Before last week’s Nobu United Dinner, I got to sit down with Nobu Matsuhisa, which is kind of newsworthy in itself, considering the man is on the road 10 months per year. We talked about his upcoming hotel and restaurant in Chicago (slated for late 2014), what he likes about the city, and the state … Continued
LAS VEGAS, NV – It’s pretty rare when 28 chefs from the same company get together in one kitchen, but that was the case last week, as Nobu Matsuhisa gathered some of his top talent for one night inside the largest Nobu restaurant in the group’s portfolio, at Caesars Palace. Matsuhisa sat down with me … Continued
There are all kinds of charitable events going on this time of year in Chicago. I realize we just had Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation back in August, but the Big One is upon us: the 25th anniversary of the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball happens on a Saturday this year for … Continued
To celebrate the close of patio season (geez, already?) Parson’s Chicken & Fish (2952 W. Armitage Ave) is having a party this Sunday (October 13th). Keeping things cheeky, the staff there is hosting the first annual Goat Beards & Oath Beers patio party. Chef Hunter Moore will be roasting goats on an outdoor spit, and beermakers Solemn Oath will be … Continued
One of the wonderful things about beer is that it can often be produced and bottled for a specific season. You don’t have to make thousands of cases, but instead, can offer a small batch of something really special for a limited time. Such is the case with most Oktoberfest beers, in demand right now, … Continued
Over the past few years, Nick Spencer has been showing up at places like Dose Market or the Logan Square Farmer’s Market, cooking up his homemade British-style bangers (sausage) and back bacon, and turning them into tasty sandwiches. But over the course of the last year, he’s opened a brick-and-mortar store along Irving Park Road, … Continued
I was so excited to check out Sala Bua on Saturday night, not only because the early word was that a real Thai woman was cooking down-home dishes here, but also because it was in Chinatown, thus becoming the only place to get a serious som tom fix south of 18th Street. It’s also BYO, … Continued
Chicago has always been the Candy Capital of the U.S., touting its Mars, Jelly Belly and Tootsie Roll roots, but the sweets industry – including some top talent from the pastry chef ranks – is coming together in two weeks, for the Chicago Fine Chocolate & Dessert Show, Oct. 18 – 20. Among the highlights at … Continued
You may have seen Bruce Cost’s name gracing a bottle or two of ginger ale over at Wow Bao, but long before he was bottling soda, he was helping Lettuce Entertain You figure out how to make Chinese and Thai-inspired street food for the masses by launching Big Bowl. I have to say, their chicken … Continued
I have to admit, of the creative projects inspired by Julia Child, TO MASTER THE ART, currently playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) is among the best I’ve seen. The play recalls the adventure and romance of Julia and Paul Child’s journey of discovery to Paris during the 1950s. I’ve read stories … Continued
This week’s beer, from Germany, comes in a super cool bottle and has a bit of sea salt; it’s extremely refreshing, but a tad hard to find. Naturally, they do carry it at The Hopleaf, as well as a few other bars in town, but you’ll have to ask. Leipziger is the producer, and the … Continued