Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu

Read the latest articles by Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu at Thrillist

Contributor

Chicago

First Look

Thrillist takes you inside the hottest new restaurants, from upscale destinations to casual cafes.

First Look - Thrillist

Photo courtesy of Harry Potter™ Magic at Play

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Chicago continues to prove it’s second to none: this time, with the worldwide debut of Harry Potter: Magic at Play, an immersive 30,000 square foot experience transporting you into the fantastical world of wizards that’s also one of the few places you can get Butterbeer outside of Orlando’s Universal Studios.

A 3-Floor Immersive Harry Potter Experience Just Opened in Chicago

Phodega

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Grubhub_ 812837_Feb22

Winter is coming, and you’re going to need all the joy you can muster to make it through.

The Best Chicago Comfort Foods to Enjoy from Home

Chile Toreado

Going out to eat is great, but with the COVID-19 pandemic’s persistence and sweater weather rapidly approaching, sometimes all you want to do is have your meal come to you.

Chicago’s Best Delivery Dishes from Hispanic- and Latinx-Owned Restaurants 

Photo courtesy of Pizzeria Portofino

Savor Summer at Chicago’s Essential Waterfront Restaurants

Nation

Photo by Alvin Schultz for SACRED

Drink

Lou Bank holds a captive audience of 15 to 20 Latinos at Comercio Popular, a store in Chicago’s Little Village—a predominantly Mexican neighborhood, on the South West side.

How Repurposed Agave Is the Key to New Building Projects in Mexico

Wine Club

Wine Club: Everything You Need to Know to Find Actually Good Cheap Wine

Photo by John Walder

A soft rose-gold font on a black label wraps around a wine bottle, beckoning you to “escape to St. Tropez,” where the rosé inside is produced.

This Black-Owned Company Is Changing the Narrative on Luxury Wine

Lifestyle

Latino-, Hispanic-, and Chicano-owned businesses have always been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and entrepreneurial fabric.

22 Must-Try Latino-Owned Businesses in Chicago

Design by Grace Han for Thrillist

Spring marks the start of a new season and with it, seasonal ingredients.

What To Know About Cooking Cicadas Before Brood X Emerges in Your Backyard

Simmer Down

From hearty stews to delicious soups, Simmer Down is your go-to recipe-driven guide to cooking your favorite comfort foods with some helpful tips from experts.

Simmer Down: Go-To Recipe Guide to Cooking Soups, Stews & More

Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

No two gumbo recipes are exactly the same.

Simmer Down: How To Make Creole Chicken Gumbo

Nam Y Huh/AP/Shutterstock

Events

During the pandemic, there have been 3,800 anti-Asian racist incidents in the US according to Stop AAPI Hate’s recent report.

How to Support the AAPI Community in Chicago

Houston

Courtesy of ChòpnBlọk

In the summer of 2016, Ope Amosu worked at Chipotle as a prep cook.

Houston's ChòpnBlọk Redefines Fast-Casual Fare With West African Flavors

Austin

Black History Month

Thrillist is celebrating Black History Month in February with a collection of profiles and features on Black-owned businesses, as well as guides to neighborhoods around the country curated by locals.

Thrillist Celebrates Black History Month With a Spotlight on Black-Owned Businesses

Courtesy of Luv Fats Ice Cream

Luv Fats, Chi Ndika’s dairy-free ice cream business, began thanks to a food allergy.

Latest Posts From Ximena

A 3-Floor Immersive Harry Potter Experience Just Opened in Chicago

The 30,000 square foot enchanted attraction is taking over Water Tower Place.

The Best Chicago Comfort Foods to Enjoy from Home

Dinner from these local institutions tastes better under a blanket.

Chicago’s Best Delivery Dishes from Hispanic- and Latinx-Owned Restaurants

Expand your palate and give these dishes a try the next time you order in.

Savor Summer at Chicago’s Essential Waterfront Restaurants

Pretend like you're vacationing on the coast.

How Repurposed Agave Is the Key to New Building Projects in Mexico

This nonprofit is creating rain-harvest systems, building libraries, and providing for local families.

This Black-Owned Company Is Changing the Narrative on Luxury Wine

La Fête Rosé founder Donae Burston works to advocate for and appeal to drinkers of color.

22 Must-Try Latino-Owned Businesses in Chicago

Spread love, it’s the Chicago way.

What To Know About Cooking Cicadas Before Brood X Emerges in Your Backyard

Chef Joseph Yoon of Brooklyn Bugs shares his advice on the best way to enjoy the delicacy.

Simmer Down: How To Make Creole Chicken Gumbo

Niquenya Collins, owner of Cocoa Chili Restaurant & Catering in Chicago, shares her foolproof family recipe.

How to Support the AAPI Community in Chicago

Stand in solidarity.

Houston's ChòpnBlọk Redefines Fast-Casual Fare With West African Flavors

Jollof jambalaya, stewed plantains, and more.

This Vegan Ice Cream Brand Brings Nigerian and Kenyan Flavors to Austin

As tasty as it is healthy.