Chicago Foodies

Would You "Grub With Us"?

There are tons of ways to experience dining in Chicago, and the newest trend is group dining deals. Haven't heard of any? Grub With Us is taking Chicago by storm, and they are expanding as we speak.Here's how it works. Grub With Us pairs with a restaurant and offers a set menu at a set date and time. There are a limited number of spots - generally about 7 per meal. You pay online, and the cost covers tax and tip. 

So, what's the catch? The point of the site is basically to meet new people. You go by yourself, enjoy sharing a three course meal with 6 strangers, and possibly leave as friends. The community on the site is still small, so if you are a big grubber, you're likely to see the same people at another meal. A new feature of Grub With Us is meals for certain interests. Are you a vegetarian? A techie? Or just single? Sign up for a meal with people just like you. 

When I tried Grub With Us, I was extremely impressed at the amount of food that was involved in the meal. While there was a bit of scrambling to take my share for each course, everyone was polite and respectful. We're all hungry after all! Did I mention I brought to friends to dinner with me? This leads me to my next point...

Restaurant Specials: July 12 - 18

Chefs and the City is this week, along with other celebration dinners and tastings. 

Wednesday, July 13:

Chicago French Market

Celebrate Bastille Day at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton Street) in the West Loop. There will be an assortment of cheese, wine, and small plates to sample while you walk around and enjoy the market. Cabaret singer, Greta Pope, will perform during the event, which runs from 5 - 7 p.m. The event is free.

Restaurant Specials: July 5th–10th

The big summer holiday is over and the weather is starting to get consistently warm. There are some great events happening this week. Check them out.

Tuesday, July 5:

Fulton's on the River:

Head over to Fulton's to get an all-you-can-eat, family-style dinner for only $25. The dinner special includes $4 beers, $6 cocktails, and $8 glasses of wine.

The menu items include clams, mussels, corn, potatoes, and more. It's a cookout style menu.

Located at 315 N. LaSalle Drive. 

Phone: 312-822-0100

Restaurant Specials: June 27 - July 3

This week it's all about the tastings, and the pre-independence day celebrations.

Tuesday, June 28:

Benny's Chop House

From 6 - 8 p.m. guests can sample different Proseccos and sparkling wines from the Italian region. The event is featuring Sparkling Veneto and hosted by the Italian Trade Commission. Best part of all, it's free to attend.

Located at 444 N. Wabash Avenue in River North.

Phone: 312-626-2444

Restaurant Specials: June 21 - June 27

There are many events happening for the first week of summer. Get out and enjoy the weather! Hopefully it doesn't storm all week...

Restaurant Specials: June 14 - June 19

From celebrity servers to Father's day, there are many events that are worth attending this week.

Wednesday, June 15:

Carnivale

Attend the Casa Noble tequila dinner for $55. The event begins at 7 p.m. atCarnivale and includes a four-course meal from chef David Dworshak paired with craft tequila.

Located at: 702 W. Fulton Market

Phone: 312-850-5005

Restaurant Specials: May 16 - 22

There are many events to look forward to this week including the kickoff of craft beer week and tasting the winners of the meatball recipe contest.

Restaurant Specials: May 2 - May 8

Of course, this is a big weekend with Mother's Day specials everywhere you look. Also, don't forget about Cinco de Mayo this Thursday. This is a great week to get out and try a new spot in town.

Sixteen Restaurant: In Perspective

Chicago is a beautiful city, American to the bone, and Trump Tower sits in a perfect location.  The Terrace Bar, outdoors, on a Saturday night at dusk, seemed quite magical.  Despite the long waiting list for a party of two to grab a drink outside, $20 gets you in fairly quickly. 

It was worth it.   My wife and I were there for a very special occasion, with reservations to Sixteen awaiting right after the cocktails at The Terrace.  The staff were extremely nice, and we even got a window table.  After all, the view is part of the experience. 

The first thing that became apparent after we sat down is the true Donald Trump-like nature of the restaurant.  Despite us supposedly getting the only available time slot for dinner reserved a month in advance, there were empty tables around us.  I also realized that the coveted window tables are not worth tipping the host.  There was more than one available, and the windows looked onto the party crowd at The Terrace.  But the famous "We'll try to accommodate you to the best of our abilities" speech, especially on an anniversary dinner, makes one feel a bit jumpy and start fishing for greenbacks in the pocket.

Daily Deals: $4 Burgers & More at 160 Blue

One SixtyBlue (1400 W. Randolph) has a rotating lineup of $4 brews w/ $4 juicy burgers every Thurs 6-10pm. Try the $10 dessert sampler too!
-For more deals and current info chicagofoodies on Twitter