We all know that Chicago has an enormous Polish population. But where does someone go if they want to buy the smoked sausages, breads and soups that remind them of home? You could certainly walk up and down North Milwaukee Avenue or down South Archer, but for one-stop shopping, you need to travel to one of … Continued
When it comes to its culinary scene, Milwaukee tends to get thrown into the beer, brats and cheese curds category. However, Chicago’s northern neighbor has some gems, including a beloved coffee roaster that’s soon coming to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, as well as a modern Chinese restaurant led by a former Chicagoan.
On this week’s show, we begin an occasional series on iconic dishes that define a particular place. We begin with a pair of meaty ones: tender barbacoa from Mexico City and meaty Italian beef sandwiches from Chicago. We were thinking about what constitutes an iconic dish, and decided we would take an occasional look at how … Continued
Cindy’s Rooftop Bar, which has one of the city’s best views, has undergone a pretty major change. Located atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel on Michigan Avenue, Cindy’s is popular in the summertime for its views of Millennium Park. However, a new year has brought a completely new menu, with a few tasty surprises that don’t … Continued
It’s the new year, and for a lot of us, that means an attempt to try to eat a little bit healthier. Remember Muskie’s? That little burger dive on N. Lincoln Avenue? It’s been re-born as a super healthy-yet-delicious option in Lakeview, where most of the menu is guilt-free.
Coming up on this week’s show: vermouth takes center stage behind the bar. Not just in a supporting role, as a wingman in your favorite cocktails, but also as the star of the show, especially if you’re Spanish.
There won’t be any ball-drops Friday night, but the Chinese New Year does begin at midnight. The “Year of the Rooster” will have just about every restaurant in Chinatown busy, of course, but you might want to seek out a new spot on South Wentworth where you’ll find hand-pulled and hand-shaved noodles exactly as they’re … Continued
On this week’s super-sized show, Bayless and I travel to five cities in two countries for a major taco crawl. Some are traditional, while other versions are being reinterpreted by ambitious chefs. When seeking out the best taco, why not head to the epicenter of taco culture. Rick heads to Mexico City to meet up with … Continued
When most new restaurants in Chicago tend to feature steaks, chops and other meat-heavy entrees, Bad Hunter is taking a very different approach. The Chef – a recent hire from Nico Osteria – has made grilling, roasting and transforming all manner of vegetables the stars of his menu. Bonus: this week’s Extra Course Video – … Continued
Since I’ve decided not to lead another trip to Cuba this year, I thought it was time to return to Spain. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities to eat and drink in, and on this trip – put together with the fine folks from Royal Travel here in Chicago – we’re also going to … Continued
At a Venezuelan restaurant in Chicago, they are serving that country’s most famous export – the arepa. BienMeSabe in the Ravenswood neighborhood is one of the city’s only Venezuelan outposts, where they make dozens of fresh arepas all day long.