Have you guys been out enjoying CCBW? I know we have. Great beer on tap all over the city, what more to love?

Wanted to remind you to get your tickets for the West Loop block party! It’s Saturday May 25 from 1-5 pm.

It’s the largest craft beer outdoor party hosted by the Chicago French Market & Fulton River District Association. All tickets include craft beer tastings and a sampling glass! Proceeds benefit the Fulton River District Association and the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Get your tickets and read for more info here.

PS They just released the map and it looks great. Take a look at all the awesome brewers you can meet and try their stuff:

A lot of people ask me where to take their friends or parents when they come in town…so I decided to take my bookmarked email and post it here for y’all to reference. Hope this helps! You can always email me if you want more personalized suggestions as well: van@chieats.com

Aside from all the amazing things Chicago has to offer: the parks, the architecture, deep dish pizza… there’s incredible food to nosh on while you’re spending your day out on the town too. And of course, Tortas Frontera at O’Hare on the way in and out of Chicago

These are just my recommendations and favorite spots, where I like to go and take my visitors – and even where I’ll go without visitors. Sorry if I missed anything!

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The Famous – Where your visitors are probably already asking to go.
The Beer Lovers – To drink like we do in the Midwest.
Cocktails! – More boozing.
The Brunchers – To get your day started on the right foot.
The Fancy Eaters – Wine and dine.
The Picky Eaters – Every group has one.
A Delicious Dinner – All you want is a really good meal.
On-the-Go, Quick Places to Grab a Bite – When you don’t have a couple hours to grub.
Burger Lovers – Who doesn’t love burgers?
The Adventurous Eaters – Those who will try anything once.
For Groups – Those who roll deep.
BYOBs – There are many BYOs in Chicago, why not check them out?
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The Famous
The places people have heard of that don’t live in Chicago, that they probably already want to go to.

• Alinea
  I haven’t been, but Chicago is home to many of the best restaurants in the world – Alinea, is now #15 in the world. They have a ticketing system, so scour their facebook pages or find someone who knows someone. Same with it’s sibling, Next.
• Girl & The Goat
  One of my favorites in Chicago, this one is definitely worth the hype. If you didn’t plan ahead and get reservations (sometimes 3 months out!), you can try an odd time and to sit at the bar – it’s full service
• Pequod’s or Lou Malnati’s
  Deep dish, right? Everyone wants it. I like these spots better than Giordano’s, but try whichever you’d like. PS, you can bring them frozen back home as gifts!
• Wiener’s Circle or Portillo’s
  WC if it’s late night and you’re rowdy, Portillo’s for a drive thru. Order the chocolate shake at both!
• RPM Italian
  For Italian…and to see Giuliana and Bill, duh.

confit goat belly, bourbon butter, lobster n’ crab, fennel at Girl and the Goat

The Beer Lovers
Chicago has an incredible craft beer scene. From brewery tours to tap rooms, you can taste beer from this region and eat well, too! You can always go to Goose Island, but here are my faves.

Note: most are no reservations – be prepared to wait (especially on weekends) or go at an odd hour. I’ll note if the place does take reservations.

• Revolution Brewing
  Incredible beer and food here, free brewery tours on saturdays at noon. they also have a taproom if you want to just try the beer in a non-restaurant atmosphere.
• Piece Pizza
  Amazing pizza (not deep dish) and award winning brews. get crazy and build your own pizza (i like mashed potato on mine…)
• Half Acre Tap Room
  BYOF! (bring your own food) with amazing beer on tap. they don’t can a lot of their beer, so go have a tasting while you can
• Haymarket Pub & Brewery
  TVs, good beer, and good food. this is one of the larger places, so if you have a group it’s great to stop in – there will be a beer for everyone’s different tastes. their own beer is great and they usually have awesome guest taps as well.
• Three Floyds
  If your guests (or just you) are really into beer, i’m sure they know of three floyds and would like to make the trek to indiana. it’s only 30-45 minutes and totally worth the trip. make the pilgrimage to get some phenomenal food and take some beer home with you that you wouldn’t be able to find in stores.

