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


The Hit ListChicago

The May Hit List: Hutch, Paradise Park Pizza & Patio, Kasama, and More

Summer dining is officially upon us, and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants that seamlessly capture…

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Steak at Asador Bastian.

The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in April: Asador Bastian, Happy Camper, Parson’s and More

Spring is finally here, and we’re buzzing to get out and about: to dine lavishly outdoors, enjoy colorful cocktails on…

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The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in March: Kindling, Dear Madison Oyster, Club Lucky, and More

March is here, which means it’s almost time for us to dine outside again…almost. In the meantime, there’s plenty of…

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The Hit ListChicago

The February Hit List: Rooh, The Duck Inn, Kimski, and More

By February, most Chicagoans feel like we’re plodding through winter, with all the cold and gray weather the word implies.…

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The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in January: Marchesa, LeTour, Cherry Circle Room, and More

It’s a new year and our resolution is simple: get out more and enjoy the city’s restaurants. There is so…

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Best of The Hit ListChicago

The 10 Restaurants That Defined Chicago Dining in 2022

In a strong year for dining, what were the absolute standouts?  We asked our contributors to the Resy Hit List to share…

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The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in December: Bordel, Second Generation, Middle Brow, and More

The holiday season is finally in full swing in Chicago — which means it’s time to eat, and eat with…

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GuidesChicago

The Resy Guide to Chicago’s Most Spirited Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Whether it’s a lifetime choice, or you’re just not in the mood, there’s never been a better time to enjoy…

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The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in November: Gioia, Bambola, Chef’s Special, and More

November is prime gearing-up-for-the-holidays season, which for some means lots of kitchen prep, and for others means making lots of…

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The Hit ListChicago

Where to Eat in October: Gather, Second Generation, Coquette, and More

Autumn has officially arrived and the chill is here to stay. Accordingly, our Resy Hit List, this month’s roundup of…

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