Author: Chris Vargas

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Best Burger Restaurant in Chicago

Au Cheval is ranked the best restaurant for high end burgers in Chicago. Au Cheval is located at 800 W Randolph St, Chicago IL 60607-2308 and is also ranked #52 out of 5,621 restaurants in Chicago. Number 52 out of 5,621 restaurants may not seem that high on the totem pole, but when you consider that they are being ranked among restaurants with Michelin Stars and worldwide famous chiefs, this burger restaurant isn’t doing too bad for itself. 

Famous for its delicious burgers and fries, Au Cheval is growing in popularity, but burgers aren’t the only must try items on their menus. From delicious desserts such as, mille-feuille, a light puff pastry with vanilla whipped cream, zarlengo gelatos, aka milkshake/malt and even old school root beer floats; to amazing appetizers to go perfectly with your burger. Appetizers include thick cut bacon,bread & butter pickles and fried farm eggs over fries. Unfortunately, fries, hash browns, the butter & bread pickles, and certain salads are the only vegetarian options. This restaurant is for those who enjoy a little meat on their plates. Food isn’t the only thing Au Cheval has to offer. Au Cheeval has a plethora of adult drink options as well. One sixth of the menu is their drink options. Don’t want to wait for a table? Try heading to their beautiful bar and order one of their many delicious and thirst quenching adult drinks. Au Chevals blood mary boasts Fernand Petiot 1933, nuit blanche vodka, tomato, horseradish, and pepper. If you’re not the bloody mary type then perhaps try the horse’s neck with 1895 George Kappeler, wild turkey rye, lemon, ginger beer and angostura.  Au Cheval offers 12 signature drinks on their regular menu.

This restaurant’s reviews are just astounding with one guest stating, “Quite literally rendered speechless. Couldn’t talk while eating. Not kidding when I say it’s the best burger I’ve had, and probably will have, in my life.” (Z6560TKemilyc Trip Advisor) when visiting in July of 2022. Many other restaurantees had the same or similar thoughts on this little restaurant in the heart of Chicago. Out of 1,251 reviews only 58 of them were stated as having below average experiences. With many of these unsatisfied customers being either non meat eaters or with children it does not surprise me they were unhappy when choosing to go to a high end restaurant famous for burgers and classy adult beverages the center point of the menu. Some reviews warn of a long wait time without a reservation and this has me wondering if it’s their first time in a large city. As someone who’s spent 20 years living in the city I have to think that if you want a nice sit down dinner in the city you must make a reservation or expect to wait quite some time to be seated. Chicago is a huge and very busy city; even less popular restaurants fill up quickly come lunch and dinner time. Overall, with 1,193 positive reviews and overly satisfied costumes I don’t think coming to Au Cheval would be a bad choice for lunch or dinner the next time you’re in Chicago. 

Health, Reviews

Hamburgers increases Alzheimer’s risk?

I know this site is devoted to the love of all things hamburgers but I saw this article on the red meat/Alzheimer’s connection showing an increased risk.  The reason was that red-meat like hamburgers is packed with iron and the research shows that the build-up of iron in the brain could be the cause.  This led me to do some more digging and I found that Alzheimer’s is the leading case for people needing long-term care in say nursing homes.

To stay at one of those nasty nursing homes in the US, it costs about $70,000 per year.  Where is in the heck will the average person get that kind of money.  There is an insurance called long term care insurance that a person can buy, but you must get it before you get sick.  What happened to covering pre-existing conditions Obamacare??

It turns out that insurance is not cheap so the next time you pick up that hamburger, think about the risk you are taking when you eat those juicy hamburgers often.  I think the key is like anything in life, moderation.  Still stop by one of Chi-town’s best hamburger joints, but just don’t do it every week.

Hamburger

Why Are Hamburgers So Popular?

If you are scared about your hamburger intake, you’re not alone. Studies show that hamburgers are becoming a popular fast-food choice for many people worldwide. A lot of established restaurants have seen the importance of adding burgers to their menu because it is one of the ways that many clients are asking for from time to time. The question is, what about hamburgers that keeps people coming back for more? Here are some of those reasons.

Easy To Eat

Most times, burgers are served with fries, and the first thing that comes into people’s mind is how easy it is to eat them. The ground meat, which can either be lamb or beef and formed into a patty is easy to consume. Being served with fries is another way of making sure that one can eat an appealing dish without any struggles.

