Gold in The Gold Coast

Restaurant: Nico Osteria
Finally, a One Off Hospitality Group restaurant exists in the Gold Coast. From the minute I called on the phone for a reservation to the minute you get your coat on the way out the door, everything at Nico is perfection. The bar scene is fun with great cocktails. Although the food never misses, the service is the real standout here. Friendly, accommodating and spot on. The olive focaccia is so crispy and perfectly flavored with olive oil. The pastas are all house made. The squid ink pasta is a unique presentation,with bread crumbs, mint and anchovies. Amanda Rockman's dessert menu is bright with flavor. She recommended a Affogato with apricot sorbet, burnt honey gelato and prosecco, that she aptly described as a "girl's best friend." I love my new neighborhood spot.

Service
Spot,On

Decor
Very,Urban

Dishes
Branzino, Crudos, Dungeness Crab, lunch sandwich menu

1920's French Bistro

Restaurant: Chez Georges
Behind the Palais Royal, on the tiny side street Rue de Mail you will find a french bistro which harkens back to the 1920s. The cramped tables, the crusty old waitresses in starched uniforms, and the old zinc bar combine to create an authentic experience. But it is the food, all well executed french classics, which have kept this place bustling for generations. Read more about our Paris favorites on: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefoodarazzi.com">www.thefoodarazzi.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.therichmond.net">www.therichmond.net</a>

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PQM

Restaurant: Publican Quality Meats
Sometimes I really luck out. One of my friends was in town for the day, and asked me to join him at a dinner. I said I would – but only if it was somewhere good. And it was GREAT! Industry fave Steelite International hosted an amazing private dinner at Publican Quality Meats. The service was astounding – cocktails were being mixed such as the South Side, and great wines were being poured. We missed taking a picture of the Fluke Crudo with Clemetines and Pine Nuts because we all devoured it. We also were entertained by and got to chat with Foodie-lebrity Farmer Lee Jones. The rest of the amazing menu: Little Gem Salad with Crispy Pig Ears, Radishes and Buttermilk Vinaigrette. The pig ears were so crispy, spicy and addicting. Note: I also ate the pig ears off the plate of the guy sitting next to me. He didn’t want to finish them, and I just couldn’t handle that. Whole roasted Red Grouper with Melted Leeks Vinaigrette. This dish was a show stopper. Farm Chicken with Summer Sausage and Fries. The best dish at Publican – and reminds me of Paris. Grilled Country Ribs with Mojo Verde, Swiss chard and Fried Shallots. No angst, just Mojo. Special thanks to John from Steelite for including me in the fun! <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/pqm/">www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/pqm/</a>

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CHITARRA + CHICKEN = CLASSIC

Restaurant: The Bristol
One weekend date night brought us to The Bristol, a true Chicago classic. You can always find your favorite dishes on the menu, and also have a chance to try Chef Pandel’s seasonal specials – and start off with a great cocktail. We could not turn down the Smoked Sicilian Manhattan – which is a rich and sexy cocktail crafted with bourbon, averna and regan’s orange no. 6. And the music is pretty good too. One of my favorites of all time – chitarra with snail bolognese, soft herbs, and breadcrumbs. The pasta was perfectly cooked with great bite and the breadcrumbs give it the extra crunch. Speaking of crunch the spaetzle in the Millers Farm Roasted Half Chicken makes me crazy it is so delicious. Chicken done really well is hard to come by – but this dish is obviously made with lots of love and attention. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/chitarra-chicken-classic/">www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/chitarra-chicken-classic/</a>

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Dishes
Millers Farm Roasted Half Chicken, chitarra with snail bolognese

Sunny Side Up

Restaurant: Gjelina
Gjelina is a the name that jumps off everyone’s tongue when you ask about restaurants in Los Angeles. On hip Abbot Kinney in Venice, they are a little too cool for school, but the food is warm and inviting. Either way, the Sunny Duck Egg will brighten up your brunch. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/sunny-side-up/">www.thefoodarazzi.com/restaurants/sunny-side-up/</a>

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Dishes
Sunny Duck Egg with Duck Confit-Potato Hash & Grainy Mustard