Paul Kahan & Jose Garces Go All-In on Iberico

Every year, during the National Restaurant Show, seats are tough to nab in Chicago – at least downtown, where most of the visitors stay. Forget about holding a private event – most private dining rooms are booked by publicists, restaurateurs and manufacturers, hosting their clients and VIPs over the weekend. On Saturday, I got to attend an all-Iberico ham dinner at Mercat a la planxa, hosted by Jose “Iron Chef” Garces and Paul “Outstanding Chef in the U.S.”* Kahan. Read More

Oat Cream Sandwiches at Sauce & Bread Kitchen

You could do just fine with a visit to Sauce & Bread Kitchen in Edgewater, and stick to the sandwiches. Or, if you were in a hurry, grab some of the hot sauces, maybe a bottle of chow chow (relish) and a loaf or two of the homemade bread. But you would certainly kick yourself if, after seeing this video, if you neglected to pick up at least one oat cream cookie sandwich. I’m not a huge oatmeal guy, but these little caramel buttercream beauties won me over instantly, thanks to the crisp/soft contrast. How crisp? Listen to the very end of this video, and you’ll see what I mean.

Thanks to Todd Rosenberg for the fine videography (follow him @toddrphoto)

Stephanie Izard Wins Best Chef: Great Lakes

Steve talked with Stephanie Izard, from Girl & the Goat, winner of the Best Chef: Great Lakes region.

First Chicago Win at James Beard Awards

Chicago’s first win at The James Beard Awards, going to The Aviary, named Outstanding Bar Program.

2013 James Beard Preview

We’re in New York, covering all of the Chicago winners; here’s a preview of what to look for later tonight

James Beard Awards Tonight; Lots of Chicago Talent Here

There have already been more parties, after-parties and cocktail receptions than I can count. The four day-long slog that has become Beard Weekend began on Friday (where Chicago’s Nina Barrett and Mike Sula picked up medallions for their work at WBEZ and The Reader, respectively) and has wound its way through a series of events, including last night’s “Chef’s Night Out” party, which took place in the massive food hall below The Plaza Hotel. Tonight, it’s time for the Chef/Restaurant awards, and there will be 13 Chicagoans paying extra close attention. As always, I’ll be the only Chicago reporter here grabbing on camera interviews with the winners, so be sure to check back here or abc7chicago.com for the details. Here are the folks we’ll be keeping an eye on, with their respective categories of nomination: Read More