It Is Comfort Food

In many situations, one will walk into a restaurant and is served with a menu with foods that you can barely pronounce, which makes it tough for people to select. However, since you are already familiar with the hamburger name and how it looks and tastes like, ordering it is never a hassle. That familiarity that one has with the hamburger is what makes it the comfort food that people have wanted, considering that you can order without doubting yourself.

The Portability

Despite being fast food, burgers are also easy to carry around if you want to go to eat at home. People will not feel ashamed carrying the burger home, to the park or your workplace, since it can be easily packed to take it anywhere. That makes it popular among many people because you are sure that transporting it from the restaurant to any other place is not that hard after all.

The Dressing Is Dependent On What A Person Wants

People have dozens and dozens of toppings to choose from; therefore. It is best to make sure that you have a clue of the toppings that seem to work pretty well for you. An individual can order based on the flavours you desire, and there is nothing more exciting for clients than that. There are exotic topping and sauce; therefore, choose what seems to work pretty well for you. The burger is made up to your taste buds, giving people an incredible flavour, which will keep individuals coming back for more all the time. The dressing is done per your specifications; therefore, do not hesitate to state what your preferences are.

Burgers Are Easy To Make

There is a relationship between time, quality and speed when it comes to purchasing burgers, and the best part is that even quality burgers could be serves to you in a couple of minutes. Again, these foods are affordable, and that makes it one of the best fast food meals that should be at the top of your list. Therefore, whenever one is in a hurry and is looking for a meal that will meet your hunger needs without going past your financial limitations, burgers are the most leisurely meals to pick.

Burgers Are Nutritious

Despite being fast foods, there are a couple of nutritional benefits that burgers have. First, the beef contains proteins which are suitable for bodybuilding, the veggie toppings are great when it comes to fibre, and some contain vitamins A and C. with that in mind, you can see that it is not only a cheap option, but there is a catch to taking these fast foods, thus increasing the popularity.

Burgers Are Finger-Licking Good

The way these hamburgers are made is incredible meaning that they are finger-licking; therefore, you will not feel the pitch of spending more of your money buying the burgers. If you buy from an incredible person, it means that one will always go back for the second and third time, and before you know it, you’re already a client. The fact that it is made to order makes the option suitable for people across all social and economic classes.

Known To Make The Brain Happy

Burgers are known to have carbs which help the brain to release a hormone called serotonin, thus making people happy and relaxed always. As long as one controls the amount you consume per day, it will be an excellent method of staying happy all the time. Again, you can find burgers in almost all corners, thus making it one of the most accessible fast foods.

Health

Healthy Eating Tips To Better Your Health This Year

If you want to lead a healthy life, you must start by eating the right meals. It is the key to fighting diseases and boosting your immune system. An individual can boost their immunity by eating foods containing vitamins and minerals, and if you are not too sure on how to plan your meals, talking to a nutritionist would help. Although the path to living a healthy life could be a tough one, as long as one is dedicated it will take a short time before a person adjusts to it. Below are a couple of suggestions on some of the best healthy eating tips that could change your life.

Add More Fruits And Vegetables Into Your Diet

You will never know how incredible life is if one is not willing to reduce their meat intake and add more vegetables than before. One of the best things that a person could do for their body is eating more fruits and vegetables because it helps in keeping your immunity strong. According to researchers, adding fruits into meals is an essential way of fighting depression, because they are useful when it comes to the brain’s functionality.

Drink A Lot Of Water

It might sound like a cliché but, it works perfectly well. Being dehydrated could impair your concentration, which means that your body needs enough amount of water to work. Have you ever worked for a couple of hours without a break? Did you end up having a headache or feeling more fatigued than before? It is because your body is not hydrated enough and could lead to an increment in stress levels.

Go For Whole Grain Bread

A lot of individuals do not love whole grain bread because it is not as sweet as the refined one but when looking at the healthy options that should be a priority. The whole grain bread is known to have a couple of health benefits including fighting cancer and reducing the risks of getting diabetes type 2. It is also an incredible source of fiber, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Be sure to read the label, to ensure that the whole grain bread has the necessary ingredients so that you do not end up taking one that is a mixture of whole and refined grains.

