I rarely bother writing about opening days of restaurants, since whatever a publicist promises, in terms of actual dates, usually gets pushed back due to forces beyond their control. So take this with a few bags of Maldon. But the reason I’m letting you know about White Oak Tavern & Inn is not because of … Continued
As much as I love eating at Lula Cafe, one of the reasons things never get old there is the restaurant’s commitment to showing the rotating works of local artists. Owners Jason Hammel and Amalea Tschilds began their careers as artists, and while they may have morphed their job descriptions into cooks, they still have tons of friends in … Continued
Twenty five years ago, when Goose Island Brewing was still hustling to get sales going, Shaw’s Crab House became its first corporate account. Now Goose Island is helping Shaw’s celebrate the restaurant’s 30th anniversary, with a limited edition beer crafted to pair perfectly with Shaw’s seafood menu, namely its oysters. The unique brew is called Pearl: … Continued
Are you the only person in your group of friends who knows how to pronounce Islay? Do you fantasize about peat, moss and the cold, wind-barren shores of Scotland? If so, you might want to swing by The Fountainhead on Tuesday, December 9th at 7 p.m. The Ravenswood bar is hosting a unique Holiday Scotch Tasting featuring eight … Continued
I realize not everyone wants to go all-in and cook like a maniac on Thanksgiving, and fortunately, a lot of restaurants feel your pain (actually, their employees feel the brunt of it, since they’re the ones working all day long). It does seem like every year a few more restaurants figure people are throwing in … Continued
Chicago’s Begyle Brewing company has been doing things a little bit differently ever since they opened, and this week’s pick is certainly part of that approach. The company is a CSB – Community Supported Brewery – much like the CSAs you find from local farms during the summer. You get a new beer every month … Continued
Some of the state’s top smokers are joining forces for a great cause. The newly-formed Illinois BBQ Alliance (which has 14 restaurants and counting) is presenting the first-ever “Autumn Smoke” on Sunday, November 2nd, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Joe’s Bar (940 Weed St.), which will benefit Stand Up For Kids, a national non-profit that … Continued
It’s last call for the world’s best bartender. After nearly three years serving as the Beverage Director at The Aviary – Chicago’s cutting-edge bar – and garnering every conceivable award in his industry, Charles Joly is leaving the West Loop bar at the end of the month to seek out the opportunities now presenting themselves. … Continued
You have to hand it to the Illinois Restaurant Association. Not only do they take constructive criticism, they act upon it. A few years ago, I was fairly critical of Chicago Gourmet, after a weekend spent waiting in lines longer than an NFL rap sheet due in part, no doubt, to a Groupon that flooded … Continued
There are no vitamin C deficiencies this week, but a small, Lake Mills, Wisconsin brewery called Tyranena is using a little humor to create a slightly bitter IPA they’re calling scurvy. Since it contains orange peels – one of the remedies for said affliction – they’re hoping that if you have a pirate in the … Continued
How time flies, especially if you’re shucking. This Friday, Shaw’s Crab House kicks off it’s 30 year anniversary celebration with yet another Oyster Fest Block Party. As usual, there will be live music, Goose Island beers, a boat load of fresh seafood and tons of oysters (approx. 15,000) from both coasts. A lively Oyster Slurp Off … Continued