Other notables include: Atlas Brewing, Two Brothers (in the suburbs), and Hopleaf (they don’t brew but have an INCREDIBLE list).

PS, this list will surely grow as breweries open tap rooms and brewpubs!

Revolution Brewing Brewpub

Cocktails!
The cocktail scene in Chicago is quite amazing as well, not to brag or anything.

• Violet Hour
  There will be a line and no cell phones inside. Go to Big Star for tacos afterwards.
• Aviary
  From Achatz of Alinea and Next fame. Get over there!
• Maude’s Liquor Bar
  Get a reservation to eat here, too! Especially if you can’t get into Girl & Goat or others in the area.
• Sable Kitchen & Bar
  Top Chef Heather runs this joint in River North – with great bar bites and cocktails.
• Signature Lounge at John Hancock
  You’re going to hate me for putting this on here, but it’s a great view of Chicago!

View from the John Hancock Tower at dusk

The Brunchers
Chicago loves to brunch, y’all…and so do I. Here are some great spots for a wide range of guests. Prepare to wait sometimes an hour, even…because everyone in the city will be out at brunch too.

• Bongo Room
  They seriously have part of their menu labeled, sinful. either savory or sweet – you will be happy with whatever you get here. Try their seasonal specials and try to share some of their ridiculously amazing pancakes (oreo creme, banana hazelnut, i dont even know what else…).
• Publican
  One of the best bloody marys in chicago. You can get seafood, meat, veggies – anything – on this menu and it will be delicious. You CAN make a reservation here, and drink while you wait in the bar area.
• Toast
  Stuffed french toast and wasabi bloody marys. Toast is not for a big group!
• Yolk
  Most visitors stay downtown, so Yolk is in the area. Fresh juices and a big menu.
• Birchwood Kitchen
  For smaller groups (3 or 4), this BYOB place has an amazing patio with an even better menu.

Other notables: Bakin & Eggs (BYOB and you can call ahead), XOCO (for those staying in River North), and Lula Cafe in Logan Square.

Burton’s maple syrup-braised Publican bacon

Fancy Eaters
Perhaps your friend has the list of James Beard award winners or only dines at Michelin stars…here’s a few of Chicago’s top and most famous restaurants.

• Girl & the Goat
  See above under the “Famous”. You can also check out Little Goat for a diner style, more casual meal by Chef Izard as well.
• Blackbird
  One of Paul Kahan’s restaurants, and he was just named America’s outstanding chef by the James Beard Foundation. Next door to it’s sibling restaurant, Avec, too!
• Purple Pig
  Just off Michigan Ave, you can find a pork lover’s paradise. Their slogan says it all: cheese, wine, and swine!
• Next
  Stalk their Facebook for same night table tickets. I believe the menu right now is Vegan.
• Longman & Eagle
  A bit more rustic and casual than the above listed, but amazing food and brunch, too!

Picky Eaters
Every group has one, whether it’s the person who always makes a substitution or a vegan, here are friendly restaurants to check out with something for everyone. Chicago is a very food-friendly city, so don’t hesitate to ask for what you need/want wherever you go!

• Karyn’s
  Even as a true meat lover, I enjoyed my meals here. Check it out for tasty and filling vegan friendly meals. Great cocktails too!
• Slurping Turtle
  Chef Takashi has created a menu large enough to share with all kinds of friends. From ramen to duck-fat fried chicken, you will all find something, and you bet it will be delicious.
• Frog N Snail
  Another Top Chef, Chef Dale Levitski makes some phenomenal dishes and is worth trying whether you are picky or not.
• La Scarola
  Who doesn’t like Italian and wine? Definitely a large menu with a nice and accommodating staff. Head over to the bar next door if you have to wait.
• Jerry’s Sandwiches
  A nice patio and great beer list…and three full pages of sandwiches to choose from, and if not, make what you want. Another must go, whether you’re picky or not.

Slurping Turtle’s Tan Tan Men: whole wheat egg noodle, spicy miso with ground pork and spicy homemade sausage

A Delicious Dinner
Some of my favorites to grab dinner around town. They won’t let you down!

