Top 5 Banh Mi in Chicago

The exquisite banh mi from Ba Le in Uptown (photo: Steve Dolinsky)

Truly great sandwiches are studies in contrast. The soft chew of a Leidenheimer French bread encasing warm, fried shrimp, crisp lettuce and tomatoes in a New Orleans po’boy at the Parkway Tavern; the perfect crust of a D’Amato’s loaf housing a bevy of thinly-sliced, appropriately fatty Italian meats, dressed with fruity olive oil and thick slices of eggplant at Bari; even something as simple as a well-constructed club sandwich can make me swoon – as long as the bacon is crisp and the bread is properly toasted. Yet for my money, the Vietnamese banh mi ranks as one of my all-time favorite sandwiches. Read More

Gluten Free Beers Making Inroads In Chicago

The gluten free camp is doing a great job of getting their message out. Walking by my neighborhood grocery last night, I noticed a huge sign out front, promising “vegan and gluten free groceries.” Dozens of restaurants are now offering small sections dedicated to the GF crowd, and now even breweries are getting in on the action. But this week, Roper says only about one of them actually produces gluten free beer that tastes like beer. It is, of course from Illinois, and the Two Brothers have somehow managed to concoct a recipe that both GF and non-GF drinkers will enjoy. Cheers.

Summer Wine Classes Offered by BIN 36

BIN 36 makes and blends their own award-winning wines.

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of wine tasting and pairing? This summer, BIN 36 is offering two seminars that will give you the opportunity to explore food and wine with Wine Director Brian Duncan.

On Tuesday, May 22, Wine 102: Far Out Grapes from Far Out Places will be reviewing various types of grapes for those with basic wine knowledge. Wine 103: Food and Wine Synergy: Cheese & Wine Pairing will be offered on Tuesday, June 19 for those with an intermediate wine background. The class will begin by reviewing the basics of food and wine pairing with BIN 36′s own wine snacks. Afterward, students will enjoy a cheese and wine tasting and pairing session.

The classes will take place at BIN 36′s loft space, 339 N. Dearborn. Reservations and rates are available online at www.bin36.com.

Pineapple Custard Pie at Telegraph

After yesterday’s post regarding Mindy Segal’s re-booted HotChocolate, I didn’t really think about running another sweet feature, but I’ve had this one in the works for about two weeks. After a casual dinner by my lonesome recently at the bar at Telegraph, in Logan Square, my eyes were drawn to one of their desserts: a pineapple custard pie. There were also currants involved, and some saffron I believe; maybe some pepper and brown sugar too. In either case, if you like grilled fruit and custard, you’re going to dig this pie. I mean it.

HotChocolate 2.0 Showing Promise

No more lounge area at HotChocolate

What a week for Mindy Segal. After a half-dozen nominations, she picked up a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in the U.S., no small feat, considering she runs an entire restaurant, rather than just a dessert menu tucked within one. But this year, Segal wasn’t in New York City for the awards ceremony, because she was busy putting the finishing touches on the remodeling of her restaurant, and had to get it open. “It was like opening another restaurant altogether,” she told me. If you want to read the real back story, check out this profile in TimeOut. The cosmetic changes included the addition of skylights, a revamped HVAC and the elimination of both the awkward front lounge and the large booth back near the kitchen. But Segal has also been working on refining her menu. Read More

Scofflaw Offers Another Source for Fine Cocktails in Chicago

Grab a stool and order a round

Everyone I know has been encouraging me to visit Scofflaw since it opened a few weeks ago. Knowing how much I enjoy a finely-made cocktail, (and the fact there are some well-schooled bar men here, hailing from such locally respected watering holes as The Whistler) I knew it was going to be worthwhile. Located at the corner of Armitage and Kedzie, in what could only be described as West Logan Square/North Humboldt Park, I was by far the oldest gent in the room. Their mantra is “gin-focused cocktails” but there were plenty of other spirits on hand, including my favorite: rum. Fortunately, they just started messing around with some swizzles, which have their roots in tiki culture. I love the pebbled/crushed ice in these drinks, as well as their fun colors, and as long as you don’t take too long to sip them over the course of an evening (thus watering down the drink) I think even borderline rum fans will enjoy their tropical notes much as I do. Read More