CheekyChicago

I’m a Cheeky girl that goes where there’s glitter. I can’t help it. Wave something sparkly and I’m all yours. About a year ago, I popped into Space 519 to “look around” when I walked out with a huge, misshapen, glittered-gold nugget on a sturdy silver chain. It was an impulse buy that I’ve never regretted. To this day, ladies… Read more

It’s a feeding frenzy in the restaurant scene. With new openings every week all over town, Cheeky ladies won’t run out of places to wine and dine. Last week, I made a visit to the newly opened Urban Union in Little Italy. Times are changing and Little Italy isn’t about the obvious anymore… Italian food. The lines are blurring and… Read more

CheekyChicago represents the girl about town, especially during the holiday season. And what Cheeky Chick shows up to a party empty-handed? This holiday season, Cheeky is making sure you have some great local gifts in tow for every occasion (bringing wine to every party gets a wee bit boring). The Potation Handbook by Steve Carrow. This little gem is the… Read more

If you haven’t paid attention the first 10,283 times I’ve said it, I grew up with an Italian grandmother. As such, I feel like I have a certain edge over most people when it comes to Italian cuisine. Snobby… maybe, but my opinion (or review) can be trusted. I hadn’t heard much about the menu at the newly opened Filini… Read more

I know it’s crazy, but I don’t eat sweets often. I’ve always been more of a savory girl. But when the holidays start creeping in, so does my sweet tooth. There is something about indulging in desserts that makes the holidays more festive. I made the decision to get my fill and a jump start on the season with a… Read more

I knew I was headed into trendy territory… even for a Cheeky chick. It’s one of those hyped-up, hipster “eat, drink and be merry” kind of places.  Telegraph Wine Bar, however, made sure to back the hype with a solid team consisting of sommelier, Jeremy Quinn, and Chef John Anderes (former sous chef at avec). Telegraph having an outstanding wine… Read more

Parents can take some comfort in their kids getting teased – it only makes them stronger, right?  Even better, your little ones can turn themselves around and start a business. That’s one way to stick it to those bullies; and that is exactly what Matt Matros of Protein Bar has done. Growing up on the heavy side, Matt had heard… Read more

By now, all good foodies should know about Saigon Sisters. If you don’t… shame on you! But Cheeky ladies may not know that Saigon Sisters recently made some changes in the kitchen and they now offer full dinner service six days a week. Saigon Sisters is known for having a line out the door at lunch time. Now, owner Mary… Read more

America has watched The GAP grow up from a small jeans store to a worldwide chain in what seemed like no time. They are leaders when it comes to marketing their product, so why would anyone be surprised when the denim design team decided to pimp out a truck and drive around the country selling… tacos. Yes, their genius idea… Read more

We’ve all heard, “You are what you eat.” So, I hate to admit that I’m a slightly misshapen, perfectly fluffy potato gnocchi. Could that be? At Perennial Virant, that seems to be the case. Chef Paul Virant has taken over in the newly revamped space just across the street from the Green City Market. Seems fitting for a chef who… Read more

In the restaurant industry, it isn’t always about the food.  That could be a very good thing for diners because chefs and investors tap their creative energy well beyond the menu these days. They are keenly aware of the impact a restaurant can have with a great location and a fantastic design team. Yet, it’s only bad if the menu… Read more

What do you get when you have a businessman who just looooooooves sushi?  Union Sushi (+ Barbeque Bar), of course.  And that’s pretty much how the story goes. Owner Mike Schatzman is a native Chicagoan who has traveled the world a few times over; mostly solo. Strangely, he ate a lot of sushi, chatting solo with the chefs at the… Read more

I never really liked a Skinny Bitch! Truthfully, us foodies are way more fun. So, when I sat down at the table for a tasting at Public House to write about lo-cal menu choices, I quietly tossed out the calorie counter after reading the menu. Too much good stuff to consider eating a little salad and pretend I’m not hungry.… Read more

What does it take to be a mega star these days? An endless bank account that allows you to party all night eventually landing you in the slammer? A huge entourage creating a human bubble protecting you from the outside fans? Or how about a juicy scandal promoting a body part through social media? Not exactly, thank goodness. For Gwyneth… Read more

