| While "Super Size" may be the king of fast food, | | | | and the Golden Cups run $7 |
| smaller portions - and more of them - are all the | | | | Grilled Baby Octopus and Fingerling Potato Salad at |
| rage in fine dining. | | | | Aria |
| Appetizers. Small plates. Tapas. Tasting Menus. | | | | Aria places a lightly breaded baby octopus on top |
| The idea is simple and compelling. You can try | | | | of warm potatoes and mizuna. The whole dish is |
| many different tastes at a single sitting. Also you | | | | seasoned with preserved lemons and black truffle |
| can tailor the meal to you needs and desires | | | | vinaigrette. |
| much better. You may not feel like a full meal late | | | | This dish will convert even those in your party |
| at night after a show or dancing, but you do want | | | | who claim that they hate octopus. They've never |
| something. Small plates are perfect. Order a | | | | had "calamari" like this. |
| couple. Still hungry? Order another. | | | | Aria is in the Fairmont Chicago, 200 North |
| 3 Small Portion Dishes to Try in Chicago | | | | Columbus Dr. and the Octopus is $14 |
| The next time you are in the Windy City, make | | | | The Tamale at La Humita |
| sure to sample some of the local favorites. Here | | | | Okay, I'm cheating a bit on this one - This is not a |
| are 3 to get you started. | | | | new dish and tamales have always been "small |
| Golden Cups at Amarind's | | | | dishes." But trust me - One bite and you will not |
| This neighborhood favorite Thai restaurant serves | | | | mind. |
| these delicious little one-bite treats by the | | | | The tamale at La Humita comes encased in the |
| truckload. With good reason. | | | | traditional corn husk but it is far from ordinary. |
| They look like small batter-dipped flowers but | | | | The "filling" is prepared daily from fresh corn (not |
| come jam-packed to the brim with wonderful | | | | masa) mixed with quesa fresco. If you want to |
| flavors - corn, peas, shrimp, chilantro and shiitake | | | | kick up the flavor and heat a bit, be sure to |
| mushrooms to name a few. | | | | request the tree-tomato based salsa. |
| Amarind's is in Galewood at 6822 W. North Ave. | | | | |