Every time I drive by La Unica Food Mart, in Rogers Park, I’m struck by how hidden away this gem truly is. I bet 99.9% of the people who cruise down Devon Avenue – either on their way to the Indian/Pakistani restaurants, or to the Lake – think it’s just another Hispanic grocery store. But … Continued
It’s friggin’ cold outside. But this week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper has an excellent suggestion: go get yourself some Expedition Stout from Bell’s, the pride of Kalamazoo, MI. It’s dark, roasty and toasty; perfect to sip in front of a fire or have with roasted meats (even chocolate). It looks like oil, but tastes like … Continued
If there ever was a good week for something brutally dark and rich and comforting to help get through the dark days of winter, this would be it. While Chicago suffers yet another bone-chilling, snow-covered few days (high of 10 today, folks), Roper picked an apropos brew this week. It’s Obsidian Stout from Deschutes Brewery … Continued
Beautiful bitters from Bittered Sling Vancouver, BC – In the midst of a dine around last night during the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, I had a preview of the next phase in bitters. As you probably know, the cocktail culture in 2014 is all about fresh juices, esoteric (some would say terroir) spirits and … Continued
Very few of our Beers of the Week have had the distinction of being named in a lawsuit at the same time The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper was singing their praises, but such is the situation this week for the talented guys over at 5 Rabbit in Bedford Park. The local brewery – which specializes in creating beers … Continued
Pickled or fresh…tons of mushrooms at River Valley to choose from You’ve probably seen the River Valley Ranch stand at a number of Farmer’s Markets in the area. You might have even seen their main store and growing facility, if you ever take Highway 50 west toward Lake Geneva. What I had thought to be … Continued
By now, you’ve probably heard all about the pizza, pasta, carne and pesce at Eataly, the 63,000 square feet behemoth in River North. What you probably haven’t heard too much about is their beer. Yes, they have a brewery on site, but they are also importing some very special beer from Italy, including this week’s … Continued
We’re off to Morocco this week, sort of. At least on West Irving Park Road. I guarantee you’ve probably whizzed by Shokran on the way to Smoque BBQ or at the very least, were probably focusing more on the exit/on ramp for the Kennedy Expressway than you were on the storefront here. It’s easy to … Continued
Pecking Order’s Pinoy Eggs for Christmas Eve. If you haven’t already made your reservations in Chinatown this Christmas Eve, or you’re just in the mood for something a little different next Tuesday night, may I suggest Christine Subido’s family tradition from the Philippines: nochebuena. Traditionally celebrated in Latin America, Spain and the Philippines, this Christmas … Continued
Last week, Michael Roper tackled a few US beers in the Christmas spirit; today, it’s off to Belgium, where he’s got three more to recommend, including his favorite, Gouden Carolus, a deep, intense beer that really delivers a lot of flavor – without the cloying spices inherent in so many of this season’s brews. This … Continued
With Texas-style brisket on my mind this week, after my second trip to Austin last weekend, I felt it would only be prudent to let you know about my favorite Texas-style brisket in Chicago. This is not the Montreal influenced, coriander-and-pepper-rubbed, cured and smoked beauty that is Fumare, but rather, a humble expression of brisket … Continued