This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is reaching for a bottle of something he’s quite familiar with: hops. That is, HopSlam, the latest brew from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan. He says better go get some now though, as it will only be available in the market for a short time. Cheers.
Ever since Oiistar opened at the end of 2012, the regulars have been talking about owner Sunny Yim’s ramen: the imported Japanese noodle machine, the crazy amount of time (18 hours) it takes to make his pork stock, the abnormally potent level of heat each bowl brings. But just as interesting – and perhaps, more … Continued
Last week, the Hungry Hound battled winter with a barrage of flavors. Check out how chefs are creatively using seasonal, winter citrus in pastry dishes; then celebrate the Chinese New Year with traditional Shanghai favorites in Chinatown; take a peek at Bub City’s warming combination of barbecue and bourbon and, for a special Mardi Gras … Continued
Just because The Hopleaf has an incredible selection of Belgians, doesn’t mean every BOTW has to be from there. In fact, this week, Michael Roper is looking across the Lake, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the Founders Brewing Co. has produced a double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout. The “breakfast” in the title refers to those … Continued
Like barbecue restaurants in the ‘burbs, it seems there is no limit to how many burger joints one city can sustain. In Chicago, The Paramount Room has always offered food that aspires to (and reaches) new heights, despite its outward appearance as just another late night lounge. Their craft beers are as good as anywhere, … Continued
What an incredibly delicious week in Chicago. Check out my latest videos for the inside look at Little Goat Bread and Diner, as well as fine-dining resurrected at Grace in the West Loop; also, some of the best Korean fried chicken in town at Dak Wings.
By Camille Izlar Hapless Intern Lunch=sandwich. Loop lunch=better sandwich. The ubiquitous meal is everywhere downtown. But I found you can eat better than Potbelly for less money. Check out these famous and not-so-famous places when you find yourself lost in the Loop and wondering why everyone else seems to have such purpose in life.
With the Super Bowl in New Orleans this Sunday, every TV show in the country is showing people how to celebrate like they do in NOLA: gumbo, jambalaya, etc. But I say if you want to party like a local, you really should be drinking a brandy milk punch or a sazerac. I’ve always … Continued
In terms of Guatemalan food in Chicago, the first thing most caucasians probably think of is Pollo Campero, the Central American-born, international chain of fried chicken shacks with cult-like fans. But for nearly 20 years, the tiny kitchen at El Tinajon in Roscoe Village has been pumping out Guatemalan classics as well. One of the … Continued
It was a delicious week in Chicago… from homemade ramen at the brand new Oiistar in Wicker Park, to cooking classes for people of all ages in a Glen Ellyn cookware store; Balkan dishes are the focus at Kiko’s Market and Restaurant in Lincoln Square, while the chicken pot pie gets a makeover (in the … Continued
When I first heard this week’s BotW, I thought there was some Star Wars connection. But when The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper told me it was connected to the Firestone family – yes, the same one that produce tires – I thought, how good could this possibly be? Turns out, if you like your beers deep … Continued