While life may take twist and turns in all kinds, we learn to truly appreciate what we have and how much we can explore the local scene while living in a whole other state. I thought, since I’m a huge foodie, I wanted to try diverse cuisines in Illinois. This state offers foods from so many different countries and I’m so excited to share my experiences with you. Here’s a toast to Eating Around the World in Illinois!

Immerse yourself with the Latinx Community

• Restaurant: Mis Moles
• Country of Origin: Mexico
• Location in Illinois: Chicago

A hidden gem in the Northside of Chicago, Mis Moles is a fun Mexican restaurant. We had homemade Mexican tamales, enchiladas, and churros with chocolate. YUM! They actually reached out to me to collaborate. I was so excited, especially because I got to make a date night out of it.

• Restaurant: Yerbabuena
• Country of Origin: Mexico
• Location in Illinois: Lisle

We started with frozen guava margaritas and they were amazing! I also wanted to try the chicken tostones and the queso fundido. This Mexican cuisine was what we needed for a great dinner spot!

Give me some European Flavor

• Restaurant: Bavarian Lodge
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Location in Illinois: Lisle

My friend and I visited the first day it opened from being closed in the pandemic and we truly got lucky! This german-style location and food filled us with joy. We started with pretzels, had our beer of choice, sausages, potato foods, red cabbage and a must-have homemade apple strudel! It was everything to make our tummies happy!

• Restaurant: Bar Siena
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Location in Illinois: Chicago

A new friend and I ate outside at Bar Siena and it was delicious! We had a hot cocoa ball with a shot of Baileys as our warm drink. I had gnocchi, fun fact: my all-time favorite type of pasta, and my friend had the lasagna. This Italian location was a hit and such a cute date spot too.

• Restaurant: Quigley’s Irish Pub
• Country of Origin: Ireland
• Location in Illinois: Naperville

After a long day, Quigley’s Irish Pub was exactly what was needed. Want to know the best part? If you order a Guinness, you get to keep the glass it comes with. Guess who’s coming again for a second one?! This girl!

• Restaurant: Mesón Sabika
• Country of Origin: Spain
• Location in Illinois: Naperville

When you walk into this restaurant, it looks exactly like a Spaniard restaurant. From the crown molding to the renaissance-style decor to all the tapas you can order, it was everything I needed! As I reminisced through the menu, I was SO excited to experience Spain in America. It sounds cliché, but this is the cuisine that I had for almost a whole summer while I studied abroad there. I’ll definitely be visiting again!!!

• Restaurant: Geja’s Cafe
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Location in Illinois: Chicago

In 2015, Geja’s Cafe was named as America’s Most Romantic Restaurant. Since 1965, the restaurant has contributed to it’s atmosphere with their unique candle-lit dining room feeling like a wine cellar. The lighting was dim and hard to grasp good photos, but the three-course meal was spectacular! We each had or shared a salad, a cheese board, a cook-your-own meats or fish combination, and a charcuterie board of desserts to dip in their famous fondue. Definitely one of my favorite date night spots in Chicago if you’re willing to splurge a little.

• Restaurant: Aba
• Country of Origin: Greece
• Location in Illinois: Chicago

I had been wanting to visit this restaurant for a while, so I did a double whammy and participated with Choose Chicago (an event in Chicago that creates deals for participating restaurants for a span of a few weeks). The ambiance was beautiful in Aba and the food was great quality! It did not disappoint!!

• Restaurant: Geja’s Cafe
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Location in Illinois: Chicago

Date night hit the spot with all the European vibes. The lighting for pictures was not my favorite, but it was set to be an intimate setting. There was a melting pot for cheese that we could dip our food into. We had to cook it ourselves with a certain time frame the waiters gave us and keep an eye out for it! It all felt like a 3-course meal, and of course, the dessert was my favorite part!! They offered a melting chocolate pot for us to dip our snacks into!! SOOO good!!!

• Restaurant: Mon Ami Gabi
• Country of Origin: France
• Location in Illinois: Oakbrook

I actually didn’t know that this restaurant was a chain around the states. We found the same restaurant when we went to Las Vegas, and it does not disappoint anywhere. I love that I can have a piece of France through here- the food, the vibe of the environment, how the food is presented, all things French. Everything reminded me of the last time I visited, and I’m just itching to go back.

