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As we are in
the midst of Lent and many of you are following a "no meat
on Friday"regimen, we at BOI thought we'd take a look at
some local area spots that help you achieve your religious obligations.
But first, where exactly did the concept of "fasting"
and eating only fish on Fridays during Lent come from? Well
in earlier times, Christians fasted on Fridays, the day of the
week that Jesus was crucified. And while fasting's modern day
definition is to go without food, the religious meaning is to
avoid luxury items, which meat was back many centuries ago.
Thus given that meat was rich people's food and fish was poor
people's food, the most common form of fasting was to omit meat
and eat fish. (History lesson complete.)
Despite our Midwest
geographic location, Chicago boasts some excellent, high-end
seafood restaurants that have made an impact on a city known
for its carnivorous ways. Typically receiving daily shipments
of fish and seafood from both coasts and the Gulf, you can't
go wrong with these worthy options.
 Shaw's Crab House
21 E Hubbard St | 312.527.2722 | www.shawscrabhouse.com
Considered the grand-daddy of Chicago seafood restaurant, Shaw's
is a favorite among many locals who appreciate the restaurant's
focus on seasonal fish specialties. It also boasts one of the
most extensive oyster bars in the city.
 Bob Chinn's Crab
House
393 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL | 847.520.3633 | www.bobchinns.com
One of the highest volume restaurants in the country, Bob Chinn's
offers a full-line of fresh fish and seafood as well as incredibly
potent Mai Tais and the most delicious buttery garlic bread EVER
 Cy's Crab House
3819 N Ashland Ave | 773.883.8900
cyscrabhouse.com
Cy's proves that quality seafood restaurants aren't limited to
downtown or suburban addresses. This relaxed and comfortable
Lakeview eatery offers food that is just as fresh as it's pricier
competitors and it also offers free parking!
 Devon's Seafood
Grill
39 E Chicago Ave | 312.440.8660 | www.devonseafood.com
This comfortable and contemporary Gold Coast restaurant has won
rave reviews for its straight forward menu. It's quite obvious
that the chefs in the kitchen as well as those folks in charge
of the front of the house really care about making sure diners
have the very best culinary and dining experience.
 McCormick &
Schmick's (Loop)
1 E Wacker Dr | 312.923.7226 | www.mccormickandschmicks.com
McCormick & Schmick's (Gold Coast) 41 E Chestnut St | 312.397.9500
Now with two locations in the city (and 3 more in the suburbs),
this Portland, Oregon-based chain has earned a reputation for
serving up top-notch seafood, including at least 30 fish choices
each day.
 Red Lobster
For those who grew up in the suburbs and are more than satisfied
with a seafood meal from Red Lobster (www.redlobster.com), you
can find your bit of nirvana at the chain's downtown location
(600 N Dearborn St | 312.335.8618) or out n Lincolnwood (3301
W Touhy Ave | 847.674.0238).
Other Seafood
Options --
Finally,
if the only cooking method you find acceptable for your seafood
is deep fried, there are two long-time Windy City institutions
that do it the best. The take-out only Goose Island Shrimp House
(1011 W Division St | 312.642.3640) has loyal clientele lined
up out the door, especially late night after the bars and clubs
close, anxiously waiting for grease-stained brown paper bags
filled with fish chips, catfish, and jumbo shrimp. On another
extension of the Chicago River on the near south side, Lawrence's
Fisheries (2120 S Canal St | 312.225.2113) offers similar menu
item as well as limited seating.
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