• Avec
  My favorite restaurant in Chicago. Bring a few friends who has similar taste so you can share a ton of dishes. Bacon-wrapped chorizo stuffed dates, anyone?
• The Bristol
  Local farm-raised fare, and with a unique and incredible menu for everyone. Great cocktails, too!
• Wasabi
  To be honest, I’ve only had the ramen and pork belly spring rolls. That’s all you need. Ever. (But they do have a full menu and sushi for others, too )
• Piccolo Sogno & Due
  Amazing Italian in two locations. The former has a huge patio and the second is located right in River North for those who won’t venture far.
• Davanti Enoteca
  For those willing to head over to a different part of town, this place is phenomenal. And there’s a wine bar across the street while you wait. Fear not, they are opening a second location soon! Oh, and get the ricotta + honeycomb please.

Basque cake at the Bristol

On-the-Go, Quick Places to Grab a Bite
If you want something tasty but don’t have time to sit for a few hours…

• Glazed & Infused
  Since you probably won’t be able to get to Doughnut Vault, try Glazed & Infused with two locations now for some delicious fresh donuts.
• XOCO
  I dream of these tortas. If you’ve had a few of the original menu already, try the daily special ones and make sure to get churros & chocolate!
• Del Seoul
  Kim chi fries. And a bunch of other good stuff too.
• Big & Little’s
  Such a dive, I love it. Slowly expanding but the little yellow awning is still there. Get in and have some of the best fish tacos around. Cash only!
• Tank Noodle
  If you love Pho and Vietnamese food, come here for a quick and delicious bite of authentic yummyness.

churros and chocolate from XOCO

Burger Lovers
Man I love burgers and I love that Chicago loves burgers, too. These places are my favorites, must-trys while you’re in Chicago. There will be long waits for most of these, as everyone else loves burgers too.

• DMK
  Confession: I know the menu by heart. (It’s easy! By numbers! Don’t judge.) Grass fed burgers on fresh buns, what more can you ask for?
• Kuma’s Corner (and Kuma’s Too)
  Choose your burger by your metal band and get in here for an awesome burger & craft beer. Their mac & cheese is good too if your group wants to split it.
• Owen & Engine
  This is my favorite burger in Chicago. No messing around, just one option. Order the burger and add cheese and a fried egg. Amazing fries, too. And cocktails. And beer.
• Au Cheval
  Bon Appetit named this the best burger in America and it’s damn good. Beware of the double patties. Au Cheval is awesome because they have a section on their menu called “With Eggs”…and who doesn’t want fried eggs on EVERYTHING?!
• Butcher & The Burger
  A build your own place – you can even pick a lettuce wrap instead of a bun if you want to go crazy. So yummy, and BYOB!

The Goatsnake at Kuma’s

The Adventurous Eaters
If your guests want to try some crazy dishes this city has to offer, there’s plenty of spots to check out.

• Frontier
  If you don’t want the whole pig or goat (which you can definitely order, btw), you can try for antelope or bear in chilis, meatballs, and other unique forms. So awesome.
• Peasantry
  In Lincoln Park, you can get a whole turkey leg or get a brunch hot dog or an octopus gyro. A great neighborhood joint with tons of fun stuff to try.
• Sun Wah BBQ
  So this isn’t really that adventurous, but you can order a whole peking duck and get a ridiculous meal with it. One of my faves in the city.
• Hot Doug’s
  Foie Gras hot dogs or rattlesnake? Get wild and crazy, or stay with the original. Regardless, get the duck fat fries.

peking duck dinner at Sun Wah BBQ

For Groups
If you roll deep, these places are accommodating for larger parties.

• Quartino
  They take reservations online and can handle big parties. Small plates Italian with lots of wine to go around? Why not!
• Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
  This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant can handle your group and fill you all up with sangria and delicious tapas. Ah, and a bloody mary bar for brunch!
• Three Aces
  A few things here – bolognese fries and Italian with a Kuma’s-ish feel. Read: rock music and great beer.
• Uncommon Ground
  For local grub and tasty brunch or dinner, stop in here. They may have live music too!
• Spacca Napoli
  Though it may be filled with more families given the neighborhood, try their Italian style pizzas – especially if you aren’t into deep dish.

prosciutto e rucola at Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

Other options for larger groups on the list are Frontier & Sun Wah.

