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News Wed Nov 10 2010
Bib Gourmand Hungers for More
In just one week, Chicago will officially be entered into the elite group of Michelin Guide-crowned cities. As we here at GB HQ get ready to celebrate the guide's release, the famously discreet Michelin inspectors have graciously let some of their secrets slip by revealing their "Bib Gourmand" picks.
As the Michelin Man says himself, "The Bib Gourmand designation denotes good cuisine at a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories. Defined as "Inspectors' Favorites for Good Value," Bib Gourmand restaurants offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), and are often of most value to a city's residents, who regularly dine in neighborhood restaurants." They also cause the Michelin Man to adorably lick his chops in anticipation of a good meal.
When checking out the Bib Gourmand list (see below), it's easy to be hungrily grateful, or gratefully hungry, to live in such a delicious city. Entries such as Opart Thai House and Smoque BBQ show off the impressive range the inspectors had in scoping out the neighborhoods, and spots like the West Loop's Veerasway are definitely deserved. Despite their solid reputations, neighborhood joints such as Lula, Ann Sather, and Twin Anchors don't necessarily scream out as must-haves in a city rife with choices though. And while hot-spots like The Publican, The Girl & the Goat, and Perennial are balanced out on the list by places like the Polish Smak-Tak, it's clear that Bibendum definitely is hanging out on the hipper end of things here.
In a city as large, diverse, tasty, and as proud as Chicago, it's a near-impossible task to please every neighborhood foodie. Including a little nod towards some of the more eclectic ethnic fare in town such as Ethiopian Diamond, Italian classics such as La Scarola, or even something simple like the meticulously and freshly prepared diner fare at Robert Nava's Depot American Diner would have painted an even more complete culinary portrait of the city. Nonetheless, it's exciting to see Bib getting around town so much. Obviously, he's just going to have to come back for more.
