When we think Asian for dinner we usually wander to Ma&I, but we might need to check out a new spot based on this recommendation:
On Nov. 17, Michelin will announce the selection for its first-ever MICHELIN Guide Chicago. Today (Wednesday, 11/10), however, Michelin offers a sneak peek at the first collection of what's in store from MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2011 – the Bib Gourmand selection. The Bib Gourmand designation denotes good cuisine at a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories. Defined as "Inspectors' Favorites for Good Value," Bib Gourmand restaurants offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), and are often of most value to a city's residents, who regularly dine in neighborhood restaurants.
Among the 46 restaurants around the city that received the 'Bib Gourmand' status, only one was in the South Loop, Opart Thai House (1906 S. State). Personally we've never been, but will be going there soon to see if we agree.
Anyway, we will wait until next week to see if any of our 'less reasonably' priced dining establishments made the list. Does anyone have any guesses as to which Sloopin restaurants could crack the list?
(Images from Michelin Guides Facebook Page)
I'd be interested to see if Michelin is referring to Opart in general or to the location on Western in Lincoln Square (which I think is their original location). They also appear to have a location in Wilmette. It's been a while since I've been to the Western restaurant so I don't know if the food quality is the same as the South Loop location.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I think Opart down here is a good value.
I like Opart Thai, and it's one of our regular goto spots, but I'm not sure I agree with Michellin. Quality and how well things are cookied seem to vary on each visit. Granted given the other options in the neighborhood if they felt a need to include a South Loop restaurant, then it would probably be near the top of my list for cheap eats.
ReplyDeleteNever been? It blows Ma & I out of the water. Very good thai spot, South Loop or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not 100% they're talking about the South Loop location, i'm pretty sure it's the case.
ReplyDeleteWe got the picture that was posted from the Michellin facebook page. It looks like each "bib gourmand" restaurant had the red michillin stencil on the sidewalk (see picture above). Although it's hard to read the awning in the picture, I'm pretty sure it says 1906...which would be the South Loop location.
I've ordered from here numerous times. The food is good, not great. The prices are decent, which is why it made the list, but in terms of quality, it's nothing to write home about.
ReplyDeleteI too have ordered from here a few times. Definitely subpar.
ReplyDeleteAmarit gets all by business, South Loop thai food-wise.
ReplyDeleteThis restaurant did NOT make the Michelin Guide. If you actually look at the website, and the Guide Book itself, you will notice that ONLY the three north side locations (specifically: Andersonville, Edgewater, and Uptown) made the list. NOT this location.
ReplyDelete