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
Tickets to Chicago’s WhiskeyFest may be sold out tonight, but there’s still a lot in store for whiskey fans around Chicago this weekend. Delilah’s has had whiskey specials each night of the week, but the big event is the official WhiskeyFest after-party tonight at 10 p.m., no tickets necessary. The party features many guest distillers and guest … Continued
I have a very good reason, (actually, reasons) for not posting my usual Top 5 list today. The main one is because as you read this, I’m already at O’Hare. But more important, the time and effort it takes to produce the list was just not high enough up on the priority list this week. … Continued
After a few weeks of featuring American beers, it seems like Michael is now really getting in touch with his Belgian groove (The Hopleaf does, afterall, carry more than 100 Belgian beers). This week’s pick is a hoppy Belgian ale – kind of a cross between an American/English IPA and a Belgian Trappist Tripel. … Continued
I’m hoping 13 is my lucky number… The 2012 James Beard Award nominees were announced yesterday, and while yours truly will be seeking the elusive 13, many of my colleagues and local chefs were also honored to see their hard work recognized. Here, in no particular order, are the local nominees:
While Chicago’s Italian community slowly recovers from a zeppole-laced St. Joseph’s Day yesterday, there could be cause for lament, now that the window for pastry cream-filled fried dough stuffed with amaro-soaked cherries has passed. But fear not, because there’s another cream-filled cake with fruit I have my eye on, and its inspiration is clearly … Continued
In case you missed Chicago’s Restaurant Week, you’ve got another (albeit shorter) chance to get a taste of some of Chicago’s best restaurants at Chicago Chef Week, running March 18-23. More than 50 eateries will be featuring special prix fixe menus, with lunch set at $22 and dinner at $39, plus tax and tip. … Continued