The sheer number of stores on Devon Avenue can be daunting. Between the jewelry stops, sari vendors and restaurants, a stroll through “Little India” presents a riot of color, aroma and sound (especially on a weekend). My friends are always puzzled when it comes to choosing a place to eat. Wanting to avoid the cliché … Continued
I know what I’ll be doing the last Monday of each month. Arami – which has always been in the upper tier for local sushi and ramen – has been doing a Noodle Night the past few months, always the last Monday of the month, featuring a couple of drink specials and a trio of … Continued
Does your heart beat a little faster at the thought of artisan breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and wine? Then Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine’s 5th Annual Artisan Producer Festival is definitely for you. This free tasting and meet-the-producer event will take place at the Chicago French Market this Saturday, April 25th, from 11 a.m. – … Continued
Since the softening of relations between Cuba and the U.S. has been in the news the past few months, we figured it was time to go before the floodgates opened. Unlike previous tours I’ve organized, this one is going to encompass much more than just eating. We’ll visit farmers, eat in paladars (people’s private homes, … Continued
You’ve got to hand it to our mayor. When the guy wants something – at least foodwise – he gets it. A little more than two weeks before the James Beard Awards is set to be held in Chicago (the first time ever outside of New York), the city announced yesterday that the Awards will … Continued
Strap on your bibs and don’t tell your kosher/Muslim friends. On April 26, Cochon 555 returns to Chicago to celebrate family farms, heritage pig breeds, and today’s emerging chefs. Five Chicago chefs will compete in a one-of-a-kind competition featuring dishes prepared from locally-raised whole heritage pigs. Each chef will prepare a maximum of six dishes … Continued
Attila Gyulai and Thai Dang in Embeya’s early days “I was taken advantage of,” says a quiet, almost despondent Thai Dang. Sitting in a Streeterville coffeeshop, looking off in the distance, the former Chef and Partner at Embeya recounted the mind-numbing last few days. Just a few weeks ago, he was leading a culinary … Continued
SANTIAGO, CHILE – I’m hungry, and I’m hunting for a hot dog. Not just any dog, mind you, but the famous Chilean versions, noted for their “kitchen sink” mentality. Think Chicago dogs that are “dragged through the garden” with a stoner’s propensity to add just one or two more ingredients for good measure. I ask … Continued
PUCÓN, CHILE – Like most Americans, I had no idea what “Chilean cuisine” meant. Wasn’t it just a mash-up of Argentinian beef and empanadas, combined with the ceviches of the Pacific Coast near Southern Peru? I knew, of course, there was great wine – carménère, merlot and syrah all grow exceedingly well in several of … Continued
Back when the Beard Foundation and the City of Chicago announced that this year’s Chef and Restaurant Awards were coming to Chicago for the first time, they also quietly added that the Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards would be staying in New York City. They’ve typically been held at Gotham Hall (pictured, above) on the … Continued
Easter and Passover bring families together over epic meals. But if the thought of preparing these meals doesn’t rank high on your list of good ways to spend your time, these Lettuce Entertain You restaurants have you covered with a variety of Passover and Easter specials and events (and you’ll get Lettuce points credit too). … Continued