Louisa Kung Liu Chu
Louisa Kung Liu Chu is the restaurant critic at the Chicago Tribune. Chu joined the Tribune as a reporter in 2016, became a critic in 2021, and was nominated for the Craig Claiborne Distinguished Criticism Award by the James Beard Foundation in 2022 and 2024. Previously she worked as a chef, staged at Michelin three starred restaurants including El Bulli in Spain and Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in France, and was a fixer for Anthony Bourdain. Chu is a Chinese American immigrant, born in Hong Kong, raised in Chicago, and worked at her family’s chop suey restaurant.
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Restaurant news: Belmont Tavern revives a dormant Polish dive bar with history and cocktails in Chicago
Bartender and author Nick Kokonas has transformed a former neighborhood Polish dive bar into a historical cocktail bar in Chicago.
Restaurant review: Great Lake, reincarnated as a grocery and bakery, still makes profound pizza in Chicago
Co-owners, co-operators and spouses Lydia Esparza and Nick Lessin re-opened their business in Andersonville last June.
Food icon: Gus Rickette of Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken turns 100 this year in Chicago
The legend and his late wife co-founded the Black-owned business in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of the city.
Restaurant review: Cafe Yaya exceeds expectations as an ephemeral bakery and neighborhood bistro in Chicago
The chefs and owners of Michelin starred Galit next door opened the Mediterranean and French sister cafe in Lincoln Park last March.
Restaurant news: Cleo’s opens in Lakeview with Southern cuisine on the North Side of Chicago
The business went viral when influential TikTok food critic Keith Lee stopped by, rating his order a perfect 10 out of 10 — twice.
Chicago Restaurant Week 2026: 5 menus we’re excited about
More than 500 restaurants are taking part in the 19th year of this food fest, including 75 that are making their Chicago Restaurant Week debut.
2025 food favorites: The most memorable dishes and drinks we had across Chicago
With 2026 just around the corner, the writers and editors of the Tribune food section have taken some time to reflect on our favorite bites and drinks from 2025.
Restaurant reviews: Sarima, Lilac Tiger and Mirra intertwine Indian, Mexican and Filipino culture in Chicago
Chef Zubair Mohajir connects all three culinary enterprises. He may be best known now as a contestant on “Top Chef” this past year.
Restaurant news: Rosca makes Mexican everything at bagel cafe by chef Felix Zepeda in Pilsen
"It's a lot of bold flavors that really scream Mexico” plus more openings and closing in Chicago and the suburbs.
2025 Holiday Cookie Contest winners: Pracny, eggnog crème brûlée and mandelbread recipes come out on top
For the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest, 32 readers submitted recipes for sweet treats, including biscotti and shortbread, bars and balls, and classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies.