Spending two years in oak, along with some Michigan cherries, Goose Island’s Madame Rose is truly a unique brew. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper urges you to go out and find some, before it’s all gone. Better yet, pick up a few extra bottles and cellar them for awhile; it will only improve with … Continued
Ever since I tweeted from Smalls about their brisket bibimbop, I’ve been having dreams about it (I know, I’m sick). It’s so obvious and yet, no one in Chicago has dared combine the rich, earthy, smokiness of slow-cooked brisket with the bold, assertive Korean chili paste (gojujang) and crisp, blanched vegetables and rice that are … Continued
We’re deviating a bit from the hops and barley theme this week, as we take a sip of a refreshing cider from the well-regarded Vandermill Brewery in Spring Lake, Michigan. This particular cider features both ginger and peach, for a light, refreshing, totally quaffable cider that is well suited to drinking with food or all by … Continued
This week’s pick comes from the Dupont brewery in Belgium. It’s called Dry Hopping, and it only comes out once a year. The unique feature is that is relies on a single hop varietal. In this case, it’s the Challenger hop from Britain. Cheers!
Celebrate oysters on August 5th for National Oyster Day at Hugo’s or Tavern on Rush There’s a “National ____ Day” for just about everything on the planet. While I agree it’s getting a little out of hand, I’m partial to tomorrow’s event, which happens to be National Oyster Day, and Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House and Tavern … Continued
When I first stumbled upon The Dairy Star, after a long jag down Devon Avenue, gobbling up boti kebabs and tearing into a round of crispy dosas, it looked like just another little ice cream stand. What I didn’t realize is that this little icon has been a beacon of sweet, creamy soft serve for … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper looks to Belgium (the guy should know, his bar has more than 100 Belgians on offer) for his Beer of the Week. The Vicar Quinto comes from the Dilewyns Brewery; it’s a golden, high fermentation beer with secondary fermentation in both the bottle and the cask. It’s brand new in … Continued
Sizzling, juicy cheeseburgers at Roscoe Village’s Burger Fest Nothing says summer like a sizzling grill. Roscoe Village is turning up the heat once again this weekend, bringing us its 5th annual Burger Fest featuring fourteen different vendors. Head to Belmont and Damen between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The chefs will … Continued
So many summertime beers to sip, so little time. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper suggests a pair of craft beers – both less than 5% abv – from the pride of Paso Robles, CA: Firestone Walker (yes, the same family who made the tires). He says they’re limited to the season, so you don’t have … Continued
This week, as we finally slip into some consistently warm days, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper has an excellent pale ale in mind from Downingtown, PA. Victory Brewing (makers of such iconic brands as Golden Monkey and Prima Pils) has created a seasonal golden ale with German hops and pale malt. This “Summer Love” is sure … Continued
At this rate, there will be more fried chicken in Chicago eventually than there is Italian beef. With Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Parson’s Chicken & Fish and Leghorn all brining, dredging and frying, are we that crazy for fried bird? Apparently so. Endgrain has been offering one of the best versions in town, but I … Continued