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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.

Ariel’s Favorite Resy Spots

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 List   Chicago

Where to Eat in September: Cebu, Fora, The Bristol, and More

Is that a slight chill in the air? With Labor Day coming on quick, we’re prepping for cozier weather ahead.…

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The Hit List   Chicago

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

It’s been a glorious summer so far, and August looks to continue the trend of fresh produce, outdoor dining, and…

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The Rundown   Chicago

Everything You Need to Know About Elina’s, and Its Retuned Red-Sauce Classics

Elina’s opened in September on Grand Avenue in West Town, and for nearly every night since, the cozy spot has…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The July Hit List: Utopian Tailgate, Diver at the Park, Mino’s, and More

There’s nothing like July in Chicago. Colorful summer produce is on every plate, three-day weekends put everyone in a good…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The June Hit List: Esmé, Bar Roma, Split-Rail, and More

While it’s always a good idea to be eating at women-owned spots, let this month’s Women of Food celebration serve…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The May Hit List: Apolonia, Lardon, Superkhana International, and More

We’ve made it to May and for that there is much to celebrate. Lovely weather, outdoor dining, produce that hasn’t…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The April Hit List: Giant, Kasama, Big Jones, and More

To celebrate the recent James Beard Award nominations for Chicago, we’re making April the month of Beard explorations. (The actual…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The March Hit List: Porto, Bar Goa, Marshall’s Landing, and More

Ah, March. The month where it gets nice for a second … and then betrays you with freezing cold. The…

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Photo courtesy of Wherewithall

The Hit List   Chicago

The February Hit List: Shang Noodle, Lem’s, Wherewithall, and More

Somehow it’s already February. The chill in the air is bracing. Valentine’s Day ads are everywhere, whether you want them…

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The Hit List   Chicago

The January Hit List: Carlucci, Ed Debevic’s, Super Franc, and More

It’s really time to ditch that saying, “New Year, New You.” First of all, you’re great just how you are.…

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