Chicago Eats Well, We Swear

By Alicia Dorr in Food on May 23, 2006 2:35AM

It seems as though the city with a bar on every corner and bridges that smell of chocolate is finally getting some recognition for its culinary skillz. GQ recently ran an article on up-and-coming Chicago cuisine, namely three young chefs currently blowing socks off people who only wear spats and control-top hosiery.

That’s right; the chefs of Avenues in the Pennisula, Moto, and Alinea all got overwhelming approval from GQ, which we appreciate. It’s true, of course, that Chicago hasn’t ever exactly been known for its fine cuisine, and we do appreciate the head-nod from such a fancy magazine. Glossy, too.

But we have a couple of beefs, if we may (if not, too bad; we can’t hear your cries). One: Get a new damn title for your articles on Chicago getting better than what you thought. “Second City No More” just isn’t cutting it. Two: The article makes a really good point that fusion cuisine (as far as fine dining) isn’t really fine cooking, “it’s a thought process.” We really do agree with that. However, we don’t really think fine dining restaurants can be compared with the original atmosphere and character of places where regular Chicagoans eat and live (Anyone? Manny’s? Negro League Café? Rosebud(s)? Harry’s Sandwich Shop? Underdogg??)

And Three: Do not ever, EVER call us the “doughy” Midwestern metropolis again. Or we’ll innovate the hell out of your ass.