In with the new- N9NE Steakhouse debuts new menu

When I heard that Executive Chef Michael Shrader changed the menu at N9NE Steakhouse (440 W. Randolph St), I was a little nervous. N9NE has been one of my favorite restaurants since I moved downtown nearly 5 years ago, so I sat down to dinner on Friday night a little apprehensive but eager to try, well, everything really.

And that's exactly what we did. My brother and his best friend, who we'll call "DISH", gave me the great honor of letting me order our entire meal. With so many exciting new items to sample, I decided to approach our dinner tapas-style by ordering rounds of dishes for us to share.

Round One started with La Quercia Prosciutto, shaved extremely thin and served with spiced pears and country toast. The spiced pears were wonderfully fragrant and the aroma smelled like Thanksgiving dinner. Prosciutto is a pretty strong staple in my Italian diet, but the spiced pear compliment was a (delicious) first. We also sampled the Rock Shrimp, served with a horseradish tobiko sauce and a spicy red sauce, and the Wild Mushroom Risotto, a deliciously creamy and extremely rich dish. Round one ended with the bacon-n-eggs, a breakfast-at-dinner appetizer that was definitely a Knock Out. The perfectly poached duck egg was drenched in a savory truffle hollandaise and served with hickory smoked bacon and brioche. I was perplexed by the combination of flavors and, as we "dinged" our bread in the remaining hollandaise sauce, I couldn't help but daydream about coming back to have this for breakfast the next morning.

We moved into round two with the Braised Oxtail Ravioli in a Barolo reduction. Dish and I both enjoyed the simplicity of the ravioli that truly highlighted the oxtail flavors, but my brother preferred our next dish, the Steak Tartare. Though sometimes the idea of raw meat can seem kind of gross, Chef Shrader's tartare was delicately flavored- definitely the winner of the round.

Our excellent server, Dave, recommended the Magret Duck Breast for our entree round. The roasted duck was succulent and juicy- not at all game-y like duck can sometimes be. Served in a wine reduction with sweet cherries and wild mushrooms, all we could say after each bite was "This is SO GOOD."

As we finished my brother said, "This is a great way to do dinner. I feel completely satisfied but not so full I feel like I'll explode." And then they brought dessert. The Pecan Square, drizzled with warm caramel and served with vanilla bean ice cream was delicious, but the Could 9- freshly spun cotton candy with three types of mini ice cream cones and a chocolate covered pretzel- was absolutely sinful. Knowing that "once you start you just can't stop", my brother resisted the Cloud 9 for about a minute before he started tearing the sweet cotton candy apart, as he said, "I could shed a tear for how good this is." Our mouths turned blue as we shared stories of childhood trips to the carnival and circus. As adults, we sometimes take simple childhood pleasures for granted. We indulge in rich, fancy desserts and treat ourselves to dark chocolate and creamy custards. But sometimes, its fun to be a kid again. Chef Shrader's dessert took us on a fun trip down memory lane, one we don't take often enough.

Although I was a little disappointed that my beloved gnocchi didn't make the cut, overall, Chef Shrader's new menu is a total knockout. N9NE definitely remains in the Top 5 Steakhouses Chicago has to offer.

Footnote: My sincerest gratitude goes out to the entire staff of N9NE Steakhouse for their tremendous support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The traditional purple lights have been changed to pink in recognition of survivors everywhere and the dazzling white server coats are adorned with pink ribbons. Thanks for all of the wonderful support!

Brilliant for Brunch- Duchamp

Sundays are good for about 3 things- Football, Lifetime movies and brunch (but not necessarily in that order). There is no better compliment to Saturday night in the city than eggs, bacon, french toast and a mimosa on Sunday morning. That was especially true this week because after a Saturday night spent drinking delicious wine, my stomach woke me up screaming for food.

For months, my friend and I had made plans to brunch at Duchamp (2118 N. Damen), tucked away on the corner of Charleston and Damen in Bucktown. Our bellies starving, we showed up promptly at 11:00 a.m., as they were still polishing utensils and wiping down tables, which was a fortunate decision as the restaurant was packed less than thirty minutes later.

Given my previous experiences with communal tables, I was a bit hesitant at first glance of the restaurant and thought to myself, "Do I really want to share last night's stories with the rest of the people sitting here?" Shortly into our first cup of coffee, though, we realized that the communal dining at Duchamp's just seemed, well, different. The small, cozy establishment utilizes its lack of space well by carefully situating 6 or 7 long wooden tables along the wall, and we barely noticed the other diners even though they were sitting so close. I don't know if it was the dark walls, eclectic art, small bar or local feel of the place, but Duchamp felt like a cup of cocoa on a cold winter day- comforting.

