You don’t have to be a Green Bay Packers fan to be cheesy. Just walk into any of the three Chicago locations of Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine, and you’ll be able to geek out on all the chèvre, reblochon and gruyère you care to. Among the skills I think are crucial to … Continued
Chicago’s first snow storm of the season might be keeping some people at home this weekend, so I thought, what a perfect time to have an expert illustrate how to make the perfect omelet. The folks at Meli Cafe certainly know how to make a great one – they do it hundreds of times … Continued
Last week, I offered my five (or so) suggestions for newcomers to our city; places that any self-respecting Chicagoan has been to, in order to establish a baseline of sorts, for where we’ve come from (and where we’re obviously headed). The post was inspired by my 20-something cousin, who had recently moved to town, … Continued
This week, Michael is keeping the love right here in Chicago, with a Goose Island beer I had never heard of until we shot this feature. Last week, it was Posca Rustica, this week, Pepe Nero. Say what? I guess that’s why you go to The Hopleaf in the first place, to get turned … Continued
I’ve been a fan of Glenn’s Diner ever since the kids were little. The magical cereal “wall” drew us in, but the fresh seafood, brought in almost everyday, has kept me coming back during all seasons. If you’re a fan of Alaskan King crabs, you really owe it to yourself to stop in on … Continued
Blackbird’s reputation as one of Chicago’s best restaurants has typically been a result of the food. But over the past year, their Mixologist – Lynn House – has been blazing a trail for the restaurant’s cocktail program as well. We asked her to show us how to make a classic drink, but she put … Continued
By Gulnaz Saiyed Hapless Intern Chicago’s weather may be unseasonably warm, but it’s still far too cold for the Southerner in me. Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees, I begin to crave hot, veggie-rich meals. This usually means a craving for Joy Yee’s Noodle Shop, which results in bundling up and hopping on … Continued
I was having dinner earlier this week with my cousin, a 20-something from Minneapolis who just moved into the city a few months ago. I took her and her new boyfriend to one of my go-to Thai joints – Aroy – up on Damen. They were totally into it, and kept peppering me with questions about … Continued
Beer lovers are always looking for something wonderful; something jammed with flavor and nuance and maybe even a little spice. They loathe the family gatherings that offer nothing more than mass-marketed Bud or Miller, and as hip as PBR may be, a beer lover would rather drink mead before he/she puts that aluminum can … Continued
Theo Gilbert has certainly paid his dues in the eyes of Italian nonnas and sous chefs everywhere. He’s logged time at nearly every station inside Spiaggia, launched (then buried) two Terragustos, and even helped out über-Italian (via Milwaukee) chef Paul Bartolotta with his Ristorante di Mare in Vegas. But for his latest effort – the … Continued
Are you a pork fan interested in going whole hog? Back after popular demand, Chef Nathan Sears and Chef Amber Blatt of Vie Restaurant will be dishing on all details of preparing a hog, from butchering to making sausage, bacon, pâté and more. The three-hour afternoon classes include lunch and and lots of take-home … Continued