Otoro nigiri at the Fish Market in Yaizu City I realize today is a day when people are supposed to express their love for other people. At least that’s what Hallmark and your neighborhood flower shop hope you’ll do. But I’m using today as an excuse to write a short note to my new love: … Continued
Congratulations to Carolyn Markov, of Lombard, IL, who is going to be joining my group in New Orleans next month along with a guest. Over the course of the contest, which began in early January, Markov logged an impressive number of raves – well over 100 – including tons of great tips and pictures; it … Continued
What interesting timing. The day before I’m going to announce our winner in the RaveNOLA contest to join my group of merry eaters and drinkers, the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail comes out with its list of seminars for the annual drink conference in the very same city this summer. This year, they’re adding some … Continued
Gyutan (beef tongue) grilled over binchotan at Dateno Gyutan in Sendai SENDAI, JAPAN – What’s not to like about a country where they love to get tongue? The sentiment is primarily limited to northern Japan, in the Miyagi prefecture, and the city of Sendai, about 200 miles north of Tokyo (but only 1 hr. 30 … Continued
Sitting at Bar Pastoral’s cheese counter is pretty sexy. There are dozens of special Valentine’s Day dinners going on next week, but for my money, I’m just as happy sipping a sparkling rosé while noshing on a runny Brillat-savarin or a salty manchego (with quince paste and Marcona almonds of course). While most places put … Continued
Enjoying my second bowl of the afternoon at the Ramen Museum. Yokohama, Japan – I was expecting a “Noodle Hall of Fame” or a “Best of the Broths” lineage. I had no idea the Ramen Museum in Shinyokohama (the “new” part of Yokohama) about 30 miles from central Tokyo, would actually serve the stuff. I … Continued
The annual cider tasting event is just one of many events coming to Chicago in early February. Navy Pier’s annual Cider Summit gives participants the opportunity to taste more than 100 artisanal ciders from around the world. Local food vendors will offer pairings to the various ciders. The event, taking place on February 8th from … Continued
The BBQ pulled pork is one of many dishes featured on Bub City’s Superbowl menu Chips and dip are usually a Super Bowl go-to, but this year why not try something a bit different? Bub City (435 N. Clark) is offering a special Super Bowl inspired BBQ menu with choices such as Texas Trucker Snack … Continued
Trenchermen is one of the local restaurants participating this year The 7th annual Chicago Restaurant Week is underway. The name is a bit misleading, since it’s now a two week event; it’s meant to promote the local restaurant industry during what is, traditionally, one of the slowest times of the year. The annual event encourages … Continued
We’re heading into the home stretch. There are two tickets up for grabs for my first culinary tour, taking place March 8 – 11 in New Orleans. We’ve got 22 people signed up (it’s sold out) and two of those slots could be yours. The fine folks at Raved (the app) have purchased two of … Continued
Too many decisions at Beaucoup Bakery in South Granville Vancouver, BC – Jackie Kai Ellis looks more like a runway model or an interior designer than she does a pastry chef, but you realize the North Vancouver native knows her Plugra when she starts talking about croissants and caneles. She studied Fine Arts in Toronto … Continued