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And The Winner Is…

Congratulations to Genie Bae, the winner of our “Omakase With Steve” contest.   Last month, we had asked you to name three Japanese ingredients you’ve always wanted to try, and give us some reasons why. Genie (a.k.a @EBArchDesign on Twitter) chose three good ones: uni (sea urchin) because, as she called it, “it’s nature’s sublime … Continued

Meet Me in St. Louis

There are no cabs in St. Louis.   Well, that’s not completely true, of course. But hailing a taxi here, in the “Gateway To The West” and the home of baseball’s World Champions, isn’t nearly as easy as it is in Chicago, as I found out over the course of 24 hours. I was here … Continued

Roll Away Your Fears, Embrace The Maki

By Benita Zepeda Hapless Intern   I absolutely love sushi, but I’m not going to lie, there was a time when I was intimidated by how unfamiliar it seemed. I remember being nervous about eating something raw, while at the same time, owning a fish named – yes, it’s true – Sushi.   What helped … Continued

Dare to Gougère

The gougère (pronounced goo-ZHERE) is one of those little amuses or hors d’oeuvres that I always love seeing at a party. Perfect with a glass of champagne or prosecco, it typically signals there are going to be wonderful things ahead that evening. Made from a choux pastry (butter, water, flour, eggs) it is always combined … Continued

My Recent Asian Adventures

Over the last week, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy two stellar Asian meals – one in Las Vegas, the other in Chicago. Let’s begin out west. Last week I felt particularly inspired (and a little guilty, not having been outside for more than 24 hours) and walked the three miles from Caesar’s Palace to … Continued

Hungry? It’s All In The Box

Every now and then, some swag will come across my desk, and most of the time it’s pure crap: boxed mashed potatoes, neon-colored kids’ drinks, “time saving” devices for home cooks, etc. But two weeks ago, a box from foodzie.com arrived, and when I got it home, I was pleasantly surprised with its contents.

Watch Then Taste The 2011 Chicago Food Film Festival

What’s better than popcorn, boxed candy and a giant cola for a date night at the movies? Going to a film festival where you can taste what you see. The second annual Chicago Food Film Festival features short food documentaries that pair well with what attendees are tasting. The festival is broken down into four … Continued

Eating Farm Fresh at Duke’s

By Rebecca Zborowski Hapless Intern   I recently watched the documentary “Food Inc,” which was like Scared Straight for my diet. In the past, I’ve tried to make a conscious effort to go vegetarian or even just focus more on organics, but it never sticks.  No matter how long I deny them, McDonald’s and bacon … Continued

Join Me For Dinner, Help A Great Cause

One of my favorite ways to experience the finesse, precision and beauty of Japanese cuisine is through an omakase, or chef’s tasting menu. I’m also a huge supporter of the local chapter of Share Our Strength, an organization that is committed to ending childhood hunger. So when the folks at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar … Continued

Thanksgiving Alternatives, No Cooking Required

Those Rockwellian images of Thanksgivings past – replete with familes gathering around food-laden tables – impart a little too much pressure on the modern family. Two income households, ridiculous travel plans involving plane changes or delays, bratty kids; I get it. Compounding the problem is every media outlet and magazine, devoting way too much space … Continued