Evidently, my post last Thursday, (the Top 5 overrated Italian joints in Chicago), revealed there is clearly a passionate base out there, willing to defend loyalties. I promised that this Thursday, I would reveal what, I feel, are the top 5 best places to get Italian, but before I do, I wanted to share with … Continued
Normally, this “Young & Hungry” franchise is an occasional foray by my interns into food writing. This is the third Monday in a row Columbia student Kristen Kuchar has volunteered for the assignment, so I’m letting her run with it. Being low on funds, the term “fine dining” doesn’t often enter into my vocabulary. … Continued
I realize the sheer number of Italian restaurants in our area makes this a somewhat daunting proposition. After last week’s “overrated” edition, I’m turning to my top 5 this week, and all of these places have a few things in common: for one thing, they make pretty much everything – from the grissini and focaccia, … Continued
I realize today is St. Patrick’s Day, but did you also realize that Saturday is St. Joseph’s? This Italian day of feasting occurs during Lent and features several seafood courses, if not an entire spread (don’t forget the zeppole!) I figured now was as good a time as any to reveal what I believe to … Continued
Pork, eggs, cheese and bread. These seemingly humble ingredients have become the Four Horsemen of nearly every breakfast nook in Chicago. Naturally, the pork isn’t simply bacon, it’s shoulder that’s been brined and/or smoked, sometimes braised in its own juices; the eggs should be organic, and if not, then at the very least, free-range … Continued
I’m turning over this space today – as I do on occasion – to one of my interns. Kristen Kuchar is a student at Columbia College, and like all students, she’s always looking for a bargain. Our criteria for the “Young & Hungry” series is that entrees must hover around $10. This week, she heads to … Continued
The Hawks have been on a tear (with the exception of the last two nights), as they head into the home stretch, (hopefully) headed for the playoffs. With just 14 games left in the regular season (six of which are at home), demand for seats is high, which is why you might want to gather … Continued
In honor of Lent this week, we are going vegetarian. I realize a lot of people will be ordering pepper-and-egg sandwiches from their favorite Italian beef stands until Easter, but if you’re looking for something a little more interesting, head to West Rogers Park. There, along Devon Avenue, you’ll find Sukhadia’s, a tidy little Indian … Continued
Last year, I happened to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and recall it was just a week after the Saints had won the Super Bowl; it was mid-February. This year, the festivities get going a little later, with Ash Wednesday falling on March 9, meaning Fat Tuesday occurs on March 8. Back-timing it … Continued