There’s a new kid in town, and it just so happens to be a charity called In Chef’s Hands.  Their mission? In Chef’s Hands is an organization that exists to provide culinary adventures by pairing chefs to individuals with special needs. The objective is to offer a distraction, a welcomed respite from the distress that often accompanies these individuals’ conditions,… Read more

I have to admit, I never knew that Bice Ristorante dates back to 1926. The first restaurant was opened by Beatrice Ruggeri, known as Bice, after her family and friends encouraged her to open to the public. And Bice was born in Milan. Almost eighty years later, her grandson Raffaele Ruggeri carries on the family tradition with 24 locations around… Read more

I have to admit, I never knew that Bice Ristorante dates back to 1926. The first restaurant was opened by Beatrice Ruggeri, known as Bice, after her family and friends encouraged her to open to the public. And Bice was born in Milan. Almost eighty years later, her grandson Raffaele Ruggeri carries on the family tradition with 24 locations around… Read more

Remember that childhood game, “My daddy owns a grocery store and he sells something that starts with the letter L…” then everyone takes turns guessing what your daddy sells? Well, in the case of the newly opened grocery store, Mariano’s Fresh Market, that could take hours to figure out because the product offerings are unbelievable. So, Cheeky is going on… Read more

Remember that childhood game, “My daddy owns a grocery store and he sells something that starts with the letter L…” then everyone takes turns guessing what your daddy sells? Well, in the case of the newly opened grocery store, Mariano’s Fresh Market, that could take hours to figure out because the product offerings are unbelievable. So, Cheeky is going on… Read more

By now, you’ve probably heard that Chelsea Handler was in town for brunch with Belvedere Vodka. But did you know that Cheeky Kiki and Cheeky founder, Erica Bethe Levin, were in the house? That’s right. Both Erica and I snagged a coveted seat at the launch party for Belvedere’s brilliant Bloody Mary Vodka at Mercat a la Planxa. The event… Read more

By now, you’ve probably heard that Chelsea Handler was in town for brunch with Belvedere Vodka. But did you know that Cheeky Kiki and Cheeky founder, Erica Bethe Levin, were in the house? That’s right. Both Erica and I snagged a coveted seat at the launch party for Belvedere’s brilliant Bloody Mary Vodka at Mercat a la Planxa. The event… Read more

Since Mexican food happens to be on my top Cheeky list of cuisines, I thought it best to share some Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on around town. Let the fiesta begin… Mercadito celebrates with a “punch” of fun! They are offering a family-style menu which includes an array of guacamoles, salsas, tacos, sides and desserts. For $40 per person,… Read more

Since Mexican food happens to be on my top Cheeky list of cuisines, I thought it best to share some Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on around town. Let the fiesta begin… Mercadito celebrates with a “punch” of fun! They are offering a family-style menu which includes an array of guacamoles, salsas, tacos, sides and desserts. For $40 per person,… Read more

Everyone needs a little change. Who knows what comes of it.  Chef Todd Stein made a big change recently when he moved to The Florentine at the newly renovated JW Marriott in the Loop. Having made a splash as the Executive Chef of Cibo Matto almost two years ago, Stein is now running the kitchen at this 360-seater Italian restaurant.… Read more

Everyone needs a little change. Who knows what comes of it.  Chef Todd Stein made a big change recently when he moved to The Florentine at the newly renovated JW Marriott in the Loop. Having made a splash as the Executive Chef of Cibo Matto almost two years ago, Stein is now running the kitchen at this 360-seater Italian restaurant.… Read more

The boys are at it again. The boys of Boka Group that is. Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz along with partner/chef Giuseppe Tentori are serving up seafood in River North. One week ago, this trio debuted GT Fish & Oyster Bar with a heck of a lot of fanfare. These guys know how to create buzz – that’s for sure… Read more

The boys are at it again. The boys of Boka Group that is. Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz along with partner/chef Giuseppe Tentori are serving up seafood in River North. One week ago, this trio debuted GT Fish & Oyster Bar with a heck of a lot of fanfare. These guys know how to create buzz – that’s for sure… Read more

