AUSTIN, TX – My friend Lewis has been talking about returning to Central Texas, ever since we attempted to conquer most of the notable barbecue houses last year. Over the course of three days in October of 2012, we hit eight different places, including some non-barbecue restaurants and even a doughnut shop. After I posted … Continued
Rapini and parm bruschetta from Eataly’s vegetarian restaurant, Le Verdure The numbers alone are staggering: $70 million invested in a 63,000 square foot space (13k larger than New York’s, by the way), and a labyrinth of 10 different eating opportunities/restaurants. Add to that a Lavazza coffee bar, a butcher, a fishmonger, a dry goods section, … Continued
Turkey/stuffing/duck/stuffing/chicken = turducken I typically toss the freebies and swag into the garbage or put them out on my desk for co-workers to devour. But when the folks at Echelon Foods (a former Canadian company that has moved to Chicago) asked if they could send me an Original Turducken, I was intrigued. I had never … Continued
Facing dilution? I spent a few hours over the weekend working on my entry for the 2014 James Beard Awards, which will be held in May. The deadline is right after the first of the year, and the nominations come out on March 18th. But a few years ago, the Foundation started releasing the semi-finalists, that … Continued
Mott Street will be there. Will you? Tasting Table is getting ready for what looks to be the first market of its kind in Chicago. The Tasting Table Open Market, a food bazaar and holiday shopping experience, takes place December 6 and 7 downtown. The two-day market will feature a handpicked group of more than 50 … Continued
Taking its show on the road (to Block 37) The artisanal, prepared-food market that’s already making a delicious splash at Logan Square’s Sunday market is heading downtown next week, albeit briefly. The NOSH at Block Thirty Seven will be a twist on the usual market, running every weekday for lunch, from 10:30 am to 2 pm, beginning December 3rd (starting at noon on this … Continued
G & C’s hot sauce with fried chicken & pickles (photo: Carolina Rodriguez) More than two dozen artisans and producers will pack the 1st Ward space in the back of Chop Shop this Sunday, for what is shaping up to be a pretty tasty market. I happened to attend Dose a few weeks ago. But … Continued
Photo courtesy Local Root, which offers turkeys to-go. The countdown is here. But if you don’t feel like cooking for that crazy aunt or that gluten-free cousin, and spending all day in the kitchen isn’t your forte, multiple Chicago restaurants are offering Thanksgiving dinners – both in their dining rooms or as meals to go: … Continued
Evanston is known for many things: Northwestern, Edzo’s and the rocky lakeshore come to mind. But beer? Not until recently. The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper says get ready to hear about Temperance – the first and only brewery from Evanston that has some wonderful citrus hops, low alcohol and just a touch of rye. Here’s to … Continued
So you can probably figure out where we’re headed next, based on this picture, but if you can’t, be sure to save the dates of March 8 – 11 for a one-of-a-kind trip unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. I’ve spent the past three weeks lining up mixologists, chefs and artists; a plantation owner and a … Continued
Much has been made over the past year, regarding the restaurant’s final auction, the high school art show, etc., but I think one of Charlie Trotter’s greatest legacies – at least in terms of his contribution to Chicago’s culinary scene – is all of the great talent he molded, scolded, shaped, sharpened and ultimately sent … Continued