A Taste of Asian cuisine

• Restaurant: Hanabi
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Location in Illinois: Buffalo Grove

Last year, Rachel and I celebrated Galentine’s in a fun way. So of course this year, we wanted to explore other ways to have our girls night. We made this a sushi kind of night and ordered from a local spot. Let the good times roll!!!

• Restaurant: MingHin Cuisine
• Country of Origin: China
• Location in Illinois: Naperville

I went to eat with one of my close friends in Naperville to this cuisine. I was actually really excited because I hadn’t had traditional Chinese food served in a while. We went for happy hour and got half off on the wine bottles! We also ordered dumplings (or pot stickers), egg rolls, orange chicken and sesame chicken with broccoli and a side of steamed rice. Some tips I learned that day: they offer hot or cold tea before you order and steamed rice is actually white rice.

• Restaurant: Jin28
• Country of Origin: Pan-Asian
• Location in Illinois: Naperville

My ultimate go-to in any Asian restaurant are their dumplings/gyoza/potstickers!!! Usually I prefer them grilled, but these had a little bit of crunch to them. If you knew me at all, you know that my all-time guilty pleasure is sushi. What better way to eat it than an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-BUFFET style?! I can’t even remember how many sushi rolls we ordered, but my friends and I definitely left with our tummies in a good place. TIP: If you’re going to eat the buffet aspect of their menu, you can only mix and match with your friends if you’re all eating the same style. And to be the most prepared, come with a hungry stomach!

• Restaurant: Choong Man Chicken
• Country of Origin: Korea
• Location in Illinois: Aurora

This quaint Korean chicken place is located in a shopping center with a few different restaurants that surround it. It’s honestly the first time I’ve tried Korean chicken and it was extremely good! It even had a little kick to it that I wasn’t anticipating, but the white radish complimented the meal SO well!!! I definitely need more of it in my life.

• Restaurant: Green Basil
• Country of Origin: Vietnam
• Location in Illinois: Naperville

The food in this cozy spot did not disappoint! It was definitely filling, so come in with an empty stomach. The food is so true to their culture and I absolutely love how I was able to experience a hole in the wall close to school. Downtown Naperville is where its at!

I hope you enjoyed Eating Around the World in Illinois as much as I did! This was truly an adventure for the books. I had so much fun hanging out with new friends, letting my phone eat first, munching on the food, and writing about it, of course!

Do you want to join me on my next adventure?! Let’s connect!

The post 14 Restaurants To Eat Around The World In Illinois appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

1. Peet’s Coffee in Downer’s Grove

This has to be one of my favorite shops because it’s similar to a drive-thru but more so just walking through. The outdoor seating was everything I needed, especially because I was able to just sit, talk, and look around at people walking and hear the birds chirping. What a beautiful day!

2. Dollop Coffee Co in Chicago

I had been wanting to come here for so long! Even though it was a quick pit stop, it was very Pinterest-worthy. The coffee was very much needed and delicious!

3. Cafe Umbria in Chicago

This coffee shop was recommended by my supervisor and it did not disappoint! I had taken the train (pre-covid) by myself for the first time to Chicago from the suburbs, and the workers were so welcoming! I loved that it is connected to a hotel, so there are tables in the shop and adjacent to it. I had an interview right after, so the environment was easy to just take notes and look around.

4. Sweetwaters in Naperville

This coffee and tea shop opened in March of 2021 and it does not disappoint. I went with a few friends to study and just chat. I loved the environment as a whole, mostly because of the natural light shining through the front door. I love a good open area to sit by. I also finally tried the matcha flavored coffee and it was actually pretty tasty!

5. Sparrow Coffee in Naperville

The vibe was so cute. I want to go study there all the time, but then I’d definitely go broke because the coffee was too good to be true. It was a very sustainable, plant mom scenerio. There were cute plants around the desk areas and enough plugs in the tables to sit wherever. I LOVED everything about it— AND it’s a walk from campus!

6. Endiro Coffee in Aurora

Visited this coffee shop for the Sticky Bun Iced Latte and avocado toast. The bacon was AMAZING! It’s my newfound obsession if you can’t already tell. The coffee shop was by the river in Downtown Aurora, so the sites were worth it too! The shop itself was very vibrant, which I absolutely loved.

