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).
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| Image from City Tavern Facebook Page |
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!
I love City Tavern - O'Malley really came through on this one. Food, decor, service are great. I don't go to Wabash Tap, but I think it's great for the neighborhood and Firehouse is great for the summer patio out back & great choice for out of town guests or conventioneers. NOW OPEN A SPOT LIKE CITY TAVERN (or Moe's Cantina or Epic) IN MOTOR ROW!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure how Opart Thai has been getting this award, unless it's more for their Western Ave location. The Opart on State St has decent food, but it's not anything special compared to Ma and I (just as an example).
ReplyDeleteFollowing up on my 10:43 comment, looking at the Michelin Guide's website (http://www.michelintravel.com/michelin-selection/chicago-2012/), it looks like the award is for the Western Ave location (it says "Andersonville, Edgewater, & Uptown" district). There was a comment on one of the previous Sloopin posts for this that mentioned it was only for that location too...
ReplyDeleteOpart Thai - food is good, but have the rudest workers ever, particularly the guy working up front.
ReplyDeleteI've been to mai & I once and was not impressed. I tend to stay away from Asian restaurants that try to do to many Asian style foods, as they seem to be mediocre. Opart is good cause they mostly do Thai food. The Pad Prik is my favorite as is the wonton soup. I guess the award did go to the other location, but regardless Opart is part of my regular order out restaurants.
ReplyDeleteon a side note has anyone noticed a difference in the food at city tavern now that the chef has changed. i went there when they first opened and enjoyed it, haven't been back but would like to go again as long as food is still good.
City Tavern is extremely mediocre. I've given it 3 chances and everything I've ordered is pretty blah. Nothing special.
ReplyDeleteI hope it gets better with time. Maybe I would try again.
The Tiger Cry at Opart Thai is worth the price of admission alone.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me City Tavern is mediocre. O'Malley's restaurants are typically sub par but he's connected, will get patrons and knows how to get positive reviews.
ReplyDeleteJust came from City Tavern. Very mediocore tastless food. And overpriced for what you get. $4 for a small glass of iced tea is outrageous.
ReplyDeleteYou went to city tavern for ice tea?? $4 for a coke/tea/ etc is not overpriced for the south loop. Also, the only item at City Tavern that is not consistent is the beef cheeks, other than that, did you try the burger? fish? steak? or did you get cucumber sandwich with the tea?
ReplyDeleteThe Opart Thai honored by Michilen is NOT the sloop location. Why do you guys print this every year?
ReplyDeletebecause they are stupid...
ReplyDelete