February is Black History Month, and to kick things off, I’m taking a look at a couple of legendary Black-owned businesses where they’ve been feeding their neighbors for decades. Old Fashioned Donuts 11248 S. Michigan Ave. 773-995-7420 https://m.facebook.com/Old-Fashioned-Donuts-Inc-111494095555975/
For years, fans of the Jewish deli have lamented its demise in Chicago. Only a handful remain, like Eleven City Diner or Manny’s in the South Loop. But a couple of new options have emerged during the pandemic – offering takeout – including one in the West Loop that’s sure to be a destination once indoor dining … Continued
While the pandemic has been brutal for restaurants, it’s been even harder for bars. At least with restaurants, you can order take out; but most bars are unable to bottle their handcrafted cocktails, especially if they call for fresh juice. But a new company in Skokie is helping them create, bottle and ship those cocktails all … Continued
Had enough turkey this week? Well, if you think you can’t handle another bite, there’s a barbecue spot in Forest Park where they’re smoking turkey breast – along with ribs and brisket – to create some memorable meals, even if you’re still full from Thanksgiving. Small Batch BBQ 7441 W. Madison St., Forest Park 708-689-8075 … Continued
2020 has been a brutal year for restaurants, but for a few local icons, it’s been a year of milestones: 70 years for D’Amato’s Bakery and Pat’s Pizza. A hundred years for Vito & Nick’s. And a very thankful third generation at Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp, where they’re celebrating 70 years in business as well. … Continued
With the holidays approaching and most restaurants closed to indoor dining, bakeries seem to be opening at a frantic pace. This week, I visited two new spots in the city where creative pastry chefs are leading the way. Sugargoat 820 W. Randolph St. 312-667-0108 www.sugargoatsweets.com Brite Donuts & Baked Goods Available at Metric Coffee, 2021 W. … Continued
When’s the last time you saw quiche on a menu? The classic French dish – which is really a custard at its core – is the star of a new grab-and-go café that just opened this week in Lincoln Park. I got an early taste, and there’s actually a lot more than just eggs, heavy cream … Continued
While everyone was going crazy last year for Popeye’s fried chicken sandwiches, a couple of local chefs were planning on creating their own versions of this Southern staple. The result is a pair of new options – for takeout or delivery – offering crispy chicken sandwiches several notches above traditional fast food offerings. GG’s Chicken … Continued
While it’s relatively easy to find Chinese, Thai or Indian restaurants in Chicago, the food of Malaysia is more elusive. But one young couple is cooking some cherished recipes from the Southeast Asian country, but like a lot of start-ups these days, they’re doing it in a ghost kitchen, with pickup or delivery. Kedai Tapao … Continued
You’ve probably heard of tacos al pastor, and maybe fish tacos. But how about a quesabirria? The trend started in L.A., winding its way to Chicago, with several places now making these cheesy, beefy Mexican street snacks. I found a food truck on the Southwest Side specializing in quesabirria at two different locations. Taco Boom 4753 … Continued
If you’ve ever had Jamaican food, you know how important Jerk is. It’s both a marinade and a method for cooking – but as I discovered at a brand new spot in Southwest suburban Burbank, there are two key ingredients for a proper jerk chicken – Scotch Bonnet peppers and allspice. Jerk was started by a … Continued