When we first called for submissions of photos and reviews of readers' favorite spots in Chicago, we weren’t sure what we’d get. Well, the results are in, and let’s just say you guys love this city. From photos of your favorite dishes at the city's best new restaurants to surprising scenes in nature, we were taken aback by your response. Without further ado, here are the winner and runners up in our first Time Out photo competition.
FIRST PLACE, and winner of a $200 restaurant voucher: Jacob Y, Promontory Point (pictured above)
Jacob says, “Located in Burnham Park and along Lake Michigan, Promontory Point has everything you may want in a Chicago Park that includes beaches, a vast amount of open space, fire pits, steps made of limestone blocks along the shore, and a historical field house that looks like a castle. Promontory Point is a place for never-ending exploration, and on a beautiful day, you may not ever want to leave.”
RUNNERS UP:
Tim L, Kimski
Tim says, "This place has only been open a few months but they are killing it. With how busy it always is, I am shocked that I'm the first one to write about it. Maria's made the right move by bringing this place in. The partnership of one of the best bars south of the loop and some crazy good food makes the perfect combo for a night out. You have a few options for a dining experience here. You can sit in front of Kimski's and just grab some food, or you can enter through Maria's and head to the new back dining area or the back patio. I recommend this option, so you are able to taste Maria's wide variety of craft beers or some of their amazing cocktails.
As for the food, mixing Korean and Polish is a match made in heaven that I don't think most people expected. Their wings and Korean-style Polish sausage are insane, but my favorite is the kimchi nachos topped with Korean BBQ pork. I would recommended a few of the dishes and they're perfect to share with a few people."
Lauren U, Longman & Eagle
Lauren says, "The brunch lives up to the hype at Longman and Eagle. Go early because it gets really crowded and the wait could be awhile. If you go on a Sunday before the end of October, you can walk to the nearby farmers’ market while you wait for your table. Once you do get a table, service is fast and the food looks incredible. The pork belly Benedict was to die for. I prefer my eggs scrambled instead of poached and they happily obliged. The hollandaise is not too heavy and the pork belly was not fatty. The sunnyside duck hash was also very good with pieces of duck confit and perfectly cooked egg. The portions are a little on the small side, but the quality of the food and flavors make up for it."
Rachelle K, Monteverde
Rachelle says, "Monteverde takes canonical Italian dishes to a whole new level. My friend and I went to Monteverde a few months after it opened, and since we didn't have a reservation, we went right when it opened (at 5pm). As walk-ins, we were only able to find a seat at the bar. However, this did not detract from our experience at all. The bar was spacious and we were able to order off the full menu. The bartender was very knowledgeable and was able to tell us a bit about our dishes and the chef. The large windows of the restaurant let in warm sunset light, which illuminated the space nicely as we enjoyed our meal.
The octopus spiedini stood out in particular; the mild flavor and meaty texture of the octopus was skillfully paired with the smooth sweet potato and firm, slightly astringent leek. Ocean trout and skate wing schnitzel were also very well-balanced dishes. The arrabiata harbored a saline flavor that was reminiscent of the ocean. The pappardelle was evocative of Italian home cooking. I was very impressed and will definitely visit Monteverde again."
Natasha Z, John Hancock Observatory
Natasha says, "I am not a native Chicagoan, but this is absolutely my top pick. I love the morning view when I can imagine waking up together with the city. I'm also amazed by the late afternoon view when I could see the golden sunset. This is the place that I am enchanted to be."
Haley S, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Haley says, "Jeni’s is the cutest little ice cream shop on Southport and is the perfect spot to go to on a warm summer night with your friends or family. My favorite thing about Jeni’s is the wide variety of flavors offered. Sure, there are chocolate and vanilla, both very good, but the gourmet flavors are what really stand out. The brambleberry crisp is something that I find myself coming back to every time. It is a streusel with a brambleberry jam layered in vanilla ice cream. My other favorites are wild berry lavender, which is smooth and slightly sweet, and darkest chocolate, which is insanely decadent. The shop is small so expect crowds on summer nights but the staff is friendly as welcomes testing out the flavors."