There are few things more satisfying than hot, crispy, thinly-sliced fried potatoes. I tend to respect folks who cut Idaho russets all day long, par-blanching them first, and then, right before an order comes in, frying them a second time to crisp them up. It doesn’t mean serving them soggy and limp, but rather, … Continued
Once again, Cleveland rocks. This week’s BotW hails from the Great Lakes Brewery there, and The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper has a thing for amber lagers. These colorful, complex and easy-to-drink beers are wonderful in warmer months, and he says the Eliot Ness will do the trick. Cheers.
It’s one of my favorite times of the year, ingredient-wise, but strawberry season is, sadly, also too brief. I try to pack them into everything I can: shortcake, ice creams, jams, you name it. But sometimes I just want a simple sundae, adorned with a few macerated strawberries for seasonal oomph. That’s the case this … Continued
The recent heatwave has me reaching for an arsenal of summer-friendly recipes, including one of my favorites, gazpacho. But tomatoes aren’t quite there yet, so we’re turning to cucumbers and garlic scopes today – familiar sites at most markets this time of year.
By Ivan Yeh Hapless Intern While strolling through the quiet neighborhood of Andersonville on a lazy Monday afternoon, I encountered something that was both new and familiar to the streets of Chicago. It was the latest Bongo Room, which has only been in operation since May 1. Although this particular location has just recently … Continued
Yet another Chicago week of brutally hot weather, kicking off the first days of Summer. This week’s forecast has me (probably somewhat prematurely) clamoring for all manner of things cool, icy and sweet. Here are my top 5, although really, the order is somewhat interchangeable.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is the source of this week’s Beer of the Week from The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper. Founders Brewery has a terrific light beer called “All Day IPA” and with warm weather here, he says it’s a perfect summer sipper that won’t fill you up. Cheers.
ASPEN, CO – In what is surely the most anticipated orgy of all things porcine, this year’s Grand Cochon in Aspen proved exciting (and damn delicious), right up until the final chicharon, with Chicago’s Jason Vincent of Nightwood taking home the crown (literally). The annual event is the culmination of a nationwide tour, … Continued
ASPEN, CO – I’ve been going to Aspen annually for the last decade. At first, it was to sit on a panel, talking about dealing with the media. But over the past several years, its been to serve as Moderator for the entire American Express Trade Program, handling the duties for four distinctive panels. … Continued
ASPEN, CO – Every year at this time, at least for the past decade, I head to the mountains of Aspen, to rub shoulders with the food world’s big guns. Believe me, I’m not getting here in a private jet, guzzling osetra for breakfast. I’m fully immersed in one of my side jobs – moderator … Continued
I’ve been receiving a lot of pitches for Father’s Day brunch ideas over the past week or so. Many of them come from the usual publicity firms, representing the fine folks at Lettuce and other large restaurant groups. Nothing against Hub 51, Paris Club and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, they all offer good options for dad this … Continued