Everyone, ready your tastebuds.
I’m not going to brag, but at Dental City we have some major foodies who know how to pick a good restaurant or two—or five or six.
For us, going to the Midwinter meeting has turned into equal parts awesome network opportunity and chance to check out the latest and greatest restaurants our resident foodie has given his stamp of approval.
So we thought you might enjoy the rundown.
First up, for breakfast: The Little Goat Our resident foodie says “You’ve got to try the Smoked Corned Beef Hash or the Fat Elvis waffles—and if you’re feeling adventurous go for the Breakfast Spaghetti ‘n Clams ‘n Crab.” Also, be sure to check out their amazing bakery.
Top Chef – Stephanie Izard
Stephanie Izard was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and attended the University of Michigan followed by Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona, then returned to Chicago in 2000 to pursue her culinary career. After cooking at various Chicago restaurants for amazing chefs (Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Vong; Sean McClain at Spring; Dale Levitski at La Tache) she opened her first restaurant, Scylla, in Bucktown in 2004.
For the best Chicago Deep Dish: Lou Malnati’s You can’t go wrong with this Chicago staple, which has been serving up traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza since the 1940s. And with 43 locations in and around the Chicagoland area you won’t be able to miss it!
When you’re on a lunch break: Xoco This is a quick service café serving top of the line Mexican street food staples. We suggest trying one of their delicious soups or daily special sandwiches—and their churros can’t be beat!
Top Chef Masters – Rick Bayless
Most people know Rick Bayless from winning the title of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, beating out the French and Italian with his authentic Mexican cuisine. His highly rated Public Television Series, Mexico–One Plate at a Time, is in its ninth season and is broadcast coast to coast. In 2012, Rick was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Best Culinary Host.
For lunch or dinner: Mercat a la Planxa This tapas restaurant will make you feel like you’re in Barcelona. Some of the Dental City team dined here during the 2015 Midwinter and couldn’t get enough of the Datiles Con Almendras (bacon-wrapped dates!) and their selection of meats and seafoods are delicious.
For a unique dinner experience: Mexique The Dental City Foodie says, “You’ve got to try the tasting menu.” Five tantalizing courses the chef expertly prepares—from starters to dessert.
Top Chef – Carlos Gayton
In May of 2008, Carlos opened his own restaurant — Mexique on Chicago Avenue in Chicago. With great creativity, love, and dedication he applies his knowledge of French cooking techniques and ingredients to his roots of traditional Mexican cuisine, creating a revolution of Mexican gastronomy. Mexique has received much recognition since its opening, including one of Chicago magazine’s top new restaurants of 2009, best restaurant of 2010 and received its first star in the Michelin Guide in 2013. Most recently Carlos was awarded “Chef of the Year 2011,” by the American Culinary Federation.
Or a more traditional supper: The Gilt Bar Try the Grilled Farm Chicken that according to one of the Dental City crew is “to die for.” Not to mention they have wonderful pasta dishes—including their Truffle Pasta and Ricotta Gnocchi.
And one last thing to note—each of these restaurants has great vegetarian options that everyone would love.
Hope you get to try some of these awesome restaurants. We’ll see you in Chicago!
