San Sebastian / Bilbao

There are several 3-star Michelin restaurants in that area. Including a few also named on Pellegrino's World Top 50 restaurant list

Here are the list of fancy restaurants:

Azrak, Martin Berasategui, Mugaritz, Azurmendi (Bilbao), Etxanobe (Bilbao)
I decide to book Azurmendi. The main reason is that it is a young chef. Only have had his restaurant since 08. Location is supposed to be nice. Also among the reviews I have read, Azurmendi has consistent reviews (Unlike Mugaritz).



 This is a list of Pintxo Bars I found on chowhound. I am heading to Spain soon. Will report later.



Pintxo Bars: Fuegro Negro: Michelin and NY times rec for pintxos. Order the makobe mini wagyu burger on ketchup infused bun w/ fried banana txips. Awesome! Also the 3 icy scoops of spider crab, avacado and licorice, pastel cherry meringue wafer with mackerel, sheeps cheese and mint. Also the arroz tomatoe, huevo. These last 2 items were out of season when Dave and I were there. This place has a really cool vibe but don’t spend a lot of time here. It was all downhill after the burger. Gambara: Asparagus Tempura- pretty awesome. The cold pinxtos didn’t look that impressive. See what other hot specialties they have. *Gandarias : The Sirloin is wonderful! The hot and cold pintxos are great here! Try lots! **La Cuchara de San Telmo: Foie with apple compote and the cheese laced risotto cremoso- ridiculously good. You’re going to want to spend some time here! No cold pintxos, only hot made to order phenomenal little plates! Do try the beef cheeks and whatever the friendly guy behind the counter recommends. *Bergara: In the Gross neighborhood and totally worth the beautiful walk across the bridge. This was a Jose Andres rec for Pintxos. This place was totally local and the pintxos were great! Haizea: Stuffed king prawn(hot) and the vegetable brochette (cold). This place was featured in No Reservations. The cold pitxos were not that impressive but the stuffed prawn was divine. Ask for other recs on their hot list. *Astelena: The hot pinxtos here are really great! Try the Beef Cheeks, the solomillo plancha, ravioli de foie, the crispy crepes (the “crepes” look like spring roll wrappers) with different fillings and the risotto. As a matter of fact try the ravioli and/or risotto at every bar. They’re all so yummy and filled or made with something different. **Zeruko: Difintely one of my faves and apparently everyone else’s. This place was packed! We went back 3 times until we could sit comfortably and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL pinxtos here. Spend some time here and try a lot. Nestor: Highly recommended for their perfectly cooked rare steak. It’s huge, on the bone and meant to be shared by 2 people. They only have 2 other things on the menu. Tomatoes and peppers. Both looked amazing! We did not eat here. This place is tiny and you have to reserve a table. You will most likely not be eating pinxtos after your meal but if you’re in the mood for a good steak then go for it! Borda Berri: The braised veal cheeks and the risotto were amazing! They were out of the fried sweetbreads and lemongrass ravioli☹ **La Vina: You MUST go here and order the cheesecake. They’re famous for it and you’ll see why!! *Loved **Especially Loved When planning your itinerary keep in mind that some of these places are closed Sunday or Monday or both. However, I was surprised how many were open. Restaurants: Narru: The ravioli and the iberico steak here was wonderful. NY Times rec - tasting menu for 2 with wine under 60 Euro. Note: not available on Friday and Saturday night. Ni Neu: Same as above Bodega Alejandro: The 6 course tasting menu here is a steal! 16/39 Euro. Or order from the menu- lasagna of anchovies and ratatouille with gazpacho cream, rich risotto infused with cuttlefish oil and idiazabal cheese La Cueva: Supposed to have great local dishes in a casual neighborhood setting

Montreal

This was last month. So I don't too much about the dishes I have, unless they are very memorable

Several of the recommendations were given by a foodie friend.

St-Viateur Bagel ✔ recommend: sea salt bagel

Fairmont Bagel ✔ Slightly prefer this over St. Viateur Bagel. 

Rotisserie Romados, ✔-  have had better chicken elsewhere 

Le Club Chasse et Pêche ✔  nice setting, but dishes are not too memorable....  

Bouillon Bilk ✔+  pretty pricy at night. good deal for lunch. Will go back for lunch again.  

Olive et Gourmando ✔++  yes.  Best Cuban Sandwich I have had (even compared to the ones I had in Miami) 

Dominion Square Tavern ✔  not memorable. 

MAISON CHRISTIAN FAURE ✔+ 

Au Pied de Cochon ✔+  recommended dish: Bison Tongue

I've never thought I would complain there is too much foie gras. We got Stuffed Pied de Cochon with Foie Gras and Foie Gras Poutin..... 

It is a waste..not being able to finish such good food... 

i wish they can serve the dishes in half size.

Chicago

Just came back from Chicago for a weekend trip.

Here are the list of restaurants that I have picked and visited

My grading system will be adjusted by how much it costs and how much do I desire to go back.... when I spend more, I expect more.

It ranges from
✔-- I won't go back even if you pay me
✔- If you treat me, maybe
✔  I'll go back for only the specific dish
✔ + I'll definitely go back
✔++ Can I take the chef home?


Girl and the Goat
✔ + recommended dish: grilled marinated pork belly.  This paper is very popular. Recommendation, put your name down. Go to some bar and come back in an hour (or 1.5 hour).

Frontera Grill
✔ + recommended dish: Sope Rachero.  Rick Bayless's restaurant.

Longman and Eagle
✔ ++  recommended dish: Housemade Potato Gnocchi, One Hour Duck Egg, Fava Beans, Morels, Garlic Scape Relish, Parmesan.
After having too much meat, I decided to order a vegetarian dish. This dish was so good that I can't tell it's vegetarian.... How did they get so much flavor in that broth w/o using meat?  It is also the most laidback/casual Michelin restaurant I have seen in the US. From outside it looks like a dive bar. Who knows the food can be so good. Good late night hang out place.

Publican

✔ recommended dish: bacon. This is one of the best bacon I have ever had. convenient with opentable

Next
✔+ tapas. I'll go back when they change menu. It was good, but not as memorable as Alinea. I definitely want to try Aviary. Note to self. book Aviary early next time.

Little Goat

✔++ recommended dish: pork belly pancake, tempura mashed potatoes, convenient with opentable


Staying at  Hyatt Place Downtown the Loop  great deal using hyatt points.

Level 3 hotel =12000 points with limited time 20% off promotion, 9600 points per night. (i value Hyatt point at 2 cents / point), so if you can book for under ~$200, that's pretty good deal.  

Simple hotel. great location. take train from/to Midway costs only $3 per person per ride. Train to O'Hare costs $5 (about 5 minutes walk) hotel is 2 minute walk from the subway station and 3 minute walk to Divvy (bike) station.

Introduction

I like to do research on everything. Before I go anywhere or buy something, I always try to make sure it is the "bang for the bucks".

This is a blog about the research I have done-- it could be about visiting a place, restaurant lists, what to order, where to buy bags / shoes, which credit to use.