Many of us beer drinkers in Chicagoland (and beyond) love 3 Floyds Brewery. I’ve gone on the record several times about their fabulous new brewpub, with an upgraded kitchen and a menu that’s worth the drive. But their beers have become as legendary as the burgers at Kuma’s, and this week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper … Continued
I’m still lamenting the loss of the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop in Hyde Park, but the other location – in Evanston – is still humming along. Incidentally, they also have a second location in South Suburban Lansing. The restaurant serves three meals a day, but on weekends, they offer a few extra items, … Continued
I had never heard of a beer deemed “Grand Cru.” I had always thought that term applied to a region or wine with a special designation. But this week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is going crazy for a very special bottle from St. Feuillien, produced by one of the world’s few female brewmasters. This Belgian … Continued
Before you know it, it’s going to be steady sweater weather. Enter your perfect antidote: hearty burek, which – depending on where you’re from – hails from either Macedonia, Turkey, Serbia and/or Bosnia. The Beograd Cafe on Irving Park is a reliable hangout for off-duty construction workers and coffee-sipping ex-pats, and nearly every table … Continued
In honor of today being “Italian Village Day” in Chicago, I thought it only appropriate to delve into some of the city’s best red sauce joints. If you’ve come looking for Rosebud or La Scarola, you’ll be disappointed they’re not here. What these joints all have in common though, is their hospitable surroundings, serving comfortable, … Continued
There is a history of successful people getting involved in the wine/beer business. Coppola made his way in film before Napa Valley cab, and the same is true of the Firestones. Yes, they made their name in tires first, but now – according to The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper – they’re also brewing excellent beer. Take … Continued
As you can probably tell, I’m on a bit of southern kick this week, especially after yesterday’s post about some of my eating highlights in Charleston. When you’re in the Lowcountry, near the Carolinas on the Outer Banks, one of my favorite dishes has to be shrimp and grits. True, the rest of the … Continued
This week, as the weather begins the slightest shift to milder temperatures, Michael Roper looks across the pond to London, where a relatively new brewer is producing a dynamite porter, in the classic style. Trust us, it’s not as heavy as it looks. Cheers.
Revolution Brewing has been a bright spot in Logan Square since it started filling up loyalist’s growlers with frequency. Now, the Chicago brewer is branching out beyond the brewpub, selling a fantastic new Belgian-style saison. You can’t miss the dynamic bottle art, and if The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper enthusiastically recommends it, you know it’s worth … Continued
(videography by Todd Rosenberg) In the waning days of summer (I can’t quite reconcile the fact that August is already in the past), you don’t have to make the trek to Ukrainian Village (or their latest store, at Belmont & Damen) to try Jesse Oloroso’s gelato. In fact, the owner of Black Dog Gelato … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) There’s been a resurgence in demand for all things smoked, partly due to the amount of press places like Mile End in New York and Schwartz’s in Montreal receive (the latter doesn’t smoke their meat anymore, by the way. I’ve been inside their kitchen and seen the proof). But I’ve … Continued