BYOBs
Maybe your group drinks too much and you want to save some cash. Maybe you want to just see what this BYO business is all about. Whatever the case, we have awesome restaurants in Chicago that let you bring in whatever you want – and most don’t charge you!

• Chilam Bilam
  Cash only! Bring your own tequila for margaritas or wine for sangria, and make sure to get the flan. If there’s a wait, which there will be since it’s so small, go across the street and have a beer while you wait for your table.
• Toro Sushi
  Definitely the best sushi in Chicago in my opinion. Put your number down and they’ll call you when you’re ready. You can walk to Trader Joe’s for wine or to Duke’s for a beer. Try a few of Mitch’s rolls and say hello for me!
• Tango Sur
  Whether it’s date night or a group of friends in town, you should try to grab a spot here for a filling and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
• Smoque BBQ
  Quite possibly the best BBQ in town, you can eat cheap and eat very well here. Try the sausage – it’s crispy exterior made just like back home in Texas.
• Isla Pilipina
  A bit off the beaten path and in a strip mall, I cannot recommend this place enough for Filipino food lovers!

brisket and pulled pork, chili, coleslaw, and mac & cheese from Smoque BBQ

PS, you can always follow my food photos as I grub around town on Instagram or Facebook.

Let me know if I’ve left something off or you think of another list you’d like to see Cheers!

Officially kicking off on May 16th and lasting through May 26th (11 days sure is a long week, but we aren’t complaining!), CCBW will boast some awesome breweries, from Chicago to San Diego to Maine, serving up their best craft beer at some really cool locations in and around the city.

To learn more about the event, we hiked up to Avondale and paid a visit to Revolution Brewing’s Tap Room on Kinzie, where we threw back a few craft beers, ate some rockin’ tacos, drank more beer, talked shop with some local brewers, drank one last beer, and learned some cool stuff.

A bit about Chicago Craft Beer Week:

The general idea of CCBW is to expose as much of Chicago to as much craft beer as possible in the coolest venues. Your favorite bar is likely participating, and could be offering ½ off Chicago craft brews, special reserve barrel tappings, tap takeovers, beer dinners, new beer releases, new brewery meet-and-greets, anniversary parties, and so on.

If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just don’t know where to start, download the CCBW app or check out the schedule online. The app is quite cool – you can view the schedule of events, tag events that sound interesting, form your own personal schedule, and earn points by checking in to events to win prizes at the end of CCBW.

Download the app and check it out.

 Some of the great beer we had:

Chicago powerhouse Goose Island Brewery has a huge presence at CCBW. They were serving up a delicious new brew called Sofie Paradisi.

According to Beer Advocate, it is already getting rave reviews. Basically, Paradisi takes a summery twist on Sofie, brewing it with grapefruit zest and juice instead of oranges, giving it a delightful tartness. We are told that this will not get bottled, so hit up your local beer garden on a warm day and throw down a few of these while you can!

GI is celebrating 25 yrs with an anniversary party, which we most certainly will be attending. We had the privilege of trying Silver Jubilee, their outstanding 25th anniversary double IPA, which will be served at the party. Great things going on at Goose Island, as always.

A small brewery called Excel was there too, from Southern Illinois. They recently made the transition from soda to craft beer, which in our opinion was a phenomenal choice. To help them with this, they brought over Rod Burguiere from Stone Brewing. Power move, friends. They served up their Citra Blonde Ale at the event, which had a nice citra flavor with a lot of orange and citrus, with a very light body. We could definitely enjoy a few of these on a hot day! Look for them making appearances around CCBW as well.

Emmett’s Brewing Co., a small but long standing brewery in Downer’s Grove, is worth noting, too. They had a nice roasty American Stout on tap, which was a real delight. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, as we are, then be on the lookout for their other delicious hand-crafted brews during CCBW.

