On Sunday, I got the chance to dine at Frontier and I will tell you one thing: I seriously don’t know what I have been doing in life without it! Frontier offers a rustic modern vibe, making you feel like you just stepped off the Oregon Trail (you know, that computer simulation game we all used to play in elementary school). The open-concept dining area with wooden tables and exposed brick walls create a warm and inviting family-style ambience. The glass ceiling in the back dining area staged ... [ Read More ]
Restaurant Review: Crīo
Last week, I got the chance to finally check out Crīo after months of drooling over their delicious (and hilariously funny) photos on Instagram. To be honest, since I'm surrounded by great food all the time, it's very rare that a restaurant's Instagram will lure me in. Well, I'm glad it did. If you haven't had the chance to try Crīo in Chicago yet, then consider this your wake-up call. Although this place says it has "The Best Latin American food in Chicago", I'd go as far as saying it's one ... [ Read More ]
Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month has Arrived!
Last night, I was driving home from O'Hare airport after a long trip and I was starving. The traffic was awful (what's new?), so I decided to jump off the highway and find a restaurant nearby before I got super "hangry" and did something I would regret. Let's face it; we've all been there. When I took to Google to research somewhere nearby, I saw that Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau was putting on a restaurant month during February. I noticed that they were featuring ... [ Read More ]
Want to Share a Meal with Me?
Lately, I’ve had an influx of “Ask Erica’s” and private messages asking me if I teach cooking classes or would be willing to share a meal with one of my readers to chat. I’ve also even had someone ask me if I could cook for her family for the week! All of these opportunities sounded like so much fun and I decided I would look into doing them and see what happens! What I found is that starting down that path presents a whole new business venture that involves insurance and more. It totally ... [ Read More ]
Everything Erica Date Night at Le Colonial
Do you have dinner plans July 23rd (Wednesday Night)? If you do, change them and head over to the first ever, Everything Erica Date Night at Le Colonial on Rush Street in Chicago! This is really exciting for me, because it allows you, my foodie friends, to try all my favorites as I've personally curated the menu for this exciting occasion. For just $25, you will have your choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and a glass of wine! If you have eaten at Le Colonial ... [ Read More ]
Inside Scoop: The Underground’s Summer Cocktails
Let's be honest here for a minute. There is no better club in all of Chicago than The Underground. I'm not much of a nightlife person, but if I ever do decide to go out, I don't even think twice about where I'm going to go. This River North Club has the best crowd (you will always spot a celebrity or two), the most incredible ambience and of course, the best drinks. Last week I got a chance to sample Head Mixologist extraordinaire, Jon Ruiz's, new Summer Cocktail list for Underground. To say ... [ Read More ]
I’m Co-Hosting Chicago’s 1st SECRET SUPPER!
I am SO excited to announce that I have been asked to co-host Chicago's 1st ever, "Secret Supper" presented by Dishcrawl! This underground supper club launches on Tuesday, April 1st at a secret location in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Secret Suppers are an exclusive underground supper club that roams the nation. Chefs perform interpretations of various trends and themes for an intimate group of VIP guests. While there are only a few coveted tickets remaining to this super exclusive ... [ Read More ]
2013 Best Bites: Chicago
In my 7 months in Chicago, I've probably eaten at more restaurants than people who have lived here for 7 years (if you don't believe me, just ask my size 2's that no longer want to button). As the end of the year is approaching, I wanted to share my 5 favorite dishes in all of Chicagoland and tell you where you can get them. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ #5 Bite: Samurai Taco Where you can get it: Big and Littles located ... [ Read More ]
Review: Raw Chicago
About 5 years ago, my Dad went to the doctor because he wasn't feeling well. He came back diagnosed with nearly every disease you can think of; diabetes, polyps in his stomach, gallbladder infection and pancreatic issues to name a few. It was a scary time for the whole family. The doctors recommended for him to have his gallbladder taken out. After doing some research and talking to some friends, my Dad decided to take matters into his own hands and completely transform his life. Now, my dad ... [ Read More ]
Chicago’s 2014 Michelin Guide
Every year I wait with bated breath to see who the Michelin Restaurants around the world are going to be. To top it off, after years of living in small towns and cities (minus a short 2-year stint in Boston), I FINALLY live in a city that actually has those kind of restaurants! Well, today is the day that the 2014 list has arrived! This year, 25 amazing Chicago restaurants made the list (including a restaurant from one of my favorite chefs, Graham Elliot) and I couldn't be more excited to try ... [ Read More ]