The Instagram world provides endless possibilities to meet and collaborate with some amazing people. When I started in the community, I did not know a single soul. Along the way, I met some really inspirational people who taught me more about the ever-growing Instagram community. Seth Marcus, also known as ChiCityFoodie, was one of those people!
Seth was born in Virginia but raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. When he was a child, Seth claims he was the pickiest eater. He said, “I had so many things I didn’t eat for numerous silly reasons. Until the end of high school, the only type of sushi I ate were cucumber rolls. Now, sushi is one of my favorite foods”.
This is hard for me to imagine since he posts such a wide range of foods on his Instagram! Like many of us Instagrammers, Chicago has inspired Seth to try all different kinds of cuisines. He did admit to us that he sneaks in an occasional McDonald’s breakfast now and then, specifically the hash browns and sausage. Don’t worry, Seth! We won’t tell. <wink, wink>
Check out ChiCityFoodie’s Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago!
5. Fat Rice
Fat Rice is a really unique concept. It is a little Portuguese, Chinese, and Indian. At first glance, it might seem like a fusion restaurant but it serves authentic Macanese cuisine, which is unique to Macau, an island not too far from Hong Kong. Every time I go, I try to order at least one thing I have never tried before. And, it’s always super delicious! Their signature dish is called Arroz Gordo or “Fat Rice” and it’s a Chinese and Portuguese paella, which is topped with 15 different meats and seafood. With items such as prawns, curry chicken thigh, and the most amazing Char Sui (barbecue pork), how can you go wrong?
Fat Rice // Photo: @chicityfoodie
FAB TIP: They have an amazing Sunday brunch with dumplings and “Hong Kong Style” peanut butter stuffed French toast.
{Location}
Fat Rice
Logan Square || 2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 661-9170
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
4. Tanta
Tanta has become one of my favorite restaurants. It’s a place I highly recommend to people who are visiting the city. It is authentic Peruvian food from Chef Gaston Acurio (who may be the world’s most famous Peruvian chef). The menu is huge and brings together the rich history of Peruvian food with extensive Japanese and Chinese influences. There is ceviche, causitas, pork fried rice, Peruvian roast chicken, pork belly and many other delicious options. They also have incredible cocktails like the El Chingon, a spicy tequila drink topped with a chili infused ice cube, which makes the drink hotter and hotter as you drink it.
Tanta// Photo: @chicityfoodie
FAB TIP: Do not miss the Peruvian Nigiri, specifically the Pobre. It is a piece of seared wagyu over rice with a quail egg and ponzu. It’s one of the best single bites of food I have ever had.
{Location}
Tanta
River North || 118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 222-9700
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
3. Sun Wah
Sun Wah BBQ in Uptown is THE place to go for Peking Duck. I love to go there in big groups and order the Peking Duck Feast, which includes an entire duck carved table-side and steamed buns with all the accoutrements (crispy daikon, carrot, hoisin bbq sauce, chili oil). After carving the duck, they take the remaining meat and make duck soup and duck fried rice. Oh, and it’s all for only $43! The little steamed bun sandwich, packed with crispy duck skin, fatty duck, crispy veg, a little bbq sauce, and chili oil is a combination that is hard to beat.
Sun Wah// Photo: @chicityfoodie
FAB TIP: If you order two ducks, you get both the Duck Fried Rice and Duck Noodles. You can still get the noodles if you get one duck, but you have to ask for it in advance.
{Location}
Sun Wah
Uptown || 5039 W Broadway St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 769-1254
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}
2. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
Joe’s has been my go-to spot for special occasions for about 4 years now and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. However, “special occasion” for me may just mean that King Crab is in season. Chicago is a city of steakhouses and high-end dining and while I have been to most of them at one point or another, I keep coming back to Joe’s for the impeccable service and incredible food. Highlights for me are the Stone Crab and King Crab, both served chilled. I also recommend the bone-in filet.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab// Photo: @chicityfoodie
FAB TIP: Their mustard sauce is amazing but if you ask, they also have a homemade honey mustard sauce that goes really well with their fried shrimp, fried chicken, or even the hashbrowns. Extra FAB TIP: Order your Hashbrowns well done…because the crispier the better!
{Location}
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
River North/Streeterville || 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 379-5637
{Price Range}
$$$ ($36-$65)
{Fab Rating: 5 Fabs}
1. Viaggio Restaurant
I love Viaggio because it’s old school Chicago Italian. It isn’t “trendy” but rather the type of place where the waiter remembers your name and the food is always good. I come here for the classics like chicken marsala, veal ragu, and rigatoni with Sunday gravy. They also have the best meatballs I’ve ever had, hands down. Oh, don’t forget to order the Eggplant stack! It has layers of crispy eggplant, which is stacked with fresh mozzarella and tomato and topped with arugula and balsamic!
Viaggio Restaurant// Photo: @chicityfoodie
FAB TIP: If you are going to a Bulls or Blackhawks game, you can valet at Viaggio and take the free shuttle from the bar next door to go to the games and back.
{Location}
Viaggio Restaurant
West Loop || 1330 W Madison St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 829-3333
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 5 Fabs}
Look at all the FAB-ness. Have you been to any of Seth’s Top 5 Restaurants? I am going to have to add a couple to my bucket list. Let us know in the comments if some of these are on your Top 5 list, too!
Find Seth on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Are you passionate about food and taking photos of food? Let’s collaborate. Email us at info@fabfoodchicago.com.
Until the next venture!
With love,
Van
Note: Some of the meals were complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
