As the U.S. continues to thaw relations with Cuba, there is renewed interest in the island nation. Cubans love their plantains. And black beans, and of course, their beef. But no Cuban dining experience is complete without a bit of rum, and one of the city’s best rum selections happens to be located in the back … Continued
Cochon 555 stops in Chicago next week for a punch competition at Chicago Gourmet on Saturday the 26th and a porky fête on Sunday the 27th. To kick off the weekend, Chef Abraham Conlon welcomes six chefs from Chicago and beyond to his home at Fat Rice in Avondale for an after-hours Asian Speakeasy on Friday night. The $125 … Continued
Now revered as one of summer’s most versatile fruits, the tomato was once the hapless scapegoat of lead poisoning and aphrodisiac affections. To commemorate the now-celebrated tomato season (June to October), Osteria via Stato in downtown Chicago hosts their fourth annual multi-course dinner featuring the heirloom fruit. Join third-generation owner Nick Nichols of Nichols Farm & Orchard on Wednesday, September 23 … Continued
Unlike the name suggests, Oktoberfest traditionally begins mid-September in Germany, ending 16 to 18 days later – the first week of October. Chicagoans can jump right into the festivities this Saturday, September 19 at The Dawson with a selection of namesake brews and a $25 all-inclusive spread of German delights. Chef Shaun King lays out his rendition … Continued
Mexican Independence Day is coming up next week, and while some restaurants will offer special menus, there’s a new restaurant in Albany Park that’s simply happy to be open. It’s run by a chef who worked at Frontera Grill and Topolobampo for 14 years, and despite that experience, he still has his mom work with … Continued
Chef Dominique Tougne preaches the simplicity of traditional French cooking through the crust of his bacon & onion tart and the confit of his cassoulet, but starting September 15, he turns to mollusks. Though Moules de Marinière is always on menu at Chez Moi, Moules Fest offers guests an all-you-can-eat mussels and frites feast for just $25. … Continued
Chef Priscilla Satkoff, co-owner of Salpicon! in Chicago, stopped by Frontera’s test kitchen to take on Rick Bayless in a Poblano Challenge for The Feed Podcast. They get 5 extra ingredients and 15 minutes to make a simple weeknight meal. As usual, I’m the guy trying to keep everyone on task. See recipes at the … Continued
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and much of what makes the city so special, is the ability of immigrant populations to coalesce and form enclaves. One of the delicious results of that herd mentality is the profusion of mom-and-pop restaurants. One of the greatest parts of my job is highlighting these independent businesses, often … Continued
The sheer variety of freshly-made pasta at Eataly can be daunting, and when faced with a dozen or so options, one might simply fall back on a known entity, like linguini or angel hair. But this Friday, Eataly is giving you a good reason to experiment. Their Fresh Pasta Friday means everything at their fresh … Continued
In a tiny Chinatown storefront, the outside doesn’t look like much, but inside, a family-run restaurant features the nuanced dishes from Xi’an. The two stars: handmade noodles – made in two distinctive ways – plus a homemade bun stuffed with ground lamb and cumin that is completely unique to Chicago.
To be honest, I usually just get a sandwich at Publican Quality Meats, the butcher/sandwich shop/deli across the street from The Publican in Fulton Market. I know they care deeply about their pork products – yesterday during lunch alfresco, I saw them unload at least four whole pigs from Slagel Farms, and a quick scan … Continued