Rapini and parm bruschetta from Eataly’s vegetarian restaurant, Le Verdure The numbers alone are staggering: $70 million invested in a 63,000 square foot space (13k larger than New York’s, by the way), and a labyrinth of 10 different eating opportunities/restaurants. Add to that a Lavazza coffee bar, a butcher, a fishmonger, a dry goods section, … Continued
Turkey/stuffing/duck/stuffing/chicken = turducken I typically toss the freebies and swag into the garbage or put them out on my desk for co-workers to devour. But when the folks at Echelon Foods (a former Canadian company that has moved to Chicago) asked if they could send me an Original Turducken, I was intrigued. I had never … Continued
The far western suburbs have a few food and drink highlights, among them, Paul Virant’s Vie, Katy’s Dumplings and the massive Super H Mart in Naperville. But head out to Warrenville, and you’ll come across the headquarters of Two Brothers Brewery, one of the region’s craft brewing pioneers. This week’s pick is a red rye … Continued
I’ve often sung the praises of the mango with sticky rice or the som tom (papaya salad) at Aroy, which, coincidentally and appropriately, is translated as “delicious.” The tiny mom-and-pop only has only about 12 tables, but their old-school approach could rival any Thai restaurant in the country, including the revered Pok Pok, now wowing … Continued
Facing dilution? I spent a few hours over the weekend working on my entry for the 2014 James Beard Awards, which will be held in May. The deadline is right after the first of the year, and the nominations come out on March 18th. But a few years ago, the Foundation started releasing the semi-finalists, that … Continued
Mott Street will be there. Will you? Tasting Table is getting ready for what looks to be the first market of its kind in Chicago. The Tasting Table Open Market, a food bazaar and holiday shopping experience, takes place December 6 and 7 downtown. The two-day market will feature a handpicked group of more than 50 … Continued
Taking its show on the road (to Block 37) The artisanal, prepared-food market that’s already making a delicious splash at Logan Square’s Sunday market is heading downtown next week, albeit briefly. The NOSH at Block Thirty Seven will be a twist on the usual market, running every weekday for lunch, from 10:30 am to 2 pm, beginning December 3rd (starting at noon on this … Continued
Chicago has been swept up in the doughnut craze the past year or so, and Glazed & Infused seems poised to be taking control of market share. They’ve already established their beachhead on Fulton Market, but now are opening up satellite stores in various neighborhoods, even taking up some space in the back of owner … Continued
G & C’s hot sauce with fried chicken & pickles (photo: Carolina Rodriguez) More than two dozen artisans and producers will pack the 1st Ward space in the back of Chop Shop this Sunday, for what is shaping up to be a pretty tasty market. I happened to attend Dose a few weeks ago. But … Continued
Photo courtesy Local Root, which offers turkeys to-go. The countdown is here. But if you don’t feel like cooking for that crazy aunt or that gluten-free cousin, and spending all day in the kitchen isn’t your forte, multiple Chicago restaurants are offering Thanksgiving dinners – both in their dining rooms or as meals to go: … Continued
This week, Roper looks to the Northeast, specifically, Portland, Maine. The Allagash brewery has always produced Belgian style beers in large formats, but now they’re actually producing the same great beer in more manageable 12 oz. bottles. Their dubbel and tripel happen to be wonderful beers, and now anyone can find them in their better … Continued