Gastronomic Bypass: Chicago Food for Those Who Can Barely Afford It

hungry yuppie

My name is hungry yuppie. I live and work in the loop. I’m a pesco-vegetarian, which is a semantically hazy way to say I eat veggies and fish. As someone on a budget, I’m always looking for a value. And I live for enormous flavor. Please give me extra sauce, I’d like it extra ripe, extra rich. Sorry, those of you who like boring food. We can still be friends.

BYOBoy

Judging from my name, I’m sure you can imagine that I gravitate towards the BYO establishments, but I am by no means limiting my restaurant-ing to places where bringing a flask is kosher. I enjoy all foods. Seriously. Put it in front of me and I’ll at least try it and tell you why I do or don’t like it.

Disclaimer: I am biased.

As a self-proclaimed Mex-pert, I’ll probably be throwing some taco joints on here occasionally. We said on a budget, no? (That being said, all restaurants are Mexican to some extent, take a look in the kitchen). I gravitate towards French, brunching, Spanish, non-trendy and especially Thai. I was born and raised in this here town, so I’ll try to review places off of the beaten path. I am a lady who lunches, so expect lunch specials. Lastly, I’m an espresso snob; I find that very few retaus have good espresso in the States. Key: trust foreign espresso.

So I’ll let you know what I taste. Feel free to shoot me some recommendations.

RG

Like GB, I’m a fan of food. Whether it’s fried, baked, frozen or otherwise, as long as it’s delicious I’m eating it. I have had an appreciation for food since I started eating the frosting off customer cakes at my grandma’s bakery in the old country. Today, like GB, my working man’s salary only takes me so far (so you won’t be seeing a review of Alinea on these pages, sadly).

Despite my strapped wallet and an aversion to certain vegetables – I strongly dislike eggplant – I like to think of myself as a foodie who’s always up for a good meal and a cold beer. So come along with me as I journey through Chicago’s many eateries. I’ll give you an authentic GB review every time or your money back.

Please feel free to add your comments to my reviews. As we all know, a one-time-visit doesn’t always tell the whole story.

Cheers!

rg