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By Tracy W
Union Sushi & Barbecue Bar
– Courtesy: Gogobot
Perhaps one of Chicago’s most unique fusion restaurants, Union’s mission is to satisfy your craving for sushi and BBQ in the same dish. There are also a few unexpected items on the menu (such as the barbecued crocodile), but you won’t regret trying something new since each roll is crafted with fresh ingredients and a memorable combination of sauces.
Nando’s Peri-Peri
by: Beth Williams – Courtesy: Gogobot
Portuguese classical cooking by way of South Africa! Nando’s is an international chain that launched several years ago in Johannesburg, and the restaurant is known for their Peri-Peri chicken: a traditional Portuguese dish that has been upgraded with African spices. The side dishes are worth noting as well, and include “macho” peas (which are mashed with garlic and pepper) and corn salad. An inexpensive way to experience two cultures simultaneously.
Fat Rice
by: Beth Williams – Courtesy: Gogobot
This restaurant in trendy Logan Square has caught the attention of locals and critics. With a menu that blends Portuguese, Macanese, and Brazilian cuisine, Fat Rice plays with the overlap in the culinary traditions of these countries (Brazil and Macau are former Portuguese colonies) while adding an inventive spin on the classics. Their signature dish is the Arroz Gordo (fat rice), which comes in a large pot and serves up to five. It’s seasoned rice boiled with crayfish and sausage, and it’s unforgettable.
Rickshaw Republic
by: eekim flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This BYOB gem is a mixture of Indonesian and Malaysian street food influences. Chicken wings glazed in a honey-based sauce, pork belly noodles, and rich curries can all be enjoyed among the authentic decorations. This spot went from being a neighborhood favorite to a dining destination for foodies across the city.
Girl & the Goat
by: star5112 flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
While not a fusion of different international cuisines, the menu at the Girl & the Goat creatively fuses regional American cuisines in meat-heavy dishes that are sure to please impassioned carnivores. There are also several unexpected offerings on the menu: duck tongue, octopus, and pig are just a few. Don’t skip the drink menu either– the bartenders mix craft cocktails that are perfect accompaniments to the marinades and roasts.
La Sirena Clendestina
by: Tracy W – Courtesy: Gogobot
The menu at this swanky restaurant in the Fulton Market district is inspired by Brazil’s cherished national dishes. Traditional plates such as feijoada are given a gourmet twist with new ingredients (such as a fried egg) and unique presentation. I was surprised to find acarajé on the menu– this delicious street food treat from the Northeastern region of Brazil is hard to find abroad. La Sirena’s twist on this Afro-Brazilian beignet and shrimp specialty did not disappoint! The cocktail list is also quite good.
Del Seoul
by: kurmanstaff flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
A casual dining experience featuring elements of Hawaiian and Korean cuisine. Here you can find tacos and Bento boxes side-by-side on the menu, and I highly recommend the friend rice (which features spam and pork belly). The kimchi fries are perhaps the most popular item on the menu and with good reason– perfectly crisp french fries topped with Korean pickled cabbage, sour cream, and scallions. Delicious!
Rios d’Sudamerica
– Courtesy: Gogobot
The menu at Rio’s D’Sudamerica uses Peruvian cuisine as a starting point for exploration across the diverse dishes of the South American continent. Order a pepper pisco while you wait for your aji de galina, a chicken dish with a creamy spicy garlic curry. The skirt steak is nice option for meat lovers, and there are several regional beers available.
Mexique
by: Tavallai flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Two of my favorite cuisines– French and Mexican– come together on the phenomenal menu at Mexique. Everything from the appetizers to the deserts perfectly honors the traditions of rich flavor and precise ingredients honored in the culinary tradition of both cultures. Order the lamb entree and be blown away by the glaze covering the tender bone-in portion of meat and end the meal with a dessert enchilada.
Gogobot’s mission is to find people places to eat, stay, and play that are perfect for them. Plan your foodie adventure to Chicago on the Gogobot app.
Source: gogobot.com