The Salsa Truck made an appearance, showing off some awesome salsas and talking about their next project, The Garage, opening up in West Loop.

Check out their delicious and flavorful tacos (I enjoyed the al pastor myself), their guacamole, and hot sauces. Gotta love the food truck scene.

We appreciated and enjoyed offerings from several other local Chicago breweries, including Pipeworks’ Unicorn’s Revenge, Half Acre’s Space IPA, Haymarket’s Mathias imperial IPA, Revolution’s Rosa, and Solemn Oath’s Snaggletooth Bandana IPA. (We like IPAs…)

All in all, we are excited to kick off CCBW soon, and if you haven’t checked out Revolution’s Tap Room in Avondale, go see it. Now. It’s really cool. Shuffleboard, anyone?

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the lowdown:

• who: you and no more than four. you can bring your vegetarian and healthy friends, too! they have options like lettuce instead of a bun, vegan or seafood patties, etc.
• what: build your own burgers. you pick – from the meat down to what they season it with. tip if you do go – just walk right up to the counter to order then grab a seat
• when: ever. they have breakfast sandwiches and beignets & coffee if you’re shopping in the area, too!
  • Mon-Tues, 10am-9pm; Wed-Thurs: 9am-10pm; Fri & Sat: 9am-11pm; Sun: 9am-9pm
• where: 1021 W Armitage, Lincoln Park
• why: because if you want a crazy burger with a million things on it, you can do that here. oh, and they have custard. and it’s BYOB.

butcher and the burger

sprout was featured on gilt city for a tasting menu, so naturally we jumped on it!

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the lowdown:

• who: you + your boo, your gf, or a few friends. another small restaurant, so i strongly suggest no party bigger than 4-6. also, bring your friends who are top chef fans.
• what: a tasting menu with a unique twist and incredible flavors. menu rotates, but is always online. it’s a bit spendy, so not for just any night.
• when: you want to celebrate or have a date night in a beautiful restaurant
  • Tues-Thurs: 530-10pm; Fri-Sat: 530-11pm
• where: lincoln park, 1417 w fullerton
• why: because they take reservations and it’s always fun to try a top chef’s famous dishes

potato: leek, truffle, mustard, thyme

sweetbreads: oxtail, scape, plum, onion

salmon: sunchoke, vanilla, pistachio, brussel sprouts

filet: panisse, bok choy, cucumber, root beer

the famous grilled cheese with hard cider

chocolate: potato, coffee, white pepper

Sprout

you go up and order, bring your own beer, and food is ready quickly and brought to the table. try and go at an off-time, because there’s always a line!

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sliced brisket platter with pulled porket, brisket chili, and mac & cheese

the lowdown:

• who: i strongly suggest no party bigger than 4 – it’s small and crowded. don’t bring a vegetarian.
• what: bbq – from briskets to ribs, sausage to pulled pork. you can get sandwiches, platters, or mix and match. the only way to do it. also, the sides are pretty small so don’t share – there won’t be enough!
• when: you’re looking for a reasonably priced, no small plates kind of meal with some candlelit romance. no reservations!
  • Tues-Thurs: 11am-9pm; Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm; Sun: 11am-9pm; closed Mondays.
• where: 3800 N Pulaski
• why: because the sausage and brisket are almost like texas. and it’s byob.

sausage platter with mac & cheese and fresh cut fries

slices brisket

texas sausage

smoque bbq

for those of you who don’t know, laughing cow cheese is amazing. i love them. all kinds, any kind. for this one, i used light.

i always have a few wheels in my fridge and found an awesome and easy recipe for stuffing chicken, so voila!

hopefully you have the same things in your fridge and it’s easy when you’re not sure what to make for dinner. if you’re not in the mood for cooking but want something light, quick, and easy…and super tasty. i served these with brussel sprouts and brown rice.

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laughing cow chicken
adapted from macaroni & cheesecake.

prep time: 10 min | total time: 25 min | serves: 3-4

what you need:

• 4 pieces of boneless chicken breasts (pound thin or cut two in half)
• 6 wedges laughing cow light cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley and parmesan cheese

get it done:

• preheat oven to 400 degrees
• lay each chicken breast flat – pound if needed
• combine laughing cow and seasonings into an even mixture

• spread mixture evenly over one side of the chicken breast – you don’t need a lot because it’s pretty strong flavors!

