Window to the World

Chicago is a wonderfully diverse city; each culture has its personality, language, customs, traditions, and cuisine. Each month we will explore various geographical regions by visiting restaurants deemed representative of, or attending events highlighting, the cuisines of those regions.

Each restaurant has been selected based on critical reviews, uniqueness, or Zagat or Michelin recommendations (NEVER Yelp, or Check, Please!, or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drives. Do not even make a recommendation because the restaurant had been featured on any of those; that's one sure way to ensure it will never be included on our schedule). Selections run the gamut from simple street food to 12-course meals fit for royalty. This means sometimes there will be dishes and dining practices that are very unfamiliar, but that's the fun of culinary exploration. Oh, by the way, this is a dictatorship, not a democracy, i.e., we go where the organizer wants to go.

Currently, we average about three to four Meetups a month, so hopefully some will fit your schedule. Click here and check out all the suggestions we have. We hope you will find at least one that will interest you.

Please note that ISCChicago has a No Show Policy to protect our loyal members and help us plan our events successfully.

Most ISCChicago events have waiting lists. Unlike other Meetup groups, we tend to keep our maximum number down. If you are interested in a Meetup that has a waiting list and it is already full, go ahead and RSVP. We often get last minute cancellations. Just make sure you check your email; if you are on the waiting list and a spot opens up you will receive an email notification with the option to change your attendance status from Waiting to Attending.

From time to time, two or more Meetup groups may schedule a Meetup for the same special event. Oftentimes, these events have limited spaces. Unless specified otherwise, please be considerate and sign up with one Meetup group only. If we happen to see you have signed up for the same event with another Meetup group, you will be removed from the attendee list for the event. If you have been removed in this manner twice, you will be banned from ISCChicago. Likewise, excessive last-minute cancellations will likely get you banned, since you are not giving other people much notice that a spot is available, thereby depriving others of the opportunity to attend an event. Banned members will not be reinstated.

All meetups have been planned with the goal of enjoying a wonderful meal with wonderful company in mind. However, while meeting new people and reacquainting with old friends make the meal more enjoyable, the meal is, and always will be, the chief focus of each meetup. Please do not take up precious spots if you are not interested in the main attraction (like going to Garlic Fest if you don't like garlic in your food or a Mexican dinner and you don't eat spicy food).

Much as it pains us, we reserve the right to revoke the membership of anyone whose presence negatively affects other members' experience at our events. If the presence of another member makes you uncomfortable, please let us know immediately. Anyone who has been banned or has had their membership revoked and attempts to attend an event either by attending as another member's guest or without a proper RSVP may be asked to sit elsewhere if the event is held at a public venue or asked to leave if the meetup is a private event.

For those of you who are interested in the more exotic elements of the culinary world, please check out our other Meetup group, Adventurous Eating. And, if you are looking for the best steakhouse(s) in Chicago, check out Chicago Steakhouses.

Click here to learn more about ISCChicago.

Let's explore authentic cuisines together!