Restaurants

Paul Virant grew up in St. Louis and made his way back to the Midwest after earning a degree in Nutrition from Wesleyan University and attending the Culinary Institute of America. He spent some time at March in New York after culinary school, and then had a brief stint in Oahu. He planned to move home, but finding that...

In Chicago, where the streets are lined with countless Italian dining options, being the chef of the only four-star Italian restaurant is nothing to scoff about. And Tony Mantuano knows it. Focused on serving authentic Italian cuisine and offering casual, welcoming hospitality, Mantuano puts Spiaggia in a class of its own. Mantuano did not set out to achieve culinary greatness. Growing...

Bruce Sherman is chef and partner at Lincoln Park's North Pond Restaurant. The restaurant's constantly changing menu focuses on using the best local ingredients and keeping the dishes in tune with the seasons. "It's not just a job for me; it's who I am. It's a life. It's a driving force." ~ Bruce Sherman, on being a chef. Bruce Sherman was...

Tips for enjoying al fresco dining Chicago style.  Now that summer is just round the corner, Chicagoans can finally peel off the extra layers and enjoy warm breezes and fun in the sun along the lakeshore. Along with pleasant weather comes the much-anticipated revival of al fresco dining. Check the weather, bring sunscreen At the risk of stating the obvious, weather...