What do Filipino Americans, German Americans, Italian Americans, and Polish Americans have in common? They all honor their heritage throughout October.
What else do they have in common? Homemade meals and traditional swigs. Whether here or abroad, roots-influenced foodies are best served when pairing South Asian and European flavors with a flight of motherland libations.
Filipino American Heritage
Married chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores respectively offer Filipino goodies and fine dining to its Kasma bakery and restaurant clientele. Located in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village, the business boasts two Michelin stars. Calamansi mimosas, mushroom and mussel adobo, and ube huckleberry basque cake are among their specialities. Meanwhile, Kusina ni Mars dishes up simple yet soulful Filipino flavors in a no frills-no, no-fuss eatery in Lakeview.
German American Heritage
Dumplings, schnitzels—and Roman wood-fired pizzas are on the menu at Himmel’s in Lincoln Square. Run by sisters Carol Himmel and Diana Himmel-Krewer, the well-reviewed bistro features authentic family recipes, German beer, and old world ambiance.
Shortly after the World’s Fair came to Chicago in 1893, Herman Berghoff opened the Berghoff in 1898. Since then, the family-run restaurant became a Chicago Loop legend. Signature spätzles, sandwiches and sides pop when accompanied by beer from the adjacent Adams Street Brewery. Patrons can enjoy Oktoberfest (through Oct. 18) while appreciating the establishment’s 19th-century architecture and German saloon atmosphere.
© GNTB/Florian Trykowski
Of course, there’s nothing like experiencing German food, drink, and culture—in Germany. Hamburg boasts 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, Munich 14, Nuremberg 9, and Saxony 8. Next month, Leipzig will host a seasonal market and vegan celebration at Pittlerwerke (Nov. 14). But not before Lindau pairs painting workshops with organic wines in its vineyards via Weingut 2H (Oct. 10). Last but not least, Rothenburg is home to Christmas Town, where Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments can be found while schneeballen and lebkuchen are washed down with eierpunsh. To learn more, click here.
Italian American Heritage
Known for its chef-driven approach to contemporary Italian dining, Gia Mia offers Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and handmade mozzarella as well as a selection of wine, craft beer and cocktails in its new location at Bloomingdale’s The Grove. “Bloomingdale feels like a natural next step for Gia Mia,” explains Brian Goewey, Founder and President of BG Hospitality Group. “We’ve built this brand around being part of the communities we serve, and The Grove is being designed with that same sense of connection in mind. We’re excited to be part of what is taking shape there and to introduce Gia Mia to the Bloomingdale community.”
Chicago’s West Loop is home to Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio where chef Sarah Grueneberg’s secret ingredients are influenced by her family heritage and international trips. In addition to proverbial pastas, she whips up gluten-free options such as crispy polenta, toasted pistachio, Umbrian lentils, and Calabrian Chile—served with Italian-influenced cocktails and a globally-sourced wine.
Big buffet breakfasts are included at Hotel Continental Sorrento.
For those who want to take their interest in vino all the way to Italy, Ethica Wines offers a World Wine Pro program that turns novices into wine professionals by flying them to Italy for an immersive education in winery operations.
While aboard, guests at Hotel Continental in Sorrento are treated to sea views of Mount Vesuvius from the 4-star venue’s roof-top restaurant and bar. The cliffside property also provides huge breakfast buffets with everything from pastries to Prosecco.
Not only does B&B Sant’Elia serve full breakfasts in its quaint kitchen, the Calabrian pensión offers off-site experiences such as high-altitude aperitifs at Monte Sparviere. Set in the mountain village of Alessandria del Carretto, the premier establishment is ideal for biking and hiking to burn off calories after hearty meals.
B&B Sant’Elia offers high-altitude aperitifs at Monte Sparviere.
To navigate Europe without the stress of driving, 8Rental takes travelers around in comfort throughout Italy (Florence, Milan, Piedmont Region, Rome, Turin, Venice); Germany (Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart); and Poland (Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow, Poznan, Warsaw, Wroclaw).
Polish American Heritage
At Staropolska Restaurant, Zofia Zaborska and Barbara Orzel keep Polish traditions alive with handmade pierogi and ancestral comfort food served in a lodge-like setting in Logan Square.
Ever since second-generation owner Renata (Renee) Kaminska took over Smakosz Restaurant to carry on her father’s vision, her scratch-made potato pancakes and other homemade items have become a long-standing staple in Portage Park.
In Wood Dale, the U Gazdy family welcomes diners to taste authentic highlander cuisine including red borsch, smoked sheep cheese, apple mousse blintzes, and Polish liquor at its U Gazdy Polish Restaurant. For the ultimate “take home” selection, Helen’s Polish Deli and Liquor is located just next door.
Together, all of these local restaurants and culinary journeys prove DNA stands for Delicious Native Ancestry.
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