7. Tredwell Coffee in Aurora

If you want another coffee shop by the river in Downtown, Aurora, this is it! They have an indoor and outdoor area to sit and sip. I had the white mocha iced coffee and it definitely satisfied my tummy!

8. Caffe Di Moda in Lisle

This vibe reminded me of the coffee shops back home. It was a very classy, but trendy shop. They had cute plants in the window sill and the shadows just hit the foodie in the right spots. I had the new iced oreo latte and a ham and cheese croissant. It definitely filled me up!

9. Phil’s Coffee in Chicago

One of the cutest shops in Chicago! I went with the girls after yoga and it was definitely a much needed time. We tried the mojito coffee… MUST TRY!

10. Grounds Coffee Bar in Crystal Lake

It was more of a spontaneous spot. My boyfriend and I happened to come across the local coffee shop and it was very sustainable friendly.

11. Cupitol Coffee in Evanston

Around the corner of my job is this cute coffee shop. I love the fact that there’s local businesses owners around this area to truly explore and make your dining reservations the best yet. We have absolutely taken advantage of the fact that it’s right nearby too.

12. Coffeessions in Wheeling

Snuck in some time in between my day to work a little at a coffee shop. It was a snowy day, so it was nice to have a warm meal and coffee. It reminded me of either a hustle and bustle kind of restaurant or just a grab and go for your dish. The avocado toast was a little odd. It was literally toast with avocado and minimal toppings.

13. The Original Long Grove Coffee Co in Long Grove

In this area, they have a cute town with different local businesses. One of them is the coffee shop! I came with a friend to just chat about all things planning and sat by the sun, hoping for some heat.

14. Pepper Park Coffee in Barrington

Went to grab breakfast after the gym and I was so excited to come here. I love the breakfast options and the cold brew to top it all off!

15. Pâtisserie Coralie in Evanston

THE BEST COFFEE EVER! Maybe it was the oat milk, but it wasn’t too sweet and it wasn’t too bitter. I absolutely loved my iced caramel cold brew from here. As a French bakery, the macarons really made the cut too!

16. Newport Coffee House in Evanston

Walked to grab coffee around the corner from my building. The place was truly aesthetically pleasing and had lots of seating, I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to get back to work! There was even a little shop prior to heading to the baristas, who were ready to make some delicious coffee. I also got a Nutella filled chocolate chip cookie…SO YUM!

17. Colectivo Coffee in Evanston

I walked to this place from work and it probably took a few minutes to arrive. It was the perfect afternoon to grab a good cup of joe because besides needing a change of scenery for a little, it was such a beautiful day out. It also hit the spot because I needed to wake up. The extra shots of espresso made all the difference.

18. New Wave Coffee in Chicago

The fact that they have a house-made flavor is all I need to know. You have to try their vanilla!!! I added it to my iced coffee and it was impeccable. The flavor was so smooth and great. They also have lots of sitting space in case you needed to work or study. And side note: they sell local art to support artists in the area.

19. La Boulangerie & Co Logan in Chicago

This spot has an indoor and an outdoor space, both very pinterest-y. There’s lots that makes the shop different; bakery-like when you enter, but also reminds you of the European culture once you’re inside. I’ll be back! Especially for the macarons!!!

20. Bagel Art Cafe in Evanston

I went to pick up bagels for an event and left with a great homemade cold brew. It was honestly amazing to say the least. I love when the baristas get creative with their choice of coffee making, so it’s always a pleasure trying new recipes, in a sense. I will definitely be back!

21. Buttermilk cafe in Vernon Hills

A complete staple in Illinois and SO good. I love a good breakfast spot, especially if the aesthetic gives me Pinterest vibes. The staff was short-staffed but honestly made it work. I love the seasonal coffee beverages and the honey biscuit!!!!! MUST HAVE! 

22. Pancake Cafe in Lincolnshire, Illinois

Stopped by a fun cafe to actually eat breakfast because Tyler was a bit parched. It felt very cozy and like if we were on vacation exploring new spots. The service was good too! I think I also just really liked the ambiance.

I have to say, coffee shops just hit the spot every time! The vibe can be different in all senses, but they all serve as a very homey purpose. I loved exploring and studying in coffee shops throughout Illinois. It truly brings the community together every time!