Include Greek Yogurt Into Your Diet

It is creamier and healthier than normal yogurt, which makes it a perfect choice for someone who wants to lead a healthy life. It is known to contain up to three times the amount of proteins available in the regular yogurt, and eating the right amounts of proteins leaves on feeling fuller for more extended periods than before. The yogurt also contains low carbs and lactose, making it favorable to a lot of people. Ensure that you select the unflavored type because the flavored ones might have added sugar and a couple of unhealthy ingredients.

Have A Shopping List

A healthy choice does not come easy, and it is best to have a shopping list if you do not want to fail to buy some items. If a person goes to the store without knowing what you want, in many situations one will end up buying a lot of irrelevant things. By having a list, you are in a position of sticking to the healthy choices, which enables one to save some cash, because there is no impulse buying.

Include Eggs In Your Morning Routine

Eggs are a healthy option, mainly when eaten in the morning, considering that they are rich in proteins, and increases chances of people feeling full in the morning. It has been shown that taking eggs in the morning leads to a person consuming fewer calories, and could be an incredible option for someone looking forward to losing weight. It is a better option than cereals, considering that it reduces the chances of people overeating during the day.

Bake and Roast

Many people prefer to grill and fry because of the taste but if you are looking for healthy options, which is not the way to go. Baking and roasting is the preferred method for a healthy living because they do not promote any form of harmful compounds which makes your food choices healthier than grilling. You can fry or grill from time to time but, do not make it a daily thing.

Chicago Travel, Reviews

Top 9 Places To Visit In Chicago That Will Add Charm To Your Vacation

Chicago has some fascinating places that people should consider traveling to whether you are a resident or someone who wants to visit the area. There are skyscrapers, museums, and some local spots that every traveler should have on their list. Being a top city in America, it has a couple of breathtaking places; therefore, one needs to know what those areas are, and have them on your list. Although there are a lot of places that cannot be exhausted in one blog post, here are our top nine spots one has to visit during their trip to Chicago.

1. Millennium Park

The place is best known for festivals and concerts and is one of the most significant places to go to in Chicago if you want that incredible weekend vibe. There are contemporary installations and amazing sculptures that one cannot stop staring at, once you set your eyes on them. It is one of the best places for all tourists to go always.

2. John Hancock Observatory

It is one of the most iconic things in Chicago because it gives people a 360-degree view from 1000 feet above, and that is a place one cannot miss to go. Once you get on the TILT, it will tilt somebody from the 94th floor, giving individuals an experience you will not forget in a lifetime. It is the one place that a person can see five states, and also get to see the famous Lake Michigan. Isn’t that an incredible thing? Who wouldn’t want to experience that? Every visitor will state this to be one of the best places to visit in Chicago.

3. The Famous Cloud Gate

The place has been an Instagram favourite for selfie lovers. It is a great installation that serves as a house of mirrors, and when visiting the Millennium Park. Since its inception, a lot of people go there when looking for some incredible pictures to post on their social media pages.

4. Chicago History Museum

With a bunch of historical artefacts, it is one of the destinations for tourists, and if an individual appreciates history, this is a place you will love visiting. Here, one will find the real story behind the great Chicago fire, and there is a lot to learn about the city by voting this great place.

5. Crown Fountain

It is a 50-foot rock that projects all the images of the locals when the water is flowing through the outlets. The fountain, located in the Millennium Park is best to visit during spring and fall since that is the only time the water effects are operating; therefore, plan your trip on time.

6. Shedd Aquarium

It is a popular tourist attraction site and happens to be one of the largest aquaria in the world. If you are having a lazy afternoon and want a place to hang out with your friends and family members, this should be a place to go. There are over 1500 fishes and mammals in this aquarium, and one will see from Beluga whales to white-sided dolphins, so brace yourself for an exciting day.

7. Promontory Point At Burnham Park

If you are looking for a place to relax, ride bikes and unwind in the evening, this is the place to go. It has been named as one of the best summers hang out places, considering that it is a quiet place. An individual can enjoy swimming along the shores or having a barbeque with friends and family members.

8. Lincoln Park Zoo

When you are an animal and nature lover, this is the place to be no matter your age because the park never disappoints. An individual has a chance to see many animals, and what makes it more interesting is the fact that the zoo is located in the middle of a big city, surrounded by big and beautiful skyscrapers.

