Not all PB & Js are created equal. In fact, sometimes, that “PB” doesn’t even mean peanut butter. In the case of this week’s SYSE, the folks at Elaine’s Coffee Call – the tiny cafe inside the Hotel Lincoln – have substituted pecan butter, and are combining it with seasonal preserves, then pressing it in … Continued
It seems like we’ve been talking a lot about the Brooklyn Brewery lately. They’ve got their big MASH event coming to town in a week or so, and this week’s pick is actually a collaboration between Brooklyn’s Brewmaster – Garrett Oliver – and an Italian brewery called Amarcord. They produce a blonde and a bruna … Continued
Normally, I approach new restaurants on an empty stomach. But last Thursday night, after devouring a few bowls of ramen at the excellent Misoya in Mount Prospect (thanks, Mike Sula for that tip), I convinced our friends to try this new place I had heard about, Gogi. I figured we’d stop in for a quick … Continued
It does seem like everyone and their beer-crazed brother is producing an IPA these days. But this week’s pick is a true pioneer in the category; it’s one of the first in America’s craft beer movement, and now, it’s available in Chicago. It’s from Ballast Point, a well-regarded brewery in San Diego, and it’s relatively … Continued
There are only a handful of gelato producers in Chicago, and most of the time, they have brick-and-mortar stores set up from which they can sell their product. Sometimes, they start out just doing wholesale work, as Jesse Oloroso did with Black Dog Gelato after she left Stephanie Izard’s employ at Scylla. Other times, they … Continued
I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked about my top 5 in Chicago for enjoyable eating, but I do know I usually include a recommendation to folks to go eat at Lula Cafe. It’s always been my reliable go-to for lunch or brunch on a Monday, when most places are closed, and I … Continued
This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper suggests a Belgian-style saison from Switzerland, from the BFM Brewery. Their Square Root 225 is an anniversary beer, so it’s a one-off that won’t be around long. Better calculate how you’re going to find this one before it runs out. Cheers.
I’m definitely in a southern state of mind this week. In Chicago, finding some of those familiar flavors, such as pimento cheese, fried chicken livers or shrimp & grits, isn’t as easy as, say, a great som tum. I’m a fan of the Carriage House, where Mark Steuer recreates the familiar flavors from his native … Continued
In the summertime, many of us crave a thirst-quenching beer, but not everyone wants (or is allowed to consume) alcohol. Enter Krombacher, a weizen beer from Germany that refreshes without knocking you on your ass. Just ask the Hopleaf’s Michael Roper. Cheers.
Sierra Nevada has been working to help support and rebuild a monastery over the past few years. Their Ovila series has produced some great beers in this effort, and this week’s pick – a mandarin orange and peppercorn-flavored saison – is well worth the effort to seek out. Naturally, like all of our picks, you … Continued
Fort Collins, Colorado is our focus this week, as The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper features New Belgium’s Summer Series beer, called Rolle Bolle. It features monkfruit – something we’ve never even heard of – in a very low alcohol, refreshing summer beer. Cheers.