The post Top 22 Coffee Shops In The Greater Chicagoland Area appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

There’s nothing to wine about at 1913 Restaurant and Bar.

I’ve actually been exploring friends in a non-conventional way, but it is in the ‘norm’ throughout our generation. So I met a friend on Bumble BFF and we’ve been keeping up with each other since! I talk about my experience in another post.

But let’s talk about this wine bar. We split a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board and a plate of pasta. The quality of it all was incredible. I also love that the restaurant was made of brick, so it reminded me of a cozy feel. I loved it!

We took date night to a whole other level, but this is the treat we both needed. I also didn’t even know this was a wine bar!!!

Classy and Elegant, Fleming’s did not disappoint!

This restaurant was very classy and a great time! We had the onion soup before the poke appetizer. I had the prime New York strip and he had a ribeye with asparagus. SO good!!!

I also think the atmosphere of how open the restaurant was really made a difference. Fewer people and more space was everything I needed- especially during this time. It was a little pricey, but worth every penny!

You know everything happens for a Riesling when you’re at Sixty-Four Wine Bar.

I absolutely LOVE this Downtown Naperville staple. I had never seen anything like it because it felt like Cocoa-Cola World but with wine. There are multiple dispensers for different kinds of wine bottles around the restaurant. With covid, you have to reserve it quick! Overall, it’s a great place for girls night, a family lunch, and just a friendly spot for all ages over 21 years old. This is one of my favorite spots to come to celebrate close to my school in Illinois.

Rescued some wine because it was trapped in a bottle at R Urban Wine Bar.

A girls night at this cute Wine Bar in Lisle was exactly what we needed. We had a few wine flights from their selection, recommended by the waiter, because they all looked so good! We also ordered a charcuterie board, which has been the most in snack since quarantine. A few cheeses, meats, and all the good stuff in one plate. #MuchNeeded. Cheers!!

Took Girls Night Out to Another Level at Cooper’s Hawk Winery.

The girls met up at the Winery to hang out and just get together. We love wine and good food, so this worked out! It was also a spot that we could all drive halfway. Cooper’s Hawk is known nationwide, so that also helps with the credibility of the restaurant. AND they have a monthly membership for wine bottle!! One day……. I’ll join!

Didn’t want an impasta of our experience with Abrusci’s Fire and Vine.

Funny enough, they had this restaurant when I went to Colorado. It’s such a cute, family-oriented spot. Very covid friendly too! They had so many drink choices and foodie options. I think we definitely just tried a little bit of everything to get some flavor. I loved coming here for sure!

No time to wine because I’ve got some more recommendations for you:

• Tannins Wine Bar and Boutique
• Lynfred Winery
• Cork Wine Bar and Kitchen
• Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery

Wine bars are honestly so much fun to experience in Illinois! I’ve been so excited to explore new places and probably gain a few calories here and there. But we all need some yummy goodness!!!

The post No Time to Wine in a Bar, Especially in Illinois appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

What’s your name and what’s your story?

My name is Linh and I’m born and raised in Wheaton, Illinois. I’m a first generation Chinese-Vietnamese-Asian-American after my parents came to the USA following the Vietnam War. I met Mel through my job at North Central College and I’m happy to be a part of this blog post!

What are your top three Boba Tea locations in Illinois?

Outside of Chicago, Illinois didn’t have many boba locations. Recently, there have been more stores to expand my options and introduce boba to other people. In no particular order: Kung Fu Tea, Vivi’s Bubble Tea, and Bearology. Honorable mention to Joy Yee’s, because it was my family’s go-to place since it was the closest to us. I would love to go to HelloJasmine, since many people have said it’s the best boba place in Illinois. Naturally, I have to go!

What makes you happy about drinking Boba Tea?

Boba is a great pick me up! If I need a caffeine fix, having a bad day, boba never fails to make my day better. It’s happiness in a cup. I personally think it’s also a great staple in the Asian culture.

If you had to name a Boba Tea, what would you call it? What would it have inside?

My first instinct would be a bakery item, since one of my favorite hobbies is baking. I’m basic when it comes to boba so I would definitely have the original boba in it. I’d love to have an ombré effect when the drink is made because I like to think those taste and look more fun. In terms of a name, I feel like there are puns that could be made with my first name Linh or my last name Phu. But to make one a boba tea drink? I don’t think I’d make a creative enough one. I believe in you, Linh!

