2 Stars Michelin restaurants in the West Loop
Despite 2020s lock-down: West Loop was a shining star of a neighborhood – with just over a third (9/24) of all restaurants with a Michelin star in Chicago located here. The Michelin Guide – which you can dive deeper into the history in this documentary; is in fact a guide by the French tire company which was created in the 1900s to encourage demand for cars (and thus tires) for international consumers. They eventually created a rigorous rating system which review restaurants based on 5 criteria : “One star signifies ‘High quality cooking worth a stop’, “two stars are ‘Excellent cooking worth a detour’, and three stars,” (far and away the best rating), “Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey’.” (That always makes me smile). There are also Bib Gourmands – which are the more affordable and not as fancy restaurants but the guide thinks deserve an honorable mention of sorts : “and gives diners a chance to eat well without breaking the bank.” according to Escoffier.
And even though the Guide didn’t cross the pond until 2005 : it’s limited perspective only features the following US cities: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Chicago – which some might argue draws chefs to these cities who want a star … having nine of the 24 restaurants featured in town come from the West Loop for 2021 says quite a bit about our scrappy little neighborhood and the culinary scene we have amongst us! Having worked in Food/Bev & hospitality from 2010 – 2018, I believe Chicago and West Loop are well suited for these restaurants because our neighborhood is affordable for stand alone restaurants and can give newer executive chefs the ability to begin a program with patient, curious and affluent guests in combination with world class talent and product is in fact why I think we have so many outstanding programs. I hope you can get out there and enjoy some of the world’s best dining options right here in our neighborhood!
Two Stars : Excellent cooking that is worth a detour
Michelin Guide
Ever **
“Ever is the creative obsession of Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner Michael Muser.” Featuring eight to ten courses focused on protein which are transformed into edible works of art… “Ever is for those who enter our four walls (designed by James Beard award winning architects: LSA) looking for an experience of a lifetime. Our pursuit of refinement is never finished; our ambition has only intensified.”
They are delighted to offer you beautiful wine pairings carefully curated by their chief sommelier and team to enhance chef’s tasting menus. They also offer guests an à la carte selection of wines and beers and their bar can accommodate classic cocktail requests. Be prepared to shell out some serious dough (no pun intended) for this true culinary art experience… however if you’re looking for a taste of their food without dropping a few hundo, consider the Rêve cheeseburger & fries … the popup that kept them afloat during the pandemic, which looks like it’s going to float around a bit longer.
To reserve a dining experience at EVER click here.
Oriole **
Oriole is an intimate, high-end kitchen serving an extended New American tasting menu where “the dishes and service at Oriole give guests a thought-provoking and interactive experience and the diner is the true focus of the meal.” This stylish restaurant by Executive Chef and Owner Noah Sandoval is tucked in a West Loop alley across the street from the El tracks inviting the diner to appreciate each surprise along the way and recently experienced a massive dining room remodel!
Timeout advises: “The $215 14-course menu is filled with clever, beautiful, indulgent bites that allow guests to be swept up in the experience. If we may offer just one piece of advice, it’s this: Don’t peek at the menu before visiting; allow each plate to be a surprise, as the kitchen intended.”
Smyth **
A stunning bite.
Smyth & The Loyalist is a 2-in-1 restaurant combo in Fulton Market just off Randolph at 177 N Ada welcoming you to feel at home: where on street level you’ll find Smyth – the fine dining restaurant and The Loyalist (with one of Chicago’s best burgers) a pub like atmosphere downstairs. According to their website, “Smyth” is an homage to the depth and richness of John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’ five inspiring years in the farmlands of Smyth County, Virginia, where they expanded their knowledge and vision and found their voice. They bring this sensibility back to their Chicago culinary roots to create thoughtful dishes from pristine products — dishes that are imaginative, yet humble and grounded.”
At Smyth, creativity ebbs and flows from the ocean. The ocean bestows purity unparalleled, and its abundance is featured both prominently and delicately throughout the menu. These offerings are served in harmonization with its finest produce nature has to offer, grown in close collaboration with small farmers, and followed by one or two servings of meat. The menu culminates in a series of sweet servings that carefully walk the fine line between providing something new while also bringing a sense of the familiar.
www.smythandtheloyalist.com
Starting at $95 the thoughtful culmination of in season produce makes this a beautiful culinary adventure.
