Fab Happenings: Chicago Restaurant Week 2018

It’s one of my favorite times of the year… Choose Chicago‘s Chicago Restaurant Week. Over 370 restaurants participated this year with special prix fixe menus for brunch ($22), lunch ($33), or dinner ($44). Normally it runs for two weeks (this year: January 26-February 8) but they just announced they will be extending a few more days (until February 11 at select restaurants) to align with Chicago Theatre Week. Don’t miss your chance!

Whether you are looking for a great value or exploring a new restaurant, Chicago Restaurant Week is sure to have something you’re looking for. Here are some of my favorite spots I went to this year.

4. Porkchop BBQ

I’m a big fan of BBQ and Southern comfort food so checking out Porkchop BBQ was a no-brainer. I went for dinner, but you can also choose to go for brunch or lunch.

I started my meal with their Smoked Wings. Porkchop has some of my favorite wings in the city because of the delicious smoky flavor.

Smoked Wings at Porkchop BBQ // Photo: @topchicagoeats

For my main, I had the Southern Fried Chicken, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans. The chicken was juicy on the inside and fried to perfection on the outside.

Southern Fried Chicken at Porkchop BBQ // Photo: @topchicagoeats

For dessert, I tried the Maple Bacon Glazed Donut. It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

Maple Bacon Glazed Donut at Porkchop BBQ // Photo: @topchicagoeats

{Location}
Porkchop BBQ
South Loop || 1017 S Delano Ct, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 461-9333
West Loop || 941 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 773-9333
Hyde Park || 1516 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 493-9333
Bolingbrook || 623 E Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL || P: (630) 739-9333
Glenwood || 100 E Nugent St, Glenwood, IL || P: (708) 757-9333
Merrillville || 2124 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN || P: (219) 791-9333

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

3. Travelle Kitchen + Bar

I went to Travelle Kitchen + Bar a couple years ago for Restaurant Week and decided to go back this year. It’s a great value and the food is outstanding. Travelle is a high-end restaurant and as a twenty-something year old with limited funds, I can’t frequently dine at the establishment. But during Chicago Restaurant Week, I can try multiple dishes for the price of one regular priced dish. Yasssss!

The Crispy Octopus and Pork Belly was my favorite dish. It was slightly charred and crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside. The crispy pork belly was cooked to perfection and topped with bonito flakes.

Crispy Octopus & Pork Belly at Travelle Kitchen + Bar // Photo: @topchicagoeats

I tried the Hanger Steak for my main course but was not a fan. It was a little overcooked for my taste.

Hanger Steak at Travelle Kitchen + Bar // Photo: @topchicagoeats

For dessert, I ordered the Lemon Pavlova, which had a tasty coconut cake base. It was light and fluffy with a subtle hint of coconut. When you break into it, there is a creamy and tart lemon meringue. The outside was dusted with coconut flakes and topped with crunchy lemon croutons.

Lemon Pavlova at Travelle Kitchen + Bar // Photo: @topchicagoeats

{Location}
Travelle Kitchen + Bar
The Loop || 330 N Wabash St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 923-7705

{Price Range}
$$$ ($37-$65)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

2. Naoki

Naoki is a popular sushi restaurant by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and named after head chef, Naoki Nakashima. I’ve heard great things about Naoki, but never been so I thought Chicago Restaurant Week would be the perfect time to check it out. For $44/ person, you can enjoy a cocktail, signature dishes, and dessert during dinner service.

I started my meal with the Yoshimi cocktail. It was a light and refreshing cocktail made with sake and hints of yuzu and lychee.

Yoshimi at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

Next I tried the Tuna Taco, which was served in a crispy shell and topped with spicy aioli. There was just enough creamy aioli to still maintain the fresh taste of the tuna.

Tuna Taco at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

The sashimi Naoki style was what I was most excited for since it is one of Naoki’s signature dishes. Instead of the typical simple cut of fish, this dish was marinated and extremely flavorful.

Salmon Sashimi at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

Next came the chef-selected Maki and Nigiri. The plate had hamachi and bluefin tuna nigiri along with spicy tuna and salmon rolls. The Spicy Tuna Roll was made classic style but still delicious and the Salmon Roll had a delightful hint of citrus.

Maki & Nigiri at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

I ended the savory part of the meal with a bowl of Udon with shrimp tempura. The broth was tasty and flavorful.

Udon Noodle at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

The final course was a mango sorbet. This light dessert was the perfect way to end the several course meal.

Sorbet at Naoki // Photo: @topchicagoeats

{Location}
Naoki
Lincoln Park || 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 868-0002

{Price Range}
$$$ ($37-$65)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

1. Marisol

Marisol is the new restaurant located inside of the Museum of Contemporary Art. As you can imagine, given the location, the restaurant was very modern with artwork displayed on the wall.

First I tried the Burrata Toast, served on warm, thick slices of sourdough bread and topped with sweet candied squash, persimmon, and charred ginger. The toast had subtle notes of garlic combined with creamy burrata.

Burrata Toast at Marisol // Photo: @topchicagoeats

I’m not a vegetarian, but from time to time will order a veggie burger. I heard great things about the Veggie Burger at Marisol and wanted to try. I’m so glad I did because it was the best veggie burger I’ve had. The burger was topped with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and special sauce. Honestly, it was better than a meat burger.

Veggie Burger at Marisol // Photo: @topchicagoeats

For dessert, I had the rich and creamy Butterscotch Pudding. It reminded me of the taste of butterscotch candies I used to have growing up.

Butterscotch Pudding at Marisol // Photo: @topchicagoeats

{Location}
Marisol
Streeterville || 205 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 799-3599

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

Where are some of your favorite restaurants you’ve tried during Chicago Restaurant Week this year? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.