Duchamp presents its menu with small and large plate brunch options, and our wonderful server, John, suggested that we start by sharing the maple nut granola and vanilla yogurt small plate. We giggled at the shock on his face when we instead ordered three large plates and two sides (there were only two of us so I can't say I blame him for being surprised).

We decided to start with the Grilled Flatbread served with tomatoes, feta cheese, spinach and a sunny-side up egg, a rich combination of flavors that made us both say "mmmmmm" aloud. Though the flatbread is so delicious it COULD stand alone, the egg made a tremendously wonderful difference, so I was naturally disappointed that the small egg didn't provide enough flavor for the huge flatbread. Sticking with the eggs, we moved on to the Grilled Chorizo and Egg Quesadillas, served with red pepper, onions and salsa. Although this dish was absolutely delicious, it seemed kind of typical compared to the wow-factor of our next dish, Houska French Toast with lemon marscapone & nutella. Chef Michael Taus is officially a culinary genius for incorporating nutella, a hazelnut and chocolate spread similar to peanut butter, into this traditional breakfast dish. Coupled with the decadent lemon marscapone topping, this amazing french toast was perfect without syrup and I decided about three bites in that it is my favorite french toast of all time. As we made our way through our breakfasts, we noticed that we were missing one essential element necessary to complete this meal- our bacon (a little too chewy for me, but the smoked flavor was delicious and lingered for a bit after each bite). The expression on John's face was priceless as we asked him to please send it out. He was clearly having a hard time understanding how we could want any more food.

With only once piece of each dish remaining, John congratulated us on our accomplishment of eating so much and started to understand my "joke" of being the Girl That Eats. As we left the comfort of the simple, down to earth establishment, I was already anticipating finishing my leftovers later that afternoon.

Kyoto Sushi

Most people I know associate the word "sushi" with fresh tuna, salmon and white fish or vegetables like avocado or cucumber, sticky white rice and seaweed. I hear the words Rainbow Roll and think "Death Trap" as I start to feel my throat closing.

With two nearly fatal attempts at eating fish under my belt, it would be normal to assume that I make for a pretty rotten sushi date. The thing is, a little thing like anaphylactic shock can't keep me away from a great eating adventure. That's just not how I roll. (I can eat shellfish because I'm weird and opposite from everyone else on the planet with a seafood allergy.)

I've grown used to the quizzical looks I get from servers and sushi chefs, but I'm always worried about walking into a new sushi restaurant and explaining to the server how to accommodate my restrictions, and such was the case on my Saturday night excursion to Kyoto (2534 N. Lincoln Ave), a BYOB Sushi Restaurant in Lincoln Park.

I was referred to Kyoto by a friend of mine who proclaims he is their best customer (he very well may be- he eats there at least 3 times a week), and he demanded we sit at the sushi bar and ask for Chef Carlos. I had barely opened my menu before Chef insisted that reading the menu was unnecessary. Rather, he urged us to tell him what kind of fish we enjoyed and he would take care of the rest. I hesitated before rambling off that I couldn't eat fish, scallops, or any type of roe/masago. I winced as I waited for the usual "why are you in a sushi joint?" look, but Chef Carlos simply nodded and said, "I can work with that."

While we sipped on some red wine and snacked on edamame, Chef Carlos prepared an exquisite appetizer of unagi tempura topped with cream cheese and drizzled with unagi sauce. Next, he presented a beautiful martini glass layered with shredded carrots and cucumber and topped with tender udon noodles. Catering to my restrictions, my cocktail was topped with succulent shrimp tossed in unagi sauces.

I anxiously awaited for our maki rolls to come having indulged in such inspired appetizers custom tailored to meet my needs. I devoured my specially created shrimp and crab maki roll and felt fortunate that, for reviewing purposes, my friend could sample a platter of different house specialities, including the Snowball, a rice sphere topped with super white tuna and a truffle, scallion and soy sauce that she deemed "A- MAZING."

Though everything we ate was phenomenal, the best part of our dinner at Kyoto was Chef Carlos's careful attention to guests' needs. He went above and beyond to make sure that I could have an incredible dining experience, even though I am not the average sushi eater. And that made me realize, even people who don't particularly favor the idea of slurping down raw fish can join in on a sushi dinner, just make sure you let Chef Carlos know what you like!

Girls' Night at Geja's Cafe

One of my favorite things (well, one of the only things, really) about "growing up" is that my relationship with my mom shifted from being parent/child to being best friends. Don't get me wrong, she still brings me chicken soup when I'm sick, makes me dinner on Monday nights, and reminds me to call my grandma on her birthday, but the friendship we've formed over the past 8 years is seriously unmatched.

