when there’s a couple thousand hungry college kids around.

Chicago Gourmet Burger Brand Expands

[2009-12-18]   Epic Burger is set to open its second location in Spring 2010 at 1000 West North Avenue in the former Transitions Bookplace in Lincoln Park. The first location launched in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood in May 2008 and introduced Chicago to “a more mindful burger”.

In a time when authenticity and value is top of mind, Epic Burger offers its customers a better burger experience. The new location will introduce Lincoln Park customers to a mindful menu that features 100 percent all natural, never frozen, hand-packed beef and turkey burgers, all-natural chicken breasts and portabella mushroom sandwiches, all cooked fresh to order. Customers can also choose from unique flavor additions like: cage-free organic fried egg, nitrate free bacon, and all natural cheeses. Epic Burger buns are baked fresh daily and have no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Fries are made with fresh, hand cut potatoes cooked with zero trans fats and seasoned with pure sea salt. The menu also features shakes and smoothies made with all natural ice cream and fat free frozen yogurt….

Check out the full QSR Magazine article HERE!

Photo courtesy of Epic Burger.

Happy Thanksgiving from ChicagoismynewBlog!

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you all eat way too much food and get to spend time with family and friends!  I can officially say I’m uncomfortably full right now…