Restaurant Fri Dec 28 2007

Bon Appetit: Chicago

The most recent issue of Bon Appetit highlights three local establishments. Smoque BBQ is hailed as a stand-out option in a city that apparently has a "dearth of good rib joints." Lovely Bake Shop's adorable mini-pies and down-home ambiance charm the writers into comparisons to New York's Magnolia Bakery. And Noodles by Takashi Yagihashi, located in the former Marshall Field's building, has received decidedly mixed local reviews, but Bon Appetit highlights this new establishment in an article on U.S. noodle bars. Perhaps we Chicagoans just aren't ready to spend $10 on a bowl of broth and noodles. Personally, if you are looking for a nice lunch in the loop, I would recommend the gem that is Frontera Fresco in the same location.

Smoque BBQ
3800 N. Pulaski
773/545-7427

Lovely Bake Shop
1130 N. Milwaukee
773/572-4766

Noodles by Takashi Yagihashi
111 N. State, 7th floor
312/781-4483

Frontera Fresco
111 N. State, 7th floor
312/781-4483

- Gemma