What's even better is that I've formed some very close friendships with my mom's friends, women I have known since I was in grade school (some longer). Many of them have daughters of their own, and we've formed this unique "girls' club" that travel together, shop together, gossip together, and, of course, eat together.

One particularly rainy girls' night out, my mom and I doubled with one of our favorite mother/daughter pairs to Geja's Cafe (340 W. Armitage). Tucked cozy on the garden level on Lincoln Park's busy Armitage Ave., you may miss this place if you don't know where you're going. This terribly romantic fondue restaurant is practically a Chicago landmark, and its inconspicuous exterior is not an indication of the wonderful things that wait inside. Walking down a flight of stairs from the street level makes Geja's feel a bit dungeonous, but the dark interior with cozy booths and live guitarists in the background feels warm and homey.

There is something about the communal atmosphere of cooking together in a big pot of oil that's truly ideal for a group of girls in need of some serious catch up conversation. The three course meal begins with a savory, creamy imported Gruyere fondue mixed with white wine, cherry brandy, and assorted spices. Served with apple slices, grapes, and a variety of breads, this appetizer is truly sinful.

The entire waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable, veterans in the world of fondue cooking, and teach the basics of how each item should be cooked: veggies take longer than proteins; shrimp and lobster only need a minute; be sure not to put your raw chicken on the same skewer as your other meats. Our table receives a large silver platter- the middle is piled high with fresh vegetables including broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, onions, etc- and on each corner of the platter lay our proteins, all of it surrounded by 8 delicious dipping sauces. The foodie (fatty?) that I am, I order the Connoisseur dinner- beef, shrimp and lobster- knowing full well I will be sharing with the rest of the table.

We dip our food into the bubbling pots of oil and as we cook, we discuss work, school, relationships, bars, movies, theatre- the works. Between the cooking and the chatting, we barely notice that our platter is almost empty. I think back to the bounty it once was and understand immediately why my waistband is starting to feel tight.

We finish off with my favorite part of the meal- Chocolate fondue dessert that is flamed with orange liquor and served with fresh fruit, marshmallows, and pound cake. Before our server lights the bad boy up, I put some mallows on my skewer and get ready to start my own indoor bonfire. As the flames die off, I dip my perfectly roasted marshmallows into the delicious, rich chocolate and gently place them atop a slice of buttery pound cake- the "big girl S'more", as I like to call it.

Nearly 2 1/2 hours later, we get up from our comfy little nook in our cozy dark dungeon and face the cold, rainy night. Having shared great conversation, great food (and wine!) and great company together on this girl friends' night out together, I can't help but giggle inside when my mom yells at me for not bringing a raincoat and dashing to the car without taking time to pull out my umbrella. I love that we've become such close friends, but I love even more knowing she's still my mom.

Honoring Authenticity- Zapatista

At the turn of the 20th century, Emilio Zapata lead his revolutionaries, the Zapatistas, on the quest for freedom and the opportunity to own land in Mexico. Almost a hundred years later, Zapata's legend is honored by 21st century followers at one of Chicago's most authentic Mexican eateries, appropriately named Zapatista (1307 S Wabash).

A few months ago, a fellow foodie friend and I started a new tradition of Wednesday Night Date Night. Since he shares my enthusiasm for great food and my love for this awesome city, our "dates" are actually more like binges and our conversations are had through a mouth full of food. On our most recent date night, we traveled to the South Loop to enjoy a magnificent, truly authentic Mexican meal.

Situated between some of the cities most acclaimed restaurants, Zapatista has built their reputation on providing a genuine experience in Mexican culture and cuisine. The restaurant's rustic decor captures so many elements of Mexican architecture with tiled backdrops, rounded archways, and traditional artwork. After examining their full page of tequilas, I was almost convinced I was in Mexico.

Per our server's recommendation, we started with the guacamole made-to-order and its no wonder it is the restaurant's claim to fame. Coupled with the homemade tortilla chips, this guac is the perfect blend of lime, cilantro and spices and it was gone in an eye blink (which is scary, since Josh doesn't eat guacamole). We soon discovered that one dish is better than the next, and as we indulged in our order of Queso Fundido and fresh corn tortillas, I was pretty sure that I was, in fact, in Mexico. Nothing says "OLE" better than a skillet full of melted Chihuahua cheese, spicy chorizo, and roasted poblanos, and as I sip my Rioja, I can almost hear the mariachi band playing in the background.

