This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper looks to Belgium (the guy should know, his bar has more than 100 Belgians on offer) for his Beer of the Week. The Vicar Quinto comes from the Dilewyns Brewery; it’s a golden, high fermentation beer with secondary fermentation in both the bottle and the cask. It’s brand new in … Continued
Located just 10 minutes from the West End, in Clerkenwell, this is my go-to spot for a great cocktail before heading out for dinner. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a Victorian hunting lodge designed by someone with an off-beat sense of humor. There’s a hotel here as well; just a 5-min. walk from … Continued
Sizzling, juicy cheeseburgers at Roscoe Village’s Burger Fest Nothing says summer like a sizzling grill. Roscoe Village is turning up the heat once again this weekend, bringing us its 5th annual Burger Fest featuring fourteen different vendors. Head to Belmont and Damen between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The chefs will … Continued
I found this talk – by the owner of Alinea, Next and The Aviary – to be geeky yet fascinating. Kokonas doesn’t bother assembling a Power Point deck, he simply shares internal documents and the results of his own company’s research, in determining how they take, accept and chart reservations. It’s from the recent Welcome … Continued
So many summertime beers to sip, so little time. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper suggests a pair of craft beers – both less than 5% abv – from the pride of Paso Robles, CA: Firestone Walker (yes, the same family who made the tires). He says they’re limited to the season, so you don’t have … Continued
Outstanding in the Field at City Farm Chicago fans of the cultish Outstanding in the Field national tour – where a local chef connects with a local farm(er) and cooks a multi-course meal in the field for guests who sit at one long table – may have been upset to see that both the Aug. … Continued
Setting up for Bub City’s Windy City Smokeout Come for the ribs and stay for the music at the second annual Windy City Smokeout, firing up this Friday and running through the weekend. This year, a new location: Grand and the River. This BBQ fest brings you not only the best in the city, but … Continued
The New England Lobster Boil with the works at Shaw’s Crab House It’s bad enough we don’t live anywhere near the coast of Maine in the summertime, but Chicago’s legendary Shaw’s Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St. or 1900 E. Higgins Rd. in Schaumburg) is hoping to remedy that feeling of longing, by offering tons of ways to … Continued
Falafill’s “Pocket Kit” lunchbox features falafels, warm pita bread, and six of their signature dips and sides. Falafill is starting a new way to picnic this summer. No need to drive to either one of its locations (3202 N. Broadway or 1053 Lake St.) for a Mediterranean fix – they’ll come to you. You’ve got four … Continued
This week, as we finally slip into some consistently warm days, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper has an excellent pale ale in mind from Downingtown, PA. Victory Brewing (makers of such iconic brands as Golden Monkey and Prima Pils) has created a seasonal golden ale with German hops and pale malt. This “Summer Love” is sure … Continued
At this rate, there will be more fried chicken in Chicago eventually than there is Italian beef. With Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Parson’s Chicken & Fish and Leghorn all brining, dredging and frying, are we that crazy for fried bird? Apparently so. Endgrain has been offering one of the best versions in town, but I … Continued