Shallots Bistro storefront in Skokie, IL
Shallots Bistro, the kosher steakhouse and sushi bar in Skokie that has anchored Chicago-area kosher dining since 2004, is entering a new chapter. Chef Ari White, one of the most recognizable names in kosher barbecue, has taken the helm as culinary director, and his entirely new menu is rolling out now. The first round of dishes is already available, with new additions arriving every few days until the complete menu is introduced.
Ribeye steak with grill marks at Shallots Bistro in Skokie
The Chef Behind The New Menu
White is a pioneer of wood-fired kosher barbecue. For more than 15 years, his Wandering Que operation brought slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and housemade sausages to shuls, festivals, and pop-ups across the East Coast, following his earlier run behind Ari’s Deli in Washington Heights from 2005 to 2008. Last year, White opened The Wandering Que’s first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Englewood, NJ, a chapter that closed this past August. His move to Shallots brings that smoke-driven approach to one of Chicagoland’s premier kosher dining rooms.
Chef Ari White of Wandering Que
What’s On The New Menu
Sliced tomahawk steak on a carving board at Shallots Bistro
Among the first dishes out of the kitchen is White’s signature Brisket King Hoagie ($30), 18-hour smoked brisket with pickled red onions and half-sour pickles on a toasted hoagie with fries. The Apple and Oak Smoked Yardbird ($40) pairs a 12-spice-rubbed half chicken with a barbecue honey mustard glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, and crispy fried shallots, while Barbacoa Beef Tacos ($32) layer house-smoked pulled BBQ beef with guacamole, pickled red onion, and a parve lime crema. The Espresso-Rubbed Hanger Steak ($75) arrives with a maple-bourbon reduction, pommes puree, and baby carrots.
Mixed steak and vegetable platter at Shallots Bistro
The first wave also includes an Ahi Poke ($28) with yuzu, ginger, and avocado over house chips, a Fall Farmers Salad ($26) with maple-glazed butternut squash and candied pecans, Butternut Squash and Sage Gnocchetti ($20) pan-seared with exotic mushrooms in a burnt sage parve butter sauce, and Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower ($20) tossed in a tangy honey buffalo sauce. Larger plates include a pan-fried Veal Milanese ($98) and a Seared Sesame Bluefin Tuna ($66), alongside handhelds like the half-pound Sunshine Burger ($35) and the Crispy Chicken Zinger ($25). More dishes are set to roll out every few days until the full menu is available.
Sushi roll with crispy shallots at Shallots Bistro
Visiting Shallots Bistro
Shallots has served Chicago’s North Shore since 2004, pairing a full steakhouse with a kosher sushi bar and an extensive catering operation, and everything remains 100% kosher under the supervision of the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), with all meats glatt and all products Pas Yisroel. The restaurant is closed every Friday and Saturday for Shabbat.
The dining room at Shallots Bistro in Skokie, IL
Shallots Bistro is located at 7016 Carpenter Road, Skokie, IL 60077, just north of Chicago off the Edens Expressway at the corner of Touhy Avenue. Reservations and online ordering are available at shallotsbistro.com or by phone at (847) 677-3463.
Smoked cocktail at Shallots Bistro