9. Magnificent Mile

You have not toured Chicago if one is yet to visit the magnificent mile. It is a commercial district place where one will find incredible fashion and amazing stores. There is a festival held each summer and a Magnificient Mile Lights festival which is a must-attend party if you want to have some fun. During such celebrations, one can get the cosmopolitan experience, which is a great way to spend your days.

Restaurants, Reviews

8 Best Restaurants In Chicago

In an era of instant information, the first place people turn to for reviews is on the internet because there are a lot of things one could learn. The reports help in knowing if the restaurant you are about to choose is known to have great meals and how the customer services are. On this list, one will find some of Chicago’s best restaurants to visit, considering it is a place that has been vetted without any rush, to ensure clients get the best experience. Make this your guide the next time a person is looking for an incredible restaurant to dine in, whether alone or with friends.

1. Landbirds

If you are looking for Korean chicken and rice, this is the spot to visit, considering that their wings are delicious. These wings are crispy and drizzled in some gingery sauce, making the meal enjoyable. An individual is given a choice when it comes to how hot you want your wings to be from mild to hot and spicy. A person can visit the restaurant whether with friends and family members and enjoy some delicious meals.

2. Bayan Ko

It is a Filipino and Cuban restaurant in Ravenswood that should be on your list the next time an individual wants to eat out because the meals are fantastic. One has a chance to eat delicious and crispy fried balls with ham hock, and there will be a chef who is always asking how the meals are, ensuring that people are having a great time.

3. Brothers And Sisters

When one is looking for an all-useful spot every day, this is the joint to visit. It is a restaurant and a market that has a bar for dining and having some job done. The foods are to die for, and there are a couple of cuisines that one could get from here including juicy roasted chicken with black garlic bread pudding. Consider visiting the spot to see if it works for you.

4. Kumiko

It is a fancy cocktail bar with people giving you the right services, all the time, making it easy for people to have some good time effortlessly. Although the dishes in this place are plated, it is possible for an individual to drink and have a few biting such as shrimp tempura, and whatever else is in the menu.

5. Fat Rice Restaurant

It is known to be a tiny restaurant with a lot of big and incredible flavors, thus offering people creative and exceptional menus. There are also excellent cocktails in the restaurant, and the setting is worth the hype. Be ready to experience the different flavors of foods served in this restaurant.

6. Alinea

The restaurant has been named one of the best restaurants in Chicago not only because of the great food offered, but the quality of services provided by the staff members. The food comes and goes effortless, and the wine glasses are continuously filled, as long as one wants. Guests are given a chance to play guessing names because meals are given unique names such as spectrum, so one is left wondering how the meals are presented to you, and what will be presented. If you were to try more than one meals, it would be hard to know which one is your favorite.

7. Tweet

It is one of the restaurants that have gluten-free options for their clients, and a lot of vegans are interested in looking at the choices presented to them. The fact that the restaurant is located in a place with local arts and walls makes it the best choice for a lot of individuals; therefore, you should perhaps give it a try. Another incredible thing is the fact that their Bloody Mary could be a perfect way to start your day.

8. Goddess And The Baker

When an individual is looking for a place in the downtown, this is the place to go and have two branches around town offering incredible services to their clients. The thing that many enjoy the most is the effort made during the pride week by offering rainbow pastries and rainbow coffee, thus making everyone feel welcome in the restaurant. It is a good experience for people searching for vegan options, and those looking forward to having delicious meals.

Chicago Travel, Reviews

7 Things Chicago Is Known For By People

It is pretty hard for many people to believe that Chicago started as a small trading centre. When you look at it, there are a lot of things that have changed making it an incredible city it is today. If you happen to visit the city or are planning to go there someday, there are a couple of things to see; therefore, be ready to embrace what the place has to offer. From the museums to good food and incredible people, there is a lot that one should know about the amazing location.

  1. The Food

Being a diverse city, you have a chance of getting great food, considering that there are people of all backgrounds and ethnicity. If you are looking forward to tasting sandwich that is not made using bread, this is the place to go. The residents refer to it as jibarito sandwich. Instead of using the bread, these people use fried plantains, and other things included are the lettuces, meat, and cheese, and in some places, they add tomatoes. So, when it comes to food, there are a lot of cuisines that the town is known for; therefore, go for that flavour which pleases your mouth.

