Why You Need To Make Reservations ASAP For S.K.Y. Chicago
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

Why You Need To Make Reservations ASAP For S.K.Y. Chicago

After a year of canceled plans, multiple COVID tests, and restricted travel, I’m ready to get back to doing what I love, eating my way through the Windy City. The pandemic lockdown forced me to stay at home, get creative in my kitchen, and prepare my meals (gasp!). Let’s say there are only so many ways you can make that bagged salad from Trader Joe’s look appealing. If I’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s a newfound appreciation for travel and the fact that I will never take dining in a restaurant again.

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Elevate Your Cocktail Game At Machine
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

Elevate Your Cocktail Game At Machine

Cocktail culture is something that not only intrigues me but is constantly evolving. Gone are the days of sipping on rum and cokes and pounding Jager-bombs, unless you still reside on a college campus or in your parent’s basement. In a world where craft cocktails are king, barflies are sipping on timeless classics like Martinis, Manhattans, and Margaritas.

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Alinea: The Gastronomic Experience That Changed My Perspective
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

Alinea: The Gastronomic Experience That Changed My Perspective

We all have moments in our lives that can be considering defining or fundamentally changing, shaping us into the amazing humans we are today. Perhaps it’s getting your degree, persevering and finishing that first marathon, meeting the love of your life or taking your first trip abroad, each changes your perspective and outlook on life. The evening that I opened the door to Alinea was pivotal as my outlook on life and food was forever changed.

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Globetrotting Gastronomic World Tour @ Next Restaurant
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

Globetrotting Gastronomic World Tour @ Next Restaurant

For those of you who have been following Blonde Voyage Nashville, you know that I have season tickets to Next Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. It's probably the one thing that I get asked about the most as people have a difficult time ascertaining the whole "season tickets to a restaurant" concept. To be quite honest, it's been an experience for which I am incredibly grateful.

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Chicago Catherine Courtney Chicago Catherine Courtney

Keeping It In The Family: Rhine Hall Distillery

Rhine Hall. It's a new name in the Nashville market but one that Chicagoans know very well. Nestled in the heart of West Fulton Market, Charlie and Jenny Solberg are keeping their family tradition alive producing some of the best eau de vie around. You might be scratching your head about now or pulling up a tab to google "eau de vie." Don't worry, I had to do the same thing. 

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Windy City Bites: Entente
Chicago Catherine Courtney Chicago Catherine Courtney

Windy City Bites: Entente

While I was in the midst of my foodie reconnaissance for an upcoming trip to Chicago, I stumbled across a restaurant new to the Chicago dining scene, Entente. As I began to read through several articles, I became very excited and knew this was a must during my visit. At the helm of this new venture is Chef Brian Fisher, formerly of Michael Carlson's Schwa and Chef Mari Katsumura, formerly of Curtis Duffy's Grace. With that combination of culinary prowess, I knew I would be in for a treat.  

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A Rick Bayless Classic:  Topolobampo
Chicago, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney

A Rick Bayless Classic: Topolobampo

Every time I go to Chicago, I try to make it to a few new restaurants. Over the past eighteen months, it's been harder and harder to abbreviate my list as the Chicago dining scene is always evolving.  When one place closes, three more open making it exhausting for this Nashville girl to keep up.

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