What’s your secret to Boba Tea?

I stole this idea from an ice cream store owner because he mentioned that when he orders ice cream, he would always get vanilla ice cream. He believes that a place that has a good vanilla ice cream base is needed to create other flavors and share a great taste all around. I use this same process for ordering boba. Having a regular milk tea boba in a new place allows you to start with a foundation, and then you move on to flavors.

Fun facts about Boba Tea:

• Besides that it’s tea-lightful? Had to insert a pun in here for you, Mel!
• It’s definitely evolved since I first tried it. Now there’s different flavors and types of boba, different toppings you can put in your drinks, etc. Getting boba is an experience that should be savored and enjoyed!
• Boba originated from Taiwan but has made its mark on other Asian cultures.

Want to try making Boba yourself?

Grab three ingredients! Tapioca starch, muscovado sugar, and water. It’s quite simple but you can make it or break it with how you choose the consistency necessary. Boba requires a great “QQ” texture and taste to help the boba tea.

Here’s some Boba locations Linh explored in Illinois:

• Chains: Kung Fu Tea, Vivi Bubble Tea, Bearology USA
• Local spots: Joy Yee, Pisces Cafe, Vannie’s, 45 Degrees, Spades Tealife, Ma Tea House, HelloJasmine

I didn’t realize how many Boba Tea shops Illinois had. Linh wanted to help name a few chains and local shops to explore your Boba palette. I even created a video of her experience! ANNNND Happy National Boba Tea Day!!!

The post Let’s Talk Boba Tea in the Chicagoland Area appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

I’m always on the lookout for something new, especially since it’s always my post-workout drink. So I’ve come up with a few green smoothies to keep your tummy satisfied and on the move to a healthy lifestyle! *Keep in mind, I don’t add any extra sugars. It’s all pure vegetables or fruits with a water or milk base. These recipes in particular are all water based. Ingredients may vary with each drink, depending on the serving you are aiming for. Here’s the first:

Green-ish Vibes

• Spinach
• pineapple
• lemon juice
• blackberry
• blueberry
• banana

I tasted the blackberries and blueberries more than the other ingredients and added more spinach to balance it out. If you prefer a certain taste, I would use more of that ingredient to satisfy your buds.

Sour Greens

• Spinach
• Kiwi
• Green apple
• Lemon juice
• Pineapple

What you see is what you get- SOUR! All these ingredients blended well because they all have a similar taste. You don’t even taste the spinach, so you could definitely add more if you wanted to. I enjoyed my sour greens!

A Hint of Celery

• Celery
• Lemon juice
• Kiwi
• Spinach
• Green apple
• Carrots

Even though I only put half a slice of celery, it was the most dominant taste. I think the green apples came in solid second of the sourness of it all, but everything was freshly added and no sugars were added in the making of this smoothie juice!

Creating these smoothie-juice masterpieces can be so much fun. I always prefer them fresh out of the blender, because then you’ll have it rise to the top and it’ll just be liquid at the bottom of the cup. Or I’ve also had it frozen, which you can eat like ice cream the next day.

Enjoy the good good!! Your body needs them one way or another! You can try other recipes if you liked this one too.

The post Make Your Juices Green Again appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.

Zucchini Sliders are the way to go! Here’s what you need:

• 4 patties
• salt + pepper
• adobo, or other protein seasoning
• 2 zucchinis
• Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: tomato, other seasonings

Cut all four patties into its own slices. Crumble them into a ball and flatten them out. Season the patties with salt, pepper and adobo. Place them in a grill for ten minutes.

While it’s cooking, slice the zucchinis in a thin form. TIP: it’ll be easier when you munch at the end. Carefully place the slices in the grill so there’s a small space within each. To top it off, season with a pinch of salt.

Time to serve!

Make your own slider with two zucchini buns, a slice of meat and all your favorite toppings. My family and I each had about four or five. So you might want to keep track of how many even zucchini slices and patties you have.

For the month of April, I decided to work on a fun project by adding a fun recipe each week that involved something green. Check it out in my recipes tab!

The post How to Make Zucchini Sliders appeared first on Plane and Cheesy.