Currently browsing Blog

ABC 7 “Hungry Hound” Weekly Recap

Deerfield’s Bakery is the place to be when a sudden urge for strudel or chocolate chip coffeecake strikes.  Last week, for my Hungry Hound reports, I rediscovered that 125 year-old family bakery, some exotic Ghanaian cuisine in Uptown, plus the perfect pairing of doughnuts and barbecue on the South Side, as well as the only-in-Chicago … Continued

Polish Comfort Food Best Way to Stay Warm

By Camille Izlar Hapless Intern   Maybe it’s a result of living next to Kasia’s Deli, but I keep thinking a Polish meal is the perfect remedy for mid-winter depression. I asked my Polish roommate, Urzsula, where her top-rated places to eat were. After driving out to the suburbs, almost running out of gas and … Continued

Beer of the Week: HopSlam!

This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is reaching for a bottle of something he’s quite familiar with: hops. That is, HopSlam, the latest brew from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan. He says better go get some now though, as it will only be available in the market for a short time. Cheers.

Pork Buns at Oiistar

Ever since Oiistar opened at the end of 2012, the regulars have been talking about owner Sunny Yim’s ramen: the imported Japanese noodle machine, the crazy amount of time (18 hours) it takes to make his pork stock, the abnormally potent level of heat each bowl brings. But just as interesting – and perhaps, more … Continued

ABC 7 “Hungry Hound” Weekly Recap

Last week, the Hungry Hound battled winter with a barrage of flavors. Check out how chefs are creatively using seasonal, winter citrus in pastry dishes; then celebrate the Chinese New Year with traditional Shanghai favorites in Chinatown; take a peek at Bub City’s warming combination of barbecue and bourbon and, for a special Mardi Gras … Continued

I Dreamt Of Sushi…

By Ivan Yeh Former Hapless Intern    “What defines deliciousness? Taste is tough to explain, isn’t it?”   These were the words that stuck with me after watching “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” a David Gelb documentary depicting the life of sushi master Jiro Ono, the 86-year-old head chef at the Michelin three-star restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro. … Continued

Beer of the Week: Breakfast Stout

Just because The Hopleaf has an incredible selection of Belgians, doesn’t mean every BOTW has to be from there. In fact, this week, Michael Roper is looking across the Lake, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the Founders Brewing Co. has produced a double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout. The “breakfast” in the title refers to those … Continued

Wagyu Burger at The Paramount Room

Like barbecue restaurants in the ‘burbs, it seems there is no limit to how many burger joints one city can sustain. In Chicago, The Paramount Room has always offered food that aspires to (and reaches) new heights, despite its outward appearance as just another late night lounge. Their craft beers are as good as anywhere, … Continued

ABC 7 “Hungry Hound” Weekly Recap

What an incredibly delicious week in Chicago. Check out my latest videos for the inside look at Little Goat Bread and Diner, as well as fine-dining resurrected at Grace in the West Loop; also, some of the best Korean fried chicken in town at Dak Wings.