You could do just fine with a visit to Sauce & Bread Kitchen in Edgewater, and stick to the sandwiches. Or, if you were in a hurry, grab some of the hot sauces, maybe a bottle of chow chow (relish) and a loaf or two of the homemade bread. But you would certainly kick yourself … Continued
Ever since Half Acre finished building its brewery in Northcenter, it seems they’ve been cranking. Exactly three years ago, they became the first brewer in Chicago to sell their beer in cans; they continue with a relatively new product, the Akari Shogun, which is considered an American pale wheat ale. Cheers.
We celebrate yet another Silver Anniversary this week, honoring Brooklyn Brewery’s fantastic, chestnut-colored lager, arriving in a large format bottle. The Hopleaf’s Michael Ropers says cheers to one of the nation’s most influential brewers.
This resurrected concept from Team Melman and Lettuce Entertain You used to sit on Weed Street, in Lincoln Park in the late 80s (I fondly recall eating a mess of crawdads on a ream of newspaper after an Oingo Boingo concert at Metro in ’88). But the trend of slow-smoking pork and brisket was too … Continued
It’s hard to believe it’s been a quarter century since John Hall and his son, Greg, began brewing beer along Clybourn in Lincoln Park. 25 years later, the company is in someone else’s hands, but there’s no denying the impact and influence Goose Island has had on the Chicago beer scene. For this special anniversary … Continued
I know, I know. We’ve been covering tacos, burgers and fried chicken WAY too much lately. It seems like every other opening in Chicago features these standards, albeit with a twist, in some form or another. But wait, there’s more. L’Patron (pronounced “El Patron”) is the latest taqueria to open in Logan Square, and the … Continued
Nothing says springtime (in the beer world) like a little bock. This seasonal brew from Anchor Brewing, one of the country’s best-known brewers out of San Francisco, is ready to drink this week, but it won’t be on store shelves forever. Sure, The Hopleaf carries it, but so do a lot of other fine purveyors … Continued
Yes, it’s getting warmer outside. But ever since Billy Sunday opened, they’ve had this rum-fueled, tart passionfruit and pineapple-laced summer-inspired daiquiri on the drink menu; perhaps wishful thinking for sunnier days ahead? I say bold move, Mr. Bartender. This icy concoction is definitely something you should drink. Cheers. Thanks to Todd Rosenberg (@toddrphoto) for … Continued
Since I just returned from Korea yesterday, and saw dukbokki at every night market and street corner, I couldn’t resist re-running this favorite from last year. It’s one of those images you’ve seen countless times driving down the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago. No, not the Wrigley’s digital sign or that building on Ashland that’s … Continued
SEOUL – As I type this post from the Seoul airport, where the WiFi speed makes U.S. carriers look like dial-up circa 1998, I have dozens of images and flavors locked into my permanent taste memories. The fatty toro from Matsu, served at the counter inside a charming two-story home in Kyoto; the cacophony surrounding … Continued
As the coffee market grows in Chicago, owners are getting creative with coffee-bakery hybrids. Beans and Bagels in Lincoln Square hired Jean-Yves Martin four years ago, and now the shop – known for its coffee – boasts an exquisite pastry selection as well. Martin takes a classical approach, beginning work at 1 a.m. each day. … Continued