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Pizza, Pasta and Culinary Tours in Naples, Italy

I was just in Naples for a few days, checking off a bucketlist trip to the birthplace of the pizzeria. Neapolitan pizza is adored for its quick, high heat bake; its leopard spotted cornicione (perimeter) and somewhat juicy/soupy middle. It’s the original “pizza” but of course, it’s not as widely known in America. In fact, … Continued

Tacos Al Pastor at Taqueria Chingón

This taqueria, along busy Western Ave., hand-stacks their tacos al pastor with pork, but they also make a delicious vegetarian version with celery root and portobello mushrooms in butter confit. The melding of French and Mexican techniques is consistent, since each of the two chef-partners hails from different backgrounds.   Taqueria Chingón 2234 N. Western … Continued

Hand-Stacked Shawarma, Homemade Falafel the Stars at Crave Kabob

Shawarma stands selling falafel, kabobs and other Middle Eastern dishes are all over the region. But a locally-owned concept – with locations in Skokie and the West Loop – differentiates itself, by hand-stacking their shawarma each day into giant cones that are cooked slowly. Crave Kabob 1521 W. Madison St. 312-600-6800 http://www.cravekabob.com 7240 Niles Center … Continued

Two New Bakeries Get Creative During COVID

With the holidays approaching and most restaurants closed to indoor dining, bakeries seem to be opening at a frantic pace. This week, I visited two new spots in the city where creative pastry chefs are leading the way. Sugargoat 820 W. Randolph St. 312-667-0108 www.sugargoatsweets.com Brite Donuts & Baked Goods Available at Metric Coffee, 2021 W. … Continued