Came to run the marathon, but food was just as important. How did I do?

I’m an avid runner, but I love food! Chicago really blew me away with how good the food is 💙

Monteverde (Pics 1-4):
I ordered 3 pastas: the infamous Cacio whey Pepe, milk-braised Rabbit pappardelle, Harissa-braised Lamb Saltimbocca potstickers. They were amazing, but the Wagyu skewers were the star. Chef Sarah Grueneberg said the skewers were underrated, and she’s right!

Pizzeria Portofino (Pics 5):
Great ambience and service. Pizzas were great! Nothing mind-blowing, but overall pretty good, including the octopus.

Daisies (Pics 6-9):
The Onion dip was a really good appetizer. Ordered 3 pastas, but I’d say the Beet Agnolotti was nice and unique. Definitely an “either you like it or not” type of pasta, though.

Asador Bastian (Pics 10-12):
This along with Noriko Handroll Bar were my absolute favorites. Ambience and service were immaculate. I wanted to order everything on the menu, but ended up deciding the Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso, Besugo fish, Akaushi steak, Iberico Fried Rice, and Bone Marrow Potato Puree. Chicago probably has better steak but I’d give the whole overall food 9/10.

Noriko Handroll Bar (Pic 13):
This with Asador Bastian were the highlights. Got the Chef set, and it was a wonderful experience. I additionally ordered the oyster, crab motoyaki, and uni, and they did not disappoint.

Au Cheval (Pic 14):
Didn’t have to wait a long line, burger was expensive, but really good and I’d say it’s worth it as a tourist.

Gaijin (Pic 15):
It’s a solid okonomiyaki. Nothing more, nothing less.

Pequod’s (Pic 16):
Loved this deep dish pizza way more than Lou Malnati’s.

Mirra (Pics 17-18):
Super interesting Indian-Mexican fusion. I can really taste the intricate details of them blending these cuisines together. I asked for the spiciest food/condiment they got, and personally, it wasn’t really spicy. But they took my request seriously, and gave me an off-the-menu habanero spice chili, and it was SOOO good.

Would love to come back to Chicago and try more food! Yes, I’ve had Italian beef with giardiniera, the Chicago dog, and Garrett’s. Would love to try food in Chinatown, and unique places like Jibaritos.