Where to Eat in August: Boeufhaus, Obélix, Kasama, and More

You know what you’re in for when you book a seat at a place called Boeufhaus. A butter-basted, 22-ounce dry-aged rib eye, a Flinstonian dry-aged porterhouse, and tartare topped with a quail egg are all on offer at this temple to beef. There are some creative spins on the classics as well, such as short rib beignets and tallow-fried French fries. While the pandemic wasn’t kind to this West Town brasserie, it finally reopened in the spring, and we’re more than ready to celebrate its return.

From the owners of Le Bouchon, Obélix is a new River North bistro offering modern takes on classic French cuisine: Think steak tartare accented with banh mi pickles, a radish salad with seaweed butter and togarashi, seared black cod with green curry veloute, and beef Wellington that comes with al pastor Hollandaise. A rich burgundy banquette and checkered floor has all the trappings of a classic bistro, while what arrives at the table is anything but.

For a low-key night of excellent sushi, head to Kai Togami’s Wakamono, a perennial favorite that serves crowd-pleasing appetizers (like agedashi tofu and seaweed salad), along with specialty rolls that span the familiar to the wild. There’s the three-headed Godzilla with shrimp tempura, crab, seared sea scallops, and unagi sauce; the Yola Mango with mango-wrapped salmon; and a cleverly named Oedipus, which has both fresh salmon and salmon roe. Of course, you can never go wrong with the restaurant’s eponymous roll: tuna and salmon over shrimp tempura and unagi with spicy sauce and crunchy daikon sprouts.

From the team behind Revival Food Hall, From Here On brings some seriously delicious vendors to the Old Post Office space. There are all manner of sweet and savory pastries (like doughnuts and pot pies) from Ashley Robinson at Familiar Bakery; Nashville-style hot chicken from Hot Chi Chicken; Phobox’s soup, noodles, and rice bowls; and sandwiches from Tempesta. With all the options, our only recommendation is to come hungry. One important note: It’s closed on weekends.

Find more info here.

You may recognize the high-profile owners of RPM Italian, Giuliana and Bill Rancic, though even if you don’t, you’ll likely enjoy what they have to offer: gussied-up Italian favorites in a celebratory setting. Summery dishes include squash blossoms with buffalo mozzarella, bruschetta with stracciatella and tomatoes, and a sweet corn agnolotti with black truffle. Don’t forget about the prosciutto service, either, for slices of salty 600-day aged San Daniele pork, paired with one of the restaurant’s signature spritzes. The “R,” with Cocchi Rosa, cherry blossom, lemon, and Prosecco rosé, will do just fine. 

If you’re looking for a celebratory meal, head to Genie Kwon and Tim Flores’ Ukrainian Village standout for a stunning Filipino tasting menu. Each dish, from the coconut cream-accented kinilaw to the lumpia and the scallop and mussel adobo, is spectacular, not to mention the colorful cocktails (and mocktails, too!). It’s no wonder Kasama came away with a Michelin star this year, the first-ever Filipino restaurant to do so.  A night here makes for a summery splurge, though stop by during the day for coffee and a more casual lunch menu as well.

This new, striking Greek restaurant on Randolph restaurant row hails from Parker Hospitality (the team behind Hampton Social) and chef Avgeria Stapaki. Cushy sand-colored banquettes, circular caned chairs, and tropical wicker pendant lamps lend a Greek island feel, and the food does, too: 60% of the ingredients are imported from the motherland. The menu features salted sea bass fired tableside, King crab salad, a modern take on moussaka, and a hulking lamb shank.

Tucked away inside Moon Palace Express you’ll find Nine Bar, Chinatown’s first cocktail bar. Step through the kitchen into the speakeasy, a colorfully-lit space with bumping music and cocktails ranging from the Pink Cadillac (Ketel One, Campari, citrus, strawberry, and Thai basil) to the Smoke & Mirrors (Rey Campero Espadin, blanc vermouth, Suze, and orange-lemongrass tea). Pair the drinks with a small menu of bar bites, including mapo hot fries and a McKatsu with spicy mustard.

Find more info here. 

If you’ve yet to snag a seat at Omakase Yume, head over to Chef Sangtae Park’s other Michelin-starred restaurant, TenGoku Aburiya. This more casual, izakaya-style spot has plenty to love as well, from grilled skewers of shio-marinated pork belly and chicken paitan ramen to salmon carpaccio and all the sashimi you can handle. Be sure to check for daily specials and don’t sleep on brunch: The King maguro (with four different varieties of tuna) is only available on weekends.   

Originally located in the West Loop, farm-to-table favorite Eden closed during the pandemic, but has found new life in Avondale. The sprawling space is ideal for just about any occasion, from working-from-patio to celebrating with friends. And there’s lots to enjoy on this menu, from a cheesy breakfast burrito to a hulking baguette sandwich with house-smoked turkey, grilled broccolini, taleggio, and Calabrian chile aioli, plus a host of fresh smoothies and coffee drinks.

Find more info here.