If you enjoy cheese, bread and wine, then you do not want to miss out on the second annual Pastoral’s Artisan Producer Festival tomorrow at the Chicago French Market. Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine was one of five retailers selected to win the Outstanding National Specialty Food Retailer of the Year award given out … Continued
If you really wanted to splurge on mom, you could obviously go to the Four Seasons or some all-you-can-eat extravaganza, but those kinds of meals are going to set you back at least $60 per person or more (plus tax & tip). I say let’s set a $40 ceiling, and spend the rest on some … Continued
Few people in Chicago know their Belgian beers as well as Michael Roper. As the owner of The Hopleaf, he has given these complex, nuanced beers a grand stage, and he is always more than happy to talk to patrons about them. But this week, he’s sticking to an old favorite: Orval. They only … Continued
Oh the humble tamale. Bastardized via one too many big city food cart; compromised in quality, the result of sitting too long in a steam bath as inebriated customers wait to fill their stomachs with little regard for its construction or contents. But behold the precious namesake at Tamales Garibay, a three-table storefront hugging … Continued
I was feeling inspired this weekend, due in part to two factors. One, I had read the New York Times’ Dining section last Wednesday, which was all about pizza, and right off the bat, Mark Bittman assured us that anyone could make decent pizza dough. I had always known this, of course, I just didn’t … Continued
Soccer.. football.. call it whatever you want. But regardless of its many cultural variations, one fact remains constant no matter where you are: Soccer and food go hand in hand. On Saturday, you can watch a live soccer match and enjoy Spanish food and drink at Cafe Ba-Ba Reeba in Lincoln Park. The restaurant will … Continued
That picture above looks pretty splendid, huh? It was taken two summers ago at the Dietzler Farm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, part of the annual “Outstanding in the Field” tour. The tour bus (literally) snakes its way across the country all summer, pairing up local chefs with local farms, and usually hits the Illinois/Wisconsin/Michigan farms in … Continued
I realize most craft brew fans look to places like Portland and Colorado (even Chicago) for new flavors and cutting-edge brewers. But don’t forget about sleepy, minuscule Delaware, home of Dogfish Head Brewery. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is bullish on a seasonal brew that combines apricots and hops. It’s clever name? Aprihop. … Continued
Based on the number of volunteers, sponsors and dudes with walkie talkies roaming around the UIC Forum on Saturday, you’d think Baconfest was something well into its 2nd decade. The celebration of all things porcine (especially cured, smoked and belly-related) was a huge hit, attracting more than 3,000 people and well over 100 chefs. … Continued
By Gulnaz Saiyed Hapless Intern It’s not easy being a foodie who’s practically broke, especially in Chicago, where delicious adventures await in every neighborhood. It’s also not easy when I’m craving something familiar. I grew up eating saffron rice and dipping my fingers into hummus prepared by my parents’ Middle Eastern friends. So when I’m not … Continued
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the Lookingglass Theater for the first time on Tuesday night. I had read pieces of the most recent reviews, but I have been traveling so much lately, I could barely remember what it was about. I saw the same picture in the press, of … Continued