Michael Nagrant

Mini-review: Kaiser Tiger1415 W. Randolph St. 312-243-3100Rating: 2.5 (out of 4) Take it or leave it I'd like to say that Chicago is officially over the bacon craze, but evidence...

When it comes to mouthwatering acquisitions, Chicago's first Sonic—recently opened in Uptown—is just the tip of the iceberg. In the next year, some major players from the East and West...

Worth the trip: Fried dough at John's Pizzeria Ristorante and Lounge (2104 N. Western Ave. 773-384-1755) There are secrets, and there are twists. Sometimes the secrets are buried in the...

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant4801 N. Broadway 773-334-8787Looks like: An art gallery-restaurant hybrid trimmed in gold and crimsonSounds like: The chatter of families sharing messob platesSmells like: Sweet pungent garlic, onion and...

Review: Tete Charcuterie1114 W. Randolph St. 312-733-1178Rating: !!! (out of 4) Off to a good start The chef duo behind the new West Loop restaurant Tete Charcuterie—Thomas Rice (Jean Georges...

Review: The Big Cheese Poutinerie3401 N. Clark St. 872-206-8749Rating: !!! (out of 4) Off to a good start God help you if you're a stoner and you live anywhere near...

Worth the trip: Seafood gumbo at Three Chefs Restaurant8125 S. Halsted St. 773-483-8111 You may stumble upon a decent version of gumbo at stalwart Heaven on Seven or some neo-Cajun...

Strings Ramen Shop2141 S. Archer Ave. 312-374-3450Opened: January 2014 I've probably had more than two dozen bowls of ramen in Chicago over the last few years, but never a broth...

Bowls of ramen are like snowflakes: no two are alike. At least that's what many owners and chefs of Chicago ramen-focused spots told me. "We do these ramen battles at...