I couldn't decide which soup to try, so I ordered the Frijole Negro and forced Josh to order the Tortilla so that I can taste test. Though they are both delicious, the Tortilla soup's tomato-chipotle broth and shredded chicken boast all the flavors of a traditional Mexican tortilla soup and it takes me a few minutes to realize that I've finished the entire bowl before he had a second bite (whoops!).

Staying true to the concept of trying traditional Mexican dishes, we ordered chicken fajitas and cheese quesadillas (with a chicken taco on the side). All I can say is it was love at first bite. The minute I thought I had tried my favorite entree, I was gushing over my bite into the next dish. With a weak spot for cheese, its no wonder I couldn't stop eating the Tres Queso Enchiladas. I must say, though, that the mole verde truly made the dish, adding a perfect flavor and spice. Thank goodness there were left over tortilla chips in my basket because it would've been heartbreaking to let a drop of that mole go to waste! I imagine the fajitas were equally delicious because they were devoured before I had a chance to ask for more than the one small bite I was given.

True to their word, Zapatista provides an authentic experience in simple Mexican dishes and atmosphere. After an indulgent night in amazing Mexican cuisine it was official: we, too, were Zapatistas, anxious for our next trip to the restaurant to honor the great revolutionary by eating our body weight in incredibly delicious Mexican food.

Vince's Italian Restaurant

It is indisputable that the words "Chicago" and "Italian" walk hand in hand. In the 20's, Chicago had the 3rd highest ranking Italian population in the entire country, and with them the Italians brought us Chicagoans their incredible culinary stylings, from rich rigatoni to savory marsala sauces...and don't forget the Cannolis!

Though the actual city of Chicago offers a wide range of Italian restaurants, from mom and pop shops to five star establishments, one of my all-time favorite Italian eateries is located just outside city limits in a little town called Harwood Heights.

Vince's Italian Restaurant (4747 N. Harlem) offers the rustic Italian flavors in their dishes and a classy, comfortable atmosphere, making the establishment perfect for private parties, Friday Night Date Night (there is a live band), or jeans-on-a-Wednesday dinner with the girls. Co-Owners Savino "Nuccio" D'Argento and Rocco DeFrenza both come from small towns in Bari, Italy and refined their skills in the kitchens of some of the country's best chefs- their mothers. It's no mystery, then, that the food at Vince's highlights simple, traditional dishes as most of the recipes used have been passed on from generation to generation.

Bring a big Italian appetite with you to Vince's; there is much to be tasted and dishes are very generously portioned. Don't waste time on dinner rolls, but do try the homemade foccacia bread. Served warm, the light, fluffy dough is perfectly seasoned and covered with deliciously fresh tomatoes (I confess, I have eaten an entire loaf by myself before). Be a good Italian and order a seafood appetizer. The calamari is the house speciality, served grilled or fried with marinara- not cocktail sauce- just the way my Nona would serve it. The mussels in the white wine sauce are a must-have (and don't forget to dinge your bread in the juice before they take the bowl away), and the Baked Clams,coated in a savory buttered bread crumb and Parmesan crust, shouldn't be overlooked.

Entrees are served with a choice of soup or salad, and I opt for the cheese Tortellini in Brodo, but Vince's offers the option for meat tortellini and a choice of either beef or chicken broth. The extensive entree menu can seem a bit overwhelming, but don't feel flustered by the abundance of options. The Risotto con Pollo is decadent, an elegant comfort food that's delicately seasoned and cooked to perfection. Zuppa di Pesce, an Italian classic, is a hearty combination of mussels, calamari, cod, salmon and shrimp over al dente linguine. Or, keep it simple and order the Margherita Pizza, served with juicy tomatoes and thick bocconcini cheese, topped with basil so fresh I swear they just picked it off the plant in back.

I would be remiss to not mention my all-time favorite dish, the entree I order nearly every time I eat there (I'm not gonna lie, I usually order a second helping to bring home with me), the dish they will likely rename "The Marcee Special" because everyone in the restaurant knows its my favorite- Rigatoni alla Vodka. As a self-proclaimed vodka sauce connoisseur, I've sampled a fair share of sauce in my day. I've had the too creamy, too tomatoe-y, not enough vodka, too tart and everything in between. But not at Vince's. The vodka sauce there is an impeccable blend of ingredients resulting in a truly sublime final product.

Vince's Italian Restaurant serves up incredible Italian classics that truly feel old world. I confess that I am a city snob and usually laugh at the idea of having to drive outside city limits, but Vince's is absolutely worth the trip.

On Cloud 9- Silver Cloud Bar & Grill

I woke up this morning feeling all achy and sick. I self diagnosed a fever among approximately 15 other ailments that are seriously dragging me down. Unlike most people I know, being sick doesn't stop my belly from rumbling for a delicious meal, and on a day like today there is only one place I can think of in this entire city that will make me feel better- Silver Cloud Bar & Grill (1700 N. Damen).

