The West Loop continues to be the Wild West when it comes to restaurant development. There are new concepts from out-of-town, right alongside local brands that continue to expand in the area. But one of those out-of-towners is truly special. It’s well-known in Rome, but only recently decided to open its first location in the United … Continued
On this edition of The Feed Podcast (where you’ll find the recipes), to celebrate the Jewish New Year, a pair of kugels worth trying at home. I spent the afternoon in my mother-in-law Nina Dordek’s kitchen, to see how she goes about making one of her family favorites. Then, another dear friend, Meme Hopmayer, shares … Continued
Oak Park is known for many things, including the Frank Lloyd Wright neighborhood and the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway. But if you ever plan on visiting, you must make a stop at a tiny bakery there. It’s hidden along Oak Park Avenue, across the street from the green line stop, and if you like pie, … Continued
Rick Bayless and I typically tape our James Beard Award-winning podcast, The Feed, from his test kitchen above Frontera Grill. But in a few weeks, we’ll be taping a live show in front of an audience, as we celebrate the 2nd annual Chicago Podcast Festival. On October 3rd, at 7 p.m., Rick and I will … Continued
Mexican Independence Day is coming up next weekend, and while the typical dish consumed that day is chiles en nogada, a pair of Mexico’s most beloved dishes are available year-round at one West Town restaurant. They’re called mole and pozole, and they each require several hours to make properly. The result of one woman’s lifetime … Continued
Let’s immediately dispel the stereotypes about Los Angeles. Sure, there are juice bars and vegan-friendly cafes aplenty, but the City of Angels has been on the culinary map for quite awhile, showcasing some of the best talent in the country. There are amazing ethnic enclaves – Mexican, Korean, Chinese and Japanese come to mind – … Continued
Waffles are usually thought of as a breakfast food, but not in Hong Kong, where “bubble waffles” are a popular snack these days. Since they opened a few weeks ago, Joy Yee Plus in Chicago’s Chinatown has been selling them, since they imported the special machines needed to make them on-site.
It seems like there are all kinds of bakeries opening up in Chicago lately, but few, if any, emphasize Brazilian flavors. Yet a Hyde Park baker, originally from Brazil, is now integrating some of her favorite treats from back home, into her extensive menu of Italian and French pastries.
In France, you might start off a meal with some bubbly from Champagne or an aperitif like Lillet. In America, it seems like everyone is happy to make you a hand-crafted cocktail before you peruse the menu. But in Spain, vermouth is the spirit of choice to lead off an afternoon of day drinking; in … Continued
40 year-old Gabriele Bonci looks like he could wrestle a crocodile. As wide as a linebacker, he sports a few colorful tattoos beneath his short-sleeved chef’s coat and speaks in rapid-fire Italian to his young cooks. They all race around the narrow West Loop kitchen, filling orders and answering questions from customers. I witnessed this … Continued
Avocado toast is one of the biggest breakfast trends of the past few years. In Chicago, there are several places with exceptional versions, including a pair I recently tried in Lakeview.