City Tavern & Opart Thai Receive 2013 Bib Gourmand

It's restaurant rating season and one of the most coveted awards, the 2013 Michelin Guide, is set to be announced next week (November 14th).  However, before this happens (via Chicago Tribune):

A week in advance of the release of the 2013 Michelin Guide, the highly respected restaurant rating group announced the recipients of its Bib Gourmand designations. given to inspectors’ favorites that deliver good value. 

The star designations, which will be announced Nov. 14, are the gold standard for restaurants. But the Bib Gourmand designations are nevertheless significant, as they indicate quality restaurants that are affordable (less than $40 for two courses plus dessert).

Image from City Tavern Facebook Page

We're proud to post that the Sloop has added a new restaurant to the list, City Tavern (1416 S. Michigan).  This is a huge honor for the restaurant.  We've been pretty impressed with their fare and hope the good work continues.

Besides this new restaurant another South Loop restaurant, Opart Thai (1906 S. State), has received the designation again.  They also received it in 2011 and 2012 editions.

Beyond that, two close-to-the-Sloop Chinatown restaurants have also been awarded the Bib Gourmand designation -- Lao Sze Chuan (2171 S. Archer) and newcomer to the list Lao Hunan (2230 S. Wentworth).

The big anticipation is for the Michelin Guide stars next week.  Everest (440 S. Franklin), which is just North of what we consider the Sloop, has received a star in the past.  Besides that our neighborhood has been void of this recognition.

Some people thought Mercat a la Planxa (638 S. Michigan) was worthy of a star...but has not received one.

This years biggest hope -- Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) -- the new dining gem of the South Loop.

We shall find out soon!