(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) All month long we’re roaming around the Chicago French Market, sampling some of the best bites. So far, we’ve introduced you to the glories of gourmet take-out at Wisma, as well as the crispier-than-thou frites at Frietkoten. Today, we’re heading to Vietnam, sort of, for the traditional banh mi sandwich … Continued
By Rachel Tan Hapless Intern You can often get a sense of a restaurant based on the quality of its bread basket. It’s both a visual attraction as well as a sensory opening salvo. If that bread basket just features one thing, it better be fantastic. At Allium, inside The Four Seasons Hotel downtown, … Continued
I have to admit, today’s list is by no means an exhaustive rundown of a well-researched, thoroughly-curated gastronomical tour in The Crescent City. It’s more a result of a few concentrated evenings of eating and drinking. Clearly, not enough time to provide you with a week’s worth of exploring, but at the very least, … Continued
The gluten free camp is doing a great job of getting their message out. Walking by my neighborhood grocery last night, I noticed a huge sign out front, promising “vegan and gluten free groceries.” Dozens of restaurants are now offering small sections dedicated to the GF crowd, and now even breweries are getting in … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) We continue our grazing exercise through The Chicago French Market this month, with a trip to the Wisma kiosk. Chef John des Rosiers has been tackling the suburbs for a few years now, setting up shop at Inovasi in Lake Bluff and more recently, Moderno in Highland Park. But he’s … Continued
The Green Flash brewery isn’t known nearly as well as its fellow California brewer, Lagunitas, but this San Diego-based brewery is still producing some hoppy beers worth a look. This week, Michael Roper says their “Hop Head Red” is a red IPA that’s a bit spicier than normal, but if you’re into hops, then this … Continued
(Videography by Todd Rosenberg) A few weeks ago, I offered up my Top 5 French Fries in Chicago, and realized I had completely forgotten to mention one of the best in town. The problem is, like many of the culinary kiosks at the Chicago French Market in the West Loop, they tend to be … Continued
There are so many charitable causes throughout the year in Chicago, it can be hard to choose which ones to support. Honestly, for most people, it’s because the cause is close to their heart or they have some other personal connection. I choose a few organizations each year to get involved with, but I … Continued
This week, Michael Roper is turning to a lager, but not just any lager, mind you. This one contains rye, which isn’t seen as often as you’d think. It gives this beer – Hoss – from the Great Divide Brewery in Colorado, a hint of spiciness and keeps the alcohol level relatively low. Hope you … Continued
At first glance, it looks like a mound of something your 16 year-old cousin would throw together after a late-night run through a fast food drive-through lane. But poutine is revered with almost religious fervor in the Canadian province of Quebec. And while the Olympic team might not be training on it this week, … Continued
Ivan Yeh Hapless Intern Despite being a lifelong city dweller, I have always loved experiencing the countryside. For me, there is something romantic about living in a house surrounded by family members and farm animals, tending to one’s own crops with an idyllic landscape permanently etched in the background. To date, staying at my … Continued