I was just in Naples for a few days, checking off a bucketlist trip to the birthplace of the pizzeria. Neapolitan pizza is adored for its quick, high heat bake; its leopard spotted cornicione (perimeter) and somewhat juicy/soupy middle. It’s the original “pizza” but of course, it’s not as widely known in America. In fact, … Continued
After almost a year of work (and dozens of slices), I’m excited to announce our second pizza festival, coming up in four months. Pizza City Fest: Los Angeles will bring together 40 of Southern California’s best pizzerias for a full weekend of pizza appreciation, education and giving back. Local pizza guru Noel Brohner and my … Continued
Bill Kim loves trying out concepts within existing ones. He operates a Ramen Bar out of the Time Out Market in the West Loop and The Table at Crate in Oak Brook. He previously had a pizza and Parm shop running out of the Michael Jordan’s restaurant across the street from Oak Brook Mall, and … Continued
We’ve completed a pilot for a show we hope will get picked up by a streaming service, cable channel or broadcaster. We’re releasing the pilot (Episode 1) on the same day as “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide” is published, to reemphasize there is more to Chicago than just deep-dish. Hope you enjoy it.
We’ve scheduled several events, signings and pizza parties around the launch of my latest book, and would love to see you out at one of them this season. I’ll be updating this schedule weekly. Book Events for “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide” Dec. 15 Louisa’s Pizza & Pasta, 14025 S. Cicero Ave, Crestwood, 6:30 – … Continued
Since I left ABC 7 in February (after 17 years as “The Hungry Hound”), I’ve been building up my other businesses – real estate consulting with Baum Realty (I got my Illinois Real Estate License in May), teaching the first-ever food journalism class at Northwestern’s Medill School, curating private tours and experiences (some virtual, others … Continued
Sanguich de Miami is a one-of-a-kind sandwich shop on Calle Ocho in Miami. They roast their pork, brine and cure their ham and make the pickles. They even brush the Cuban bread with lard instead of butter, when griddling them. It’s a must if you’re in Miami and are craving a decent Cuban sandwich. Sanguich … Continued
La Celia opened shortly before the pandemic, and it’s located on an uncharacteristically quiet stretch of Milwaukee Avenue on Chicago’s NW Side. But go for brunch! La Celia Latin Kitchen 2890 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-360-7536
George Bumbaris has spent a lifetime figuring out how to make a better deep-dish. Natural starter and longer fermentation are key, but so is his method of baking. George’s Deep Dish 6221 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 773-801-1551
SLAB has been an excellent source of Texas-style barbecue since 2019. They’re planning on participating in this year’s Windy City Smokeout (July 8 – 11), so they gave us a little preview of what’s to come. SLAB 8136 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 310-855-7184
Al Bawadi Grill opened at the beginning of 2020 – not the greatest timing. The original, in S. Suburban Bridgeview, is a gem. Their kebabs and kanefa alone are worth the trip. But if you live up North, this is definitely a must-stop for Middle Eastern fare. Al Bawadi Grill 8501 W. Dempster St., Niles … Continued