Where a Michelin-Starred Chef Eats in Chicago
Meet One of Chicago’s Most Exciting Up-and-Coming Chefs. Plus a packing list from Selleb Sisters
Welcome to The Relisher’s Chicago edition. This week, I met with award-winning chef Zach Engel, co-owner and executive chef of the Michelin-starred Galit restaurant in Chicago.
Chef Zach previously served as Chef de Cuisine at Shaya Restaurant in New Orleans, where he earned the 2016 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. The following year, he was honored with the James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year.
Below, the Chicago local shares his favorite dining spots in the city, and
share their Chicago packing list.Favorite Restaurants
“I always crave Vietnamese food, and one of my favorites is HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen. What I love about this restaurant is that the chef offers traditional dishes (e.g., pho, spring rolls) as well as dishes that you don’t often see at typical Vietnamese restaurants.
For example, he makes crab-fried rice that’s absolutely banging, a whole fish, and a yellow coconut curry with shrimp. The chef’s curry version is well-prepared, with high-quality shrimp and perfectly balanced curry flavors, coconut milk, and shellfish. But my favorite is the chicken wings—they’re fried and coated in a fish sauce caramel with chilies and herbs.
The chef has a way of adding surprising elements while still bringing out the familiar comfort of classic Vietnamese flavors and that’s really special.”
To read Chef Zach's full interview click below
Chicago Packing List
Chloe and Claire give you a sneak peek into what fascinating people are buying—receipts included. Below, the fabulous duo shares their Chicago packing list.
Packing for Chicago often means going over the 50 lb limit because layers are king, so be strategic and wear your heaviest layers on the plane.
Coats & gloves: Chloe has the expedition parka in ice blue (similar here) and Claire opted for the CG x Angel Chen collab. Gloves should be at least leather to withstand the winds; cotton or cashmere knits will not suffice!
Capsule Wardrobe Pieces: Pack strategically:
1 black and 1 white long sleeve
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of sweats that you can wear over HEATTECH leggings
1 workout fit.
Wear your thickest sweater on the plane and a zip-up hoodie over it.
Accessories: The devil is in the details. It’s hard to dress well buried under a thick coat, so we get creative with our accessories when we pack for Chicago. A thick hat (Chloe has this one — thick, structured, and funky!) and a hood. Statement earrings and belts to add color and showcase personality as your wrists, hands, and neck will most likely be covered.
Beauty: Chicago winters = dry, snakeskin that gets cut up and bleeds (sorry!). Therefore, we’re never without our Working Hands hand cream (lifesaver) and Biologique Dermo RL. Don’t forget lip balm to keep them from chapping (this one is indulgent ;)).
Footwear: Wear your heaviest boots on the plane and pack a pair of running sneakers if you’re thinking of hitting the gym or going for long walks. We do have a beautiful lake (Lake Michigan) with a walking trail that stretches 20+ miles from Hyde Park (University of Chicago) to Evanston (Northwestern)! You can walk, run, cycle, and rollerblade from one campus to the other. As they say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing."
Thanks for reading,
Gabrielle