Urbanbelly Restaurant Review
3053 N. California Ave. (W. Barry St.) 
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Chicago, IL 60618
773-583-0500 | Menu
 Don't let the strip mall setting deter you. Step inside and you'll find one of Chicago's most talented chefs, Bill Kim. His résumé reads like a culinary tome. He's cheffed at Charlie Trotter's and New York's Bouley, for Shawn McClain and Susanna Foo. But, he's too humble to flaunt any of these credentials, yet confident enough to pull out of the fine dining scene. Urbanbelly is his and his wife's dream come true (Yvonne works the front of the house). Kim rolls his years of cooking experience, his travels and his Korean background into approachable dining, providing fresh farmers market produce, top technique and creative menu items at affordable prices. BYOB, order from the short menu (dumplings, noodles and rice dishes) and grab a set of chopsticks. Then, sit on a wooden stump at a communal table, that is, if there is a seat open---this place fills up fast. Paper-thin wrappings envelop Asian squash, the bright orange fillings complemented by orange segments and equally razor-thin-cut daikon. Already-intense ground lamb adopts a rich brandy distillate, the sweetness seeping into these must-order dumplings. Scallion fried rice bursts with fluffy egg; a dripping, glazed short rib crowns the mound. Sides of cold sesame oil Chinese eggplant, killer kimchi and tender wrinkled beans round out lunch or dinner. You'll leave full---with a rich experience, belly and wallet.
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