• roll each chicken and cheese up and seal with a toothpick

• mix together breadcrumbs, parsley, and parmesan in a shallow dish

• spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil and cover with the breadcrumb mixture
• place on baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown

• remove toothpicks and serve! om nom nom.

you know we like our mac and cheese! and on my kick to get in shape for dress and swimsuit season (if it ever comes) here’s a healthy and delicious vegetarian mac! i added chicken sausage, of course. but you cook that separately and it will be yummy with or without it! this mac recipe doesn’t have butter (what!) but still tastes good and light.

this is an easy mac to fill with whatever veggies you have on hand, and probably with ingredients you already have lying around.

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roasted veggie mac
this is adapted from the comfort of cooking

prep time: 20 min | total time: 30 min | serves: 6 what you need:

• 1 box of whole wheat elbows (or penne or rigatoni or whatever you prefer)
• 1 lb chicken sausage (i use TJ’s jalapeno chicken sausage)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, sliced thin
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, red pepper flakes

get it done:

• preheat oven to 400F and also set a pot of salted water to boil
• grab a large baking sheet and line with foil and coat with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray
• toss veggies on the baking sheet with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
• bake for 20 minutes or until veggies are softened – remove and set aside

• meanwhile, cook pasta, drain, and set aside
• cook meat and set aside as well
• in a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and add garlic to cook for about 30 seconds
• whisk in flour and cook for one minute
• gradually whisk in milk and stir constantly until thickened
• remove from heat and add cheese. stir until melted and evenly distributed and add seasonings to taste
• toss macaroni, veggies, and any meat into a casserole dish and stir in cheese and mix evenly
• top with breadcrumbs
• place in oven at 500 degrees for about 5 minutes or until top is browned
• bon appetit!

ps, this reheats well for lunch the next day!

this is a perfect side dish with your pork chops, steak, chicken, whatever. it’s also a great party app for anyone with vegetarian friends!

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roasted potato wedges
inspired by the pioneer woman

total time: 35 minutes | serves: 3-4

what you need:

• a few russet potatoes (amount varies on how many you want, and any potato will actually work!)
• 1-2 tbsp of melted butter
• tbsp of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika to taste
• fresh herbs to taste (i used parsley)

get it done:

• preheat oven to 400F
• wash and cut potatoes into wedges
• toss with oil, butter, vinegar, and spices
• roast for 15 minutes and then shake them around
• cook for another 20 minutes and add more seasoning if necessary
• sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately!

We have “Foodie Dinners” monthly at my amazing place of work. This time, Isla was chosen and we were shown a great time and even greater food.

Located in an unassuming strip mall off Lawrence, this hole-in-the-wall is full of great food and fun. The staff was amazing, welcoming us with new dishes to try and plenty of leftovers to take home! We had a tasting menu that just didn’t end and Stone and Half Acre beer pairings flowing all night.

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the lowdown:

• who: you + friends. make a reso.
• what: a filipino restaurant with huge portions and fantastic fare.
• when: whenever you’re in the area or interested in trying some unique food
  • Tues – Sat 11 AM – 9 PM; Sun 11 AM – 7 PM
• where: 2501 W Lawrence Ave, Unit D
• why: it’s byob, fantastic staff, and impressive food. and always busy!

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photo credit: hide o.

Bicol Express: Slightly spicy combination of meat , shrimp, squid, and mussels drizzled in coconut milk
photo credit: hide o.

Lechon Kawali: Deep fried pork belly served with Filipino style gravy
photo credit: hide o.

Lumpia Shanghai: Deep fried mini eggrolls served with sweet & sour sauce: pork, egg, jicama, green onions, carrots, soy sauce, love.
photo credit: hide o.

Pork BBQ: Grilled chunks of BBQ pork on a stick
photo credit: hide o.

Crispy Pata: Deep fried pork knuckle
photo credit: hide o.

isla pilipina