Hidden in the back of a Thai market in Edgewater, there’s a tiny steam table holding homemade curries and salads. While it appeals mainly to ex-pats, anyone longing for the fiery, funky flavors of Thailand will appreciate it. Talard Thai Asian Market 5353 N. Broadway 773-942-6566 https://talard-thai-asian-market.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Joe Quercia started working at Freddy’s in 1968 – an Italian immigrant who couldn’t speak English. He bought the business in 1973 and has never left. He and his wife continue to run this tiny store and deli, and they’re as busy as ever. Definitely one of Chicago’s legendary joints. Freddy’s 1600 S. 61st Ave. … Continued
This mother-daughter business is preparing seriously delicious, homemade dishes rooted in Cambodia. Mona Sang’s mom is a survivor of the deadly Khmer Rouge from the late 1970s. The two women routinely get up at 4 a.m. to prepare these dishes. 24-hour notice required; order via website. www.monabellacatering.com
This one-man operation is cooking out of a ghost kitchen in Humboldt Park, Chicago, but the plan is to open a progressive Indian restaurant, with a more modern approach to traditional dishes. Saffron Street www.saffronstreetchicago.com
The Nanaimo Bar – a delicious dessert treat from British Columbia – has finally arrived in Chicago. I went to Dear Margaret (where the Chef is a native of Ontario, and grew up eating them) to see how he makes them. Dear Margaret 2965 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-360-8213 https://www.dearmargaretchi.com
One of my favorite street snacks in Turkey is lahmacun (lah-mah-ZHOON) because it’s portable and delicious. Just please don’t call it Turkish pizza. I found an excellent version at a cafe in Ravenswood, where it’s just $5.00! See the video to learn how they make it, and more important, how to eat it. Turkish Cafe … Continued
This week I ordered everything I needed from The Dill Pickle Co-Op in Logan Square, but I didn’t have to drive there. I just ordered via Mercato, and had the sauce, anchovy paste, mushrooms, mozz, flour and sausage delivered to my front door. I made two pies: one using Underground Meats’ ‘nduja (a spicy, spreadable … Continued
The iconic deep-dish pizzeria turns 50 on St. Patrick’s Day. There are now more than 60 locations, with most in Illinois. I spoke with Lou’s son – President and CEO Marc Malnati – about that first day in business, when he was just 15 years old. They now ship all over the country. To find … Continued
This week I was longing for Florida. Because while our temps dropped in Chicago, I couldn’t help but think about how often I stopped by Goatfeathers, the local seafood market near our Airbnb in Santa Rosa Beach. Several times a week I’d stop in for a pound of yellowfin tuna, some local grouper and at … Continued
Here’s another throwback from January, 2000, as we taped our 5th anniversary show at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room. In this segment, a toast from Wolfgang Puck (when he had a restaurant at the MCA), plus interviews with John Bubala (Thyme), Patrick Concannon (Fahrenheit), John Hogan (Savarin), Gabino Sotelino (Ambria, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!) and Gordon Sinclair (Gordon). … Continued
It didn’t take long after I posted on my Instagram, about an Indian meal I put together using groceries I got at Local Foods via Mercato, that I had questions: “Where is that simmer sauce from?” “Why is the cauliflower so yellow?” “How long do you cook the thighs for?” I rarely write anything down, … Continued