Fresh Bites for a Taste of Spring

Dusek’s

The sun is out, birds are chirping and it has FINALLY stopped snowing (we hope). Spring has sprung and there’s no better way to spend the next few months than visiting some of our favorite spots and trying their new spring dishes. Whether you’ve spent most of the winter months curled up at home or been lucky enough to take a sunny vacation elsewhere, these spots are a must-hit for Spring in Chicago. 

Dusek's 

Beginning mid-April, this seasonal Midwestern restaurant on the main level of the Thalia Hall building, will be offering brunch! Menu items will include Scallion Knots with everything seasoning and Avo Toast with marinated kale, salsa macha, scrambled eggs, and sesame bread. It will definitely be worth a visit! 

Yolk

From omelets and waffles to pancakes and oatmeal, there’s something for everyone at Yolk. Spend one of the first mornings of Spring at any one of their several Chicagoland locations. Start off with an Oat Milk Horchata Cold Brew while you wait for your Omelet or South Beach with house made Greek yogurt, pineapple, strawberries, almond granola and walnuts, served with a muffin or scone! 

Tengoku Aburiya

While there are a lot of Japanese restaurants to choose from, Tengoku Aburiya is one of the best. Tucked away in its West Loop, it  serves Izakaya skewers, sushi bites, noodles, and delicious  starters like a Kale Miso Salad with kale, Italian parsley, garlic, miso and sesame oil. One of our favorite main dishes is the White Fish Usuzukuri; daily  white fish, roasted sesame soy sauce, sprouts and shiso. Nothing beats a light meal here before a night out exploring the city.

Barrio

Barrio

River North is home to a ton of lively spots and Barrio is no different. With a rustic vibe and a large cocktail and tequila menu, you’re bound to have a good time. Start your night off with The Classic Margarita, then dig into the Chipotle Mango Guacamole with red onion, Fresno chile and lime and end your meal with the Tuna Ceviche Tacos with crispy wonton shell, pineapple, avocado, red onion, serrano, honey soy sauce and a hint of lime. 

nana

Mexican food and breakfast is music to our ears. If you feel the same, stop by nana in Bridgeport. Order at the counter and start your morning meal off with a Masala Chai Latte while you wait for Chilaquiles Breakfast Bowl with crispy tortillas, scrambled eggs, refried beans, onions, queso fresco, sour cream and salsa roja or poblano cream sauce.

Beatrix

No matter the season or day of week, Beatrix is always a good idea. Whether you are looking for a place to have dinner with a colleague or brunch with your girlfriends, find  time to head to one of their locations. If you’re stopping by for dinner, begin your meal with Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts with toasted almonds to share and try the Miso-Glazed Faroe Islands Salmon with bok choy, asparagus, snap peas and broccolini for your main. 

Le Colonial

Nestled near the corner of Oak and Rush Streets lies Le Colonial, a renowned upscale Vietnamese eatery. Get dressed for a night on the town and head to this Gold Coast favorite. Enjoy the Chilled Vegetable Rolls to start  and move on to the Ca Chien Saigon Snapper; a crispy whole red snapper with a spicy garlic glaze. As the days get warmer, there’s no doubt you’ll want to stop back for lunch on their sidewalk cafe. 

Crosby's Kitchen 

While you’re out shopping around the Southport Corridor, stop by one of our favorite spots. Everyone knows that the Wrightwood Salad from Crosby’s Kitchen is one of the best salads in town (we promise we’re not biased). With rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, craisins, avocado, goat cheese, corn, almonds, citrus vinaigrette, cornbread croutons, roasted red peppers and green onion, it can’t get any better! 

By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent