For our first night in Chicago, my sister couldn't have chosen a more perfect place. The seating areas were ridiculous! I love how suitably heighted the ceilings were, and the way they made use of the space. Located in Near North Side, Davanti Enoteca was both cozy, and provided a very nice family-diner feel. I immediately felt at home as we were quickly seated upon reservation and slipped into our booth, We started off with a Pinot Grigio, and excitedly wandered our eyes up and down the Dinner Menu. Reading the menu, it feels like you were at a completely foreign restaurant, words are just thrown at you. I've learnt that evening that "Vasi", meaning, "Mini Mason Jars" is my favorite Italian word. You'll see exactly why in a bit! A pointer is to keep a look out for the English translation or glossary somewhere about the page and you'll be fine.

Simply, Italian food with a modern twist - Davanti Enoteca is all about communal dining, which means, smaller dishes, but more dishes to taste and share around! Be prepared to order for 1.5x the amount of people you're dining with.

 Starting off Chicago with a hell of a lot of good eats, thanks to my incredibly familiar Chicago-loving Sister. My biggest trouble with visiting a new city has always been relying - a tedious amount - on Yelp, then ending up with a dish infront of me that was way below the hype! My biggest key in life, is not to expect too much, but Yelp twists these expectations for me way beyond my ideal. Big examples, are extended to (of course) my soiled trips around the U.S. Xoco is one of Rick Bayless' three beautiful restaurants, situated on the single strip in Chicago on North Clark St. Xoco focuses on a good ol' spot for Takeaway, Breakie, Lunch, and Late Night options, filling the menu with a heap of Street Food - both sweet and savoury - by the dish!

The first bite to invite my descent into falling in love with Chicago, Xoco was definitely the right place. Bold flavours ooze into your mind as you go over the menu - Chipotle Catfish, Iced Mint Chocolate, Wood-roasted Suckling Pig..... Holy moly. This was just too much for me to imagine, we went with a few good intros. Being sick for the first week in Chicago, we stayed clear of anything fried, which was a pity since we really wanted to have a go at a good platter of their House-made and Fried Tortillas and Guac.