Situated in the heart of Bucktown, Silver Cloud offers the best comfort food in the city (and, let's be honest, probably the entire state). On an average visit, I like to start with an order of Frito Pie aka the "White Trash Nachos" - deliciously salty Fritos baked with Silver Cloud's homemade chili and topped with cheese. Yes, they are a stomach ache waiting to happen, but they are worth every bite. Too scared for chili and cheese topped chips? Try the more traditional Artichoke Dip or Baked Goat Cheese with marinara sauce. Classic, yet satisfying.

On a day like today, when I feel all yucky, the Chicken in a Bowl soup is the answer to my prayers. Cooked to order, this hearty soup, made with chicken, vegetables, lime juice, cilantro and topped with crispy tortilla strips is heavenly.

In the true spirit of serving gourmet comfort food, Silver Cloud cleverly concocts a gooey grilled cheese sandwich on Italian bread, served aside a piping hot bowl of Campbell's tomato soup. YUM. With every bite, I am transported back to my childhood and can't help but reminisce about sitting in my parent's kitchen on a cold winter day in Chicago, enjoying a warm mom-cooked meal, my cheeks rosy from the bitter gusts of wind and my hands frozen from packing snowballs in my front yard.

Though I rarely pass up a masterful Grilled Cheese, Silver Cloud's true claim to fame is their Sloppy Joe sandwich. In their modesty, the cast of characters at Silver Cloud calls the sandwich "average". To me, "average" implies cafeteria aid with a hair net, scooping piles of mush onto a soggy bun. Perfectly spiced on a toasted roll, served super sloppy with a side of tots, this Joe is anything but. Paired with a cold Anchor Steam, this Joe holds a special place in my heart.

With other scrumptious options like Grandma's Meatloaf and Pot Pie, its nearly impossible to not plan your next trip to Silver Cloud before dinner is over. Just make sure to leave room for dessert, because Silver Cloud's menu of time-honored favorites like S'Mores, Fluffer Nutter Sandwiches, and Old Fashion Apple Pie truly complete the meal.

On a crisp Fall day, or a cold winter evening (or a sunny spring day or hot summer sizzler), Silver Cloud is the final destination for comfort food in Chicago, with stick-to-your-ribs dishes that make you want to scream for more. Sil-ver Cloud! Sil-ver Cloud!

Comfort of Home- HB Home Bistro

I love walking into a restaurant, dolled up for a Friday night date, and feeling like I could be sitting in someone's kitchen. Executive Chef/Proprietor Joncarl Lachman answers my prayers at his quaint yet fabulous establishment, Home Bistro (3404 N. Haslted), situated in the heart of Boystown.

Lachman's "unpretentious, cozy, and comfortable cafe" is easily one of my favorite nooks in this bustling city. The BYO's comfy dining room sits about 40 people, and its dim lighting, stunning artwork, and simple table decor make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I rarely visit HB without my stunning GBF, and our typical adventure starts by opening a bottle of Malbec, a shared favorite. We don't waste time and immediately order the Artichoke and Edam Fritters, served with garlic aioli, before our server can even light the candle on our table. Since the servings aren't overwhelming, we splurge for the Mixed Olives, Fried Haloumi Cheese (don't pass up smothering a piece with strawberry jam!), and the very decadent Almond Stuffed Dates- wrapped in bacon and baked with brown sugar, these are more like a dessert than an appetizer and I can't help but lick my fingers after each bite.

As we move on to bottle #2, we delve into some seriously delicious entrees. In my life, I've tried some amazing burgers, but the HB Lamb Burger, served on a pretzel roll with melted brie and garlic mayo with a side of truffle fries, is a forced to be reckoned with. I was also pleasantly surprised with the Braised Chicken in Phyllo, infused with moroccan spices and served with a parsley-tomato couscous, this entree is lick-the-dish good. The Phyllo was light and airy, better than I've had a some of the city's best Greek restaurants. I do recommend taking the pass on the Shrimp entree; the champagne butter is a little heavy and pales in comparison to Chef Lachman's other masterpieces.

Don't forget to bring a bottle of Moscato (or at least a nice dessert wine) because passing up dessert is not an option. Ranking #1 on my list is the Lemon and Brown Sugar Bread Pudding because, really, what says cozy comfort food like a savory bread pudding?

Completely content, totally full, and a little bit tipsy, it takes a crane to pull us to our feet. Thank goodness Roscoe's dance floor is only a few steps away...