Ariel Kanter

Ariel Kanter

Chicago Contributor

Ariel is a food writer based in Chicago with distinct food opinions that are usually right. She’s a culinary school grad and Serious Eats alum who now works for herself: writing, brand building, avoiding mayo, and publishing her Substack, Rel’s Recs.

Fun Facts

  • Lives in
    Highland Park, IL
  • Drink of choice
    Gin-gin mule. Bright, spicy, and soothing on your stomach after a big meal.
  • Favorite food movie
    “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (The tomato scene? Come on!)
  • Ideal night out
    Dinner at 6 p.m. with my husband. We order a lot, split everything, and get home by 8 to snuggle with our dogs. And maybe eat a second dessert.
  • Hot take
    Heinz ketchup is the only ketchup. Everything else is tomato product.
  • Last meal on earth
    Fresh baguette with chunks of very sharp cheddar. A bowl of Annie’s bunny-shaped mac & cheese with extra parmesan. Peking duck. Miss Vickie’s spicy dill pickle potato chips. More baguette dunked in Nutella.

Recent Posts


Segnatore pasta.

GuidesChicago

The Ultimate Guide to Pasta in Chicago

Winter in Chicago calls for pasta — big bowls of the stuff, as warm and comforting as a down coat.…

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The Hit ListChicago

The January Hit List: Bavette’s, Monteverde, Valedor and More

2024 is officially here, and as everyone recovers from their holiday parties and tries to maintain resolutions (meal prepping, dry…

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Best of The Hit ListChicago

The 10 Restaurants That Defined Chicago Dining in 2023

We asked our contributors to the Resy Hit List to share their top dining experiences in their cities this year — 10…

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The Hit ListChicago

The November Hit List: Noble Thai, Argot, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, and More

The November Hit List is the most exciting to write. The month is full of promise: festive tunes, cheery decorations, roaring…

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Marisol dessert

The Hit ListChicago

The October Hit List: Marisol, Savannah Luncheonette, Las Tablas, and More

Fall is here and as we soft-launch into the Chicago winter, we’re donning cozy sweaters, kicking up fallen leaves, and…

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The RundownChicago

DeNucci’s Hits All the Italian American High Notes

The red sauce renaissance is here. From Elina’s to Fioretta, new Italian-American joints are popping up all over the city.…

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The Hit ListChicago

The September Hit List: Estación, Lola’s, Brindille, and More

With Labor Day behind us, summer has officially started winding down. While mourning its passing, we’re simultaneously growing excited about…

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The Hit ListChicago

The August Hit List: Sifr, Kashmir, DeNucci’s and More

It’s already been a summer of great food in Chicago, and there’s no sign of the city’s dining scene slowing…

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The Hit ListChicago

The July Hit List: Pompette, The Pearl Club, Homeslice Pizzeria & Patio, and More

July is an excellent time to live and eat in Chicago. All the people who can’t handle the heat get…

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The Hit ListChicago

The June Hit List: Kyōten Next Door, Cubaneo, Park and Field, and More

It’s finally summer in the city, and the Chicago dining scene is as energized as we are for all the…

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