Chicago Restaurant Week: Jacy's Picks

By Jacy Wojcik in Food on Feb 20, 2009 7:00PM

Chuck asked that each of the food and drink staffers offer readers recommendations of places to visit during Chicago Restaurant Week, which kicks off today. Here are my picks:

Naha- I can't think of a better time to visit Executive Chef and James Beard winner Carrie Nahabedian's beautiful restaurant in River North. Naha offers one of the best restaurant week menus. Choose between one of three appetizers including a winter cauliflower soup, gem lettuce salad and organic farm egg and la quercia; main courses include a choice of: roast quail, kurobuta berkshire pork belly, rose finn potatoes, swiss chard, glazed cipollini onions and tarragon OR Purdy family great lakes whitefish, hen of the woods mushrooms, beluga lentils, roasted parsnips, grain mustard and chives OR canneloni of melted leeks, roasted sunchokes and house made ricotta cheese with door county golden whitefish caviar and jerusalem artichoke broth. Whoa, what? We're not done. For dessert choose between pear gallette, milk chocolate delice, and New York style cheesecake. If that doesn't send you running there immediately their extensive list of accolades will. 500 North Clark Street. 312.321.6242 for reservations. And call now- with this menu seats will be filling up fast.

Mirai Sushi - Simply put, one of my fave sushi spots in the city. 2020 W. Division St. (at Damen). 773-862-8500 or go here for reservations.

Mercat a la Planxa- I have yet to try this Catalan cuisine, but wanted to ever since Esquire magazine named it one of the Best Restaurants of 2008. Anthony's glowingly positive review only cemented this for me. 638 S. Michigan Ave. 312.765.0524 or go here for reservations.