We had some really weird weather here in Chicago during the month of March:  70 degrees one week and then a few inches of snow the next. I’m SO ready for the summer! Anyways, aside from wishing for better weather, here’s what I was up to in March:

India House (River North) Lunch Buffet

India House– Being Indian, I get asked all the time what my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago is. This one is a no-brainer; it’s India House in River North. I have gotten many friends, co-workers and even my family hooked on this fabulous restaurant. I think India House has the best lunch buffet I have ever been to in my entire life (that’s a bold statement from someone has been to a fair share of Indian buffet meals) based on the sheer variety of options India House offers as well as the quality of food. There are so many amazing vegetarian, vegan and meat options that any person can find something no matter what your dietary needs. I also tend to get take-out for dinner from India House and have some absolute must-have items in my order: paneer makhani (cheese cubes in a tomato-onion gravy), saag aloo (spinach and potato), garlic naan and jeera (cumin) rice. Ok, my mouth just watered typing that out. I think I know what I am ordering in for dinner tonight!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes At Las Palmas

Las Palmas– This Bucktown, Mexican restaurant has been a staple spot over the years for me and my friends, especially to celebrate our friend Kajal’s birthday that is on Cinco de Mayo. The beautiful back room at Las Palmas (that is almost like a glass sun house) has been the spot of many years of merrily enjoying margaritas, chips and guacamole and veggie enchiladas. This month I had the pleasure of trying out Las Palmas for brunch with some fellow foodies and I absolutely loved it. We sat in the same sun room in the back, but this time with the bright sun shining down on us. We had the chance to sample quite a few items off all of Las Palmas’ menus (brunch, lunch and dinner). Having already tried many of the vegetarian items on their dinner menu, I was blown away by some of their brunch menu offerings. My favorite being the fluffy, warm cinnamon roll pancakes topped with a vanilla cream cheese glaze. I literally could not stop eating them. Literally. I had to push the plate away. Moral of the story; Las Palmas does brunch, lunch and dinner quite fabulously. Make sure you check them out and don’t miss the cinnamon roll pancakes if you are there for brunch!

Berkshire Room At The Acme Hotel

Berkshire Room– I almost don’t want to let out the secret about this awesome hidden gem located in the ACME Hotel in River North. But, since I’m nice, I’ll let you in on one of my favorite spots for a drink. Not only is the ambiance so chill and awesome at the Berkshire Room, but the drink selection is off the chain. The list of alcohol options is endless, but one of the most fun things to do is try the “dealer’s choice” drink in which you give the bartender a little direction (like type of alcohol, if you want it sweet, spicy, smoky, etc and also the type of stemware you want to drink it from) and they create a specialty craft cocktail just for you! It’s such a fun concept and always exciting to see what creative option the bartender has devised. I’ve loved every dealer’s choice drink I’ve had and I’ve mixed it up each time with my alcohol and mixer pairing just to see what cool concoctions come back. Definitely worth checking out!

LYFE Kitchen Streeterville Opening With Chef Art Smith

LYFE Kitchen– Yes, I’m obsessed with this awesome, fast, casual restaurant! I already wrote about the River North location a few months back (you can read about that here), but you know I was thrilled when I had the chance to check out the grand opening party for the Streeterville location. And to my surprise, celebrity chef Art Smith was there for all the festivities. I had the chance to chat with him about the restaurant, developing menus for all kinds of dietary restrictions as well as how to get kids to eat healthy food. I swear I could have chatted with Chef Art for hours as he was so nice, and personable. I love meeting celebrity chefs that are so engaging and willing to talk to anyone. Didn’t hurt that he also started following me on Instagram and Twitter and commented on my post and picture. Thanks Chef Art, you the bomb!

Pinstripes Downtown Chicago

Pinstripes Chicago– What a fun concept of a place: restaurant, bar, bowling and bocce! The newly opened Pinstripes in downtown Chicago seems like a great, family friendly place to do whatever your heart desires. I had never played bocce before and got a first hand lesson and loved seeing the competitive spirit come out in all those playing. The bowling alley is awesome with beautiful leather couches to give the place a much more homey feel, as if you were bowling in someone’s private space at their fancy pad. In addition to a new menu with all kinds of options, the bar area was quite happening and seemed like a great place for many people after work and definitely on the weekends. I can’t wait for the warm weather to finally get here as Pinstripes has an awesome deck area right on the river, which is going to be great this summer for some drinks on the patio.

Please Note: While I was invited to these events, all opinions are my own.