By virtue of my job, I eat out. A lot. So I’ve started to see patterns in how service staffs have been trained; in some cases, by corporate monoliths eager for profits and positive customer service surveys. I never really paid much attention, until I came back from Asia last week, where they present you … Continued
click here to access the magazine, then “flip through” to pages 12-13 for my roundup of top 5 pizzas from around the U.S.
The Two Brothers Brewery in west suburban Warrenville (we’re talking pretty far west of Chicago) has been producing award-winning beers for many years now. One of their latest has caught Michael Roper’s eye this week, as it’s something he sells frequently at The Hopleaf in Andersonville. It’s their Domaine DuPage, a French style country … Continued
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a grilled sandwich, and the Cubans certainly know what they’re doing when it comes to applying heat to bread. A couple of years ago, you could barely find a properly made Cuban sandwich in Chicago, but today, you’ve got at least half a dozen excellent options. As … Continued
I knew I would run across some cool, crazy stuff on a trip through China, but I had no idea what they would look (or taste) like. I’m not about to step onto Andrew Zimmern’s toes here – I have very little interest in culinary one-upmanship by slamming grubs and other paraphernalia down my … Continued
If you have any interest in pastry, then in addition to knowing how to make a ganache and perhaps choux pastry, you’ll also need to master a crème anglaise. This versatile component stars in ice creams and sauces, and in the hands of a pro, can be deployed to make addictive desserts. Cindy Schuman, the … Continued
Not that I needed to go to China to get great Chinese food – I can certainly satisfy my dumpling and duck cravings in Chicago – but spending 10 days there last week really did change my life. On assignment for a couple of newspapers, a radio program and ABC, my priorities were duck in … Continued
For those of you looking for a place to celebrate Passover this weekend, two restaurants not commonly known for their Jewish cuisine will be offering traditional dinners in observance of the holiday. Joe’s Stone Crab will be hosting a Passover dinner from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7. … Continued
I was just reading through Gail Simmons’ new book, Talking With My Mouth Full, and came across a section about her love of Montreal bagels, which I too now share, after having seen the light a few weeks ago. There are two primary sources in Montreal – both of which are stellar. Although within the … Continued
A big, porky congratulations to Brian Lambrecht, winner of two tickets to this year’s Baconfest, which happens on April 14th at the UIC Forum. Brian and a guest will also take home a snazzy hat and t-shirt from the event. How come? Well, mainly because Brian and his pork posse put together this creative, … Continued
Letizia’s Fiore is hosting its first amaro dinner, with five courses of regional Italian cuisine paired with cocktails featuring amaro, the Italian liqueur that is finally getting its due around town. The special dinner, held on April 3, begins with a cocktail party at 7:30 P.M. The drinks will be prepared by mixologists Adam … Continued