While I self-quarantine, I occasionally treat myself to my favorite meals from local restaurants using curbside pickup. Just as editor in chief Kimberly Krol wrote in her recent blog, these are the foods I would miss the most if I ever moved.

Father and son George and Andy-John G. Kalkounos own and operate Chicago Prime Steakhouse and Chicago Prime Italian located in Schaumburg, just west of Chicago. The only family-owned prime steakhouses in the northwest suburbs, they have an award-winning wine selection. My goal is to work my way through the fantastic seafood options. Five-star food, service, a friendly staff and ambiance make this the go-to place in Schaumburg. Chicago Prime Italian just introduced a new pizza menu and both places offer a wine discount.

In 1971 Lou and Jean Malnati opened the first Lou Malnati’s in Lincolnwood, just north of Chicago. Malnati’s has become a Chicago institution. With the recipe dating back to 1943, Lou’s is the best place for Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. While not as famous, I actually am just as big a fan of the thin-crust pizza.

I have been a regular diner at Village Inn since it opened in 1990. Owner Randy Miles treats all diners like family. The turkey burger is awesome, but I have been ordering pizza on Mondays because Village Inn donates a personal pizza to local hospital staffs. Their first Virtual Happy Hour last Wednesday was a lot of fun and I look forward to the next one.

I grew up on cannoli, and Chicago Pastry makes them like my maternal grandmother, full of thick, slightly sweet, ricotta-based cream. For more than 41 years, two generations of the Turano family have created Italian delights. The rest of the display case features other delicious-looking treats, but I cannot stray from the cannoli.

These will be the first places I where I’ll dine when they reopen, but until then I will enjoy their curbside service. Now more than ever, it is important to support local businesses.

— John Wroblewski, online writer