I’m going to make a culinary prediction for 2011… even though we’ve finished the first quarter (um, where did the time go?). It’s going to be the year of the sea. If you had asked me months ago, I would have boldly stated “meatballs,” but now the city is finally thawing and I’m going with surf, not turf. Chef Michael… Read more

I’m going to make a culinary prediction for 2011… even though we’ve finished the first quarter (um, where did the time go?). It’s going to be the year of the sea. If you had asked me months ago, I would have boldly stated “meatballs,” but now the city is finally thawing and I’m going with surf, not turf. Chef Michael… Read more

It was another successful year for Common Threads having hosted World Festival at the United Club at Soldier Field. On Monday, March 7, founders Chef Art Smith, his partner Jesus Salgueiro and Executive Director, Linda Novick O’Keefe welcomed over 700 people to their annual fundraiser. Over the years, the culinary world has come out to support Common Threads and built… Read more

It was another successful year for Common Threads having hosted World Festival at the United Club at Soldier Field. On Monday, March 7, founders Chef Art Smith, his partner Jesus Salgueiro and Executive Director, Linda Novick O’Keefe welcomed over 700 people to their annual fundraiser. Over the years, the culinary world has come out to support Common Threads and built… Read more

By now, all our Cheeky readers have probably either heard of Paris Club or dined there. It’s the latest hot spot from brothers R.J. and Jerrod Melman of the famed restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You. Since one of the owners is our very own Cheeky guy, it’s only fitting that Paris Club get a proper introduction from Cheeky Kiki.  I… Read more

By now, all our Cheeky readers have probably either heard of Paris Club or dined there. It’s the latest hot spot from brothers R.J. and Jerrod Melman of the famed restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You. Since one of the owners is our very own Cheeky guy, it’s only fitting that Paris Club get a proper introduction from Cheeky Kiki.  I… Read more

I have a few favorite places in the city that I frequent. As much as I love discovering new dining options, there is something to be said for having a regular place to just “hang out” with friends. What makes the cut for Cheeky Kiki? Well, great food is the way to my heart. But I also love a place… Read more

I have a few favorite places in the city that I frequent. As much as I love discovering new dining options, there is something to be said for having a regular place to just “hang out” with friends. What makes the cut for Cheeky Kiki? Well, great food is the way to my heart. But I also love a place… Read more

River North is buzzing with new openings these days. The neighborhood has a healthy roster of great restaurants and late night spots already. But Cheeky gals can now add another swanky place to their list, Hubbard Inn, from proprietors Adolfo Garcia, Daniel Alonso and David Mitria. Opening just over a week ago, Hubbard Inn is quite possibly one of the… Read more

River North is buzzing with new openings these days. The neighborhood has a healthy roster of great restaurants and late night spots already. But Cheeky gals can now add another swanky place to their list, Hubbard Inn, from proprietors Adolfo Garcia, Daniel Alonso and David Mitria. Opening just over a week ago, Hubbard Inn is quite possibly one of the… Read more

Something occurred to me about Valentine’s Day this year. Seeing as it falls on a Monday, we have the whole weekend to celebrate the annual day of love. For a foodie, that works out quite well with so many options around town. And the sweetest deal I have found so far is at the Four Seasons Chicago. On Monday, February… Read more

Something occurred to me about Valentine’s Day this year. Seeing as it falls on a Monday, we have the whole weekend to celebrate the annual day of love. For a foodie, that works out quite well with so many options around town. And the sweetest deal I have found so far is at the Four Seasons Chicago. On Monday, February… Read more

Sometimes it takes a little push to get your honey to make a grand gesture. My Prince Charming thinks heating up the tea kettle is a sign of his love and affection, seriously. I’m not saying that I don’t appreciate it either. Then came an email that put “gestures” into perspective and I just had to forward it on to… Read more

Sometimes it takes a little push to get your honey to make a grand gesture. My Prince Charming thinks heating up the tea kettle is a sign of his love and affection, seriously. I’m not saying that I don’t appreciate it either. Then came an email that put “gestures” into perspective and I just had to forward it on to… Read more