2. The Things You Can Do Within Winter

If you want to have some fun over the winter seasons, why don’t you consider going ice skating in Chicago? There are a couple of companies renting out ice skaters to allow people to enjoy the outside during the cold months. There is also the Lincoln Park Zoo that present zoo lights each holiday which is an incredible thing for people to do. That is a place where visitors sip some wine and enjoy holiday lights.

3. Comedy

Chicago is one of the best places to catch a comedy show at any time. There are a lot of performances happening in between the week; therefore, you will never miss something to do. When an individual is in the mood of watching an incredible achievement, there are theatres with some amazing performances. Each night, there are comedy shows happening, and it is up to you to choose what pleases you.

4. The Weather Is Unpredictable

Despite the many weather prediction apps that have come up, Chicago weather is full of surprises, and you might never know what you will experience. The weather could change in a matter of hours from humid showers to a chilly sunshine day. Even those people who have been living in the city for the longest cannot predict the weather most times. The solution when it comes to dressing is, having some loose layers of clothes because they are easy to remove if it gets hot.

5. The Traditions

The one thing that stands out about Chicago is having the Chicago River dyed green to honour St. Patrick’s Day. It is a place that all visitors want to see, and by far Chicagoans love the festivals in general, and one will have fun by attending a couple of them. Since the river is dyed at around 9 o’clock on St. Patrick’s Day, it could be a fun family event, considering that many people come out for the festival. The city is vast when it comes to music, considering that is where house music was born in the ’80s, before making its way to the world — ever heard of the Chicago-style stepping? It is a popular dance that is popular with the African-Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s, dancing to R&B and funk music.

6. The Windy City

Chicago is known as the windy city not referring to the weather but the political state of the region. A lot of people believe that politics play a huge role in this city in that, one already knows who they are voting for, but you can never be sure if your vote will count. In simple terms, some things are done while others remain are not done, considering that most people run under the assumption that each is corrupt.

7. The Late-Night Transportation That Could Get You Anywhere

The city is known to be Lyft and Airbnb friendly; therefore, an individual should not have to worry about how to get home after sipping a couple of beers. As long as one has these apps on their phones before going to a festival or a night out with friends, you can be sure that there will be someone ready to take you home at any time.

Hamburger

New Wave of Hamburgers Hits Chicago

In a city known for pizza and hotdogs, it is important to not overlook the classic hamburger. Chicago is home to some of the best hamburgers in the country, serving all types of hamburger lovers. The city’s favorite hamburger spots everyone can agree on, but what about the new wave of hamburgers that have hit the city?

Arbella: Known for their rib blended Frenchman burger, enjoy a hamburger in their hip, lofty lounge right in the heart of Chicago. Don’t forget to add crispy shallots and béarnaise sauce to the delectable burger!

Bad Hunter: This vegetarian spot may seem like an unusual suspect for a quality burger, but behold the meatless hamburger. It features two black bean patties with cheddar cheese, tomato, onions, lettuce, and a mustard aioli. Even meat eaters can’t stay away!

Food was amazing – best veggie burger I’ve ever had – definitely up there on the list of best burgers.” – Nilendu G

Baptiste & Bottle: Looking for dinner and a view? Look no further! Baptiste & Bottle is featured on the 20th floor of the Conrad hotel. Be sure to get your hands on chef James Lintelmann’s old fashion burger, stacked with bread and butter pickles, American cheese, and remoulade.

Beacon Tavern: Sitting only blocks away from the tourist attractions on the Mag Mile of Chicago is the famous roadhouse burger. Get your appetite ready with this half pound burger, topped with sharp cheddar, tangy BBQ sauce, and two large onion rings!

“The burger is cooked to medium perfection, with the freshest brioche bun thats nice and shiny. Taleggio cheese, oh my.  Instagram worthy.” – Stacy P

Ronero: This Latin American restaurant will have your mouth watering as soon as you walk in the door. Chef Cory Morris bases his hamburgers on a torta Cubana. That means Angus beef topped with chorizo marmalade, shoestring potato, and pepper aioli on a potato roll, served with yucca fries. Yum!

