Lunching in the West Loop-ish area

Today my friend Devin, who has been hounding me about writing a blog since I first told him I was thinking about starting a blog, asked me for lunch recommendations in the Randolph/Halsted area. Devin, you have given me the perfect topic for my second blog post!

I consider myself an emerging foodie. I don't think I have the appetite to be a full-fledged foodie. Frankly, I still like to fit into my skinny jeans. But I enjoy and appreciate food. Even if that means sampling rather than devouring the foie gras in front of me.

In no particular order, here is where I would want to lunch in the West Loop/Fulton Market District area:

Blackbird. Always a classic. Delicious at lunch, too. Blackbird changes its menu from time-to-time, so there's always a new reason to go back.

Sepia. Another Michelin star winner. More affordable at lunch. It's truly one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and I'm consistently amazed by how easy it is to get a reservation here. Now that I've let the cat out of the bag, go show them some love.

For a more casual option, try Haymarket.

Dragonfly Mandarin also has a lunch menu. A solid Chinese option if that's what you're in the mood for.
De Cero offers yummy tacos. And a lunch menu, but March-August only.

Saigon Sisters is ultra-yummy Vietnamese food. I don't recommend the pho, but the sandwiches are to die for. The Porky is my favorite. My boyfriend will walk half-a-mile from his office in the Loop in 20-degree weather to pick up a sandwich.

Saigon Sisters also has a location in the nearby French Market. Pick up a Vietnamese sandwich at Saigon Sisters or an artisan sandwich at Pastoral. Sinfully Healthy is my favorite. Don't forget to save room for dessert at the French Market. You'll find plenty of artisan candy makers and bakers, including Sweet Miss Givings. Try the red velvet cupcake. AH-MAZ-ING!! Sweet Miss Givings is a social enterprise bakery offering employment opportunities and training to needy Chicagoans.