What Pretty but Disappointing Meals I’ve Eaten in Downtown Chicago 🍽️

(No particular order — first half of the year edition) Siam Thai Eatery Chicago – Popular Thai spot across from my office. Dishes suit Chinese taste buds, but the rice is surprisingly bad 🍚👎. Maple & Ash – They prepare a special menu for anniversaries, which is cute! Food is okay, portions are huge — went mainly for the custom menu. Aba – Tried their brunch menu. So hard to book, yet so underwhelming — who’s hyping this place?? 😒 Itoko – Realized it’s from the same chef as Momotaro… immediately got worried 😬. Yep — not good. Tre Dita – Roast chicken tastes like old-school fried chicken (in a good way). Everything else is just okay — views > food. Boka – Didn’t live up to the hype for me. Rich and heavy — left feeling stuffed but not wowed. Tak – How did I miss this when I lived near Nema?? Very authentic and tasty 🥢. Though their nakgop-sae isn’t traditional (uses beef intestine). High Five Ramen – Just average. Literally only ramen on the menu, and so salty I drank two bottles of water after 💦. #JustWantToEatGoodFoodBackHome #ChicagoRestaurantLetdowns #PrettyButNotTasty