The Loyalist: Relax and unwind in the subterranean bar while enjoying the crowd favorite burger. The patty is a blend of short rib, chuck and ground bacon topped with American cheese, pickles, onions and onion-infused mayo. So satisfying!

“This place is good.  The cheeseburger rivals (if not exceeds) the best offerings in the westloop.” – Cole M

American Wildburger: Can’t pick one type of burger? Try building your own at American Wildburger. Choose between antibiotic-free beef, turkey or bison patties, and of course any toppings you would ever want. Need help choosing what kind of burger to build?http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Te_Qq5xIsI.

Hamburger, Reviews

The Best Hamburgers in Chicago: Our List

Food lovers of all ages are sure to have a grand time in Chicago where all the tastiest and most delectable burgers can be found. Your favorite burgers all served up with one or two patties, fancy toppings, and fries on the side are ready to fill you up at various joints around the place. Choices are brimming so you might need some time to take it all in. Here is a list of the places where you can find the best hamburgers in Chicago.

  1. AU CHEVAL
    Their patties are served on a toasted bun and topped with cheese, pickles and dijonnaise. Their burgers come with egg-topped fries on the side.
  2. BILLY GOAT TAVERN
    The place is well-known for the famous SNL skit. The Billy Goat Tavern offers simple but tasty burgers paired with ice cold American beer.
  3. CHOPPERS
    The place is famous for the Choppak, a double cheeseburger that is served with coleslaw and fries.
  4. COBRA LOUNGE
    The place features the Cobra Burger, a favorite among its regular customers. The place also offers half prices on Mondays.
  5. DMK BURGER
    The place is known to serve the tastiest burgers which feature artisan cheeses and grass-fed meat. They also serve fries topped with Amish blue cheese and parmesan fries with truffle cream.
  6. EPIC BURGER
    Epic Burger serves burgers made of a hundred percent all-natural beef which means there are no antibiotics, no hormones and no preservatives added. Their burger servings also include cooked egg.
  7. FIVE GUYS
    Amazingly, the place offers over 250,000 ways to serve burgers. That’s a whole lot of choices for the picky eaters who love to try something new every time. Their burgers come with Cajun fries.
  8. ILLINOIS BAR AND GRILL
    The place is famous for its delectable half-pound cheeseburger.
  9. KUMA’S CORNER
    Kuma’s Corner is known to be a burger paradise for the hearty eater. People who come here do not really mind waiting for tables for they know exactly the satisfaction they will get once they get their hands on their favorite burger. The burgers here, which are named after metal bands, are served with various toppings to suit everyone’s unique taste. They also offer mac and cheese, waffles and beer.
  10. LONGMAN AND EAGLE
    Longman and Eagle is a place known to serve non-traditional dishes like grilled pork cheek, roasted bone marrow and wild boar sloppy Joe. But their burger options are sure to fascinate every palate. The place is famous for the Slager Family Farms burger topped with bacon, beef fat fries, brioche and aged cheese.
  11. M BURGER
    The place offers a simple menu with the most affordable prices and delicious food.
  12. MOODY’S PUB BURGER
    The place offers a different kind of environment aside from their delicious burgers. There are trees around the area and available fireplaces year-round.
  13. NIGHTWOOD
    Their burgers are served with a special sauce of concentrated tomato and garlic aioli with added onion on top of the bun. The burgers come with fresh greens.
  14. PORTILLO’S HOTDOGS
    The place is known for their hotdogs and for their double bacon cheeseburger.
  15. ROOTSTOCK WINE AND BEER BAR
    Rootstock specializes in wines and specialty beer as well as locally grown and organic dishes. They are famous for their Black Earth Organic Burger cooked with melted white cheese, red onion and bacon-scallion aioli sauce. The burgers are served with fresh mixed vegetables with tart dressing.
  16. THE BAD APPLE
    The place offers a wide variety of burger menu and takes pride in their all-natural ingredients. One of their unique burgers is the Black “N Blue, a blackened burger with blue cheese sauce packed with flavorful toppings.
  17. THE GRAFTON PUB AND GRILL
    One of the favorites in the place is the Hot Mess. It is an all-beef patty with toppings of American cheese and beef chili and served on a pretzel roll. Another popular choice is the Beckett which is a half-pound burger with toppings of cheddar, curry mayo and fried onion ring.