By Corey Nuffer on December 29, 2011

In our second year, we’ve witnessed Chicago accrue yet more Michelin stars and transition to North America’s largest Fair Trade city. But we don’t need to read about these accomplishments to know that Chicago is one of the best places to eat in the world. Here’s a rundown of our best coverage. ‘Tis the season!

Reviewed Food: DeColores Galeria y Sabores Pilsen

Writer, grad student and dj Reyna Jacqueline Peña ventured out to cover one of the many amazing restaurants in Pilsen: DeColores Galeria y Sabores Pilsen.

Fat & Happy: Lentil Meatballs in Tomatillo Sauce/

A fixture of the Gozamos Food + Drink column, Monique Costello’s Fat & Happy recipes have been there since the beginning. Fat & Happy: Lentil Meatballs in a Tomatillo Sauce was one of the highlights.

2nd Annual Chicago Chefs Morel and Ramp Romp

In May, Gozamos writer Nathanial Joseph joined the many Chicagoans who are very much in touch with their hunter-and-gatherer roots with 2nd Annual Chicago Chefs Morel and Ramp Romp.

Talk A Chef: Leonard Hollander, Executive Chef

We also talked with one of the most impressive chefs in Chicago, a man who gave up a lucrative career as a software engineer for a $9 an hour job in a kitchen to eventually become one of the best up-and-coming talents in all of Chicago: Leonard Hollander.

Food for Thought: Don’t Fear the Cheesemonger!

We also cover a lot of food culture with our Food for Thought columns. Writer Andrea Mikenas helped to assuage fears in “Don’t Fear the Cheesemonger!”

Reviewed Food: Valencia in Chicago

El Bulli has shuttered its doors to the public, but food from Spain is still — thankfully — all over the city. We focused on this in a special series on “Valencia in Chicago.”